Paul (Keys)

I got involved in children's theatre at an early age joining the orchestra on Clarinet and Saxophone, playing for a theatre company that put out four shows a year. At 14 I won a National talent contest performing various pieces on the Clarinet. By the age of 16, I had begun developing an interest in arrangement and composition. In 1999, I was employed as Musical Director for a production of 'Dracula' at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, for which I provided full band arrangements.

I continued to work in theatre (musically) for the next few years on a whole range of shows, during which time I developed an interest in Jazz and, in particular, The American Songbook. I was able to pursue my interest in Jazz at University as a founder member of 'Black Coffee', a five piece Jazz combo, in which I played Clarinet and Saxophone.

After graduating in 2002 with a dual honours degree in English and Music, I continued to play in a number of Jazz bands (ranging from 'Trad' to 'Bebop') as a Clarinet and Sax front man, playing mainly corporate and private functions. Alongside working as a freelance musician on various projects.

In 2007 I began jamin' with a good friend and Guitarist (Shaun) which led to us forming a new band, after finding our vocalist (Paul), called 'Parka' in which I play Clarinet and Keys. I joined The Crashers in September 2008 as the Keyboard player. My interests in music are varied and wide ranging embracing Folk and Bluegrass, Jazz and Blues, to Indie and Pop. My main influences are Benny Goodman, Chet Baker, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Clare Teal, Stacy Kent, Diana Krall, Coldplay, Stereophonics, and Keane. In terms of inspiring arrangers, I have to say Duke Ellington, Bacharrack, and Brian Wilson!