John started playing guitar at the age
of 13 in London. Completely self taught, he formed various
rock bands playing around the capital, from clubs and pubs to venues
like The Shepherds Bush Empire (opening for Cliff Richard).
One of the most spectacular was a charity event in front of
Royalty, and playing with the top stars of the day.
Still playing in his rock band, John was moving towards
jazz and blues, forming a vocal/guitar duo.>>>
They appeared
at the popular London music venue - The Red Cow in Hammersmith,
playing regular residencies, as latterly did Paul Weller, The Jam,
The Stranglers, Squeeze, AC/DC, Billy Bragg and many
more. John was also doing many BBC broadcast recording
sessions at the famous Maida Vale studios in Delaware Road,
London.
Moving to Cornwall, John joined a fusion band called
'Matrix' a cool jazz rock outfit and played many gigs throughout
the county, plus regularly playing with an 18 piece big band. John
also played behind the renowned jazz saxophonists Alan Skidmore
and Joe Harriot and for shear diversity...recording with The
Wurzels for BBC Television!
...and he started a studio
Probably the first multi-track in Cornwall, producing albums and
singles for many bands and musicians, including Ian Dunlop, founder
member of the legendary 'Flying Burrito Brothers'
band with the late Gram Parsons of The Byrds.
More studio space was needed so bigger premises was found and new, larger
equipment installed.
The recording continued
John has played on hundreds of recordings and
arranged scores of vocal harmonies. He has produced artistes for
United Artists, Warner Bros. and RCA.
"I
think you must always be creative, Peter Gabriel explained to me
how he got the high squeal voice on the 'Intruder' track, by shouting
into a tiny plastic amplifier and miking it"
John was also commissioned by the BBC to write and record several signature
tunes for TV including the theme for 'Spotlight South West' he
also appeared on TV demonstrating the tecniques. John plays
with his many musician friends and uses the guitar
and guitar synthesiser live singing with the superb Kris
Gayle. www.knightandgayle.co.uk
See
film -
new Brenda Wootton CD from re-discovered master tapes.
