Originally from North London, John now lives in Suffolk, close to the charming resort of Southwold. John's interest in music was initiated by his elder brother during the early fifties jazz revival period. Having experimented with all kinds of popular music in the late fifties and early sixties, the fascination of jazz returned and he purchased his first double bass in 1965. Soon he formed his own jazz trio and played in various venues predominantly in the London area whilst working during the day for the Daily Telegraph in Fleet Street.

Turning his attention to music professionally in the mid seventies, John had brief spells with the 'Brian Knight Blues by Six Band' and the 'Monty Sunshine Jazzband', before being asked to become a member of the world renowned 'Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen' in 1977. During 25 years touring the world with Kenny's band, he made regular TV appearances, radio broadcasts, royal command performances and a wealth of recordings. These years also involved accompanying and playing alongside many of the worlds top jazz artistes such as Kenny Baker, Bob Barnard, Acker Bilk, George Chisholm, John Dankworth, Wild Bill Davison, Peanuts Hucko, Humphrey Lyttelton, George Melly, Jimmy Skidmore, Martin Taylor etc.

In more recent years, John has been concentrating on promoting his own band and also in making various guest appearances. Although still being involved with the dixieland scene, he is now indulging in his love of the music of the swing era. This largely involves the music of the great American popular composers of the early 20th century; Gershwin, Porter, Ellington, Carmichael etc. and he has recently produced and recorded a CD to this effect.