Hi there

I was at the summer jazz course in 1984 I think it was, or maybe 82 or 83. Piano tutors were Bill le Sage and Geoff Castle. I had a fantastic time and met the people with whom I became a professional musician - Dave O'Higgins (sax) and Gill Manley (vocals). We had great sessions with Trevor Tomkins and Jeff Clyne too.

Dave introduced me to NYJO, with whom I toured and recorded for some years, and we also formed a quintet with Alec Dankworth. We played The Stables once or twice, and I was invited back to play with John Dankworth and friends too. Later Mario Castronari formed Roadside Picnic, with me and Dave, and we recorded two albums for BMG and played all the big European Jazz festivals.

Nowadays I am involved in the West End - I have been musical director for several shows including Les Misérables and Bombay Dreams - but still enjoy playing jazz on sessions, parties and whenever else I get the chance. I have also started teaching jazz piano.

Memories of Wavendon fill me with happiness and gratitude, and I'd love to get the chance to come back one day, maybe as a tutor.

Very best wishes from
John Gladstone Smith