He is a clarinettist, saxophonist and songwriter from Clacton, England. He started by playing the clarinet because he enjoyed swing and jazz but he soon took up lessons to study the soprano saxophone.
After he had become a member of The People Band he moved to Holland but on a trip to London in 1970 he met Ian Dury and the following year The People Band played a gig with Ian Dury’s band Kilburn and the High Roads. After he had been asked by the members of the band to join them for an evening he soon became a full time member.
As a co-writer he saw success with “Reasons to be Cheerful, Part 3” as well as many other songs from their albums. After the band split up in 1975, and Ian Dury went on to form The Blockheads, he performed with The Fabulous Poodles, although still working with Ian Dury. He became a member of Wreckless Eric’s band but was asked by Ian Dury if he would return to them and become a member of the Blockheads. He accepted and stayed with them as a co-writer and musician until 1998. He returned to them again in 2008 and 2009 for two exclusive performances of New Boots and Panties!!
Ian Dury and the Blockheads Recordings
Reasons to Be Cheerful, Part 3 (Ian Dury/Davey Payne/Chaz Jankel)
Common as Muck (“All credit given to Arnold Chickenshorts”)
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