If you would like to book Brian for a night of Fun and Folk music
or just have a look at what he's up to. Visit his website Here...
Brian's first brush with music was playing the drums as
a teenager in the late fifties. He joined the
army later as a teenage recruit and after training was posted to Dortmund.
Although not a member
of the Royal Artillery Band, he became a vocalist for them and sung at
many gigs.
Brian took up the guitar during the mid seventies after
a suggestion from a friend. That friend was
the late great Doug Porter. Sadly missed by those that saw him perform,
Brian comments,
"He was brill". Brian soon built up a reputation on the folk
scene in Germany where he performed
with Derek Brimstone (who he calls dad). He formed a friendship with Derek
Moffatt of the
McCalmans they played golf together when ever he was in town on a gig.
While in Germany Brian, was able to support some of
the best acts around; Harvey Andrews,
Graham Cooper, Jackie Bridie, who he stood in for
when they were late for a gig at Dertmold. Gary and
Vera Aspey, the Incredible String Band, the late Jake
Thackery and many more.
At this time Brian formed a duo with a friend and
fellow member of the forces, Mike Mooney.
They spent the next few years going out as
Mike & Brian. Later they took on a third member, Rachel Tiller and
became 'Hattrick'. Brian and
Mike won the coveted Forces Folk Competition in 1981, beating some very
good acts. In 1982 the
trio disbanded, as the were all posted to different parts. Brian played
solo for a while in Lancashire
and finally gave up performing in 1985.
Some fifteen years later in 2000 he began playing again
and started going to the
'Tudor Barn Folk Club'. There he met the 'Folk Mob' and Terry Wright who
introduced him to 'Talylor Guitars' which he now has three of, pictured
below. As luck would have it he has also met up with Mike Mooney again.
They now play together occasionally as 'Coopers Hoop'.
Brian joined 'Orpington Folk Club' in June 2001 and soon became a favoured
floor singer by the
members. In 2004 he began helping out organising and booking the guests
for the club. He has
taken over this job and become a resident singer/musician and valued club
member.
