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Musical Background
Harry's musical ability came from his mother, who's family were all musicians. His maternal grandfather built York Minster Organ and Harry
always felt drawn to keyboard music. While at primary school he often stayed
late into the evening playing harmonium in a chapel on the way home. He had no
technical idea of the music he was making, being fascinated by the patterns of
sound that hung in the air as the twilight deepened, improvising endlessly.
He gained a place at Exeter Cathedral School in 1959 and became a Chorister,
eventually joint Head Chorister, under the guidance of Lionel Dakers. There he studied piano, organ and composition.
This time was expremely formative and the atmosphere of professionalism combined with the classical tradition and the famous wickedness of cathedral choristers has stayed with him. He learned to sightread by the age of 10 and was singing over 400 services a year without repeating the material - except for the occasional hymn. Rehearsals twice a day every day created a familiarity with Choral Music from Plainsong to Benjamin Britten - an education not be be underestimated - just ask Keith Richards!
When he left Exeter, he went to Millfield School where he studied the sciences, acted, and played in his first Jazz combo, as well as experimenting with rock and blues.
He borrowed the school's double bass and was often found playing during breaktime and lunch to a small but appreciative group of friends, some of whom he is still in touch with. He made friends with Richard MacPhail who went on to be the personal manager of Peter Gabriel, and with him formed a band which actually won a prize in a Rock Competition. During this time John Mayall and all his various bands played regularly in the local Glastonbury Town Hall and were a continual influence and inspiration
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