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Born 1920 in Helensville, Bob spent his early childhood in the U.S.A. and returned to NZ in 1927. At 15 he was playing with the Auckland Grammar School Band and at 18 was trumpet lead with Dave Reynolds. In the 1940s he was playing with Epi Shalfoon, spent time in the Navy and was a member of bands such as the Sunny City Seven (1949), John McKenzies' Astor Dixie Boys (1951). With the advent of Rock 'n Roll in the 50s jazz bands took a back seat for a while and Bob went school teaching (for 27 years). Now retired, he always has had a keen interest in all types of music, has taught brass, piano,organ and was a member of the Brass Gentry from 1976 - 2002. He is known for his scat vocals and originality in improvisation. If anyone has been NZs' jazz trumpeter it would have to be Bob.
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