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Born in 1925, learnt trombone and percussion from his father, Neil was one of the first Dixieland slide trombonists in Auckland. His first long term gig was as solo drummer for the Point Chevalier Primary School. He performed with the "Sugar Blues" in 1939 at the Mt Albert Grammar School and after a stint in the Navy became involved with the NZ Radio Band (later to become the Neophonic). This involvement lasted from 1947 to 1986. He was also percussionist for the Auckland Symphonia from its inception in 1965 til its demise in 1980. Neil also played for the Sunny City Seven, Epi Shalfoon, Nolan Rafferty and his own main stream jazz band. Sadly Neil died in 1986 leaving a gap that nobody has been able to fill. |
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