Music impacts more on our lives nowadays than it did at any time during history. It is pretty much impossible to escape (should we want to) and the diversity of styles available to us is breathtaking - jazz to classical, rock to dance, hip hop to world and many, many more - we are a veritable ocean of textures, sounds, dynamics and beats.

Advertisements use music to court our fancies, television programmes to enhance their message; be it punchline or climax and of course there is the colossal music industry itself which runs itself ragged trying both to dictate and predict what we will/won't/just might like and so download or buy to appease that nagging urge in our brains that tells us that we MUST own that particular piece of music.

Why? Hmmm... good question. Now before we open a philosophical NIGHTMARE and ask "But why do we like/need ANYTHING?" let's hold our horses and remember it's MUSIC that we're talking about here. That's all.

Hang on a minute -THAT'S ALL???!!!!!!

Music, or at least certain genres of it, run a close second to food and water in some peoples' book (mine included).

I have thirty years playing experience leading to the development of a guitar sound in some way influenced by the following: Pink Floyd, Guns 'n' Roses, Dire Straits, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin and Gary Moore. My practical music experience was gained from working with local groups e.g. Pebbledash and Kontagious. Three years in Kontagious was the best education a young man could have. You learned everything about the world and its characters, good and bad. It was a fantastic thing to do. I came out of it alive, which was even more remarkable.

Subsequently I moved on to; Crystal Clear, Sean O'Reilley Trio, Joe Gallagher, Gabriel, Cut Loose, Talahassee, The Zodiacs, Don't Think Twice, Recall and more recent projects; Daybreak and Lithium. I also thoroughly enjoyed myself when not gigging by jamming and auditioning with various other local bands e.g. Cat Astral, Moondogs, Porky and Doppleganger.

Daybreak played a variety of songs and instrumental melodies for sing-a-long and easy listening that created a cheerful party atmosphere at wedding receptions, anniversaries, tea dances or clubs. We were either a duo/trio or myself the leader; Bob Houlston solo guitarist/singer with own backing tracks and good sound equipment.

Styles included: Buddy Holly to Beatles, Jim Reeves to Jimi Hendrix, Shadows to Status Quo and Eagles to Elvis. Most of the popular dance rhythms were catered for including: Jive/Rock 'n' Roll, Line Dancing and Ballroom; Waltz, Quickstep, Fox-Trot.

We entertained audiences at social clubs, pubs and dinner dances within 20 km from St Albans UK.

Bob Houlston Tel: St Albans 01727 851809.

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