I started learning to play the clarinet in 1953 when I was eleven.  I was as diligent as any kid at practice and so on, but by age 17 I had learned to play reasonably well.  Then, I left school and found other things to interest myself with.

But, I always enjoyed music, and when, on my 50th birthday my wife wanted to buy me a really nice present, I asked for a baritone saxophone.  Well, that was great, and I had fun playing around with it.  But, a solo saxophone is not really a sociable thing.  Busking outside the supermarket didn't appeal, so in the end, my lovely gift got left in the cupboard.

And then, whilst trying to avoid doing any excercise in the gym, Dave Spivey and I struck up a conversation about how horrible the music coming from the sound system was.  I mentioned in passing that I had a saxophone in the cupboard under the stairs, and Dave, bless his courage, suggested I might like to come and play with his little band.  So, I did.  Five or six years later I'm still enjoying it.