Carlisle in the north of England was Colin’s hometown and his first band was The Gateway Jazz Band. He was playing double bass professionally in the Sixties and Seventies with several bands at home and abroad, including Freddie Randall, Ken Simm’s Vintage Jazzmen, The Piccadilly Six (Switzerland) and with Trombone star, George Chisholm. He also appeared on four of the Louis Armstrong Concerts when he was with the Terry Lightfoot Band. Colin, a founder member of Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz, with whom he lays down the bass line in one of the best rhythm sections in the business, a pulsating sound that gives a solid foundation for the front line players.