Paul's Sticking With Wokingham Jazz
Former IT professional Paul Cockayne has turned his back on the nine-to-five world of 3M in Bracknell, where he worked for 25 years, to pursue a solo Wokingham music career playing the vibraphone. Since leaving his job in May, Paul has made an album, Sticking With It, a title which refers to his use of a sensational four-mallet technique which was originally perfected by vibes legend Gary Burton in the 1960s.
“I’ve always been a fan of jazz and spent more and more time playing vibes as part of a band and solo, until it reached the point where I had to just give in and do it for real!” Paul explains.
Vibraphone is often used as an alternative to piano or guitar but has an unusual ringing quality. As well as an established repertoire, Paul enjoys improvising, which means he can create unique pieces when he plays at special events such as weddings and parties.
“Audiences enjoy listening carefully, especially when the music is being composed specially for them, but vibes can also provide terrific background music on occasions when people are chatting,” Paul reveals. “I quite like the challenge of giving them music to swing to as well as music for murmuring.”
As well as making the most of music, busy Paul has also been a relationship counsellor in Berkshire since 2004. “I suppose that was when I started to want a change. This is all very different to the years I spent in an office,” Paul laughs. “My New Year resolution for 2007 was to do something different – I certainly stuck to it this time,” he says.
“I’ve always been a fan of jazz and spent more and more time playing vibes as part of a band and solo, until it reached the point where I had to just give in and do it for real!” Paul explains.
Vibraphone is often used as an alternative to piano or guitar but has an unusual ringing quality. As well as an established repertoire, Paul enjoys improvising, which means he can create unique pieces when he plays at special events such as weddings and parties.
“Audiences enjoy listening carefully, especially when the music is being composed specially for them, but vibes can also provide terrific background music on occasions when people are chatting,” Paul reveals. “I quite like the challenge of giving them music to swing to as well as music for murmuring.”
As well as making the most of music, busy Paul has also been a relationship counsellor in Berkshire since 2004. “I suppose that was when I started to want a change. This is all very different to the years I spent in an office,” Paul laughs. “My New Year resolution for 2007 was to do something different – I certainly stuck to it this time,” he says.
Paul Cockayne, 37 Windmill Ave, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 3XA. 0118 979 2875
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