Tenor saxophonist John Barrow is one of the journeymen of pop music. His playing career began in 1975 with Soul / Funk outfit Sister Big Stuff playing the clubs and discos of the U.K. playing support to a number of chart acts. In 1977 he joined funk band Black Gorilla who scored a top 30 hit enabling him to make his debut Top of the Pops appearance. They toured extensively across Europe headlining top funk venues. After the demise of Black Gorilla in 1980, John played on releases by the Newmatics and the Sinatras and recorded a Sinatras live Radio One session for John Peel. Tracks on albums by the Godfather of ska Laurel Aitken followed. In the same year he founded the Swinging Laurels with college friend Gaz Birtles. They signed to Albion Records and their debut release Peace of Mind reached No 1 slot in the embryonic independent charts. By 1982 the outfit was gaining national music press attention and building a solid reputation as session brass players. To read more go to The Swinging Laurels history page. Taken from thisisleicestershire.com To contact John email him at: johnbarrow@lineone.net