Life sometimes hands us unexpected gifts. My story began one night while I was asleep, and my dear friend asked me questions I answered in my dreams.
Sometimes life surprises us in the most peculiar ways. My tale started when I was fast asleep, and my kind-hearted friend whispered questions to me, to which I murmured replies. Once, she asked, What would you want mosta Maserati or another luxury car? I simply mumbled back, A saxophone. The next day, she told me about it, and that little, seemingly insignificant nighttime conversation changed my life forever.
Ive always been a huge fan of Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones, and rock music has been my passion. Yet, the guitar never felt quite right for me. Music was always important, but the instrument had to be one that truly spoke to me. And then I thought, Why not a saxophone? It seemed unexpected, yet perfectly right.
From that moment, everything shifted. I started playing the saxophone, attending workshops and studying at the Royal Academy of Music. Music became my true calling. Over the years, Ive been fortunate enough to perform with artists like Jamie Broad and Theo Baker. These encounters helped me realise that music isnt just about technique or instrumentsits a language that everyone understands.
Yet, for the past few years, Ive been playing my compositions on the streets of London. Today, Im one of the last remaining street musicians in Britain. In the past, street performances brought in decent earningspeople would stop, listen, and sometimes drop a few quid. Now, most walk by as if Im not even there. But even that wont break me. I keep playing because music, in itself, is life.
At 72, I still take my saxophone to the streets, even when the temperature drops to just above freezing. It might sound tough, but I feel completely at peacethe music gives me energy, and the passersby who pause to listen, even for a moment, inspire me to carry on. Every note, every sound pulled from the instrument is a piece of my soul, shared with the world, whether they realise it or not.
Music, especially the saxophone, has taught me patience, discipline, and honesty. When you play on the street, theres no stage, no spotlightjust you, your instrument, and the hum of the city. And in that simplicity lies something extraordinary: a real, unfiltered connection with people. It reminds me that music isnt about applause or accolades, but about touching hearts, even if just for a second.
I often think back to that night when I mumbled about a saxophone in my sleep. Who wouldve thought one word, spoken unconsciously, could reshape my entire life? It set me on a new path, made me a musician, and gave me countless moments of joy and unforgettable encounters.
Perhaps the most important thing in life isnt what you have, but what you do. Sometimes, the answer comes unexpectedlythrough a dream, a small sign, or the people who understand you. My story with the saxophone is one of passion, persistence, and the truth that its never too late to follow your calling.
Even as the world changes and people grow less attentive, music remains. It has the power to unite, heal, and inspire. Im grateful I can still play, that I can step outside even in the cold and see the magic of music touch someone, however briefly. Because music is lifeand as long as I can breathe notes through my saxophone, Im alive, full of energy and joy.
