HE was mentored by renowned bandleader Eric Delaney and became Radio 2’s Big Band Drummer of the Year when he was making a name for himself.

But Guy Walsh says he gets more satisfaction as a drummer from learning his craft and striving to be better every time he gets on stage.

Now the former Grappenhall resident is stepping out of his comfort zone to perform with the Paul Medina Piano Trio at Walton Hall on Wednesday.

Guy, 43, said: “I come from a big band background so playing with a jazz trio is a big learning curve for me.

“Bryan Pendleton is a wonderful pianist. He’s been involved in jazz music for many years and he was the musical director with the Syd Lawrence Orchestra.

“Paul Medina is an upright bass player but he’s also a trombone player, an arranger and a teacher as well so he’s had a long career in music. I feel honoured to be playing with them.”

Guy, who grew up in Westminster Close, got behind the drums when he was just 13.

“My father Mike was a drummer and a band leader and that’s how I got exposed to it,” he added.

“I learnt by going out with my dad to the clubs and playing percussion. I didn’t learn to read it at that point, I just learnt by going out and doing it. I used to play at Richmonds Social Club in Latchford, Pierpoint and Bryant Club and my first gig was at Crosfields Club.

“I felt at home playing drums in bands and I’ve never known anything different.”

Guy’s playing then improved when he joined the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra under the guidance of ‘music encyclopaedia’ Ian Darrington when he was 20.

That was when he also started to tour with Eric Delaney.

The former Bradshaw Primary pupil said: “I stayed good friends with him until he died. We used to do drum battles and things like that. It was good learning from Eric. I think he was one of the best swing drummers this country has ever had. I learnt a lot from his attitude and energy.”

Guy, who performs with The Harry Goulden Big Band every Monday at Pierpoint and Bryant Club in Thelwall Lane, then caught the ear of Radio 2 when he was named Big Band Drummer of the Year in 1995.

He said: “We went down to Golders Green and we did a live broadcast which went out as a special on a Monday night to all the Radio 2 listeners. It was a good experience but I don’t agree with music competitions really.

“I always think of making music as something you do to enjoy. I’m always learning all the time and trying to get my head around new pieces of music and new styles of music.

“It’s given me the opportunity to work at a higher level with lots of different kinds of people. I’ve played drums with a band called Swing Time and with one of the top UK singers Andy Prior. I’ve got a gig coming up with Radio 2 presenter and singer Clare Teal.

“I enjoy playing live more now than I did 20 years ago because you get better every time you play. What I enjoy the most is challenging myself. Once we’ve played something four or five times that’s it for me and I want to move on to the next thing and absorb new material

“I spend most of my free time listening to music. I don’t watch TV. My whole life is music.”

DAVID MORGAN