Whilst still studying Chris joined the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Great Britain (NYJO), for whom he composed music and performed on trumpet at the Reno Jazz Festival, (Nevada), toured California, Australia and Russia. He also performed a solo trumpet fanfare in the Film “Silver Bears” – on screen next to Michael Cain and Jay Leno! Chris then joined the big band run by Glenn Miller’s brother – Herb Miller- toured Scandinavia and the U.K whilst also music writing and arranging for the band. In 1983 he performed on trumpet and keyboard for many top high society London party bands whilst always taking note of etiquette which songs the guests liked to dance to. Other highlights include a UK number 4 hit “Just What I always wanted” – performing on Top of the Pops (BBC TV) and a U.S (East & West coast) tour with the song’s band – “Mari Wilson and the Wilsations”. Married Simone in 1986. In the late eighties they formed the Duos “High Energy” and “Prestige” performing for private parties, celebrities and events including a residency in London’s West End (Park Lane Hilton) also cruise work for Cunard’s QE2 with a party band. Chris was booked to play trumpet at the Royal Albert Hall, London for a live video and album recording with the original U.S TV cast of “FAME! Notable musical and arranging commissions have been for the Royal Variety Command Performance at the Palladium Theatre, London, plus ITV talent show - “The Entertainers”, BBC Radio and Capitol Radio commissions for 12-piece “Light Pops” orchestra and a commission to write a fanfare for Princess Diana and Prince Charles! In 2001 Chris and Simone also formed “Five Star Swing Big Band” and have produced and toured seven swing genre shows throughout the UK. The band was featured on stage at London’s West End in the Leicester Square Theatre for the show “Bugle Boy” (Life of Glenn Miller). Chris & Simone also value the appeal of a residency, having previously undertaken contracts for UK firms Ladbrokes, Pontins, Warners and Bultlins. These days client’s financial considerations usually preclude the long-term booking of larger size bands, consequently Chris and Simone are now focusing on securing residency contracts with their Duo “Prestige” and have just finished a Summer contract with TUI for one of their International Gold Hotels in Spain, performing music styles from “dixi-Jazz” to “up-to date Pops” for dancing and easy listening.