NEWS (last updated 21st June 2008)

Quiet Night Out
On 27 June 2008 I was joined (as often) by my brother, Raydn Hunter, on bass guitar, our great friend, Richard Boniface, on drums, and our colleagues and friends: Michelle Ward and Georgia Green (backing vocals), Phil James (guitar) and Mitchell Tanner (keyboard). The venue was Bar Lambs in Westcliff-on-Sea, and the event was organised by Quiet Night Out.

My thanks are due to all for the hard work put into the show, which was a resounding success! (See videos)

The girls' vocal harmonies added that essential ingredient for which my music is known. Phil James's guitar improvisation was brilliant, as usual. Congratulations to Mitchell, one of my piano students, on his first live gig; I'm proud of you!

And thank all of YOU who came to see us perform, and double-thanks to those who bought my CD "Beside You" (available at www.MusicianAndModel.com). Keep an eye on the Gigs page for upcoming events.

On MySpace
MySpace has a section specially for musicians.

Visit http://www.myspace.com/deehunter

On the radio
Thank you, David Bishop of Phoenix 98 FM radio, for inviting me for a live interview on 28 May 2008. It was very exciting and enjoyable.

Visit the interview page at Phoenix 98 FM or, if it is no longer available, you can listen to it here.

First CD! - 'Beside You'
Apart from playing at some memorable private functions (including one for Sebastian Coe) and a (non-serious) marriage proposal from a Canadian millionaire, the most important thing that's happened to me is the release of my first CD — FINALLY! It's taken me a year and a half to compose the songs, arrange and record them, and get them pressed. It was great to work on it with my brother, Raydn Hunter, who played bass on all the tracks. Many thanks to him and all the other musicians and engineers who participated in its production, particularly Dave Cooke. I'm thrilled with the result!

The CD, "Beside You", is available for sale at www.MusicianAndModel.com, where you can listen to more sound clips than are available on this page.

So many people ask me about a CD of the songs I play at gigs that I guess that'll be my next big project. I'm toying with the title "Afternoon Dee at the Ritz". What do you think?

Crooners - A new show

On 24 July 2005 Paul Rhodes presented his new show 'Crooners' at the Thamesside Theatre, Grays, Essex. Although it was only a preview, the house was almost full, and the audience received it well. At the end of June, Paul had approached me after discovering my web site, and, after an initial meeting, asked me to be the Musical Director of the show, and to play the piano accompaniment.

There are eight members in the 'Crooners' troupe: four hunks and four babes. As you can imagine, seven singers produce a big, full, rich sound. The backing band comprises synthesiser, bass, drums and brass section. The 'Crooners' show is a couple of hours of nostalgia, taking you back to the '40s and '50s. (There's a bit of '60s and '70s thrown in for good measure.)

Paul Rhodes has invested a great deal of his time and energy into this project, which, he hopes, will be a hit with companies and impresarios around the UK, and a big "Thank you" is due to Paul for inviting me to be a part of it.

'Crooners' is available for bookings at corporate Christmas parties! BOOK NOW!

The Rat Pack

On 6th November 2004 I was invited to join Opus 1 as a keyboard player, accompanying the 'Rat Pack' at the Broadway Theatre, Peterborough. This popular show travels the country as a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin. The show at the Brentwood Centre on 20th November was a 1,500 sell-out. I had two solo spots in the show.

Classical recitals

The encouragement I've received from eminent local classical musicians, who have helped me to win awards (Gallery), has induced me to return to my classical roots with enthusiasm, and offer my services for recitals. I'll also produce a classical piano CD soon.

I passed the ABRSM (Royal School of Music) Diploma in July 2005.

The Jazz Quartet — DHQ

I joined forces with jazz musicians Graeme Culham (drums), Roger Curphey (double bass) and Mike Sagrott (guitar). I was approached by Graeme at a talent contest at Pincho’s restaurant in Burnham-on Crouch, Essex, and he asked if I would be interested in being part of a trio with him and Roger. We were joined later by Mike, and together we've produced a CD. There is also a video of a live performance, which took place at the Westcliff Hotel on 16th November 2004.

The Jazz-Funk Trio — DHT

I've fulfilled my Dad's dream by playing together with my brother, Raydn Hunter (bass guitar) and Richard Boniface (drums) as a jazz-funk trio. Raydn is also a member of the well-known funk band, Reverend Cleatus and the Soul Saviours. Recordings of our music will be available eventually on this web site. There is already a video of a live performance, which took place at the Westcliff Hotel on 16th November 2004.