Biography

Derek moved to Colorado in 1972 from New Zealand where he learned to play trumpet in high school. He played with the “Union Colony Dixieland Band “in Greeley until moving to the Denver area where he gigged with several local groups,notably Vern Baumer’s “New Orleans Jazz Gathering” and “Your Father’s Moustache”. In 1981,he formed “The Prohibition Six” which performed that year at the Central City Jazz Festival and several local festivals over the years.His greatest influence has been Louis Armstrong (who he was fortunate to meet in 1964) and also cornetist Bobby Hackett.He credits the band members for constantly helping him to “push the envelope” on his trumpet playing, saying “with these guys,you have to play better – they insist!”. A retired United Airlines Captain,Derek lives with his wife,Carol in the Boulder foothills.