Geoff Eales

b. c. 1950, Aberbargoed, Glamorgan, Wales. Following the example of his dance band pianist father, Eales studied piano from an early age. He also played French horn with the Glamorgan Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra Of Wales. He graduated from Cardiff University with a masters degree and a doctorate, then played piano on an ocean-going liner. In 1977 he performed in London with Joe Loss, then with the BBC Radio Big Band, through into the early 80s. His studio work found him in the company of artists such as Shirley Bassey, José Carreras, Rosemary Clooney, Lee Gibson, Adelaide Hall, Salena Jones, Henry Mancini, Billy May, Elaine Paige, Nelson Riddle, Lalo Schifrin, Marlene VerPlanck, Andy Williams and Tammy Wynette. Early in his career, Eales composed ‘In The Beginning’, set to Dylan Thomas’ work, while later compositions include ‘Boundless’, ‘Gospel Truth’, ‘Black Path’, ‘Hymn Of Ecstasy’, ‘No More Tears’, ‘Prayer’ and ‘Eternal Dance’. He has played at many international festivals, clubs and concert halls. Members of Eales’ long-standing trio are Roy Babbington (bass) and Mark Fletcher (drums), a group expanded to a quintet by Michael Coates (saxophone) and Carl Orr (guitar). Eales has also played on numerous film soundtracks.