NOT many Christmas hits can be called inspirational. But for John Courtman, 'In Dulce Jubilo' by musician Mike Oldfield led to a lifetime hobby.
The Seventies song inspired John, a Tameside Countryside Ranger, to pick up a tin whistle at the age of 14 - and he hasn't put it down since.
Now, after the success of his first album in 2003, the 47-year-old has released his second collection entitled Back to the Hill.
John, who jokes that first album Solstice 'went plastic,' has built up a following at folk festivals, pubs and clubs around his home near Mossley.
His modesty hides a talented musician who, although he cannot read or write sheet music, taught himself to play the whistle and create his own compositions, inspired by the scenery around him. "I play intuitively. I find it very difficult to read music and if I did learn, I think it might spoil it," he said.
"I haven't written everything on the album, I have a repertoire of Scottish and Irish stuff too - plus I only sussed out how to write tunes quite recently.
"They can come whenever and wherever - I like to think I'm inspired by the hills and surrounding countryside." What next for John - apart from more whistles! He currently owns around 40 and describes it as "a bit of an obsession."
"I don't know, I'm quite happy being me," he said. "I like what I do for a living and I like what I do for a hobby - you can't ask for more than that."
To buy Solstice or Back to the Hill visit www.whistleman.co.uk
Showing comments 1 to 6 and replies | View All
l. bardsley, hyde (17/09/2006 at 12:57)
How about doing a similar thing with local singing group based in tameside. CAT choir
We are a group who answered an ad aimed at 'singing for the terrified'
We are a mixed bunch but have great fun and even get a few gigs!
- we sang at the Lowry last week! (in the bar!!!)
J.Courtman, "The Hills" (19/09/2006 at 19:46)
P. Williams, ashton (22/09/2006 at 00:00)
P Furness, Mossley (24/09/2006 at 10:55)
Marie Bowker, Ashton (26/09/2006 at 14:01)
emma wareing, oldham (27/09/2006 at 21:35)