Geoff Stokes Speaks to Charlton Probus

At the May meeting, Charlton Probus members had the pleasure of hearing about the life and music of Geoff Stokes who was born in Wales in 1952.

He came from a very musical background, his mother and maternal grandfather both pianists and church organists and his paternal grandmother also a pianist. His sister is still playing the organ in church.

Geoff had his first piano lesson at age seven and continued with lessons until he was 18 years old, also completing up to grade seven exams, not quite completing grade 8.

At age eleven he took up playing the clarinet and focused on classical music for the next 10 years.

Geoff continued to persevere with the clarinet, then in 1966 decided to try his hand on the bass. By 1967 he was OK on clarinet and bass, and excelled on piano.
During the School Eisteddfod in 1968, was a very successful time; he won the sections of piano, clarinet solo and was in a trio of 2 guitars and bass that also won.
The Stoke Family Band consisting of Mum, Dad, Brother, Sister and Geoff, first performed at the Church Harvest Festival.

Geoff thinks the biggest influence on his musical career was cousin, Brian Jones, founder of the Rolling Stones.

In 1974, having worked for the government for 4 years, Geoff decided to turn to music as a profession and joined the James Hogg Rock Band. They continually toured the UK playing clubs and concert halls, plus some popular London Clubs.
In 1976 Geoff emigrated to Australia where, for some time, the music scene was fairly slow for him. In 1980 he was approached to join a band called “Damage” and things went forward from that point. He has had a very successful career playing with many different bands throughout many states of Australia. At present Geoff is playing bass in the trio “Moonshine Coalition”.