Fairey (Geneva) bass trombonist and expert mathematician Dr John Paul Warder thought he was going to be giving his lips a rest when he embarked on a 2 week cruise on Wednesday – only for a foolish prank put pay to his idea.

Doc

The Fairey ‘Doc’ told 4BR live from his cabin via telephone as he was preparing to dine with the ship’s Captain: "I’ve been really busy recently with work and banding so I thought I would kick back for a couple of weeks on a cruise around the Caribbean.

It was only the second day and I was taking in the rays whistling the trombone solo, ‘The Blue Bells of Scotland’ when I felt a tap on my shoulder."

Tap on the shoulder

Dr JP added: "As I turned round this guy asked me how I knew the tune. I told him that I was a trombone player and that it was not only one of my favourite solos, but one that I am currently preparing for recitals."

Commission

Without a further hitch, Paul was then ‘commissioned’ by the ship’s Captain to play in the first class ‘house band’, replacing the incumbent trombonist who had broken his wrist in an impromptu ‘handstand competition’ the nigh before.

The conductor asked me if I would dep for 2 nights until the ship hit shore again and a full time replacement could get on board. I couldn’t believe my luck and had a great time. They were a brilliant bandPaul Warder

Great band

Paul concluded: "The conductor asked me if I would dep for 2 nights until the ship hit shore again and a full time replacement could get on board. I couldn’t believe my luck and had a great time. They were a brilliant band."

As for the man he replaced?

"I feel a bit sorry for him though. He needed a Doctor for his arm and another Doc for his playing! Now I’m ending my break with dinner at the Captain’s table."