It all began in 'The Old Bazaar in Cairo'.... I had reason to be doing a bit of online research about this song. In so doing I became aware of just how many pieces of 'Faux Egyptian' music are actually out there. Jock McKenzie
The musical building blocks for this work came from my research into 'Faux Egyptian Music' and found how useful it was to use the top four notes of a harmonic minor scale. As my research continued an 'earworm' started to form which ultimately manifested itself as "Toot & Ska Men". I'm sure a bit of influence was taken from the band "Madness" and their song "Night Boat to Cairo" too.…
J. M.
Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. Since 1987 Jock has based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Currently Jock holds the position of Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and is the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music. In 2020 Jock was awarded an "Honary Fellowship of the University of Winchester" for services to music education. Currently Jock is working part-time for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; providing tuition for the Brass Teaching Module. In 2024 Jock was given the award for "Services to Youth" by Brass Bands England.
