Julian was a chorister in his youth, and a big fan of Mel Torme , Nat King Cole, Dick Haymes, Chet Baker ,Michael Feinstein and Matt Monro  [ Julian’s mother sang with the ‘up and coming ‘ Matt at Hornsey Town Hall in the late 50’s ! ] , but Julian did not start singing on jazz gigs, until he joined the vocal harmony quartet within ‘Digby Fairweather’s Half Dozen’ the acclaimed mainstream showband.

When trombonist & lead singer Malcolm Earle Smith left ‘Dig’s’ group , Julian took over lead vocals and got the confidence from a pleasing audience re-action to select a collection of romantic ballads to record under the title ‘The Crooner  & his Clarinet’ . On ‘A Time For Love’ Julian caresses the lyrics, and plays sensitive clarinet on 14 truly memorable songs crafted by the world’s most gifted tunesmiths.

He is backed by Canadian guitar star Dominic Ashworth , remarkable piano virtuoso Neil Angilley, pulsating bass-ace Chris Dodd, tasteful drummer’s Darryn Farrugia  and Nic France and renowned percussionist Paul Clarvis.

This well received vocal debut swiftly sold-out thanks to regular air-play by Sir Michael Parkinson and a much appreciated  plaudit from Michael Feinstein . The album also features Julian’s version of ‘Why Can’t We Start Again’ a ballad from ’Colour Blind’ a musical written by Julian’s father Berny Stringle with composers Roy Phillips & Peter Shade .