Clarence Adoo

Clarence Adoo - back on the concert platform

He was one of the most talented trumpet players of his generation.

But 10 years ago, Clarence Adoo, was seriously injured in a car accident and almost certainly will never play trumpet again.

Despite being paralysed from the shoulders down, he’s always believed that he will one day perform before a live audience once more.

Can that dream really come true? Julia Hankin has been finding out.

Life without the trumpet

In 1995, Clarence was one of this country's most talented and admired trumpeters.

But after his near fatal accident, Clarence couldn't even scratch his own nose, let along blow a trumpet.

Top trumpeter - Clarence Adoo before his accident

So did Clarence think that he would ever play again?

"Yes, I did. I think because it had been such a big part of me since the age of six," he says.

"I just couldn't imagine life without it... I miss it in a big way."

So how has Clarence come to terms with the fact that he probably wouldn't play again?

"I don't think I have come to terms with it, actually."

"I miss it in a big way… If I am listening to a concert and I remember the trumpet lines… I remember some of the feelings or the way I played those lines so that can be a sentimental time."

"There is often a lump in my throat when I hear one of those trumpet lines."

A talent reborn

Headspace - technology and music get Adoo back on track

But then four years ago, something remarkable happened…

A maths professor called Rolf Gehlhaar designed and built Clarence an instrument he could play.

Head Space was invented and Clarence re-born.

It involves some hi-tech computer wizardry, as Clarence explains:

"The headset I am wearing has sensors either side and when I move my head it moves a mouse on the screen - the blow tube down the side works as the left click of the mouse and the blowing activates different notes and keys.

"The sensors on top of this head set - they allow me to move the mouse left and right.

"The mouth piece is like the left click of the mouse and that enables me to get it started."

Clarence is relying heavily on modern technology, so how much further could he take it in his music making?

"Clarence is really extraordinary. He is an extraordinary musician. He sent me an email and said this is the first time I have felt like a musician again - not a disabled musician," says Rolf Gehlhaar, electronic music specialist and Headspace designer.

"I know for a fact that is really excited. It is difficult for him to show his excitement because he can't jump around but from what he has told me, it is a milestone in his life!"

Headspace

It's more than 10 years since Clarence's last concert in this country.

This month he met his band for the first time in eight months to start rehearsals. It's a critical moment.

In less than two days they'll be on stage in front of hundreds of music lovers at the region's most prestigious music venue - The Sage Gateshead.

There's a vast amount to practice and the pressure is on for Clarence and his band.

"You haven't had the sound yet so you are starting from scratch and I'm starting from scratch," says band member John Kenny.

"We are all mad. This is crazy. We should be taking three weeks to do this but we haven't got three weeks so we will have to do it in two days."

Clarence's band is also called Headspace.

Passion for performance

Clarence played with the legendary jazz saxophonist Courtney Pine for five years.

By coincidence, Courtney's on tour and in town, and the two musicians meet up for a catch up chat.

The longest Courtney has ever gone without performing is one
month so he can understand Clarence's desire to get back on stage:

"To actually not play for a while is very very difficult.

"Footballers talk about being match fit and it's the same thing."

Courtney is excited about what Clarence is doing to reinvent himself as a musician, as he tells his former band member:

"I may have a saxophone in my hand but that's not the instrument.

"The instrument is the person and that is why I am excited by what you are doing - because it is a whole new instrument…"

For Clarence it's also a huge challenge:

"That is a big learning curve for me - having a new instrument called Head Space.

"I have no reference points…"

So can Clarence put into words the buzz of performing?

"Exciting... and what is even more exciting is when you work with new software or equipment."

There's also the anticipation and build up to the performance:

"There is 10 seconds to go and you are on stage.... and there is a point where everyone is thinking the same thing - are they going to make it?

"That's priceless - it's like an out of body experience for me!"

Emotional experience

It's the day of the concert, and Clarence is really looking forward to the gig.

Headspace with Clarence Ado centre stage

Understandably he's a little nervous.

"I have to really concentrate and focused," he says, trying to keep calm.

His friend Emma was in the car with Clarence when it crashed and she's travelled up from London to watch the show:

"Underneath Clarence's cool exterior I think it's going to be a very emotional experience for him because he has never stopped being a musician.

"Inside all that music is still there, but to be able to come back and express his music again will be very emotional."

It's equally emotional for Emma:

"I do feel quite emotional about it. I have seen Clarence come through recovery for 10 years now and I was in hospital when he nearly wasn't with us anymore...

"To see him come this far it will probably hit me."

Clarence once said to his brother Harry that to play in an orchestra or in front of a crowd again would mean more to him than actually walking.

To be able to perform again has been an enormous motivation for Clarence since his accident:

"If I was pushed, I would say that music is a big part of me and my soul... everything else... walking and running down the road is a means to an end."

The performance is a success and it's slowly dawning on Clarence that he has reached a huge milestone.

He'd would love the chance to take Headspace on a national tour

But most important of all, Clarence Adoo feels like a musician again - it is something that has taken a long time but it's a dream come true.

Contact information:

The Clarence Adoo Trust, c/o Nigel Hiscock, 4 Doncella Close,
Chafford Hundred, Essex, RM16 6HB.

Tel: 01375 481114

Links relating to this story:

• BBC News: Paralysed musician performs again
• Clarence Adoo official website
• Northern Sinfonia
• The Sage Gateshead

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