A guitarist who once travelled the world playing with Dusty Springfield and Julie Driscoll is to play an intimate pub gig in his home borough of Pendle on July 31.

Gary Boyle, who in 1974 was voted the 6th best jazz guitarist in the world by the iconic Melody Maker magazine, will perform as part of a trio in the Admiral Lord Rodney, Colne.

The low-key gig will be a far cry from when Gary was part of high-profile tours in the 1960s and 70s.

Earby resident Gary, 69, said: “In the early 60s, like many musicians, I worked in Europe in the clubs.

“I was actually in Hamburg at the same time as the Beatles.”

Gary said he was fortunate enough to play with Dusty Springfield famous for hits such as Son of a Preacher Man.

“In those days you worked cabaret clubs everywhere,” he said.

“I went on Scandinavian tours with Dusty Springfield and played gigs all over the country.

“Lulu, who was just starting out, used to use the rhythm section, so I played with her around that time a little bit as well.

“Then I started working in London, playing with Julie Driscoll and Brian Auger.”

After a stint doing studio work, Gary formed his own punk-jazz fusion band, Isotope in 1972.

The band enjoyed critical acclaim and embarked on tours of Europe and America.

When the band disbanded in 1975, Gary launched a solo career and headed north to study at a music college in Leeds.

He said: “I came back and settled in Earby. In the early 80s I started teaching music part-time and before I knew it I was doing it five-days-a-week.”

Gary taught at both Nelson and Colne and Accrington and Rossendale Colleges.

Isotope have recently seen their albums and a DVD being re-released sparking interest in the band.

* Gary Boyle will perform with bassist Bruce Reid and drummer Jon Hartley at the Admiral Lord Rodney, in Mill Green, Colne, on Sunday, July 31 at 2pm. Admission is free.