My friend Herbie Dixon, who has died aged 73 of lung cancer, was a self-taught musician, and played alto sax and clarinet at venues all over Britain. Then, learning the trade by his own ingenuity, he made a living in the antiques business. Later still he achieved formal qualifications as a history teacher, and trained to be an instructor of Alexander technique.
He was born in Wallsend, Northumberland, to working-class parents, Henry and Dorothy (known as Hen and Doll), who named him John. Brought up in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, in a house without bath or book, as a youngster he expressed courage and competitive drive through boxing. He also began to explore his musical talents, and to read an eclectic range of material.
He obtained a clarinet and a saxophone, taught himself to understand chord structures and to read music, initially playing in a trad jazz band and then experimenting in modern jazz groups and big bands. At 14 he discovered the London jazz clubs and became a regular attender.
He left Christopher Wren comprehensive at 16 and took jobs that required his skills in mental arithmetic but were of no value to him. In 1966 he became a professional freelance musician, playing alto sax and clarinet in south coast bars and briefly at such exotic venues as Pontins holiday camp in Brixham, Devon, and the touring Roberts Brothers Circus. From 1971 he also worked in the antiques and rugs trade, as well as repairing furniture.
In 1972 he married Lucy Dickson, a teacher of French, and they had two children, Helen and Jonathan. In the late 1970s Herbie went back to education. He took an A-level in history, then studied for a degree in humanities at Thames Polytechnic and a postgraduate teaching diploma. He taught history at secondary schools and literacy skills to people with learning difficulties, and to some of the men incarcerated at Wormwood Scrubs prison. In 1996 he qualified in Alexander technique, which aims to improve posture and movement.
Herbie was always looking for something more meaningful in life. In 1971 he experienced an “opening” to latihan spiritual exercise, taught by the Indonesian Subud movement, with the aim of being in harmony with, rather than be dominated by, life’s forces. He legally adopted the name of Herbert. During the last 20 years of his life he also followed the teachings of the Asoka Gakkai International Buddhist discipline, in the Japanese Nicheren tradition. Their chant, Nam-myo-ho-renge-kyo, is a vow to oneself never to yield to difficulties and to seek to overcome suffering.
Herbie lived most of his life in west London but latterly moved to Brighton and Lewes. Until recently, he played alto sax in the Mood Swings Trio, specialising in relaxed jazz.
His marriage ended in divorce. He is survived by Helen and Jonathan, and two granddaughters.
