Biography
Born on 24 May 1952 in London, England, Defries is a multi-instrumentalist whose primary focus lies with the trumpet. He enrolled at Leeds College of Music but departed after only two terms, opting instead for practical experience with the Surrey County Youth Orchestra. Throughout his twenties, his performances included stints in Don Weller’s Major Surgery, Julian Bahula’s Jabula, and Dudu Pukwana’s Zila. The early 1980s found him performing alongside Chris MacGregor’s Brotherhood Of Breath while also co-leading the group Sunwind alongside guitarist Mark Wood; this ensemble secured victory in the 1982 Greater London Arts Council Jazz Competition. Subsequent collaborations encompassed the Breakfast Band and Loose Tubes.
Defries relocated to Spain during the 1990s, and since the turn of the millennium he has appeared regularly with a quartet featuring Santiago Reyes on guitar, Francisco Lopez on bass, and Valentin Iturat on drums.
Defries relocated to Spain during the 1990s, and since the turn of the millennium he has appeared regularly with a quartet featuring Santiago Reyes on guitar, Francisco Lopez on bass, and Valentin Iturat on drums.