Colin began playing the drums aged 18 years, playing with local jazz musicians. One of them would later become famous as the guitarist with The Police—Andy Summers.

Colin moved to London in 1964 as a founder member of the legendary Big Roll Band. He has also played with many US blues artists including John Lee Hooker, Sonny Boy Williamson, Memphis Slim & soul singer Solomon Burke.

Colin went on to tour with Georgie Fame before joining John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers in 1968. The first thing he did with Mayall was to record the acclaimed Blues from Laurel Canyon album.