After initial tuition on clarinet and piano, Gary discovered the electric bass at 15, inspired by the sound of Jean Jacques Burnel of the Stranglers. At 16 he started playing double bass and gigging in pubs and clubs locally, playing traditional jazz with his dad’s friends. He became acquainted with more modern jazz at a workshop with guitarist Gary Boyle and bassist Jeff Clyne. In 1986 at the age of 18 he moved to Wales to study modern languages at Swansea University. Local musicians such as saxophonist Jonathan Lewis and pianist Russ Jones introduce him to other styles of jazz. He discovers the universe of Bill Evans, and musicians such as Joe Henderson, George Mraz and Ron Carter. One evening at the Swansea jazz club, guitarist Martin Taylor recommends to him the idea of studying music in Paris. So in october 1988, he moved to Paris to study at the thriving CIM jazz school alongside other young talented musicians such as Pierre Christophe, Daniel Garcia Bruno and Bojan Zulfikarpasic. In the summer of 1989 he decided to stay in France.