Pascoe trained as a saxophonist from the age of 15, after being inspired by a performance on television. He was the vocalist and saxophonist in Flintlock (previously known as the Young Revivals).[1]
He appeared as himself in the TV show You Must be Joking and in every episode of Pauline's Quirkes (with Pauline Quirke) in 1976.[1] Flintlock played cover versions of a variety of songs in both series.[2] He appeared in a two-part episode of the children's science fiction programme The Tomorrow People, "The Heart of Sogguth" in 1977,[1] in which the band's music was used to revive an ancient demon.[3]
After leaving Flintlock and losing interest in pop music, he began to study and practise jazz.[4]
In 2007, he was noted for his performance at the Tyndall Assembly, a concert series directed by Tristan Louth-Robins in Adelaide, in which he collaborated with experimental composer Luke Harrald.[5]
Pascoe was a member of the Jazz Performance academic staff of the Elder Conservatorium of Music (teaching saxophone, improvisation and small ensemble in 2011[7] and still a lecturer in 2017,[8] but as of May 2020[update] does not appear on the staff list.
Pascoe is the father of writer, stand-up comedian and actress Sara Pascoe.[1]
Collaborations
Among his many collaborations, he joined The Shaolin Afronauts and other collaborators on Quest under Capricorn. After a performance at the Adelaide Festival Centre, the album was released[9] on 6 July 2012 on Freestyle Records.[10][11] The group reprised their Quest under Capricorn performance at The Gov as part of the Umbrella: Winter City Sounds festival in July 2017.[9]
Recognition
In 2009, the Australian Music Centre described Pascoe as "among the leading free improvisers in Adelaide, whose rigorous approach to musical self-discipline gives a profound assurance to his rare extended solo public performances".[12]
^"Elder Conservatorium – Jazz: [Tonight at 7:30]". Facebook. 11 February 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2020. The Glenn Charles Quartet will be playing at The Publisher's Hotel this Wednesday, 15th February, 7:30 start and free admission. The ensemble includes Tyler Venter on guitar, Julian Pischler on bass, Derek Pascoe on tenor sax and Glenn Charles on drums. This ensemble has been together for 9 months; three members are current Elder Con Jazz Students who are fortunate to play with Derek Pascoe, a Con Lecturer and one of Adelaide's top musicians.
