While completing his PhD on the work of Erik Satie, he taught several Cambridge students, including John Rutter.
Best remembered for writing the score for Granada TV's popular Sherlock Holmes series, starring Jeremy Brett.
Aside from composing, he worked as jazz critic for the Financial Times, director of the electronic music studio at Dartington and as assistant conductor of Bill Russo's London Jazz Orchestra. He also played keyboards for the New Swingle Singers.
Educated at Cambridge University.
Grandson of Sir Ernest Gowers, author of "Plain Words", a classic style guide to the use of English.