About

I am a composer, guitarist and double-bassist, playing in the Scottish jazz, folk and contemporary classical scene.

Much of my focus has been on setting up my own ensembles (The Foo Birds, Bonzai Quartet, Dowally, Wayward Jane, Rianna Walcott Band). I have played at major festivals, including Brecon Jazz Festival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Many of my compositions have been played on radio stations such as BBC Scotland and BBC Radio 3. I have recorded on over 10 albums, many of which included my own compositions. Bonzai Quartet’s debut album of original music was nominated for Scottish Album of the Year 2014. Dowally’s second album was met with great acclaim; BBC radio called it “Playful, imaginative and exciting”. The group recently won the prestigious Danny Kyle award at Celtic Connections 2019 festival in Glasgow.

I have received tuition from and participated in workshops with Professor Nigel Osborne, jazz composer Graeme Stephen, and leading jazz saxophonist Tommy Smith to name a few. With Professor Osborne, I visited Croatia to facilitate music therapy workshops for young people with trauma.

I have frequently collaborated with theatre companies, writing original scores for four productions (two of which were played at the Edinburgh Festival), and workshopping pieces at the Traverse Theatre. In addition, I co-wrote the semi-improvised soundtrack to the 2015 film ‘Wild Hearts’ by The Highland Shakespeare Company.

The Edinburgh-based Composers’ Orchestra has performed two of my pieces at the Reid Concert Hall, both to wide acclaim. I have also performed and arranged music for the Edinburgh University Jazz Orchestra, as well as the Jazz Bar Big Band. I perform in ensembles for swing dancers - creating arrangements specifically tailored to the needs of the dancers.

I will soon be releasing my first solo project - a protest song about reclaiming road space for bicycles, called Our Streets.