After working for 12 years as a renewable energy engineer, Dan Abrahams has turned his focus fully to music. The composer, guitarist and double-bassist is an integral part of the Scottish music community, having carved out a unique space in the jazz, folk and contemporary classical scenes. Much of his work has been directed towards his own bands (Wayward Jane, The Foo Birds, Dowally, Bonzai Quartet), but can also be found writing film soundtracks, chamber music, cycling protest songs and much more besides.

He was recently commissioned by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra to write for their ‘UnTitled’ concert series. His piece ‘Hope in the Dark’ was received very positively by audiences and critics alike, with the Scotsman writing that “the stylish mix of blues and jazz with a nod to Scottish folk music in a beguiling violin solo was captivating”.

Wayward Jane make original music combining influences from old-time, Scots trad and more. After the release of their latest album ‘The Flood’, they were featured on BBC Radio 6, Radio 4’s Loose Ends, and garnered rave reviews, with Songlines commenting “Timeless in its sound, yet palpably current in its narrative, this is a potently contemporary and soulful listen”. Wayward Jane will be playing over 30 concerts in 2024, and touring Europe in 2025.

Dowally write progressive folk music from a made-up country, frequent collaborating with top musicians such as Phil Alexander (Moishe’s Bagel) and Ciaran Ryan (Dallahan). Their evocative sound has been picked out by film-makers who have commissioned them to write two soundtracks. They won the prestigious Danny Kyle award at Celtic Connections 2019 festival in Glasgow, leading to a sold-out show at the Fruitmarket the following year.

Dan also writes for and plays with popular soul/RnB act The Foo Birds, as well as jazz act Bonzai Quartet, who’s debut album of original music was nominated for Scottish Album of the Year 2014.

Daniel has 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 to his soundtracks with Dowally, he wrote music for the 2015 film ‘Wild Hearts’ by the Highland Shakespeare Company, and the award winning Belgium film ‘Les Racines de l’Eau’.

Edinburgh-based Composers’ Orchestra has performed two of Daniel’s pieces at the Reid Concert Hall, both to wide acclaim. Daniel has also performed and arranged music for the Edinburgh University Jazz Orchestra, as well as the Jazz Bar Big Band.

Dan also enjoys working in teaching and community music. He taught for many years at the Scots Music Group and privately. With Professor Osborne, he visited Croatia to facilitate music therapy workshops for young people with trauma.

Daniel recently released an album of solo music, including a protest song/video about reclaiming space for cycling, entitled ‘Our Streets’, which gained around 40,000 views online.