New Music Scotland

Instruments Double bass

Biography

I am a:

Joyful person with double bass - Joy is more than laughing…though I do love a laugh. Joy is empathy, compassion, respect, freedom of expression and community. The double bass is the massively awkward wooden BEAUTIFUL thing that has taught me Joy…through music of course. And now I find this joy everywhere. I have had an amazing mentor in the legendary English bassist Danny Thompson. Danny taught me that music comes from the heart. He is right, of course! I have made several albums and I have the unbelievably good fortune to play with some of the best musicians I have ever heard. I tour often enough in some project or other, so hopefully we shall meet.
Improviser - I improvise music because it is the truest form of musical self-expression. Whether I play free or other music…I do like to improvise (if allowed).
Researcher - I am currently researching creative methods of making improvisation more accessible and fun for all ages! Improvising music is an unbelievably powerful (and joyful) way of building communities based on reciprocal listening and respect…which is the way we all wish for our communities to be.
Educator - I run workshops and talk to kids and adults about “making music for the purpose of JOY”: having fun with music in the moment, as a hugely important way to be happy, express who you are and interact with others.

But most of all, I am a “human bean”, like you. I’m a husband and a dad, a son and a friend…and I’m delighted to be all of it.