I am a multi-instrumentalist who has played in and directed many bands (including the Big Phat Phunction Band), often performing original material. I am currently in my third year at the Royal Northern College of Music studying keyboards on the Popular Music Performance BMus Degree.
Since coming to the RNCM I have set up and directed The Big Phat Phunction Band which has played many weddings and parties across the country and has a repertoire of over 100 songs covering rock, soul, blues, jazz and pop. We have also played in a support slot for Courtney Pine, headlined several RNCM gigs, and have released numerous recordings and a music video.
I am also a member of the Indigo Jazz Quartet which has played several weddings and is in the process of writing original material. I formed my own original blues/rock band, We Are Illusion, at the age of 14 in which I predominantly played bass guitar and also developed improvisational skills on piano and saxophone. I have played in the majority of Manchester’s main music venues (Academy, Band on the Wall, Night and Day Cafe, The Deaf Institute, Jabez Clegg and Kraak Gallery) and regularly perform a wide variety of material including pop, blues, rock and jazz.
I also play clarinet to diploma level and have performed solo pieces at the Bridgewater Hall and played before a Northern Chamber Orchestra concert. On top of this I have undertaken work experience at Band On the Wall, including helping with sound for a live gig, and have been involved in the recording and production of my original songs. I have also led a jazz band that won a national competition at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival and as a result we were awarded our own slot in the London Jazz Festival at The Bull’s Head
I have also been performed at the Royal Exchange, with my band featuring as part of a show called ‘My Young and Foolish Heart’ which was given a four star review by the Guardian. As well as this I have performed in musicals on keyboards, bass and clarinet including: Witches of Eastwick, Sweet Charity, The Addams Family, Cabaret, Annie, Oliver and Hairspray; and have been Assistant Musical Director for five star productions of the Phantom of the Opera at Altrincham Garrick Theatre and Ghost.
