NEW
ORLEANS PIANO

My journey into the music of New Orleans began about a decade ago, exploring the essence of Mardis Gras and second line music with my jazzfunk band, The Katet, during our weekly late-night residency at Edinburgh's Jazz Bar.

Fast forward to 2018 when I was a founding member of the Tenement Jazz Band and I had my introduction to traditional jazz on 6-string banjo. Post-pandemic I've returned to play with the band once again, this time in the role of stride pianist.

'Harlem stride piano' has been around since the turn of the 20th century and is considered an extension of existing ragtime traditions pioneered by likes of the great Scott Joplin. The style really came into the public eye through the hands of players like James P. Johnson(the father of stride), Willie "The Lion" Smith, and later with Thomas "Fats" Waller and Earl "Fatha" Hines.

In the midst of it all, from the brothels and speakeasys of Storyville, New Orleans emerged the genius of Jelly Roll Morton whose compositions and advanced playing technique revolutionised the jazz movement.

My journey now brings me back to these players; their lives, their work, their ideas, their skills and their music.

GOT A PIANO?

Got an old piano sitting in the corner of your pub, café or venue that could use a bit of love?

Need someone to organise a tune-up?

Wanna bring your piano back to life with an old school jazz pianist?

I specialise in New Orleans-style traditional jazz from around the turn of the century till about 1930 including hits by Jelly Roll Morton and Fats Waller. This music is old, fun and always feel-good.

My repertoire also includes;

Ragtime classics by the great Scott Joplin.
Rhumbas and Boogie Woogies by the likes of Professor Longhair and Dr. John.
Blues and Gospel in the style of James Booker and Allen Toussiant.

Chat fees and time slots!

WANT A PIANO?

Fancy a vintage upright piano in the corner of your pub, café or venue? Not only do they look great but patrons can play and sing to their hearts' content.

Working along side The Pianodrome project, which specialises in the upcycling of old, donated pianos, I'm on a mission to put playing pianos in pubs across Edinburgh and make sure they get used!

So far, I've put pianos in the following venues:

Mathers, Broughton Street

The Bowlers Rest

West Port Oracle

The Argyle & Cellar Bar

My offer:

I can put a great piano in your pub, free of charge.

I'll personally organise and pay for transport, tuning and upkeep.

In return, we discuss a weekly residency of live, old school, 'good-time', trad jazz piano music.

Fees to be discussed based on availability, time slot etc.

I ask for a minimum of 3 months commitment. If you're not happy after this time, I'll take her away free of charge.

Get in touch for more info

PORT-A-PIANO?

Not sure about a real piano?

Don't think the place has quite enough space?

Not sure if you wanna commit to a weekly residency at this time?

**No problem**

The newest addition to my arsenal is the new KeybirdX1 Lightweight acoustic piano.

It's a real piano with that real piano sound, feel and vibe, but portable. I'll bring it in and I'll take it with me when I go - all the benefits of a real life piano gig with none of the hassle.