Biography

Formed in 1975, although not actually born until 1976, I'm the result of a night of passion (or, quite possibly, a perfunctory fumble) between my parents. Just over thirty years on this planet, and over half of them with a guitar in my hand (although not constantly - going to the toilet, bathing, driving, etc. would be tough).

I'm a singer/songwriter based near Carlisle, Cumbria, England. I wear my musical influences on my sleeve and don't try to fit into an idealised image of what any genre should sound like. If it sounds good to me, then great; if the listener likes it, even better. As a friend of mine said, "Pigeon holes are for pigeons." I love country music, and there's a good bit of that influence in there, and I'll admit I love cowboy boots and western shirts, but the day I go along the path of fake American accent and Stetson then you can shoot me. Squeeze, Sons and Daughters, AC-DC and Guns 'N' Roses spend as long on my turntable as Merle, Hank or Waylon.

My debut album, 'Lowlights And Footnotes', is due for release in September and is available to pre-order from the main page or the MP3s page. It includes 12 original songs. The album was recorded in my own studio and I play all of the instruments (guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, lap steel) other than the pedal steel, performed by the lovely Dave Midgley.

I'm currently band-less and am actively seeking gigs as a solo acoustic act, performing mostly originals with a few covers thrown in (Hank, Buck, Cash and who knows what else). I'll play anywhere if my expenses are covered and need only a P.A. to plug my guitar and mic into. Preferred maximum set length is an hour - I don't even need a chair! I'm not convinced my music is line dance-friendly but you're welcome to try!

Check out the MP3s page to hear the songs as full band arrangements.

Also, feel free to check out Trashcan Man...a side project that's a little different to my usual stuff!