I was born in England and moved to Canada when I was 5. Toronto was where I grew up and studied music (Humber College). I have played in many bands including touring with the great Roy Ayers for 8 years. Some others are Ray Gaskins, Jazz Steppers (Mobo Award), Jocelyn Brown, Noel McCalla, Edwin Starr, Sax Appeal, Ola Onabule, Protect the Beat and Never the Bride.

In my book, there’s two kinds of music – good and bad, but as far as guitar players go, my early influences were Santana and Jeff Beck followed by Larry Carlton and Robben Ford. Before that, I listened to the great rock bands of the 60s and 70s (The Beatles, Led Zeppelin etc). I also secretly listened to my dad’s Frank Sinatra, Sergio Mendes and Sarah Vaughn records ( I was only 13!) I also got into jazz when I was at Humber College and heard Pat Metheny, Miles Davis, John Scofield and Pat Martino amongst others. After college, I spent a lot of time gigging with funk bands which has been a huge influence on my music

I always keep an ear open for anything new that inspires me by anyone in any form of music.

• 9 years playing with Roy Ayers on international tours, playing at leading venues and festivals around Europe and Asia; inc Nice Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Blue Note Tokyo, Ronnie Scott’s, Jazz Café and New Morning Paris
• Regular artist at Pizza Express Dean Street
• Mobo award winner for Best Jazz Act with the Jazz Steppers
• 5 critically acclaimed solo CDs
• Regularly played on Jazz FM

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