I am Alan Benzie, a Scottish jazz pianist, keyboardist and composer from Glasgow. My own music is based in the jazz tradition, but has influences from impressionist piano music and film music, as well as taking inspiration from our incredible landscapes here in Scotland, the places around the world that music has taken me so far, and the imaginative, sometimes quirky, world of Japanese animation like Studio Ghibli.

As well as my own music, I’m a long standing member of bands like Mezcla and Fat-Suit, have recently enjoyed working alongside Helena Kay, Martin Kershaw, Konrad Wiszniewski, Mario Caribe, Ben MacDonald, Ali Watson Quartet and Mark Hendry’s Fractus.

Islay Jazz Festival has such a unique vibe and I am so looking forward to returning this year. As well as the beautiful surroundings, intimate gigs and great musicians, there is a sense of community and connection unlike any other jazz festival I have been a part of. I’m also really pleased to be playing quite a range of music, from straight-ahead jazz to groovy funk fusion and a few other bits and bobs, with friends of many years and newer collaborations too.

You can find out more about me at www.alanbenzie.com, and I occasionally post on Instagram @alanbenziemusic.