Calum Gourlay
Hello, I'm Calum Gourlay. I was born in Glasgow and now I divide my time playing music in London and Scotland. I play in the Scottish National Jazz orchestra and I also lead my own big band in London.
I’m a big believer in learning the history of your instrument and in listening to jazz so you can learn from the past masters. I always say to younger musicians that the answers are there on the records if you look for them.
I’m very excited to play with Helena Kay and Laura MacDonald at the festival. I played a little bit with Laura when I was growing up but she was mainly a key teacher for me. I’ve been lucky enough to play with Helena for a few years now and they really are one of the best saxophonists and musicians around.
I have many happy memories of playing at Islay Jazz festival. Unfortunately I can’t share all of them in print.
I think one of the last times I played with Kit Downes and James Maddren was when there was a torrential outside downpour over a quiet vamp we were playing. I can’t remember the venue but it felt like nature was taking a solo over the band.
I think Islay is where I first played with Colin Steele. I feel like I was very young but had listened to a lot of Colin’s music over the years so it was amazing to play with his band and subsequently get to play with him a lot more over the years.
Also hanging late at night with the great singer Tam White and Phil Bancroft telling what was up until then the funniest story I’d ever heard.
Twitter @calbass