I am Paul Harrison, jazz pianist, composer, keyboardist. Besides my diverse jazz career, I play with Blue Rose Code and Hue and Cry and I have long standing association with Tommy Smith and the SNJO. Other Scottish musicians I’ve lucky to have worked with closely - Graeme Stephen, Phil Bancroft, Martin Kershaw, Tom Bancroft… and others, sorry I can’t mention you all! I also teach at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, guiding the next generation of inspiring young jazz musicians.

For me jazz is about listening, doing things you haven’t done before and seeing where they go. But also about knowing the history. In this way jazz is much like ‘trad’ music - it has deep roots, but is always putting out new branches. I was at the first Islay Jazz Festival in 1999, and it remains definitely the most unique festival I know of. Its setting and vibe brings a freshness to every musical experience, and I just love travelling to the different locations on the island - it’s a place which nourishes the soul. Whilst the music is memorable, there are always other surprises too - minor mishaps with travel, unexpected encounters with wildlife, and then the year when a legendary British actor came to our gig.

Socials: https://linktr.ee/paulypiano