**** New album, November 2025: “Songs from the North Country” ***

I am a guitarist and singer-songwriter, playing spots at folk clubs and open mic sessions around Sheffield, England, sometimes further afield. I also play the occasional live gig with a six-piece rock band “The Algorythmics” with whom I sing and play rhythm guitar. 

I have recorded some original compositions, mainly acoustic folk rock and some jazz-inspired and ambient tracks. I also record interpretations of traditional British and Irish folk songs.  My recordings mostly feature voice and guitar and a number of other physical and virtual instruments.  Listen below, or on Spotify, Apple Music, or Soundcloud. For music downloads check my Bandcamp page. My music is released under my own record label (Ringinglow Records). Music downloads are free (or make a donation).

I was born in England in the early 1960s and have spent nearly all of my life living in  the north of England (Northumbria), Scotland (Edinburgh and Aberdeen), and South Yourkshire (Sheffield). My musical journey began around age 11 when I was given my first guitar while living for two years in Argentina.  I had piano lessons for 3 years in my mid-teens and joined guitar classes at Edinburgh’s Theatre Workshop where I remember learning “Blowing in the Wind”.  I started playing for live audiences when I was in my early twenties and working as a volunteer for the Iona Community on the Island of Iona.  During this time I gained a love for the music of John Martyn, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, and Nick Drake, and for Scottish folk singers/guitarists including Dick Gaughan and Archie Fisher.  I also recorded a couple of demo tapes of my own songs using a Fostek 4-track tape machine.  After working for two years as a carpenter, a brief spell in a musical duo, and busking in Scotland and Spain, I settled down to an academic career (see my other pages) but continued music as a hobby. The Covid-19 lockdown provided me with the opportunity to start experimenting with home recording again, this time using the Reaper DAW. 

My favourite guitar is a Lowden S5 which I have owned since I was a lad. I also play a Taylor GS Mini and Sigma DMIST. My wider musical influences include alternative country (e.g. Mary Gauthier), downtempo music (e.g. Zero 7, Air) and flamenco guitar. 

I am interested to work with other musicians in the Sheffield area and to play gigs (either solo or with other Algorythmics band members) for modest compensation, expenses, or just good times 🙂

Original Compositions

Traditional