news

2012

Fight & Flight are an acoustic guitar duet, formed when I met James Douglas whilst studying for a Masters in Composition in Bath Spa University. Despite being a generation apart, we instantly discovered a shared love of acoustic guitar, particularly exponents like Nick Drake, Bert Jansch, Richard Thompson and John Martyn. We approach playing and composing through very different directions. While I honed my skills in the heyday of the 1970s London folk club circuit, James was drawn to the guitar as a teenager in the 90s. Our instrumental compositions draw on many diverse influences including folk, jazz and classical and make full use of cross rhythms, interwoven finger patterns, percussive and harmonic techniques. We aim for beautiful acoustic guitar music with a contemporary feel but with its roots based in two very different backgrounds. We're planning on a small UK tour and recording an EP.

To listen to some excerpts of the work we are currently performing go to (link)

In 2012 also look out for

• more experimental work at The Croft in Bristol
• new solo guitar compositions – both acoustic and classical
• work with younger artists as producer / collaborator
• string quartet work with Adam Coombs (link)  
• an initial analysis of 'generative music' and a few forays into this genre – who knows, maybe the beginning of a PhD!
• new songs written in collaboration with Jon Bickley (link)

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  2011

The croft provided both venue and inspiration for some new experimental ideas – have a listen to 'G's are good'. Lovely, appreciative and open minded audiences.
Many low key guitar duet gigs with James Douglas. Working very well so decide on a serious collaboration as 'Fight & Flight'.

Starting to write songs again… who would have thought it! A number of collaborations started which I hope will continue for a few years.

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2010

Interesting workshops with composer Judith Weir and storyteller Vayu Naidu. The resultant work, including a short composition by Megan Lea and myself, 'facebook meltdown', was played as part of the Bath International Music Festival at 2.30 pm in the Chapel Arts Centre, Bath on 5th June 2010... click to hear the recording

27th January - 'the power of place' played by the amazing virtuoso oboe player Christopher Redgate

22nd April - 'three venetian bagatelles' played by the Kreutzer String Quartet

1st May - Larkhall Festival more details to follow... any musicians wanting to get

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Earlier

The 4th plinth project still lives on with recordings on this website

If you were involved please check your proper credit and if you want a weblink let me know