Session Musician
I was always waiting to improve on my instruments and get more experience before offering professional services to other musicians. But during recording sessions, people began complimenting me on how good my piano playing sounded, and how well it blended with the band or the vibe of the track. Working alongside session musicians made me realise that I was missing out on a valuable aspect of my musical journey. I enjoy recording music for others because it allows me to express myself through their music while also enhancing the magic they've already created. I see a rhythm section as a way to convey the larger ideas of music. This year I worked on several projects, each requiring different aspects of my musicianship.
Being versatile in all genres is essential for keyboard players. To play an appropriate role while keeping in mind the groove, the specific song, the style, and genre. Maintaining a consistent rhythm and properly arranging a part for the song were among the many aspects of session work. Every song is unique, and each serves as a vehicle for the message it conveys. The band works together to create the best sound possible that matches the song's overall emotion. The more I have recorded myself, the better I have become at making music. Going back and listening to my old audio recordings allows me to address every aspect of my playing that needed improvement. Controlled dynamics, voicing leading, and appropriate harmony selection are some examples of improvisation. Because the piano's bass, middle, and treble ranges are all accessible, a pianist can easily overplay.
Shows
Cose Voke - Hug and Pint Glasgow, 27th of May 2024.
Cose Voke - Cartvale, 21st of June 2024.
Performing Live
Collaborating with Singer-Songwriter ‘Cose Voke’ was an incredibly fulfilling experience. Jamming with new musicians and playing heavier genres sparked a revival of interest in rock music. Delving into influences such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and much of 70s rock. I was able to enhance my on-stage sound by adding additional organ sounds and synthesizers. A variation of keyboard sounds can give subtle nuance to songs. There is a subtle atmosphere that strings or pads bring, you only notice when they are not playing. The band worked closely together to create climactic moments in Innes's songwriting, and contributing effectively between us, we utilised our strengths to build a dynamic setlist with full arrangements, to help convey the emotion of the songs. Some were slow, jazz-style ballads so we had to find a way to keep the songs interesting for the audience. Working with Cose Voke live in the studio was an invaluable experience, seeing other musicians process, and how they get the best take and sound from their interment. Also, I saw firsthand the professionalism that goes into approaching session work. A level of confidence is needed, a core belief that you can add appropriate parts to any song.
Songwriting and performance