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Alisdair MacRae Birch

Alisdair MacRae Birch: Jazz Guitarist, Bassist (Upright/Double Bass and Bass Guitar) and Arranger

Originally from the UK, Alisdair MacRae Birch grew up in a musical family. Alisdair was raised with the Scottish traditions, Scottish songs and dance, and in the British music hall tradition (similar to American vaudeville). He has performed worldwide from Big-Band Jazz, through to quartets, trios, duos, and solo in music ranging from Jazz, to African Highlife, Jazz-Funk, Pop, Reggae, Calypso, Soca, Zouk and Samba. Known mainly for his guitar playing, Alisdair also continues to perform and teach his first instruments the Double Bass/Bass Guitar and Violoncello. He has worked as an artist in his own right and as much in demand sideman both live and in the studio. He has played, arranged and orchestrated many artists music, advertising jingles, movies and plays.

Among the musicians Alisdair has performed with, include: Adrian Revell (Saxophonist - Incognito, Jamiroquai, Brand New Heavies), Anibal Miranda (Singer/Guitarist - Portuguese Singer), Calvin Brooks (Guitarist), Darrin Mooney (Drummer - Primal Scream, Gary Moore), Derrick McKenzie (Drummer - Jamiroquai) Derek Nash (Saxophonist - Sax Appeal), Dick Morrisey (Saxophonist - Morrisey/Mullen), Eli Fountaine (Saxophonist - Motown/Marvin Gaye), Gerry Rafferty (Guitarist), Graham Prescott (Violinist/Arranger), Greg Bonnie (Saxophonist - African Jazz Explosion), Jackie Rawe (Singer - Shakatak), Jerry Jemmott (Bass Player - King Curtis, Aretha Franklin, B. B. King), Larry Smith (Saxophonist), Louisiana Tilda (African Vocalist), Neil Percy (Percussionist - London Symphony Orchestra), Nick Webb (Guitarist - Acoustic Alchemy), Noel McCalla (Singer - Manfred Mann), Paul Vornhagen (Saxophonist),. Peter Ind (Bass Player - Lennie Tristano, Lee Konitz, Warne Marsh), Phil Mulford (Bass Player - Bernard Purdie, Nelson Rangell, Paul Young), Prince Nico Mbarga (Guitarist - African Highlife), Richard Coles (Drummer), Rodney Holmes (Drummer - Zawinul Syndicate, Santana, Wayne Shorter), S.E. Rogie (Guitarist - African Palm Wine), Sandra Andrews (Jazz Singer), Teddy Harris (Pianist/Arranger), Tia Iamani Hanna (Violinist)

Performance tours in North America, Europe and Africa tours with many different bands, including many “historic venues” ranging from: Baker’s Keyboard Lounge (Detroit), Birdland Jazz Club (NY), BlueBird Inn (Detroit), Brooklyn Academy Of Music (NY), Elephant Rooms (Austin), Hammersmith Palais (London), Jamboree (Barcelona), Jazz Café (London), Papa Joe‘s Jazzlokal “Em Streckstrump” (Koln), Ronnie Scotts (London), Radio City Music Hall (NY), The 100 Club (London), The Baked Potato (LA).

Studio Musician: Corner Studios (Koln), Island Studios (London), Lansdowne Studios (London), Olympic Studios (London), Trident Studios (London), Wessex Sound Studios (London).

Television and Radio: Performances on ITN, UK show with Jazz singer Sandra Andrew.

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Tags

Primary Instrument

Guitar

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

Qualifications and Studies

  • MFA Jazz Performance, State University New York (Purchase)
  • BSc. (Hons.) Philosophy and Psychology, City University, London, UK
  • Guildhall School of Music and Royal School of Music Exams, UK (Distinction) Plectrum Guitar, Violoncello and Bass.
  • Royal School of Church Music Chorister Exams, UK (Distinction)
  • Guitar and Jazz Studies: Andy Watson, Barney Kessel, George Adie, Esmond Selwyn, Howard Roberts, Jack Wilkins, Joe Monk, John Mizzarolli, Steve Kahn, and Vic Juris.
  • Bass Studies: Derek Sewell and Tony Muschamp.
  • Arranging, Harmony and Theory Studies: Dick Grove and Tony Douglas

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Photos

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