Biography

This young, Halifax (Yorkshire) born singer – songwriter – saxophonist has embraced the world of music and jazz in particular, through listening to greats such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Dean Martin, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Tormé, Diana Krall and Michael Bublé.

Picking up the alto saxophone at a very early age, AJ first played with the Calderdale Youth Big Band & later with the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra under the musical direction of Ian Darrington. After leaving school AJ spent three years studying at Leeds College of Music, where he played and sang with the College Big Band.

In July 2011, the launch of AJ’s debut album ‘On Song’ (Gateway Records GW 016) during the Wigan International Jazz Festival, coincided with the launch of AJs career as a professional vocalist, saxophonist and songwriter. Since then he has become a ‘much in-demand’ performer with requests to appear throughout the UK. Performances have included Southport Melodic Jazz Club’s ‘Jazz on a Winter’s Weekend’ Festival, Ribble Valley Jazz & Blues Club, Boston Spa Jazz Club, Wigan International Jazz Festival, Wigan Jazz Club, and a large number of private functions. Recently AJ has appeared as guest vocalist with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and in June he travels to Northern Ireland with Swing-Shift Big Band to take part in two Festivals celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

AJ’s repertoire includes music from Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett, Michael Bublé, Frank Sinatra, Matt Monro, Stevie Wonder and Lennon & McCartney, His own compositions have quickly earned considerable popularity and are always included as part of his performances.

AJ’s debut album ‘On Song’ features a range of original tunes and fantastic arrangements that bring much excitement to the industry. ‘On Song’ is available by download on www.cdbaby.com. AJ is currently writing and arranging for the next album due for release in November 2012.