"bold and angular, yet melismatic
and mysterious - a hugely
striking piece from a Scottish
composer who should be heard
more often."

THE SCOTSMAN

Born in Edinburgh, John Gourlay was educated at the Royal High School and the University of Edinburgh, then trained and worked as a teacher before spending three years at the University of York studying the music of Luciano Berio.

As a lecturer at Glasgow Arts Centre (1983-92) he developed an interest in jazz education and, returning to school teaching, set up the Strathclyde Arts Centre Jazz Band and Workshop and tutored on the first National Youth Orchestra of Scotland jazz courses.

His compositions include chamber music, music for wind band and orchestra, charts for jazz orchestra and pieces for educational use. He was Principal Teacher of Music at Dunfermline High School from 1999-2010 and now devotes his time to playing, composing, reading, walking and cooking.