Born and raised in Scotland, I was first exposed to the accordion at age four when I refused to leave the band alone at a cousin's wedding. To stop me from climbing inside the case and going with the band, my folks placated me with promises of an accordion when I "got bigger"...I did.  

Classically trained from an early age, I competed regularly in both Scottish and British championships, winning many competitions over the years at both levels. I started playing in Scottish dance bands when I was around 14 years old, and began at that time to make regular appearances on stage with touring Scottish shows both in the UK and overseas.

As I began playing other musical styles, I found that I was much better at playing the lead solos off Van Halen's "1984" album on the vertical accordion keys than trying to lie on a piano stool and play sideways. (Imagine it.)  This inspired me to get my box "midi"-fied, and I was thereby able to extend my exploration into previously uncharted musical territories. I have been fortunate enough to play with a number of very strong musicians in a variety of countries and states of sobriety. (Or lack thereof.) After leaving Scotland in the late 90's, I have lived in Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East before moving to the USA...my trusty box always in tow. I finally made my way to Texas for a brief stint in Houston, before moving to Dallas and running into Jiggernaut via the Internet.