ABOUT OLLIE CANHAM

Growing up I attended the Junior Jazz programme at Royal Academy and Tomorrow's Warriors before moving to Birmingham to study at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Whilst in Birmingham I have had some amazing opportunities some highlights include: 

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Winning the 2023 Mike Gibbs Jazz Composition and Arranging Prize for my big band composition ‘Near’ (June 2023)

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Winning the 2022 Phil Miller Duo Guitar Prize with bassist Adam Roberts

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Being guitarist for Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s Indo Jazz Ensemble. This led to a string of concerts in Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's Bradshaw Hall to celebrate 75 years of India’s independence. This concert was performed for world-class indo-jazz musicians including John McLaughlin, Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain (June 2023)

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Playing gigs supporting Paul Dunmall, Kevin Hays, Mark Nightingale and other distinguished jazz musicians during their time playing in Birmingham

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Helping to set up jazz nights as the organiser and house band guitarist for jazz nights at Roberto's Bar and Tasting Club in Custard Factory Birmingham and Jazz at the Craven Arms Upper Gough St Birmingham

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Playing with American trumpeter/composer Tim Hagans in a quintet (Eastside Jazz Club, 30/10/23)

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1-1 tuition from Percy Pursglove, Jez Franks, Chris Montague, Mark Hodgson, John Turville, Winston Clifford and many more

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I am currently working on a portfolio of recorded compositions.

It will consist of original compositions/ arrangements for small group and big band with a focus on combining math rock and jazz. I always try to bring a wide range of repertoire, textures and soundscapes to my music and I hope this comes across!