TESTIMONIALS
What people have said...
“A freakishly talented musician, he instinctively knows what to do, and when to do it , with classical compositional knowledge mixed with a true contemporary creative flair and professionalism that second to none...Atholl is a true pleasure to work with…”
Nigel Cudjoe - Savvy
AKA Asaviour / Saving Grace Music
"Lots of love for Atholl. He is by far one of the most talented musicians I have ever met in my own long career in the music industry. He has a beautiful attitude towards his craft, whether he is called upon to help with a young students GCSE composition that I maybe teaching or to perform live as part of the online super groups we put together during lockdown.
Atholl and I have worked together with such musical legends as Rick Wakeman (YES), Amlak 'The Am-BASS-Ador' Tafari (Steel Pulse), Sebastian Beresford (Leftfield), JimBob (Carter USM) and we have also contributed towards Mosley Jazz festival with Hannah Williams (Affirmations), Horace Panter (The Specials) and Brian Jackson (Gil Scott Heron).
I’m very honoured and lucky to know I can call on the professionalism of Atholl at any time, whether for a session, a chat or to simply seek his guidance. He is one of the greats."
James Atkins
EMF/Bentley Rhythm Ace
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Atholl for many years and am always impressed by the depth of his musicality and knowledge. He is a fabulous, versatile performer and an asset to any ensemble. More recently I have been impressed with his composition work and his contribution to Kirklees Year of Music 2023 is a joy!”
Sally Edward
Musician / Project Manager Kirklees Year Of Music 2023
“Atholl's versatility as both a saxophone player and flute player is impressive. I've been fortunate to work with him on a number of projects in a wide variety of styles; the most recent being a recording of some of my large orchestral work. His flute and piccolo performance was of the highest standard, and his sight reading impeccable. It will be a pleasure to work with Atholl again in the future.”
Daniel Woodward
Composer / Artist
“In 2020 Mr Wilson’s Second Liners released their first podcast series called Promised Land. Atholl produced many pieces of music for that series - all of which responded beautifully to their brief and were used as essential parts of the successful show. His music supported and enhanced the interviews, taking the listener on a journey through the interviewees’ stories.In 2021/22 Mr Wilson’s developed a new stage show called Leftism. Performing the whole of Leftfield’s debut album live with an enlarged ensemble including guest vocals, scratch DJ and orchestral percussion section. Atholl transcribed and arranged 4 of the 12 tracks in the show. His work insightfully adapted the music to our unusual ensemble and once again he responded excellently to the brief.Atholl’s work draws on a wealth of experience from his professional career, his musical understanding is profound but he won’t let his technique or skill get in the way of catchy melody or a great groove. He makes great music - thoroughly recommended…”
Will Lenton
Musical Director Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
“Sh*t hot sax player!”
Pat Fulgoni
Singer Songwriter / Carry On Touring Ambassador
“The main theme of Atholl’s composition, a fusion of Middle Eastern and Western
European music, sets up an expectation in the listener, and a question given the location
of the play, that is resolved as the main story line finally begins. Given the
density of threads that make up ‘Citizens Advice’, Atholl’s choice of music as a foreground gives it a subtle narrative quality as well as creating an ambiguous tension in keeping with the
tradition of the political farce.I could write more about the
delicate finesse with which his score weaves between the dialogue...It is marvellous.I have worked with Atholl on numerous projects over the years and there are many
aspects to working with Atholl that puts him at the top of my list of who to contact when developing a piece of work, but what distinguishes him is the delicate finesse with which his score weaves between the dialogue and whole hearted commitment to the job in hand”
Geoff Winde
Writer / Producer / Activist
“Atholl’s work as an composer, arranger and instrumentalist has always been top class. He has an arsenal of great ideas and the technical ability to execute them. With many years experience and a broad knowledge of musical styles he never fails to elevate musical projects he is involved with.”
Neil Innes
ATA Records
“I had the pleasure of having Atholl record some flute & saxophone on my last album.. not only did he bless the track with his beautiful playing, but made the whole experience easy, & stress free, he was diligent & thorough with the recordings & brought such beautiful spirit & energy to my music
Thank you Atholl!”
Izzi Dunn
Singer Songwriter
“At my wedding, I wanted to surprise Natalie with a performance of one of her favourite songs, All of Me, by John Legend. Knowing that the instantly recognisable piano introduction to that track would give the game away immediately, I asked to work with Atholl to create a version with voice and tenor sax.Working with Atholl, I found him generous, empathic and responsive to a very personal brief. Atholl worked on the arrangement, and we honed it in rehearsals with a great sense of partnership. Having known Atholl as a performer for many years, it was a privilege to experience working with him in this way.The final result was an incredible moment in our wedding celebrations, which Natalie and I will never forget.”
Barney Stevenson
Creative Director Marsden Jazz Festival