Nick Gould
Founder • Musical Director • Tenor Saxophone
Founder and musical director of JazzMain, Nick Gould is one of Scotland’s most respected jazz saxophonists, with a performing career spanning more than twenty-five years. Renowned for his warm, expressive tone and fluent improvisation, he is equally at home leading a small jazz ensemble or performing with a full big band.
Nick has appeared at many of Europe’s leading jazz festivals, including the North Sea Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival and on several occasions at the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, as well as festivals in Chamonix, Doonbeg and the Isle of Bute. Deeply influenced by the great Blue Note tenor players, his lyrical style, powerful swing and melodic improvisation lie at the heart of the JazzMain sound.
n addition to leading JazzMain, Nick has spent more than two decades programming concerts, commissioning repertoire and helping to promote live jazz in Scotland.
Steve Grossart
Piano • Keyboards
Steve Grossart is one of Scotland’s most versatile and accomplished pianists. Classically trained from an early age, he was already performing professionally by the age of fifteen.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Steve has worked across an exceptionally broad range of musical styles, from modern jazz and big band to theatre, soul, pop and traditional Scottish music. His imaginative harmonic approach, outstanding musicianship and intuitive interaction with his fellow musicians make him an integral part of JazzMain’s distinctive sound. Alongside his performing career, Steve is also a highly respected music educator.
Iain Harkness
Five-String Bass
Iain Harkness is recognised as one of Scotland’s foremost electric bass players. Beginning his musical journey on accordion, he became the Scottish Under-18 Accordion Champion before discovering the bass, an instrument that would shape his professional career.
Known for his melodic imagination, impeccable time and expressive playing, Iain is equally at home performing jazz, funk and contemporary music. His five-string bass provides the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of JazzMain, while his inventive solo work and instinctive interaction with the band have become defining features of the quartet’s sound.
Kevin Dorrian
Drums • Percussion
Kevin Dorrian is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s finest jazz drummers. His powerful swing, musical sensitivity and infectious energy have made him one of the country’s most sought-after performers, appearing regularly at jazz clubs and festivals throughout Scotland and the north of England.
As promoter of Edinburgh’s legendary Whighams Jazz Club, Kevin has also played a major role in supporting Scotland’s vibrant jazz scene. His dynamic playing, subtle accompaniment and driving rhythmic feel provide the heartbeat of JazzMain’s music.
Together, these four musicians have performed hundreds of concerts throughout the UK and Ireland, developing a musical understanding that can only come from more than two decades of performing together. Their shared passion for the music of Blue Note Records and the hard bop tradition continues to inspire audiences wherever JazzMain performs.