In the string department, I started high and ended up low. I held the illustrious chair of “special violin” in my youth orchestra at age ten. I was quickly removed to the cello, before settling on the bass at age 17. I played upright bass as a student at York University — and still have the blisters to prove it.

I now play electric basses, including the six-string and the ever-feared fretless — and yes, I play it in tune. Early years spent “in the trenches” as a cruise-ship pit orchestra player gave me a strong foundation in multiple music styles, sightreading, on-the-spot flexibility, and a lifelong aversion to white pants and deck shoes.

As a bassist, I’ve played jazz with the FreePlay Duo, world fusion with autorickshaw and Kobena Aquaa-Harrison, R+B/Soul with the Soul Foundation and guitar-based roots music with Ray Montford. Performance highlights include the Stockholm International Jazz Festival, an Irish Yoga retreat, and a former Rajah’s Palace in Jaipur, India.