Biography
DAVID FLANAGAN is a bassist, composer and improviser from the Orkney Islands .
As a band leader, David thrives on pushing the boundaries of contemporary jazz performance and composition, whether it be through his large ensemble writing, incorporating free improvisation into a big band, utilising electronics to create sonic soundscapes or his exhilarating quartet music.
David’s album - Eleventh Hour - draws inspiration from the landscape of the Orkney Islands as well as contemporary jazz composers and performers such as Henry Threadgill, Matt Mitchell, Steve Lehman and Tim Berne.
His previous work - The Sky Suite - utilised graphic scores derived from a photograph of the Cuillin mountain range alongside postproduction manipulation of recordings to depict in sonic form the vast horizon which initially inspired David.
David has a growing portfolio of contemporary classical compositions which draws influence from post-tonal approaches, literature and landscape. His string writing is detailed, thoughtful and atmospheric while also experimental with tonal centres and harmonic development created through an inspired and creative use of tone rows and set classes.
Performing as a sideman, David has toured across the UK with various ensembles, most recently with The Andy Taylor Group, joining them on their 2023 tour.
David is a former member of the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland’s Jazz Orchestra, touring Scotland with the group in 2017 and 2018. He performed with Jason Singh and the orchestra on BBC Scotland’s Jazz Nights At The Quay in 2018 and has since returned to the organisation as the Bass Ambassador in 2021.
A graduate of The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, he achieved a First Class Bachelors Honours degree in Jazz along with recieving The Jazz Performance Award. During his study, David received coaching from Tim Berne, John Fedchock and Soweto Kinch along with regular tutelage from John O’Gallagher, Arnie Somogyi and Mark Hodgson.
If you’d like to work with David, get in touch via the contact page.