Max grew up in a fragmented musical environment picking up pieces wherever he could find them, on the radio, his grandparents piano, his older brothers record collection – no wonder early influences range from JS Bach, through Thin Lizzy to Barbara Streisand, and although it was probably Angus Young who first inspired him to pick up a guitar it was the discovery of the Motown sound and soul legends such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Curtis Mayfield that provided the most profound direction. It’s no surprise then that his career has been just as varied. While studying for a classical music degree (1st class!) he co-founded MAP – an acoustic guitar duo with Pete Harris, and in the process created MAP Records in order to release and distribute their music, which has been broadcast around the world. He went on to work with artists and producers ranging from John Leckie to Lily Allen (for whom he received a platinum disc for his work on the album ‘Alright Still’), and from DJ Format to Prince Fatty. He’s also been a teacher, an examiner, a lecturer, a mastering engineer, arranger, musical director, producer and session musician working with artists ranging from Mattafix, Natty, Manu Chao, Da Twinz (Uganda), Bushwalla (US), Ashley Slater (Freak Power), Manu Larrouy (France), Lizzy Parks, Robin Scott(M), etc. Mostly he works as a writer and performer - his compact blues infused rock sound blends a smoother James Morrison or Steve Winwood with touches of early Bowie and the odd hint of Marvin. His performing career has seen him share stages with Eddie Reader, Sixpence None the Richer, Kathryn Williams, Boo Hewardine, Brian Kennedy, Thomas Dolby, Carina Round, Ocean Colour Scene, Nerina Pallot etc etc. He performs both solo and with his stellar 4 piece band. His writing collaborations include Craig Pruess, Liz Lenten (Auburn), Marlon Roudette (Mattafix), Lou Mullen (De Souza), Prince Fatty, and he also is one of the writing team for Private and Confidential Music. His work has been broadcast around the world with syncs from Greys Anatomy to Gardeners World(!). He also recently contributed to the BBC drama Moses Jones which features the new Dr Who – Matt Smith!! Max’s debut Album is scheduled for release on Scarlet Records soon.
