John Metcalfe

From his early days in New Zealand listening to his father sing opera, John Metcalfe has become one the most exciting and versatile musicians working in the UK today. From giving string quartet recitals in prestigious venues world-wide to composing for radio and TV, penning strings for no.1 UK pop hits and releasing his own genre-defying music, Metcalfe has gained wide recognition for his unique brand of music-making.

Moving to England he took up the viola aged 10 and joined his first band at school playing drums. Raised on a dual-mono diet of Kraftwerk and Joy Division this band influenced his move north-west where he joined cult band The Durutti Column on Manchester's legendary Factory label. He stayed for three years adding his own unique sound and flavour to the enigmatic style of guitarist Vini Reilly.

Hard classical study continued along with hard dancing at the now defunct Hacienda and scholarships took him to London and Berlin to finish his training. His distaste for classical recording industry practices led him to persuade Factory boss Tony Wilson to launch the ground-breaking Factory Classical label aimed at bringing young British talent and music to a truly new audience.

Metcalfe's talents at A+R led to debuts for now major artists such as Rolf Hind, Steve Martland and his own Duke Quartet. In the meantime Metcalfe's strength as a string composer for bands came to the fore.

Since his work on Morrissey's no.1 solo album Viva Hate he has become one of the UK's top arrangers working for artists such as Simple Minds, The Corrs, Blur and Catatonia. He provided all the strings for the Concert for Linda at the Albert Hall, working with George Michael, Johnny Marr and Tom Jones.

After hearing his arrangement of Angel in The Morning for the Friends soundtrack, the Pretender's Chrissie Hynde asked John to arrange some of her most famous songs for the Isle of View album which featured John's string quartet, the Duke.

His debut cd The Inner Line received glowing reviews. Billboard magazine described it as '.... a solo debut that crosses all manner of boundaries. Melding avant-pop and electronica, film music and contemporary classical The Inner Line is the ideal item for classical fans wanting to investigate a pop-leaning, contemporary sound world or for electronica fans who crave far more musicality than they're used to getting.'

Regularly played on BBC Radio 3's hugely influential cult show Late Junction, George from the cd was also included on their first compilation cd. Tracks have also been used for BBC radio and tv programmes whilst also making their way onto shows from Alick Sethi to Russ Allen and Morpheus.

His latest release, Scorching Bay, epitomes music currently dissolving boundaries between modern classical and electronic music. With influences from Schoenberg to drum 'n' bass, Bach to Kraftwerk, Ligeti to Brian Eno and from film composers such as Thomas Newman and Cliff Martinez, Metcalfe's sound world is seductive, wistful, beautiful and hugely powerful.

Pieces range in scope from solo viola laments to searing headlong moto perpetuos for full strings, drums and electronics. The strength of music combined with performances of utter conviction and skill makes for a unique and timeless experience. The cd has received excellent reviews and been featured on Classic FM's Chiller Cabinet Ireland's Lyric FM and Late Junction.

Metcalfe's music live brings together some of the finest musicians in their field. Louisa Fuller on violin is the leader of the internationally reknown Duke Quartet who have recorded and toured worldwide to great acclaim.

Drummer Andy Gangadeen has awed crowds (and other drummers) around the world with blistering technique and musianship touring and recording for the likes of Massive Attack and his own project The Bays.

Outstanding bassist Ali Friend, ex-member of Warp's Red Snapper and now member of Clayhill, has worked with a huge range of artists including Death in Vegas, Afro Celt Sound System and Beth Orton. The most recent addition, Simon Richmond from the Bays, has produced, written and remixed for many different labels and musicians such as Neneh Cherry and Freerange Records.

Over the last couple of years the band have performed many times around the UK as part of Arts Council tours and appearances at many UK festivals include the Big Chill and Bestival. During this time Metcalfe has continued to compose for TV and radio.