Moss cut his teeth playing in a host of Edinburgh bands whilst studying music at Edinburgh University. Four years of performing experience with various bands allowed him to play and record all over the UK and Ireland including several festivals. Having graduated with 1st class honours in 2004, Moss was awarded scholarships from the Countess of Munster Musical Trust, the Bucher/Fraser Trust and the Berklee World Scholarship Tour to study performance and composition at the internationally acclaimed Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Since returning to the UK in 2006, Moss spent 3 years in Manchester playing with many bands including The Bottomfeeders (Wakestock, BBC6, BBC Manchester, All FM, XFM, Eurocultured, In the City), Powell Morgan & Sixty5 Roses (BBC6, All FM, In the City) and founding The Big Idea and The Original Collective. He is now based in London where he is the guitarist with Kelli Ali (ex-Sneakerpimps vocalist).During his time in Manchester, Moss established The Moss Project which fast became his main compositional and performing occupation (www.myspace.com/themosssextet). Since their formation in 2007, the band have performed extensively across the UK and Europe to much acclaim and have produced their debut album, 'Vision' and appeared on Jazz FM, BBC Manchester and ALL FM. Here's what the critics have said:==================================
"There’s a freshness, a spaciousness to this band...that is very attractive....The Moss Project will appeal to a range of audiences, from proggy Porcupine Tree to Metheny acolytes, from Radiohead, even to Joe Pass fans." Jazzwise (Andy Robson) ============================================================
== "VISION is the only word for music of this much creativity, boldness and expansiveness...A record of endless fascination and immediate accessibility." The Manchester Evening News (Al Brownlee) ============================================================
==== "The compositions all show imagination, originality and vitality. Comparisons with more established groups...are tempting but ultimately futile when acknowledging that Moss Project actually doesn't sound quite like anything else...Vision is a fascinating and hypnotically satisfying album which demands repeated plays." All About Jazz (Roger Farbey) ========================================================== "Jazz can stand away from the mainstream, making it inaccessible. The Moss Project, however, manage to bridge the gap...giving the tunes touches of rock and indie, and offering something easily understandable to the untrained ear, while never diluting the genuine love of jazz at the music's heart." BBC (Chris Long) ============================================================
===== "This group is totally unique in Manchester...Freed’s phrasing and melodies are at times just achingly beautiful. This is a truly accomplished musician but his skills as a composer are really exceptional...both jazz and folk, both intricate and accessible. The perfect way to begin this year’s Manchester Jazz Festival" The Sound of Now
=========================================================='V
ision' is available on iTunes and at www.myspace.com/themosssextet and www.jazzcds.co.uk.==========================================
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Moss has studied classical guitar with Phillip Thorne and jazz with Jon Damian, Sheryl Bailey, Garrison Fewell, Kevin Mackenzie and Mark Whitfield.
He has studied composition with Nigel Osborne, Marc Rossi, Peter Nelson and Marina Adamia and has had classical works, jazz compositions and songs performed and recorded in Edinburgh, Boston, Washington DC, Malta, and Manchester including his critically acclaimed 'Requiem', which was broadcast on Fresh Air FM.Moss is an active educator and is a lecturer in Harmony at Salford University alongside teaching guitar with Newham Music Trust - please contact for information on private lessons.“Moss was a real joy to work with. He [has] a keen ear for artistic detail, performing beyond expectations and encouraging others with his musicianship and active intelligence. Moss demonstrated a talent on guitar not often observed..." Garrison Fewell, Professor at Berklee College of Music================================================
"..a wonderful talent.." Jon Damian, Professor at Berklee College of Music"The lad is definitely a stimulating talent.†The Times
Moss Project - 'Fugue' Live in Manchester from new23 on Vimeo .
