Though better known as one of the UK’s leading and most decorated poets, Don Paterson has had a parallel career as guitarist for many years. In the mid-1980s he moved to London to join the free-improv scene, where he took lessons with the great guitar maverick Derek Bailey.  For twelve years he co-led the Celtic-jazz ensemble Lammas with saxophonist Tim Garland, playing classical and 12-string guitars and sharing stages and studios with top jazz players including trumpet master Kenny Wheeler, vibraphone virtuoso Joe Locke, and pianist Jason Rebello. As well as collections of poetry and aphorisms, he recently published an enthusiastically received memoir, Toy Fights.   

Don is currently working with fellow guitarist Graeme Stephen in a duo that celebrates melody, harmonic richness and musical adventure while always being mindful of audience satisfaction.