Paddy Milner

Paddy Milner

Paddy Milner is an Edinburgh-born jazz musician and singer-songwriter. Born in 1980, he is known for combining jazz piano with a vocal style that draws on ska and Britpop, and for writing and arranging material that moves between jazz, soul and related styles.

Early life and training

Milner starts classical piano training at the age of 8. His father, David, introduces him to artists including Muddy Waters, Pete Johnson and John Mayall, and he learns songs closely from recordings. He begins performing professionally at 13.

He later moves to London to study music at King’s College London, where he graduates with a first-class degree. During this period he continues touring internationally as a support act for blues artists including Joe Turner and The Memphis Caravan, and Eugene “Hideaway” Bridges.

Career and recordings

Milner forms the core of his band The Big Sounds while at King’s College London, and records and tours with that group thereafter. His work includes collaborations with lyricist Pete Brown, formerly of Cream, and covers of The Beatles’ “Hey Bulldog” and The Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun”.

His debut album, Walking on Eggshells, appears in 2006 and gains critical and commercial success, reaching the top of the FNAC Jazz & Blues chart and also entering the French mainstream charts. His follow-up album, Based On A True Story, is scheduled for release in 2007.

Recognition and collaborations

Milner’s playing attracts praise from Dave Brubeck, who comments on his piano ability, and he is also noted by major blues figures. He supports BB King and Joe Cocker. Gerry Bron signs him to Bronze Records after coming out of retirement to do so.

Style and influences

Milner’s music combines a jazz piano base with influences ranging from Madness, Rufus Wainwright, Stevie Wonder and Nick Drake. His arrangements are described as intricate, and his style is presented as difficult to classify within a single genre.

Jawbone

He is also a member of Jawbone.