Don't think I'm the best singer in the world or any where near it but I do enjoy the odd number now and again if I record it i may post it here...

Jen and the Gents formed after four young Scottish musicians gravitated to Scotland's capital city. Jamming together in the artistic melting pot that was Edinburgh's much-missed Susie's Diner (the venue that spawned local alt folk legends Aberfeldy and Deaf Heights Cajun Aces), they soon honed their own unique style.

 Singer and guitarist Jen Ewan's musical Gents feature drummer and backing vocalist Stuart 'Pockets' Crout, Lewis Diamond on lead guitar and bassist Martin Beer. Described as vintage pop, Jen's poignant lyrics are rooted in everyday experiences and perceptive observations. The songs on their debut album Portobello have frequent references to Edinburgh. They express a deep sense of place, but the themes are universal. Together they've created a collection of songs broadcaster Jim Gellatly described as "Packed full of quirky little pop songs - a total joy."

 Seasoned performers on the Scottish festival circuit, Jen and the Gents played to packed audiences at BBC's Live at the Edinburgh Festival and, based on audience feedback, were invited back to play at the finale night. Their Edinburgh Festival performances have won them a worldwide fanbase and a fan video, featuring their song, 'Round the Corner', won first prize at the prestigious Machinima International Film Festival in Hamburg!

 Several of their tracks have soundtracked Channel 4's Hollyoaks and they have been played on local, national and international radio - Jim Gellatly's In Demand Uncut, Amazing Radio, New Zealand National Radio, Forth One, Leith FM, Radio Caley, KA Radio, Sky TV in New Zealand and Celtic Music Radio where they were the featured guests on Ciarin Dorris's 'Sunday Session'. 

 Press coverage includes features in Scotland on Sunday, The Scottish Sun and The Scotsman.

 "The title track of their debut album, Portobello, is a simple affectionate ode to the joys of Edinburgh's seaside resort" - Andrew Eaton-Lewis, Scotland on Sunday

 "Packed full of quirky little pop songs - a total joy" - Jim Gellatly, Forth One Radio

 "Catchy, Skillfully crafted songs" - Edinburgh Evening News

 "What I imagine would happen if Alice got out of Wonderland and decided to form a band." - Marc McAllister, Flicker Magazine

 "My fave thing about Edinburgh this year...Gritty folk rock with an Indie tinge...absolutely fantastic." - Steve McClean Ellis- Reelrebels Radio

 "Their tunes have no ego and are totally addictive" - Andrew Sharp- Spotlight Article

"Jen and the Gents’ sound is so happily addictive you really have to hear it to understand how the distinct vibe just takes over you." -Marc McAllister, Bleach collective

Hello!  Having recently read 'The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything', by Ken Robinson, here I am in pursuit of my Element, music.  Ever since I sat at my Grandfather's piano as a child, pressing the keys and enjoying the sound they made, I have been drawn to creating my own music, although in all honesty that first came about a few years later when I was a High School student.  I came close to studying music at university but at the time I chose to follow another passion: teaching.  And so, with a little coercion from my wife, and inspiration from my favourite quote: 'if not now, when?' - which is somewhat ironic for the king of procrastination - here I am pursuing a dream.

I am an amateur composer, working solely on piano.  My dream is to be a composer of film/TV soundtracks.  I am using Garageband for editing and mixing my compositions so please forgive any rough mixes at the beginning.  I also plan to try some arranging using the software instruments on Garageband.  My major musical influence is Barbra Streisand, both as a composer herself and the composers/musical directors she has worked with throughout her career, e.g. Marvin Hamlisch, Peter Matz, William Ross, Michel Legrand, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, etc.  Other influences include Billy Joel, Neil Diamond and The Carpenters.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you enjoy the music.

Joyce Carson is following