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Full List of Finalists for 2024

Information on the three talented jazz musicians who have made it through to the Finals on Sunday 24 November 2024.

Sam Hancock (20) – Voice

Sam, born in Edinburgh, began singing at school in choirs and in musicals, taking lessons as a tenor. He developed a keen interest in jazz through various opportunities to explore self-driven musical projects with friends, in which he initially played the drums. Finding inspiration in the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, and contemporary figures like Kurt Elling, he began to teach himself the art of scat-singing, excited by the breadth of creative and expressive opportunity that can be found through use of the voice like an instrument. He has since played in numerous duo and quartet settings with some of Scotland’s finest young talents, including at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival Introducing Stage, and recently the Scottish Arts Club. He now studies history at the University of St Andrews with a place on a jazz scholarship group led by Richard Michael, attending jam sessions and playing gigs in a variety of musical settings. He also remains an active chorister, regularly touring the UK and Europe with student choirs.

Laurie Moore (22) – Double Bass

Laurie Moore is a bass player from Glasgow, Scotland. Being part of a musical family, Laurie was introduced to jazz from an early age. Since graduating from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2022, Laurie has worked with some of the biggest artists in the Scottish Jazz Scene such as Marianne McGregor, Mama Terra, Bill Wells and many more. He has also worked as a composer/arranger writing music for the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland as well as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Known for his big sound and strong sense of time and feel he has performed at many of the festivals in Scotland such as Glasgow Jazz Festival, Edinburgh Jazz Festival and at the likes of Ronnie Scott's in London. Laurie's music takes inspiration from many different aspects of life and he is always excited to share this with his audience.

Timmy Allan (27) - Guitar

Timmy Allan began playing guitar at church age 9 with his siblings and parents which helped cultivate his love for gospel and folk/americana music. He then delved into metal and then later finally jazz music which he is still focusing on quite heavily. Allan is in his 4th year at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland studying Jazz. Timmy Allan won the 2022 Phil Miller guitar prize in Birmingham. He is now making a name for himself in the Scottish jazz scene playing regularly in all the favourite jazz haunts of Glasgow and Edinburgh with the likes of Brian Kellock, Kevin Mackenzie, Paul Harrison, Alyn Cosker and Matt Carmichael.

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