1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? I was aged seven and I remember getting knocked down by a tram outside the Binn's department store at the West End.
2 What are your memories of school? I went to Melvi
lle College and Merchiston Castle and my memories are mixed between good and bad but, thanks to them, I learned the clarinet, then the bugle and then the trombone.
3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? I love Cramond because it feels like being in the country but is only 15 minutes from the city centre.
4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? This is my favourite time of year because I love the Jazz Festival and the Fringe Festival. I also enjoy visiting some of the city's great restaurants – Cafe Marlayne, Bar Roma and Vittoria's are fantastic.
5 What would you change about the city? I'd get rid of the planners who muck up the traffic by changing road systems before changing them back again.
6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out. I'd begin by walking the dog to get the papers in the morning before enjoying coffee in town at Cafe Rouge. I'd have a round of golf at the Royal Burgess in the afternoon before putting my feet up at home in the evening.
7 Which sports interest you? I love to play golf and will watch almost any sport – if it's played well.
8 What was your most embarrassing moment? It was at the King's Theatre many years ago. I was in the wings and just before we were called to go on I suddenly realised I was on the wrong side of the stage. What a panic. After crawling across the stage, behind muslin curtains, I ran on to find I was the only guy on stage. Eventually, one by one, the rest of the band joined me and what was to be a two-minute finale spot turned into a seven-minute session.
9 What was your greatest achievement? It was forming Fat Sams Band and selling out at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival.
10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words Edinburgh's for me.
www.edinburghjazzfestival.com
The full article contains 388 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
