Biographies
Greg Lawson - violin
Greg is part German Jewish, part traditional Durham mining stock. Growing up playing a variety of folk instruments, he studied violin (winning all sorts of prizes) at the Royal Northern College before arriving at the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. At the same time his broad interests and natural restlessness have led him into theatre, rock (on electric violin), Mr McFall's Chamber, and of course Moishe's Bagel. Greg's playing is characterised by intensity and a tone which sings every inch of the way. As a person he can be explosive, but always tremendously warm-hearted. His vibrancy and passion lends the band its intense force and sparkle.
Phil Alexander - piano
Phil was born in London to a leftwing Jewish family. He has a first in music from Goldsmiths College, where he studied with avant-garde guru John Tilbury. His musical experience ranges from Berlin Cabaret to contemporary classical, but his main love is klezmer (5 years in a Jewish wedding band planted a seed that continues to grow). In Edinburgh Phil currently leads his own jazz tango trio and plays piano with internationally-acclaimed Salsa Celtica, whilst his compositions have featured on London’s South Bank and at Edinburgh's Queen's Hall. Happiest leading the action from the middle, Phil’s driving piano and creative insight is the glue that brings the whole band together.
Pete Garnett - accordion
Pete grew up in the Yorkshire Dales but now lives in Galloway. Classical piano lessons at school proved uninspiring and he later taught himself to play accordion by ear. This took him into the folk scene, playing in ceilidh bands and with singer/songwriters. A growing interest in world music and jazz eventually led to Moishe's Bagel, passing through French cafe and Tango bands on the way . He also plays music for theatre, puppet shows, and silent films.
Home is an old showman's caravan on a hill farm though much of his time is spent on the road in his campervan doing gigs, going to sessions and exploring the countryside. In past lives he has been an engineer, plumber, and software writer, but 9 years ago took to playing music full time.
His rootsy box groove and encyclopaedic knowledge of tunes are the perfect compliment to Greg's firebrand fiddle.
Mario Caribe - double bass
Born in Sao Paulo, Mario started his musical education at 13, playing Bossa Nova guitar. He switched to electric bass one year later, and in 1986 completed a BMus in Composition. Back in Sao Paulo he was invited to play with the 'Heartbreakers', a condensed 9 piece jazz band, with whom he arranged, recorded and produced 7 CDs. He has also performed with many of the greatest singers in Brazilian Music such as Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, Milton Nascimento, Nana Caymmi, and Zizi Possi. Mario has held several workshops on Latin American Music throughout Scotland. A big personality, Mario’s resonant tone gives the band its fundamental foundation, whilst his imagination and lightness of touch provide an irresistible danceability.
Guy Nicholson - percussion
A student of tabla, darabouka and congas, Guy studied with some of the UK's finest Indian classical musicians. He has learnt to adapt his style to Scottish folk music, where he is much in demand with internationally-renowned guitarist Tony MacManus. This restless spark drew him to Moishe's Bagel, keen as always to combine his innate rhythmic brilliance with the chance to discover new forms and grooves. When he is not playing percussion on every surface he can find, Guy is an expert woodworker, running community workshops and an increasingly bustling Glasgow shop. His responsive genius is the central plank of the group's unique sound, whilst his take-no-prisoners personality lends the band a welcome edge.
