There aren't many world class practitioners of steel strung instrumental music kicking around that haven't been doing so, however consummately, for the last thirty odd years. Certainly not in Britain and most definitely not in Northern Ireland. It is also a matter of some irony today that the delightful tradition of 'British Fingerstyle' guitar playing seems to be healthier in America than any place within the British Isles. Welcome Colin Reid!

As with all the above musicians, Colin draws originally on a wide range of influences - blues, jazz, country and classical - to create a powerful, sensitive and universally folk sound on his acoustic guitar. As befits his diverse background of influences, Colin has performed and recorded previously with a variety of bands and musicians, including Niamh Parsons (in her band the Loose Connections), Joby Fox (from Energy Orchard), Brian Kennedy (Niamh Parsons album) and Peter Corry. With Niamh he has completed tours of America, Canada, Denmark and Germany. As a support guitarist he has toured with Bert Jansch (UK) and performed with Leo Kottke (Belfast's Waterfront Hall), Adrian Legg and Waterson Carthy.

In addition to his performance work, Colin has been a private guitar tutor for seven years and in 1996 he formalised his teaching skills at the Musicians Institute of Technology. Returning to Belfast the following year, he currently runs regular guitar courses at the Crescent Arts Centre for over 60 students per week.

Colin launched his solo career in November 1997 and has spent the time since developing a huge fan base in Scotland and Ireland, gaining interest from radio and TV and writing for his debut album. In addition the guitarist has secured an endorsement from Yamaha Guitars - he is currently demonstrating Yamaha's range of acoustic guitars at a variety of trade shows and guitar events in the UK.