Biography

Originally from Dreghorn, Irvine, Alan John Frew grew up in a musical family listening to all forms of grassroots music embracing many different genres from Bossa nova to country blues and Americana and in turn defining his own tangible style. 

Citing his late father Ian Frew, also a singer songwriter, guitarist as in influence, along with John Martyn, JJ Cale and bossa legend João Gilberto, Alan released his debut album ‘Go Easy’ in 2010 which was well received by major press and radio stations. 

Since beginning a songwriting career and during his time playing with local bands Alan opened for Scottish acts Paolo Nutini and Texas before going solo and playing supports to king of country guitar Albert Lee, Irish folk legend Sharon Shannon and jazz virtuoso Martin Taylor.
In 2013 Alan was asked to play and sing at Celtic Connections main event with the Rafferty Family as a tribute to the late Gerry Rafferty at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall. The show included performances  by The Proclaimers, Jack Bruce and Paul Brady, selling out on the first day and then later shown on BBC 2 and Sky Arts.

Since then Alan went onto perform at most of the country's top festivals, averaging around 160 solo shows per year in the uk and Europe.

European shows have included residencies at The Ma Nolans venues in Nice and Cannes during the Cannes Film Fest, The Plazza Stage at the Blueballs Festival  Switzerland, live TV performances in Holland and regular tours in Italy, Denmark and Germany

NEW ALBUM  - SONGS FROM THE SEA

Brand new double Ep album Songs From The Sea by Alan John Frew was released on November 18th 2023 to a sell out audience at Irvine Harbour Arts Centre.  The album has been played on various radio stations including Jim Gellatly's Amazing Radio Show, Celtic Music Radio,  Pulse Radio ( Ronnie McGhee. ) and is available on all major platforms to buy or stream including Spotify, Bandcamp and Amazon.  

Songs  From The Sea is a double EP studio album recorded in Venice, Italy by Damiano Ferarri and Ayr, Scotland by Jp Reid. The first EP being a full band sound and the latter a stripped down acoustic session.

Look out for the band at Scottish Festivals this year including Eden Festival  and an upcoming, full band, headline show at one of Glasgow's top venues to be announced on April 2nd 2023.

NEW YORK TARTAN WEEK

Alan has been asked to perform in New York City as part of Tartan week on 13th - 16th April. Gigs will include The Tailor, lCub Cummings and an outdoor show at Bryant Park.