Current Projects
Some of Gerard's current projects are shown below. You can also read details of previous projects in the project archive.
STAND UP supported by Creative Leicestershire
Ten years in development Stand-Up is Gerard’s newest project. It is a combination of solo saxophone works and pieces for saxophone and electronics.
Every work is accessible and inclusive. The sublime beauty of atmospheric works such as Karen Tanaka’s Night Bird and Andy Scott’s My Mountain Top contrast with the freshness of Tony Davis’ dance inspired Iguacu, Come down and Dance. Gerard will also perform duos by Telemann and Ian Wilson using effects that have to be heard to be believed.
Virtuosic works by Paganini and Barry Cockroft include amazing techniques like circular breathing and slap-tongue. Multi-layered works, performed live, using a loop station complete this unique cutting edge project.
Iguacu Come Down and Dance - Tony Davis
DUO with Craig Ogden
Over the past few years, Gerard has built up an exciting collaboration with Austrailian guitarist Craig Ogden. Together they have developed a programme of original music for this beautiful combination.
This new duo have given over 20 concerts in venues ranging from St David's Hall, Cardiff to the Sugar Club, Dublin. The BBC and RTE have broadcast several of their performances.
Figment live from the Wigmore Hall
Their album pluckbow on Meridian Records, takes its name from Greg Caffrey's work of the same name which is featured on the CD. Other works on the album include funky, new crossover works by Ulrich Schultheiss, Andy Scott, Ciaran Farrell, Billy Cowie, Stuart Greenbaum and Ian Wilson.
The programme has music influenced by the dance rhythms of South American with works by Piazzolla, Celso Machado and Iain Ballamy. The composers may not all be familiar to you but the styles will be.
The Celtic inspired Shannon Suite by Ciarán Farrell contrasts with atmospheric pieces from Poland and Australia by Marek Pasieczny and Stuart Greenbaum.
Jazz inspired works by Andy Scott and Ulrich Schultheiss complete the programme. This programme has been previously performed at The Wigmore Hall, London and at the Sugar Club in Dublin.
Click here for more sound samples
THE PILGRIM'S RETURN with The Smith Quartet
Gerard's new recording called Perfect State with the Smith Quartet on RTE LyricFM records was released in 2007. They premiered two works by Irish composers Ciaran Farrell and Greg Caffrey in London's Wigmore Hall in Sep 2007.
In 2008 they did a 10 date tour of Ireland as well as several radio broadcasts.
Click here for more sound samples
ANAM CARA with Codetta
Gerard's collaboration with stunning Celtic Choir Codetta. They have recorded two of the tracks with Gerard for his new album Aria.
They performed on BBC1 Songs of Praise on June 10th 2007.
They premiered Ciaran Farrell's new work based on Tibetan chants on June 17th in Downpatrick 2007.
Such was the popularity of Saturday's Festival Coffee Concert that the event was forced to move to the Elmwood Hall in order to accommodate a larger audience than expected... Mid-morning magic.
Belfast Telegraph, Nov. 2006. Belfast Festival, Belfast.