on stage
A keyboard role is as much about sound design as it is about the playing; alongside his technical expertise developed as a jazz pianist at The University of Southampton, Calum is meticulous in dialling in specific patches and sounds authentic to the record. Prime examples of this include his work in the highly acclaimed Good Times, where the focus is on high-energy, precise execution and getting those classic sounds exactly right. His rig is built to be adaptable, covering the specific demands of any show.
live performance
There is a lot of heavy lifting that happens before a band even starts rehearsals. Calum handles that transition from a studio track to a stage ready set. Having directed theatre shows, Calum currently arranges and runs the playback rig for Ruth Theodore. The job is about more than just a backing track, it’s about managing the technical side: playback, MIDI, and cues, so the artist can focus entirely on the performance.
His experience also extends to high-pressure environments having directed the resident band PULSE onboard P&O Cruises. In that environment, he was responsible for the entire nightly output, leading the ensemble through diverse, high-energy sets while ensuring the band remained tight and the production values stayed consistent.
From managing band dynamics to leading rehearsals, and writing charts to programming MIDI and cues, his focus is on leading effectively and building a reliable technical foundation so the band can focus on the performance.
Musical director
