Bio
Aidan Pope is a jazz guitarist, composer and educator based in the UK. He has recorded with musicians such as Iain Ballamy, Emma Rawicz and John Turville, played in Jazz Clubs throughout Europe and had airtime on radio stations (Notably Brooklyn Free Radio's segment, Mondo Jazz and Jazz FM via the Tom Haynes Big Band). In 2025, Aidan was awarded 1st Place at the Rome International Jazz Competition. The panel commented, “Aidan stood out for his impeccable technique, fluid and musical, a modern approach to the jazz guitar, never derivative and a personal, bright, articulated, constantly evolving sound”.
Aidan's current projects are a trio, which has sold out multiple venues throughout the UK, and an octet which is Aidan's compositional outlet.
AIDAN POPE TRIO: featuring James Owston on double bass and Matthew Holmes on drums. This exiting project seeks to push the boundaries of guitar trio playing and leans on improvisation to create new vistas within the music. The bands first album ‘Standard State’ has been performed extensively and continues to show the guitarists versatile approach to the guitar.
AIDAN POPE OCTET : featuring Lewis Sallows, Emma Rawicz, David Sear, Hugh Pascall, John Turville, James Owston and Matthew Holmes. This projects includes detailed composition but also allows room for each musician to flourish as improvisers. Their debut record is to be expected during 2025.