When Luke was given the Declan Affley “Best Rising Talent” award in 1998, one year after first picking up the mandolin, his days as a classical piano player or indeed anything else, were numbered. He quickly became recognised for his playing and was brought in around Australia to record. In 2002 he joined Scottish supergroup Shooglenifty as a full time member. In Scotland Luke established himself as a firm session leader both as melody player and accompanist.
In the 8 years that have followed Luke has made 11 albums and made guest appearances on numerous others. An avid composer, his tunes can be heard dominating the Shooglenifty repertoire but he also likes the challenge of writing for other forms. His skills as a teacher and scholar have also not gone unnoticed. He has been flown to New Mexico annually to teach Bouzouki and Mandolin at Zoukfest, to Victoria Australia to teach fiddle and mandolin at Music Under the Southern Cross and has led numerous workshops and tutor weekends around Scotland.
Now more based back in Australia, he has broadened his musical experience with a national tour of the theatre show Cafe Rebetika, and performances with the Australian Ballet’s recent production of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. The return home has also seen Luke’s skills and experience in the studio in high demand as both producer and session musician.
His solo debut “A Splendid Notion” is released on Shoogle Records.