John Rae is a jazz drummer and award winning composer. In 2009/10 he was the first ever jazz Composer-in-Residence  at Victoria University Wellington, New Zealand. "His writing incorporates a global perspective and his use of traditional instruments along with strings and jazz instruments can only be described as 21st century music". John recorded his first album at the age of sixteen with the Scottish saxophonist Tommy Smith and has subsequently recorded over 70 albums both as a leader and side man, including two BBC Jazz Albums of the Year. Awarded a ‘Herald Angel Award’ at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and leader and composer for the New Zealand jazz group, The Troubles. From 2000-3 drummer for the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and has performed and recorded with many world renowned jazz musicians including Ethan Iverson, Vijay Iyer and Mike Nock. Originally from Scotland, John has been a New Zealand citizen since 2016.