Jazz At The Merchants House presents Alyn Cosker

Alyn Cosker

Renowned drummer Alyn Cosker leads a star-studded quartet playing music from his acclaimed new album 'ONTA'

• Alyn Cosker - Drums
• Tom Gibbs - Piano
• Kevin Henderson – Guitar
• Elie Afif – Bass
  

Scottish drumming powerhouse Alyn Cosker brings his latest project home to Glasgow for a special showcase of his third studio album, Onta. Set within the historic, acoustic beauty of The Merchants House of Glasgow, this performance marks a major milestone in the career of one of the UK’s most formidable musicians.

"Alyn is a fantastic drummer who plays with a lot of heart, swing and passion... a jazz drummer for the now and the future." — Courtney Pine

Known globally as the driving force behind the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO), Cosker’s career has seen him share the stage with icons ranging from John Scofield and Branford Marsalis to Eddi Reader.

"A powerful and uncategorisable blend that sits, swirls, storms, and dances... Cosker never misses a beat." — Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz

Cosker's album, Onta is a vibrant tapestry of high-octane jazz-fusion, cinematic soundscapes, and the soulful melodies of Scottish folk. From the Weather Report-inspired grooves of “Lullapalew” to the atmospheric beauty of “Cassillis,” the repertoire showcases technical brilliance balanced with deep, melodic sensitivity.

"Onta is at its best when it digs deeply into its heady blend of Celtic traditional music and Weather Report-styled jazz fusion." — Textura

About Alyn Cosker:

Scottish drummer and composer Alyn Cosker is a well-established and much in-demand musician and recording artist with a formidable international reputation. A central figure in the UK music scene, his extensive jazz pedigree includes collaborations with a prestigious roster of artists, including Courtney Pine, Larry Carlton, Bheki Mseleku, Frank Gambale, Clare Teal, Brian Kellock, Joe Locke, Joe Lovano, John Scofield, David Liebman, Gary Burton, Randy Brecker, Branford Marsalis, Bob Mintzer, Mike Stern, and Bobby Wellins.

Regarded as one of the UK’s most versatile drummers, Cosker’s career is defined by an ability to navigate a vast range of genres with precision and soulful musicality. His work has taken him across the globe, from performing at iconic venues in New York to working with Eddi Reader in Osaka, Japan. This stylistic flexibility has made him a first-call musician for both large-scale orchestral jazz and intimate, world-class ensembles.

In May 2025, Cosker released his third studio album, Onta, to widespread critical acclaim. Described by All About Jazz as a "daring album where seemingly incompatible styles make for ideal partners," the record further cements his status as a distinctive compositional voice. Textura noted that the work "is at its best when it digs deeply into its heady blend of Celtic traditional music and Weather Report-styled jazz fusion.".

"A whirling dervish of a blending of jazz fusion, Scottish folk, and rock" Jeff Krow Audiophile Audition