b. 6 December 1961, Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, England. After studying music at Roundhay High School, Leeds, Aspland attended Colchester Institute where he attained a degree in music. He was taught jazz and although mainly playing piano he occasionally played drums. After working with various bands in the Leeds area, Aspland moved to London in 1984. His first name band engagement came the following year when he joined the Pasadena Roof Orchestra. Through the 90s, Aspland became very well known in UK jazz circles, playing with resident and visiting artists such as Iain Ballamy, George Coleman, John Dankworth and Cleo Laine, Pete King, Dick Morrissey, Orphy Robinson, Arturo Sandoval, Ronnie Scott, Bobby Watson, Kenny Wheeler and Van Morrison, spending about six years touring with the latter. Through into the early 00s, Aspland continued to build a reputation as an excellent and inventive soloist. He is also known and respected as a gifted sideman and is especially adept as an accompanist to vocalists, among who are Liz Fletcher, Karen Lane, Claire Martin, Curtis Stigers, Anita Wardell, and actress Jane Horrocks on her 2000 album, The Further Adventures Of Little Voice. In addition to piano, Aspland plays Fender Rhodes, Hammond B3, clavinet, pianicca and other keyboard instruments. Among other artists with whom he has played and recorded are Roger Beaujolais, Alec Dankworth, Nigel Hancock, Ed Motta, Jim Mullen, Dave O’Higgins, Ray Russell and Sketch. Aspland played on the soundtrack of The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), also appearing briefly on-screen.