b. 8 June 1966, Edinburgh, Scotland. Rae was born into an intensely musical family. His father is bass player Ronnie Rae and his five siblings are all professional musicians. John began playing drums as a child and by his early teens was playing professionally. His first recording date came in 1983, when he was 16, appearing on Tommy Smith’s debut album. Among many musicians with whom Rae has played are Phil Bancroft, Spike Robinson, Maria Schneider, Martin Taylor and Kenny Wheeler. It was with Bancroft that he formed the John Rae Collective in the late 80s. Rae was also a founding member of the Scottish Composers Jazz Ensemble, played in the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, and in the late 90s formed and led the Power Of Scotland Big Band and Celtic Feet, the latter comprising Bancroft, Kellock, bass player Mario Caribé, concertina player Simon Thoumire and violinist Eilidh Shaw. A gifted musician, with an eclectic taste and repertoire, Rae is one of a strong and significant group of younger Scottish jazz musicians. (NB: this artist should not be confused with the American percussionist Johnny Rae).