Adrian was born in Lancaster and started playing clarinet at the age of 9 years. Adrian studied Jazz and Contemporary music at Leeds College of Music where he was awarded the Red Price Prize for Clarinet and the Ricordi Prize for Musicianship. Adrian then went on to gain an MA in Composition at Huddersfield University.

In the 1990`s Adrian visited New Orleans several times with Bricktop`s Jazz Babes and was made an Honourary citizen of the city.

For several years Adrian has played lead alto and solo clarinet with the New Squadronaires, the Kings of Swing, the Memphis Belle Swing Orchestra and the Glenn Miller Tribute Orchestra. Adrian also plays Tenor, clarinet, bass clarinet and flute with Chris Dean`s Syd Lawrence Orchestra. Adrian has done several summer seasons in Blackpool at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the North Pier.

Adrian also runs his own Trio and a 6 piece Dixieland band called the Engine House Stompers.