Malcolm Strachan Steps Into the Spotlight with Soulful Solo Era and New Single “Quest For Love”

Scottish trumpeter Malcolm Strachan—a mainstay of the UK music scene and founding member of The Haggis Horns—steps confidently into his solo era with a sound rooted in soul, jazz, and deep groove tradition. His new single “Quest For Love” offers a warm, late-night blend of soul-jazz energy and subtle dancefloor momentum, featuring vocals from Tanja Daese (also known as Lucinda Slim).

Strachan has been a professional trumpeter since graduating from Leeds College of Music in 1996, building a career that spans decades of global touring and studio work. He has performed and recorded with major international artists including Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse, Corinne Bailey Rae, Jamiroquai, and The New Mastersounds, as well as appearing on countless pop and soul recordings. His versatility has made him one of the UK’s most in-demand horn players.

Originally from Inverness, Scotland, Strachan co-founded The Haggis Horns in 1998 alongside fellow musicians Atholl Ransome and the late Jason Rae. What began as Leeds club residencies quickly evolved into a defining force in modern funk and soul, with the group gaining early attention through collaborations such as Keb Darge presents The New Mastersounds and the release of their debut album Hot Damn in 2007 on First Word Records.

More than two decades later, The Haggis Horns remain active as both a touring band and elite horn section, while also preparing new material for their own imprint, Haggis Records. Alongside that ongoing work, Strachan is now preparing to release his debut solo album About Time, a refined collection of soul-jazz instrumentals inspired by the classic Blue Note aesthetic—warm, melodic, and deeply groove-oriented.

“Quest For Love” offers a preview of that direction. Built on an infectious groove and understated rhythmic drive, the track balances elegance with movement—equally suited to a dimly lit dancefloor or an immersive headphone listen. It reflects Strachan’s ability to channel classic jazz sensibilities through a contemporary lens, while keeping the emotional core front and center.

With decades of experience behind him, Malcolm Strachan’s solo work feels less like a reinvention and more like a natural extension of a career already steeped in collaboration, musicianship, and soulful expression.