Joss was born in the small seaside fishing town of Oban on the north west coast of Scotland and moved to Glasgow at an early age. It was in Glasgow where Joss started to take an interest in jazz, becoming involved with jazz workshops and big band at the Glasgow Arts Centre and performing with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland (NYJOS).
Aged seventeen Joss moved to London to study jazz at university. He was taught harmony and theory by Pete Churchill (Jazz Education award 2007) and Nikki Iles (Jazz Education award nominee 2007 & 2009) and had guitar tuition under the guidance of multi-instrumentalist Stuart Hall and Phil Robson (Winner of 'Best Jazz musician of the Year' 2009). Joss also developed his performing skills with tuition by founding members of Loose Tubes - Eddie Parker and jazz educator - trumpeter Chris Batchelor.
After graduating with an honours degree in Jazz (BA Music Jazz Studies) Joss stayed in London for several years working professionally before studying for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and moving to Devon where he still resides. Joss continues to gig with some of the top musicians in the South West.