Ian Bateman (Trombone - UK)

This year Ian celebrates 31 years as a professional jazz musician. Ian is now into this sixth year with Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band as well as his regular appearances as the featured jazz soloist with the Back To Basie Orchestra. Not to mention Andy Cooper's Top 8 Band made up of top names from the jazz scene around Europe.

In 2008 Ian has also embarked on 3 new projects! He has gathered 5 of the UK's top Trombone players along with a trio to form 'The Bone Supremacy', a band that not only re-creates the style of Five-A-Slide but also has quite a few great ideas of its own. 'Kick Ass Brass' is a tribute to top US soul/funk outfit Tower Of Power. Ian's main project is a tribute to two of his heros, Frank Rosolino and JJ Johnson where he performs some of their best known recordings.

Ian can also be seen and heard performing with the resident Big Band at Ronnie Scott's in London, as well as occasional appearances with The Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Rod Mason's Hot Five, Sticky Wicket's Little Big Band and Terry Lightfoot & His Jazzmen as well as his own Quartet. During the last 5 weeks of 2003, Ian set what must surely be a record when he performed in concert with 8 of these bands!! During 2004, Ian added the Dutch Swing College Band to this illustrious list.

Recognition has also come from across the pond for Ian. He changes styles again and joins the Los Angeles based Leslie Paula Salsa band for all their European tours. In March 2005 new heights were reached when Leslie sold out Ronnie Scotts for a whole week, with Ian again called up. With all the talent available to them in Los Angeles - the heart of Latin Salsa, it was a great honour for Ian to be asked to play for them at Ronnie Scotts.

These days you will also find Ian at many of the UK jazz festivals as a guest artist. In May 2007 Ian released his long awaited CD 'In A Mellow Tone'.

Photo courtesy of Bruce Lindsay

Web Site www.ianbateman.co.uk