Photo courtesy of David J Thomas

Jazz Trombonist Ian Bateman has received recognition at last! Ian was voted runner-up to Mark Nightingale in the best trombonist category at the 2009 British Jazz Awards. Recognition has also been given to his band The Bone Supremacy, who after only 9 months of existence finished runner-up in the small band category!

2010 signals a few changes for Ian, now in his 34th year as a professional jazz musician. The biggest news is that the aforementioned Bone Supremacy, a band of five trombonists with a rhythm section, continues to go from strength to strength. Ian leads this band in partnership with Adrian Fry and with the addition of some of the finest jazz trombonists in the UK and an equally good rhythm section, this band has already taken off and will soon be a regular feature at the top jazz venues and festivals around Europe. The band has custody of some of the music library of the famous UK band Five-A-Slide and with Adrian's on-board talents as one of the best composers/arrangers in the UK, they are bringing something fresh to the UK jazz scene. Check out the web site by going to www.bonesupremacy.com where you can also purchase their debut CD featuring Mark Nightingale, Alistair White and Roy Williams!

Ian has also released a new duets album entitled Pure Imagination with Pianist Craig Milverton, which is available now!

Ian is now approaching his eighth 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.

Ian's other pet project is really gaining momentum - he has formed a be-bop quintet to play the music of Frank Rosolino and JJ Johnson from the 50's and 60's. The band will use many different players, but if the last gig with Alex Garnett on Tenor, Leon Greening on Piano, Alec Dankworth on Bass and Richie Bryant on Drums was anything to go by, the Jazz world is in for a treat! Look out for this line-up at the Teignmouth Jazz Festival where Dave Green will be joining the group on Bass!

Not only that but Ian's Jazz/Soul Band Kick Ass Brass (www.kickassbrass.com) have teamed up with soul singer Maggie Reeday and is therefore a 10-piece super-band! This band includes numerous covers of the incredible US band Tower Of Power and they produce a performance not to be missed!

Ian can also be seen and heard performing ocassionally with the resident Big Band at Ronnie Scott's in London, as well as other appearances with The Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Rod Mason's Hot Five, The Humphrey Lyttelton Band, Sticky Wicket's Big Band, Tony Jacobs Cream Crackers and Terry Lightfoot & His Jazzmen as well as his own Quartet. During four weeks in late 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, most notable in 2010 being Keswick as part of the Lake Records All Stars again and a fourth consecutive visit to the prestigious Norwich Jazz Party. Ian has already been booked for a fifth time at Norwich in 2011 and will also be present at the entire Keswick Jazz festival, including a concert with the Back To Basie Orchestra.

With the rise of The Bone Supremacy and a resurgence of work with Mr Acker Bilk, Ian is looking forward to a busy and rewarding time ahead.

July 2010