Jazz at the Vaults: James Gardiner-Bateman - Sax

Coming to us of the back of a tour of Australia, James will be in excellent musical shape

James Gardiner-Bateman has been playing the saxophone since he was 9 years old. He grew up in Dundry, a small picturesque village in the Chew Valley, just outside the city of Bristol.

James attended Exeter Cathedral School, Wells Cathedral School and Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester. He then went on to win a scholarship to study at London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Music where he gained a performance degree in Jazz studies

Since graduating, James has been working and touring extensively with Grammy award-winning female Soul artist, Joss Stone as part of the three piece horn section he founded, “The Rhino Horns”.

James was a core member of Maceo Parker’s trombonist, Dennis Rollins’ funk outfit “Badbone & Co” for two years whilst he was studying in London. He toured with Dennis throughout the UK and Europe and his introduction to the world famous Jazz club, Ronnie Scotts started at this time – playing 3 night sell-out residencies at the club every year.

Most recently, James has been fortunate enough to work with other UK Pop & Soul sensations: Mica Paris, Beverley Knight, Pixie Lott and Paloma Faith. You may also have seen him recently “depping” in the sax section of Jools Holand’s band.