>> Dennis Rollins
bio: Acclaimed musician, composer, educator and funkster extrordinaire Dennis Rollins is well-known on the British and international jazz scene and is celebrated for his virtuosity, versatility and unique approach to the underrated trombone. Hailed by the UK's Jazzwise Magazine as,the most exciting British trombonist for decades the charismatic artist is inspiring a new generation of musicians and audiences effectively demonstrating that the trombone can be exciting front-line instrument. Born in Birmingham, England in 1964 of Jamaican parents Dennis cut his teeth at the age of 14 studying and performing with The Doncaster Youth Jazz Association. After years of concentrated study Dennis relocated to London where his unique approach to the instrument was immediately and appreciatively recognised resulting in numerous offers of work. In the ensuing years Dennis further honed his formidable talent performing with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) and the legendary all-black jazz big band, The Jazz Warriors. Dennis Rollins has established a reputation as an artist of excellence who is comfortable performing many styles of music has resulted in his working with some of this country's and, indeed, the world's top jazz and pop personalities such as Jamiroquai, US3, Blur and Courtney Pine. Consequently, Dennis has toured the world extensively. Dennis Rollins has recorded 2 critically acclaimed albums to date promoting his funk/jazz band, Dennis Rollins' Badbone & Co considered by some as, "the most exciting on the UK live scene." (Straight No Chaser) An Ambassador' of the National Foundation for Youth Music's 'endangered species' programme to boost youth interest in instruments such as the trombone, French Horn, the double bass, tuba and oboe, Dennis is also on the Board of Advisors of the British Trombone Society. In addition to his work in performance Dennis is a gifted educator who is renowned for his unique and highly effective approach to music education.
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