Composer-in-Residence - NYJO

In 2019, I had a wonderful experience as the composer in residence with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. It gave me the opportunity to write a stack of arrangements and compositions for one of the best big bands in the country. We recorded some of these at Air Studios in September and it was a real treat to direct NYJO at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club in January.

The Charlie Bates Sextet

I have recently started a new project with a brand new sextet. It features a load of new original music and arrangements. We did our first gig for Birmingham Jazz last month and it was great fun so hopefully many more to come - Stay tuned!

​

Luke Vice-Coles   Trumpet

Josh Schofield     Saxophones

Josh Tagg             Trombone

Sam Ingvorsen    Bass

Jonathan Silk       Drums

Myself                   Piano

​

​

"This debut big band album is highly commendable. Replete with sophisticated arrangements, moments of sheer delight and exuberant playing from a youthful ensemble, it speaks very well of the state of jazz today in the UK."

Roger Farbey; All About Jazz

I recently had the great pleasure of writing an album of original music for some absolutely awesome musicians in my newly formed big band.

​

It is available as a physical purchase or download now!

​

Charlie Bates              Composer and Conductor

Percy Pursglove         Trumpet, Flugelhorn

​

Elliot Drew                  Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute

Josh Schofield            Alto Saxophone, Clarinet

Sam Craig                   Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute

Daniel Spirrett            Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet

Vittorio Mura               Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet

Nick Dewhurst            Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Alex Astbury                Trumpet, Flugelhorn

David Tibbitts              Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Christos Stylianides   Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Richard Foote              Trombone

David Sear                   Trombone

Josh Tagg                    Trombone

David Hamilton           Bass Trombone (Tracks 1, 2 and 3)

Andrew Clennell         Bass Trombone (Tracks 4 and 5)

Daniel Kemshell         Guitar

Jacky Naylor               Piano

Sam Ingvorsen           Double Bass

Jonathon Silk              Drums

Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Luke Morrish-Thomas

Photography by Nick Brown

Artwork and Design by Jack Dickerson

​