CHARLIE BATES

Born in 1994, Charlie grew up in Bishop’s Stortford and began learning the piano aged 9. Charlie was introduced to jazz in his teens by his grandparents and went on to join the Essex Youth Jazz Orchestra.    In 2013, Charlie began his studies at Birmingham Conservatoire, where he was taught by some of the finest musicians in the country including John Taylor, Liam Noble, John Turville, Hans Koller, Mike Williams and Percy Pursglove.    Charlie graduated from the Conservatoire with first class honours and continues to run his own quartet, sextet and Big Band as well as playing in many other settings. He plays piano with the highly acclaimed Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra and recently performed live on BBC 2.   Charlie is a keen composer and arranger for ensembles of all sizes. He writes original material for all of his groups and has written for other big bands including read more...