Role

:

Conductor  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

December 26, 1957 in Chiswick, London, England

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Guy Barker is a renowned British jazz trumpeter, composer, and arranger. He was born on December 26, 1957, in Chiswick, London, England. Barker grew up in a musical family, and his father was a jazz drummer. He started playing the trumpet at the age of twelve and was soon performing in local bands. Barker's talent was recognized early on, and he was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He graduated with honors in 1979 and began his professional career as a session musician. He played with a variety of artists, including Sting, Elvis Costello, and Gil Evans. In the early 1980s, Barker joined the jazz-funk band, Incognito, and toured extensively with them. He also played with the jazz fusion group, Loose Tubes, and was a member of the Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra. Barker's career took off in the 1990s when he formed his own big band, the Guy Barker Orchestra. The band featured some of the best jazz musicians in the UK, and Barker's arrangements and compositions were highly praised. The band released their debut album, "Into the Blue," in 1991, which received critical acclaim. Barker's big band has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican Centre, and the Montreux Jazz Festival. They have also collaborated with a variety of artists, including Van Morrison, Georgie Fame, and Jamie Cullum. In addition to his work with his big band, Barker has also composed music for film and television. He has worked on several BBC productions, including "The Fast Show" and "Absolutely Fabulous." He has also composed music for the films "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and "The Importance of Being Earnest." Barker has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1994, he won the prestigious BBC Jazz Award for Best Band. He has also been nominated for several British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors (BASCA) awards for his film and television work. In 2010, Barker was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He was also awarded the Gold Badge of Merit by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors in 2016. Barker continues to perform and record with his big band and as a solo artist. He is known for his virtuosic trumpet playing and his ability to blend different musical styles, from jazz to classical to pop. He is also a respected educator and has taught at several music schools, including the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. In conclusion, Guy Barker is a highly respected and accomplished jazz musician, composer, and arranger. He has had a long and successful career, performing with some of the biggest names in music and receiving numerous awards and accolades. His big band is considered one of the best in the UK, and his compositions and arrangements are highly regarded. Barker's contributions to the world of music have been significant, and he continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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