Trevor Watkis

Jazz

Pianist Trevor Watkis, is a multi-talented, internationally-known performer, arranger and composer, who studied at Berklee College of Music, in Boston.

Trevor has worked on television and on the big screen, most notably accompanying Natalie Cole and Elvis Costello in the film “DeLovely”, he has arranged music for radio, theatre, and has appeared in several television commercials.

Trevor’s long list of performing credits includes playing with UK-based greats Courtney Pine, Jean Toussaint as well as international icons, Billy Higgins, Stanley Turrentine, Kenny Garrett, Gary Bartz, Eddie Henderson, James Spaulding, and Betty Carter. Trevor’s debut recording as a leader, ‘Straight Ahead… Ride For Tone!’ was recorded in New York with some of the city’s finest musicians. He toured Europe as a member of Kenny Garrett’s quintet and is currently working on a new album which will be his follow-up to his afore-mentioned album.

As well as being a professional musician, Trevor is very active in music education and engaging young people. In addition to the Jazz programme at World Heart Beat he has a leading position at the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy, and is the curator of various multifaceted, jazz based, educational legacy projects and events around the UK.

Greatest Musical Inspiration

My greatest inspiration are all the great artists I got to see and hear live in performance, too numerous to mention, but Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody, Hank Jones, Betty Carter, Mulgrew Miller, Herbie Hancock, Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Garrett, George Duke, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Dianne Reeves, Cedar Walton, to name but a few.

Best Musical Advice

Be consistent, work hard, put the work in, then you will see the fruits of your work. Study and practice some classical music, it’s a good foundation, even if you’re more interests leans towards other genres. Ask yourself why you want to play and study music – do it with love and enjoyment, studying music shouldn’t be a chore.