A passionate performer and educator, British trombone player Dennis Rollins MBE has established a reputation as an artist of excellence, and has lent his unique and stylish talents to some of this country’s, and indeed the world’s, top jazz and pop personalities such as Courtney Pine, Maceo Parker, Jamiroquai, US3, The Brand New Heavies, Blur, Monty Alexander, Pee Wee Ellis and Jean Toussaint.
Dennis is also a renowned bandleader. In 2006 his jazz/funk outfit Badbone & Co won the prestigious BBC Jazz Award for Best Band and the following year he picked up Trombonist of the Year at both the British Jazz Awards and the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Awards. Dennis was nominated twice in the 2008 Parliamentary Jazz Awards – for Jazz Musician of the Year and the Jazz Education Award; he won the latter. His other awards include, British Trombone SocietyPlayer of the year 2013 and JazzYorkshire Award 2012 for his band Velocity Trio.
In his hometown of Doncaster UK, Dennis was given Honorary Freedom of the Borough in recognition of his successful musical career and for his constant inspiration to the regions musical youth.
Dennis says “Growing up, I was extremely fortunate to have had the most inspiring and dedicated teacher throughout my youth jazz experience. The skills and compassion I acquired were a result of that education. Teaching feels very natural to me and I feel it’s a duty to pass on my musical knowledge to the next generation.”
Being a sought after jazz educationalist Dennis has recently delivered a wide range of music workshops, working in collaboration with music departments of universities, colleges and schools, both throughout the UK and internationally.
Working as a solo artist, he’s currently recorded 5 critically acclaimed albums. Three with his award-winning band Badbone & Co and two with his progressive jazz organ-trio, Velocity Trio.
Dennis is currently composing music for his 6th album release with his brand new FUNKY-FUNK! groove ensemble.
He’s proud to be an exclusive endorsee of UK brass instrument maker, Michael Rath Trombones.
