Buster Birch b.mus (hons), lgsm, p.g.dip
Buster Birch has a degree in music from the University of London and a post-graduate diploma in jazz performance from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He also studied at the Drummers Collective in New York City and privately with Jim Chapin and Joe Morello. Since completing his studies he has travelled extensively as a musician, performing in over 30 countries. A musician of great versatility, Buster has gigged with many of the UK’s finest jazz musicians, including Peter King, Jim Mullen, Gerard Presencer, The Bobby Wellins Quartet, Geoff Simkins, Dave Cliff, Alan Barnes, John Critchinson, Ian Shaw, Derek Nash, Mark Lockheart, Chris Lawrence, Steve Waterman, Chris Batchelor, The Branco Stoysin Trio, The Deirdre Cartwright Group, Julian Nicholas, Ashley Slater, Claude Deppa, Dominic Ashworth, Julian Mark Stringle, Geoff Eales, Paul Morgan, Matt Wates, Peter Ind and more. He also performs with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Sarum Chamber Orchestra and has extensive experience in musical theatre, including the west end. His recording credits include 15 jazz albums as well as pop (Lily Allen) and film score studio sessions. He is professor of jazz at Trinity College of Music, co-director of the Trinity Jazz Summer School and a visiting lecturer at The Royal Academy of Music and The Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
He cites the following as just some of the many musicians who continue to influence his playing and musical approach...
Miles Davis, Jimmy Smith, Clifford Brown, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, Roland Kirk, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Dr John, Trilok Gurtu, Airto Moreira, Tania Maria, Stevie Wonder...
