The Belper Jazz Company featuring Dennis Rollins at the Assembly Rooms, Bakewell

Dennis Rollins MBE & Belper Jazz Company: A Night of Funky Jazz

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as one of the UK’s most distinguished trombonists, Dennis Rollins MBE, teams up with the fantastic Belper Jazz Company. Prepare to witness a musical explosion as they put the fun firmly into funk, delivering a night of high-energy, soulful jazz that will have you on your feet.—–Biography: Dennis Rollins MBE

Dennis Rollins MBE is celebrated as a passionate performer, influential music educator, and a true artist of excellence in the world of jazz. This British trombone player has established an impressive reputation, lending his unique, stylish talents to an elite roster of global music stars, including Courtney Pine, Maceo Parker, Jamiroquai, US3, The Brand New Heavies, Blur, Monty Alexander, and Pee Wee Ellis.Award-Winning Career

As a successful bandleader, Dennis Rollins has collected numerous prestigious accolades:

• Badbone & Co: His acclaimed jazz/funk outfit won a BBC Jazz Award for Best Band in 2006.
• Trombonist of the Year: He clinched this title at both the British Jazz Awards and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Awards in 2007.
• Parliamentary Jazz Awards: In 2008, he won the award for Jazz Education.
• Other Recognition: Further awards include the British Trombone Society (BTS) Player of the Year in 2013 and the Jazz Yorkshire Award for Best Band for his progressive jazz organ-trio, Velocity Trio, in 2012.

Commitment to Music and Education

Dennis was honoured with an MBE for Services to music as part of Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2018. His commitment to the craft is matched by his dedication to the next generation of musicians:

• Educational Work: A highly sought-after jazz educationalist, Dennis regularly collaborates with UK universities and colleges, delivering music programmes and performance workshops.
• Inspiration: He was granted Honorary Freedom of the Borough in his hometown of Doncaster, acknowledging his successful career and constant inspiration to local musical youth.
• Recent Honours: In June 2022, he received an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Discography and Endorsements

As a recording artist, Dennis Rollins has released five critically acclaimed albums: three with Badbone & Co and two with Velocity Trio. He proudly endorses UK brass instrument maker, Michael Rath Trombones, and Argentinian mouthpiece maker Boqar Baro Mouthpieces.