The John Altman Big Band

Ever since he fell in love with the sound of Ellington, Basie and Herman, and his uncles' big bands The Skyrockets,and the Sid Phillips Orchestra, award winning composer, arranger, and saxophonist John Altman has nurtured his ambition to lead a roaring big band of his own, that would reflect his diverse musical heritage,and function within the world of contemporary popular music.

This he has managed spectacularly over the last fifteen years since he began the trend that led to the success of Robbie Williams by securing a number 1 chart smash for Alison Moyet with That Ole Devil Called Love.

Using a contingent from his big band, he followed with a huge international chart smash for George Michael with Kissing A Fool, and an even bigger hit with It's Oh So Quiet featuring Bjork backed by the full eighteen piece John Altman Big Band.

Further success followed with the movie Little Voice, where the band backed the highly praised performance given by Jane Horrocks. Little wonder then that when trumpeter Steve Sidwell, a founder member of the Altman band, was asked to undertake arrangement and musical direction for Robbie Williams foray into big band music, he turned to Altman for guidance and and personnel to make the record the success it has become.

Now with the release of Sure Thing by the Altman big band,and orchestra featuring the very talented American vocalist Joan Viskant, and an all star line up of jazz greats in the UK and US lined up to record and perform Altman's music (the band's repetoire is unique - all composed or arranged by Emmy and BAFTA Award Winner John Altman), the time is right for this aggregation once dubbed by the Daily Telegraph 'the finest bi band in England today' to thrill audiences worldwide.

Jazz giant Benny Carter echoes the sentiments of many who have heard the exciting new CD when he talks of 'wonderful arrangements, wonderful singer and a wonderful band!'

The UK aggregation features trumpeters Guy Barker, Henry Lowther, Gerard Presenscer and Steve Sidwell, trombonists Mark Nightingale, Pete Beachill, Malcolm Griffiths, saxists Nigel Hitchcock, lan Dixon, Alan Barnes, Ray Swinfield, and Bob Sydor, and the selfsame rhythm section that features on Robbie's album, including Oscar nominee Dave Hartley.

The US band, which has just performed the soundtrack for the new Showtime movie Fidel includes jazz giants Peter Erskine, Pete Christlieb,Gary Foster, Tom Ranier, Warren Luening and Andy Martin.