Jamie Brooks (pianist)
| Jamie Brooks | |
|---|---|
 Jamie Brooks in 2007 performing in Cambridge | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jamie Mark Brooks |
| Born | 8 July 1983 |
| Origin | Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England |
| Genres | Rock, fusion, classical, jazz, funk, progressive rock, pop, ska |
| Occupation(s) | Keyboardist, pianist, producer, arranger, accompanist |
| Instruments | keyboards, synthesizers, piano, organ |
| Years active | 1999–present |
| Website | |
Jamie Brooks (born 8 July 1983, Coventry, England) is an English pianist, keyboard player and composer/arranger.
Biography
Brooks was classically trained from the age of five, but developed an interest in rock, jazz, funk and pop in his teens and started playing in local bands. Following A levels centred on classical music, he went to Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge and studied a combined BA degree in Music and Creative Music Technology followed by an MA in Music Performance.
Performances
Brooks has toured and recorded with numerous bands in styles from ska, through rock and blues, to disco and funk including The Soul Patrol and the London-based prog/metal/fusion band Linear Sphere and well as touring keyboard roles with The Neville Staple Band and Behind Bars. He has also toured with ex- The Enid founders, Francis Lickerish and William Gilmour on the Secret Green project and Ed Rome and the Connectors.
Brooks performs with his jazz trio (The Jamie Brooks Trio) and a number of successful solo piano recitals including Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition and a programme of Argentinian music including his own piano transcription of Ástor Piazzolla's "Libertango".
In 2007, he composed the score for an independent short film - A Fistful ‘O Fishfingers – as well as playing piano in successful productions of West End Story and Anything Goes and was soloist with the Anglia Chamber Ensemble for Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.".[1] He also performed a programme of music for violin and piano by Charles Camilleri, Ástor Piazzolla, Pablo de Sarasate.".[2] and with Simon Fell on Composition No.62.".[3]
2009 saw Brooks' debut with Nottingham Symphony Orchestra at the Albert Hall, with a performance of George Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F under Derek Williams' direction".[4] He also played keyboards for productions of Cats, Les Misérables and Fame.
During 2010, Brooks recorded extensively with Drum and bass producer DJ Peshey and performed live concerts with progressive rock/metal band Aeon Zen as well as taking the role of Music Director for Fame.
He lives in Cambridge, England and is an in-demand performer and accompanist for both music and dance".[1]