Michael Coates

Chair: Tenor 2

Year joined: 2023

Favourite band: Toshiko Akiyoshi / Lew Tabackin Big Band

Michael has been a regular rep with the band since 1993. He actually used to play alto 2 when Len decided to front the band full time rather than play in the section. Joe officially gave Michael the chair last year.

Michael grew up in Hamilton Ontario Canada, moved to the UK in 1992. He won jazz soloist of the year in the BBC Big Band competition, recorded as a featured guest with band. He has toured and recorded with Michel Legrand big band featuring Alison Moyet, with the Syd Lawrence and Ronnie Scott’s big bands. He has also appeared with American artists such as Curtis Stigers, Buddy Greco, Howard Keel, Johnny Mathis and Michael Feinstein.