Iain Ballamy (born 20 February 1964) is a British composer and saxophonist.[1] He is considered one of the 25 greatest jazz saxophonists of all time[2] and was featured as one of the world's all-time greats in BBC Music Magazine's "100 Jazz Legends".[3]The Guardian described him as "one of the world's distinctive saxophone voices".[4][5] One of his closest musical collaborators is Django Bates.[1]
Ballamy was born in Guildford, Surrey,[1] and educated at George Abbot School, Guildford, from 1975 to 1980. He then studied Musical Instrument Technology from 1980 to 1982 at Merton College. He took piano lessons from age of 6 to 14.
He discovered saxophone in 1978 with three lessons and his first professional gig was in 1980. He played Ronnie Scotts as Iain Ballamy Quartet at age 20. He was a founding member of Loose Tubes in 1984.[1] First recording with Billy Jenkins in 1985, his first solo album, Balloon Man, was released in 1988.[1] Clive Davis' review in The Times described it as "possibly the most assured session so far by any player of his generation" "The Times" [Balancing Act]. 1989. [6]
In 1999, Ballamy founded the record label Feral Records, in partnership with graphic artist and filmmaker Dave McKean. In 2005, he composed the musical score for the movie MirrorMask. He also composed the score for Luna, which is also directed by McKean.
His latest musical endeavours include the Iain Ballamy Quartet, as well as 'Fascinada', a quintet exploring the vibrant music of Brazil. This group plays textural improvisations that lead into compositions by the likes of Ivan Lins, Milton Nascimento, Antonio Carlos Jobim & Hermeto Pascoal. This group features some of the leading lights of British Jazz, including Welsh pianist Huw Warren & British rising star guitarist Rob Luft.
"Cashier Number 6 Please" Documentary exploring the world of the ubiquitous automated voice – on railway stations, in the post office, on the phone and even around the home. With the music of Iain Ballamy & Ashley Slater. Inc interviews. 23/05/2005
Jazz on 3. Iain Ballamy and Stian Carstensen in session. 06/02/2004
Late Junction. Iain Ballamy and Stian Carstensen play live in the studio. Radio Three 6/2/2004.
Jazz Record Requests. Listeners' requests performed by Iain Ballamy, John Parricelli, Tim Harries and Ian Thomas. Live from the London Jazz Festival.
Front Row. White Horses TV theme by Jackie Lee and its enduring appeal since 1968 discussed by Iain Ballamy, with clip [3.40] Date: 04/09/2003
Between the Ears. Iain Ballamy improvises on the Drake song "It Was a Very Good Year". 29.12.02
Jazz on 3. Howard Riley and Iain Ballamy duo. 1.11.02
Jazz on 3. Iain Ballamy plays original compositions with his group Cob at Ronnie Scott's 21.12.01
Impressions. Iain Ballamy discusses his various projects and performs with his group Hungry Ants, with Richard Fairhust, Steve Watts and Tim Giles. 20.1.96
