waynebatch321

SEEKING

Vocalist, Vocalist - Bass, Vocalist - Baritone, Vocalist - Tenor, Vocalist - Soprano, Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Other Percussion, Violin, Trumpet, Saxophone, Keyboard, Piano, Background Singer, Harmonica, Flute, Other, Banjo, Mandolin, Fiddle, Dobro, Vocalist - Alto, Trombone, Bagpipes, Steel guitar, Upright bass, Cello, Accordion.

ABOUT

Wayne Batchelor began his career at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama, on the
post-graduate program, where he specialized in the double bass and electric bass. He spent
eight successful years as part of London’s music scene, working with artists such as
saxophonist, Courtney Pine, Jason Rebello, Bheki Mseleku, Steve Williamson and guitarist,
Ronny Jordan among numerous others. He played regularly with the Reggae Philharmonic,
and Portuguese jazz pianist, Bernardo Sassetti. He then relocated to New York City to study at
The New School under the tutelage of Buster Williams and later on, Ron Carter.
Wayne soon became established on the international circuit and has toured, gigged or
recorded with Bobby Watson, Ernest Ranglin, Idris Muhammad, Frank Wess, Gene
Bertoncini James Williams, Kirk Whalum, Eddie Harris, Les McCann, Gene Harris, Eric
Alexander, Eddie Henderson, Monty Alexander, Melba Joyce, Carmen Lundy, Larry Willis,
Victor Lewis, Art Farmer, Joey Calderazzo, Wycliffe Gordon and Todd Williams to name a
few. Wayne’s twelve-year collaboration with Grammy Nominated vocalist Nnenna Freelon
has taken him to numerous international festivals in Japan, Israel, Korea, Brazil, Morocco, St
Lucia and he played on three of her Grammy-nominated albums.
Wayne’s diverse talents have led him to tour and record extensively with the New York Ska
Jazz Ensemble, and he has recorded with acclaimed reggae drummer, Sly Dunbar, and with
Bob Marley’s saxophonist, Dean Fraser. Wayne’s work outside of jazz have included
collaborations with folk-rock artists Dana Edelman, Cordelia Stephens, Boice, Brooke
Waggoner and legendary folk artist Christine Lavin. In 2009 Wayne was invited to be on the
jury for the Collegiate Jazz Festival at The University of Notre Dame. He is a regular
performer of gospel-jazz music at Manhattan churches such as Redeemer Presbyterian. He is
also featured in the Random House book; “New Faces of Jazz,” by Cicily Janus.