Artists
Embark on a journey to uncover the finest talents among the world's best new bands. Experience the captivating performances that will leave you enchanted and in awe of their incredible artistry. Join us as we celebrate these extraordinary musicians and their remarkable performances.
Members of the band who will be on tour with Dana to SXSW.
Dino Baptiste
Introducing Dino Baptiste, the keyboardist, harmonica player and vocalist from London who's bringing the blues and boogie-woogie to audiences all over the world! Born Duane Eric Baptiste on March 30th, 1965 in London, Dino's musical roots run deep thanks to his grandfather, Denny Baptiste, an established saxophonist and clarinetist who performed at the famous Macambo's Jazz Club in Calcutta during the 1950s.
Dino's passion for music was evident from a young age, spending every free moment playing the piano and even organizing his school's first-ever evening concert. With no formal musical training, Dino is a self-taught musician, allowing him to develop his own unique and colorful style. Influenced heavily by blues and rock & roll, as well as his time spent in Munich where he was introduced to classic boogie-woogie piano music, Dino's skill as a pianist and vocalist only continued to grow.
In 1989, Dino made a life-changing decision to move to Melbourne, Australia and fully pursue his music career. He quickly made a name for himself on the blues and contemporary music scene, touring extensively and showcasing his frontman and entertainer skills. Dino returned to the UK in 1994 and formed his own band, performing across London and Europe for several years.
It was in 1997 that Dino was introduced to blues singer Dana Gillespie, and the two have been performing and touring together ever since. With over 30 years of professional live and studio performances under his belt, Dino has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music, including Mick Jagger, Lulu, Leo Sayer, Donald Fagen, Kiki Dee and Roger Taylor. He's a charismatic musician with a unique personality that shines through in every one of his 250+ performances every year. With influences like Ray Charles, Little Richard, and Jerry Lee Lewis, Dino Baptiste is a force to be reckoned with in the blues and boogie-woogie scene!
Harry Whitty
Harry Whitty, born in London in 2000, was destined to be a musician from the very beginning. Coming from a musical family, he started playing at a young age and began performing with his own bands when he was just 15 years old! Talk about a prodigy!
This young jazz man has come a long way since then, having worked with some of the biggest names in the business, including Mike Hatchard and the late Pete Burden. He even studied at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music, where he met his current bandmates Johnny Mayers and Jack Thomas.
Together with Tom Waters, they formed the Flaming Alligators, a New Orleans funk outfit that has played at some of the hottest venues in London, including Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s, Tam and One Night Records. You name it, they’ve probably played there.
But Harry’s talents don’t stop there. He’s also a member of The London Blues Band, working with the legendary Dana Gillespie, and he’s part of the NightTrain crew with Dino Baptiste. This guy is on fire!
And let’s not forget his own EPs, Feels Like Home and Trying My Best. But Harry’s not one to hog the spotlight – he’s also recorded with Rob Picazo, Luke Fraser, Emily Craig, The Cinelli Brothers, and Dan Clews.
If you haven’t heard of Harry Whitty, it’s time to start paying attention. This young man is making waves in the world of jazz, blues and funk, and he’s not slowing down anytime soon. Keep an eye out for him – he’s going places!
Cameron Rossi
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the groovy sounds of Cameron Rossi, a rising star in the world of jazz. Born on November 24th, 2002, in Worcester, this young man's musical journey began when he moved to the Isle of Wight at just two years old. It wasn't long before Cam found his musical calling, picking up the piano at 9 and the drums at 11. But it was the saxophone that really spoke to him at 13, and he hasn't looked back since.
By 15, Cam was already playing gigs around the Isle of Wight with his own quartet. And at 16, he took that band on tour around the south west of England. It was during his time at Peter Symonds College in Winchester, as part of the Hampshire Specialist Music Course, that his passion for playing music full-time really ignited. Cam had the opportunity to play with professional big bands and grow as a musician.
In late 2021, Cam moved to Trinity Laban Conservatoire of music, where he formed his current quartet. They headlined the Isle of Wight Jazz Festival in 2022 and have since played at some of London's hottest jazz clubs, including Hootananny Brixton and Milton Court for London Jazz Festival. He also joined "Beyond the Blue," with whom he has played at venues such as Vortex Jazz Club and Love Supreme Festival. But it's not just in the UK where Cam is making a name for himself. He's played festivals in Austria and Qatar with Dino Baptiste, where his love for blues began to flourish.
Cam's sound is heavily influenced by sax players such as Michael Brecker, John Coltrane, and Joshua Redman. He's become a fixture in the UK fusion scene, including playing with Conor Albert in early 2023.
But it's not just about the music for Cam. He often goes back to his roots on the Isle of Wight to help out the music community. He holds free workshops in secondary schools that lack funding for music, and he recently played a charity gig to raise money for Ukraine. With his heart in the right place and his saxophone in hand, Cam Rossi is definitely one to watch in the world of jazz.
Daniel Watt
Introducing Daniel Christopher Michael Watt, a percussionist hailing from the town of Bath, but now tearing it up on the jazz scene in London. Born on October 23rd, 1999, in Kingston Upon Thames, Daniel's early life was filled with both sports and music, playing with his four siblings before attending Wells Cathedral School for sixth form. Daniel's talent quickly caught the attention of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, where he performed in legendary venues such as the Barbican and Royal Albert Hall.
Continuing his musical journey, Daniel studied orchestral percussion at the Royal Academy of Music and jazz drums at the Guildhall School of Music, two of the most prestigious institutions in London. Now, he is a regular gig performer at venues like Ronnie Scott’s, The 606 Club and The Temple of Art and Music. He also plays and records with an award-winning baroque ensemble, Apollo’s Cabinet, and runs his own weekly jazz jam.
Apart from music, Daniel is a committed Christian and frequently volunteers at his church. He even leads a bible study group there, and in his spare time, he can be found cycling through the streets of London or fly fishing. With influences ranging from Steve Gadd to Taylor Swift, Daniel's style is a melting pot of genres and inspirations.
Daniel's honours and awards include Scholar at Wells Cathedral School, LSO Academy Percussion, Scholar at the Royal Academy of Music, and Scholar at the Guildhall School of Music. He may be saving himself for marriage, but he's not saving his talent, as he continues to inspire audiences with his rhythmic beats and catchy melodies.
FAQ
How do I sign up
Speak to the host of the event about taking part and they'll get you involved
What songs does the band know?
They have a large range and can hear your request
Can the band learn my song?
They can but talk to them on the night to work it out
Get involved at open mics & jams
We have a range of jams for artists to participate in, from Jazz to Latin across the week at our venues. Check out the what's on page for more.
Singers takes place every Sunday at the Elephant and Castle TAM. It's an open mic with singers to come and perform with our house band.