Biography
Born on 14 September 1969 in London, England, the gifted tenor saxophonist Baptiste first turned toward jazz upon encountering his father’s record collection. He trained at London’s Guildhall of Music. Lasting influences on his work encompass John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins, mirrored even in his choice of beard, while traces of Wayne Shorter sometimes surface in his phrasing. From his London base he has performed alongside fellow local players including Gary Crosby’s Nu Troop, Julian Joseph, Bheki Mseleku, Jason Rebello and drummer Caroline Taylor. His initial recording as leader appeared in 1999. By steadily shaping a personal musical identity, Baptiste shows every sign of emerging as a notable figure on the UK jazz scene. The excellent Let Freedom Ring! From took shape as a self-composed suite drawn from the speeches of Martin Luther King.
Albums
Singles
