| Instrument(s) | Guitar |
| Phone | 504-330-8554 |
| Phone (alt) | 832-932-5471 |
| batkins64@yahoo.co.uk | |
| Website | http://none presently |
I am a guitarist, playing in the style of Jim Hall, Pat Martino and even Django gypsy style. I play most of the bossa nova standards and jazz standards. I moved to Clear Lake area in 2009 from New Orleans area. I lived in Houston in 72-73 when I was just starting to play jazz. I had the priviedge to play with the late Arnette Cobb at the White House jam sessions. I played with vocalist Roseana Vitro in the 80s and played a gig with her in November 2010. I lived in Dallas from 1976-78 and played with musicians Marcel Ivery, Red Garland, Robert Sanders, Vicho Vincecio, Joe Johnson, Jim Shannon and James Clay.
In 1979-80 I played gigs with various Danish jazz musicians in Copenhagen. I attended North State University in Denton in 81-83 and was a graduate student majoring in jazz education. I studied privately with guitarist Jack Peterson in 1976-77. From 1992-1996 I had a gypsy/swing style jazz group in Dallas named "Trio Blanc." We helped pioneer gypsy/swing style jazz playing in Dallas/Ft. Worth area, playing in coffee houses, bookstores like Borders/Barnes Noble and and also corporate gigs.
I currently play with trumpeter Sparkey Korner (Sparkey's Jazz Express) and well as with the "Third Coast Swing Band." I am available for work and look forward to playing with other Houston musicians.