Luke Batson

Tenor Saxophone, Flute

Luke Batson has been an active multiple woodwind performer and educator in the New York tri-state area for over 25 years. Originally from the hills of East Tennessee, Luke has performed with acts as diverse as Ray Charles, Frankie Valli, Randy Brecker, Ernie Watts, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and many others. Since his first professional gig at the age of 16 big bands have been an integral part of Mr. Batson's musical life, regularly performing with groundbreaking bands such as the Pedro Giraudo Jazz Orchestra, Travis Sullivan's Bjorkestra, the Analog Jazz Orchestra, more tradition groups like the Swingtime Big Band and the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, and a host of others. Luke has performed with these bands in most of the major jazz clubs in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia as well as the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Macau International Music Festival. 

"I love playing with the Big Beat Big Band because it combines my love of funk and fusion along with the intricacies of the best big band writing. It has it all!"