Denys was born in London to St Lucian parents in 1969. He studied music from age 13 and then, in 1990, he went on to study at West London Institute (Brunel university). He continued his musical education at London’s Guildhall School of Music in 1992, where he studied under Jean Toussaint, former Jazz Messenger. Denys showed extraordinary talent, energy, and dedication from the moment he joined London’s jazz circuit. Denys was spotted by Gary Crosby, a veteran Jazz Warriors double bassist at his regular Tomorrow’s Warriors jam sessions. He invited Denys to join Crosby’s Nu Troop band immediately. Denys has seen tremendous growth as a soloist, bandleader and leader since then. Denys’ immense talent is based on his powerful technique and ability to improvise fluently across a variety of musical styles. His unrestrained energy takes him and his audience into the musical stratosphere. Denys’ evenings will be filled with unrestrained expression. His repertoire includes sweet “saxuality” and breathtaking, edge-of your-seat virtuosity. Denys’ distinctive sound has made him a “the icon” of British jazz, according to Time Magazine. Denys is a sought-after soloist who has recorded with many of the most prominent names in jazz, including Marvin “Smitty” Smith and Andrew Hill. Denys is a versatile musician who, although his roots are in jazz, incorporates ideas from other musical styles and popular culture to create a repertoire that is modern, multi-layered, and highly accessible. His brilliant compositions have won him great critical acclaim. from www.denysbaptiste.com
