Chris Dean

Britain’s foremost big band leader, Chris Dean started out as a boy soldier in the Household Cavalry and studied trombone at Kneller Hall. He went on to play lead trombone at the London Palladium, and in February 1978 Syd Lawrence invited him to join the Orchestra, where he stayed until 1983.

As a session musician he has worked with artists including Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé and Sheridan Smith, and with film composers such as Jerry Goldsmith. He has performed at royal events, including Her Majesty The Queen’s 92nd birthday party.

From 1987 to 1992 he played lead trombone with the Ted Heath orchestra while leading his own Great British Big Band, and in 1991 he recreated the Geraldo Orchestra.

In 1996 Chris took over leadership of the Syd Lawrence Orchestra on Syd’s retirement, and the band was voted “The Best Big Band in the Land” for 13 consecutive years. He continues as Musical Director, vocalist and jazz trombonist, and also leads the Chris Dean Quartet.