About jazzyhobbit
Amy was voted winner of the Rising Star Category in the British Jazz Awards in both 2009 and 2011, coming 2nd place in the same category in the 2010 and 2012 awards. She has played all over the UK and throughout Europe at prestigious clubs and festivals, and is well known on the jazz circuit as a charismatic performer on flute her main instrument), clarinet and saxophones. Amy currently leads her own band featuring some of the most exciting musicians on the jazz scene, as well as making guest appearances with other highly acclaimed bands.
In July 2011 Amy graduated with a First Class Honours Degree from the Royal Northern College of Music, where she studied Classical Saxophone with Rob Buckland and performed with the RNCM Big Band under the direction of Mike Hall. During her final year of study, Amy was awarded the Martyn Edwards Bursary. She was also selected as the only woodwind student to perform in the finals of the RNCM Gold Medal Competition, the highest level competition at the college.
She has been part of the Best Of Young Jazz Project in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, as a mentor for young people in the Worcestershire area. During the scheme Amy has worked alongside phenomenal bass player and educator Steve Berry, to inspire and teach the students taking part in the BoYJ academy. She has also been involved in educating young saxophonists in Anglesey during their Summer Residential Course in 2011 and 2012.
Amy was honoured to be featured and used as a cover girl in the Autumn 2011 Clarinet and Saxophone Society Magazine, after being interviewed by upcoming writer and musician William Upton. She has since been a featured artist in JazzWise and Just Jazz Magazines, as well as taking part in interviews on BBC radio.
In January 2011 Amy became the first female musician to join the Big Chris Barber Band and has spent the past four years touring with them throughout some of the most highly regarded concert venues in Europe.
Amy has performed with the London Swing Orchestra, Pete Long's Echos of Ellington, Keith Nichols Blue Devils Orchestra and Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra, among others! New projects include the Magnificent 7 Jazz Band, and the Richard Exall/ Amy Roberts Quintet. The Magnificent 7 have just released their debut album "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly!" and the Richard Exall/ Amy Roberts Quintet have released their new album "Why Not?" to critical acclaim!!
The Richard Exall/ Amy Roberts Quintet have just received the Harry Cameron Jazz Trophy for being voted "Band of the Year 2013/2014".