Pavilion Champion: John Altman

Oct 3, 2024

ROTHESAY PAVILION

DONATE

John Altman Photo Danny Clifford

Pavilion Champion: John Altman

Photo by Danny Clifford

John Altman Quote

John Altman, Film composer, music arranger, orchestrator, and conductor, says:

"Rothesay Pavilion is a true cultural treasure, not just for Scotland, but for the global creative community. Throughout my career, I’ve seen how important venues like this are in nurturing the next generation of composers, musicians, and performers. The Pavilion’s restoration is a bold statement about the value of creativity, and it’s thrilling to think about the music, art, and innovation that will emerge from this space. Scotland’s rich cultural heritage deserves a venue like Rothesay Pavilion – one that not only honours the past but also looks ahead to inspire future generations. It’s an exciting moment for the creative industries, and I’m proud to support it.”

ABOUT John Altman

John Altman is a versatile English composer, arranger, conductor, and jazz musician, whose career spans various facets of the music industry. Born into a musical family in 1949, his early influences came from his uncle, Woolf Phillips, a conductor for Judy Garland, and Sid Phillips, a clarinetist and bandleader. Altman’s own career began with early collaborations with music legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Van Morrison, and Eric Clapton, solidifying his reputation as a musician with a wide range of skills and influences.

In film and television, Altman is highly regarded for his contributions as a composer and arranger. He gained recognition for his work on major films such as Titanic, where he arranged and conducted the traditional Irish music, and GoldenEye, for which he composed key pieces of music. His work in television includes iconic commercials and theme tunes, showcasing his ability to create memorable soundscapes that enhance visual media. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his work across genres.

Altman is also a respected figure in the jazz world, having played with some of the most iconic jazz musicians, including Chet Baker, and led his own jazz orchestras. His dual passion for jazz and orchestral music has led him to a career that bridges both popular and classical traditions, making him one of the most respected figures in modern British music. His ability to navigate different musical styles has made him a sought-after talent in the international music scene.

John Altman’s memoir:

Hidden Man book cover
BBC Music Magazine – Best Book About Jazz 2022 • Reviews

BBC Music Magazine, Best Books about Jazz, 25 October 2022

Big-time love and props to my long-time brother, John Altman, on the release of Hidden Man. From meeting him through our dear friend, Benny Carter, to having him write on the Michael Caine Albert Hall show, to transcribing my score for the Italian Job live performance, I can confirm that he is a rare find! Keep on keepin’ on my brother, and thank you for all you’ve done for me and the music community as a whole!
Quincy Jones 

This is what I have to say about John Altman: Think about it: Without exaggeration, it can be assumed that half the music of the 20th century wouldn’t exist without John’s contribution. The other half is rubbish.
Hans Zimmer

I’ve known John for over 25 years – a terrific musician and good guy. Always a pleasure to see him and play music with him. Love his stories.
Jeff Goldblum

John Altman is such a wonderful musician and human being!! We’ve shared the stage many times and he always brings such a high level of mastery. It’s always an honor to work together.
Jon Batiste (Golden Globe, BAFTA winning composer/bandleader)

Why does John Altman choose to be the Hidden Man? What is he ashamed of?  I always thought he was tremendously talented. A great musician and an all-round nice guy. Perhaps I was wrong.
Terry Gilliam (director, animator and Python)

I admit it, I like John Altman. Apart from being very good company, he is one of the few musicians, composers and arrangers prepared to work with people on crosses.  I’ve rung all the police stations in London, but no-one has a bad word for him.
Sir Michael Palin (Python, author and world traveller)

John has always shined ever so brightly whenever our paths have crossed, it’s hard not to notice his kind soul.
Joss Stone

I feel that I’ve known John Altman forever. Our paths have crossed in sweaty marquees at cricket matches , at fancy film events and, of course, in jazz clubs. But I couldn’t pin down where we had first met . It was at a gig at the Pizza Express in Dean Street , John was playing, I was talking, that I found out that we have in fact known each other forever.  Almost. In the happy, hippy days of 1968 the Brighton Combination set up an alternative arts venue/ cafe/ theatre/ gig space in an old schoolhouse just off the Brighton seafront. I dropped out of Uni to join the Combination and as part of of our artistic offering to the local community we ran all night raves ( although I’m not sure we called them that at the time). John reminded me that he would blow his sax all night and on into the dawn at these bacchanalian events. It’s a wonder either of us survived. John also wrote the soundtrack to a film that I was in with Jean Claude Van Damme called Legionnaire.  But I prefer not to talk about that.
Jim Carter (star of Downton Abbey)

The jolliest book of rock’n’roll tales in a long time….A terrific read from start to finish.
Record Collector

John has collaborated with a wide range of prominent artists across different musical genres. Some of the notable musicians he has worked with include:

  • Jimi Hendrix
  • Eric Clapton
  • Van Morrison
  • Rod Stewart
  • George Michael
  • Phil Collins
  • Sting
  • Diana Ross
  • Amy Winehouse
  • Björk
  • Chet Baker
  • Jimmy Page
  • The Temptations
  • Little Richard
  • Nick Drake
  • Quincy Jones
  • Barry White
  • Shirley Bassey
  • Roy Orbison
  • Muddy Waters
  • Plácido Domingo
  • Tom Jones