Close Up: Jennifer Batten
Photographer Diana Frangi meets musician Jennifer Batten
Jennifer Batten, the beautiful American guitar player, is well known for her outstanding appearance in Michael Jackson’s ‘Moonwalker’ with her highly original approach to the electric guitar.
Her major turning point was in ’87, playing in Michael Jackson’s ‘Bad’ tour for 18 months playing for over 4.5 million people. In ’92 she was asked again to join Michael Jackson for his ‘Dangerous’ Tour, and in January ’93 she joined Jackson to partake in Superbowl XXVII’s half time entertainment which aired to 1.5 billion people in 80 nations. It was the largest audience in television history.
In ’98 guitar hero Jeff Beck asked Jennifer to join his band. They played together for three years, creating the CD’s “Who Else” and “You Had It Coming”, both supported by world tours.
In 96, she recorded a song on Carmine Appice’s “Guitar Zeus” project which features guitar soloists such as Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert, Ingwie Malmsteen, and Queen’s Brian May.
Jennifer is about to release her 3rd solo CD/DVD called ‘Whatever’ and she is performing in the UK next March. Here are some of the shows:
March 10 Southampton The Brook (0238 055 5366);
March 11 Colchester – Colchester Institute, a show with an afternoon workshop (01206 712000);
March 12 Nottingham Rescue Rooms 0871 310 0000; for more shows and info visit: www.jenniferbatten.com
How did you get your big break Jennifer?
I was chosen out of 100 people who auditioned for the ‘Bad’ tour with Michael Jackson in 1987.
What would you be doing had you not become a musician?
I might be working with animals in some capacity or out in the forest working in nature.
Which famous person would you like to be?
Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft.
What is your biggest regret?
Not seeing Hendrix live.
Which song do you like to sing when you are in the shower?
John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps”.
If I gave you £ 200,000 tomorrow, what would you do with it?
Pay off my new motorhome.
Fantasy Dinner Party
Which seven people would you invite and why would you invite them?
Peter Gabriel, Preston Reed, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Eddie Van Halen, Merry Streep, Harrison Ford. I’d invite them because they’re all so talented.
Where would you hold your party and why there?
Kauai Hawaii because it’s a gorgeous place.
What food would you have at the dinner?
Hawaiian Luau food and vegetarian alternatives.
What sort of music or entertainment would you have?
Native Hawaiin band – very soothing music.
What would you talk about?
Art, music, theatre, career moves.
Is there anything you want to ask any of them?
What is the source of their passion for their art–what drives them.
Which one of your guests would you go home with and why?
None…extremely talented people are totally nuts!
March 1st, 2009 at 1:15 am
Jennifer Batten was the person who finally silenced forever all the people who said that women couldn’t play electric guitars as well as men.
Her performances as part of Jeff Beck’s band were quite incredible.
Good to see her interviewed here.
March 1st, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Great to see CLOSE UP again, CLASS interviews.
Not many female guitarists in the world can hold their own up against the top shredders!
March 1st, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Jennifer is a leading guitarist and has played with some of the top artists in the world.
If you haven’t seen her perform or heard any of her music then I suggest you give her a listen.
I’m glad she was featured in this article as she well deserves a mention.
March 1st, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Great to see CLOSE UP again! Thanks for coming to the UK Jennifer, you are a top shredder, see you in Southampton on the 10th. William
November 14th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Jennifer is excellent. Very talented you keep rippin baby. But those fans of female guitarist,dont forgetabout Lita. Her and Jen would be hel on amplifiers if they got together.
February 8th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Michael Jackson was a really great entertainer. I like his lyrics and the way he tries to influent the listener. He is the only one and i thin people won’t forget him the next 500 years!
Greetings to all of you
April 16th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
I love Jackson