Mike Kearsey

Quick Facts

Summary

Mike Kearsey is a British trombonist and brass arranger best known for his work with Robbie Williams and as a member of the Atlantic Horns. An experienced live and studio musician, he has performed on major tours, recordings and broadcasts, and has worked across pop, soul, jazz and funk projects.

Biography

Early career and musical background

Kearsey developed his career as a professional trombonist through session work and live performance in the UK music industry. His training and experience equipped him to work across a wide range of musical styles, including pop, soul, jazz, funk and big-band–influenced arrangements.

From early on, he combined instrumental performance with arranging skills, allowing him to contribute not only as a player but also to the shaping of brass parts within ensemble settings.

Work with Robbie Williams

Mike Kearsey has been a regular collaborator with Robbie Williams, performing trombone as part of the live brass section on arena and stadium tours, festival appearances and televised events.

Within Williams’ live productions, Kearsey’s trombone playing contributes to the powerful horn arrangements that have become a defining element of the modern touring sound. His work supports both high-energy pop material and more stylised arrangements, including swing-era performances.

He has appeared with Williams at major venues including Wembley Stadium and Hyde Park, as well as on broadcast performances and special events.

The Atlantic Horns

Kearsey is a core member of the Atlantic Horns, a brass section formed alongside trumpet players Ben Edwards and Mark Brown. The group was established to provide a dedicated horn unit capable of delivering consistent, high-quality performances across touring and studio contexts.

As part of the Atlantic Horns, Kearsey has worked with a wide range of artists beyond Robbie Williams. The section’s collective credits include collaborations with Amy Winehouse, Paolo Nutini, Mark Ronson, Groove Armada, Basement Jaxx, Madness and John Newman.

The Atlantic Horns are recognised for their tight ensemble playing, energetic stage presence and adaptability across genres, with Kearsey’s trombone providing both harmonic depth and rhythmic drive.

Studio recording and session work

Alongside touring, Kearsey has maintained an active career as a studio musician. His discography includes contributions to album recordings, singles and live session projects, with credits documented across multiple releases.

His work has taken place in major recording studios and broadcast environments, where he has delivered brass parts ranging from subtle supporting lines to prominent ensemble features.

Brass arranging and musical roles

In addition to performance, Kearsey has been involved in brass arrangement and preparation, helping to shape horn sections for live and recorded productions. This work includes adapting arrangements for different line-ups and ensuring consistency between studio recordings and live performance.