The Scratch Band was formed in March 1998 to feature Mark's compositions for a large ensemble. The impetus for the 11-piece band came from a desire to write in an orchestral way for a large jazz group and the name reflects the spontanaeity and freshness in the music. The line-up features some of the most creative improvisers in Britain today.

In 1997 Mark won the Peter Whittingham Award to record the project, and in September 1998 Mark's debut with the Scratch Band, Through Rose-Coloured Glasses, was released to critical acclaim. The album had a host of very positive reviews and Time Out voted it one of their top 10 records of 1998. The Observer described the album as "an inviting musical landscape, alive with fresh, bright instrumental combinations." The music ranges from the raucous big band blowing of 'Tall Stories', to the almost symphonic textures of 'Castles in Spain', and the gentle folk-flavoured piece 'The Way of the Road'. The band's music was described by one critic as a "fascinating type of orchestra jazz."

In October, 1998 The Scratch Band did it's first nation-wide tour which was supported by the Arts Council of England. The band toured again in 1999 and also made an appearance at the Grimsby International Jazz Festival. Mark was commissioned by The Cheltenham Jazz Festival and Birmingham Jazz to write a new set of pieces which were premiered at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival in April 2000.

The Scratch Band is:

Mark Lockheart / Rob Townsend	saxes
Rowland Sutherland	flutes
Sid Gauld / Dave Priseman	trumpets
Richard Henry	bass trombone
Jim Rattigan	french horn
John Parricelli	guitars
Huw Warren	piano
Martin France	drums
Dudley Phillips	bass

What the reviews say:

"With his 11-piece band Lockheart creates the most inviting musical landscapes alive with fresh bright instrumental combinations and harmonies" The Observer	"....... it featured abrupt tempo changes; folksy, busy counter-melodies under lurching jazzy horn lines; and a blend of the bluesy and the rustic. It also marked the maturing of Lockheart as an ambitious composer" The Guardian
"Lockheart fashions rich orchestral textures and always ensures that the ensemble is a flexible, breathing unit." Jazz Journal	"A lively, varied showcase from a fine composer." Jazzwise Magazine
"Shifting moods suddenly lurching from a drunken oompa stomp one moment to a capering folky theme the next." The Birmingham Post	"With his 11-piece band, Lockheart creates the most inviting musical landscapes, alive with fresh, bright instrumental combinations and harmonies." The Observer
"A powerful set of contemporary jazz, his spacious improvising is a refreshing antidote to many tenor players exploring Coltrane vocabulary." Time Out	"The music bridges the gap between big band and contemporary classical." Sheffield Telegraph
"This is great writing, not just themes and solo opportunities, but structures, an understanding tension and fusion, and a sense that it all has to be integrated. Wow-someone's got the point." Musician	"Top ten albums of 1998." John Lewis, Time Out "A beautifully crafted offering of delightful songs." Cadence