The wide appeal and unique style of Armand Boatman’s keyboard artistry can be explained only in part by his innate talent and years of intensive music education.  Probably of equal importance is the fact that his background and varied experiences have expanded his sensitivity as well as his love of life and all living things.  Although his early years were spent on a farm in Southeastern Washington, his mother insisted on having the finest music teachers available.

Armand began playing professional engagements at the age of 12 with one thought in mind, the extra money would give him the opportunity to buy every jazz album he could find.  In turn, he taught himself to play jazz.  When he was 15, he received a scholarship to the University of Washington and formed his own trio with older musicians.  Two years later came the Jazz Critics Award.  He received his Bachelors Degree in Piano and Music Education from Eastern Washington State University in 1960 and was immediately called to active duty in U.S. Army.  After returning to civilian life, Armand was certified to teach in the public schools in Washington, which eventually led to his becoming director of music for Richland Public School System and also working on advanced degrees in music.  During this time, he toured briefly with Henry Mancini. 

In 1970 he felt he had to return to his primary interest: playing jazz to live audiences.  Since that time he has played supper clubs and concerts all along the West Coast, settling in Phoenix in 1973 for a lengthy affiliation with the Doubletree Hotel chain.  He has received accolades fro and shared honors with many of the greats of jazz including: Jack Sheldon, Kenny Burrell, Clark Terry, Kai Winding, Milt Jackson, Herb Ellis and of late, Carl Saunders and Bobby Shew.  He is also a member of the Phoenix Jazz Quartet and the pianist in the Arizona Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.  Armand also teaches piano and jazz keyboard harmony privately in his home studio, and devotes much of his time to arranging and composing.  Armand is also a clinician and on occasion speaks about the finer qualities of accompanying, techniques in comping and improvisational skills.

Armand Boatman has been blessed with the opportunity of working with so many professional musicians since moving to the Valley in 1973.
Listed below are just a few musicians that he has performed with:

Here is a list of some show business “stars” that Armand has worked with:
Don Rickels, Bob Hope, Ethel Ennis, Red Skelton, George Burns, Mel Torme and Carol Channing.