The Rise of a Leeds Jazz Collective: A Journey Through Sound

The Formation of the Band

FL: Tell me a little bit about the background of the group and how it came to be.

SH: We all met and are based in Leeds, a vibrant city in the North of England. The band features five of Leeds' foremost jazz and improvising musicians. We draw influences from the musical avant-garde. The band formed from improvising sessions at an abandoned rugby pitch in 2021. We all share a love for the music of Eric Dolphy, John Coltrane, and Ornette Coleman. Our debut record has been streamed over 850,000 times now, so hopefully, the vinyl will sell well.

Meeting and Collaborating

FL: So how did you guys meet? Was it in the same academic circles, music school, or just through jazz clubs?

SH: Myself, Matt Cliffe, and Elliot met at Leeds Conservatoire, the local music school. We met Hugh and Joel through the local music scene, and then we all started playing together. We share a passion for creating original music and jazz.

Musical Vision and Direction

JFL: Was there a strong vision of what you wanted to do musically? Did the band have a particular path you wanted to follow?

SH: I set up the band with the intention of playing original music and making albums. We are heavily influenced by Dolphy, Ornette, Coltrane, and 60s/70s avant-garde jazz, but our goal was to make it sound fresh. Being in the North of England adds a unique identity to our music. It’s challenging to create something entirely new, but as long as musicians are honest and serious about their craft, I’m satisfied.

The Contemporary Jazz Scene in the UK

FL: What is your perception of the current contemporary jazz scene in Britain, especially in Leeds? Are you influenced by what's happening in London?

SH: The current scene in the UK is thriving, with a lot of new music emerging all the time. However, I feel the UK scene is too London-centric, which can sometimes make the music feel a bit sterile. What happens in London does affect us, but Leeds has a much more DIY feel, allowing for greater freedom. Sometimes, UK contemporary jazz can lack a connection with the spirit of the music, which can be off-putting. I personally try to maintain a connection with the music and often travel to the US to study with older musicians.

Jazz Venues and Audience Engagement

FL: What about the jazz clubs in Leeds? Do you have good spots to perform live, or is it mostly concerts in academic circles?

SH: There are a couple of clubs in Leeds where we all perform in various groups. With Mu, we aim to put on shows at regular music venues and jazz clubs. One of the best venues in the UK is the legendary Brudenell Social Club, and we try to play there as often as possible. We are currently working on booking gigs across the UK and Europe, but my marketing skills could use some improvement. As for the audience, it mostly consists of music fans, which is what I’m really seeking for the band. I generally try to avoid academic circles as much as possible.

The Future of the Band

As we look ahead, the band is excited about the possibilities that lie before us. We are committed to creating original music that resonates with our audience. The journey has just begun, and we are eager to explore new sounds and experiences.

We hope to continue growing our fan base and sharing our music beyond Leeds. With the support of our community and the passion we share, we believe that we can make a significant impact on the jazz scene.

In conclusion, the Leeds jazz collective is more than just a band; it’s a movement. We invite you to join us on this journey as we explore the depths of jazz and improvisation.

Thanks for this Q&A, Simon. We wish the group all the best for the future.

Reproduced by kind permission of Jazzaggression Records