Pianist, vocalist and composer Maria Grapsa brings a wonderful band of emerging stars from the UK jazz scene playing her original music bringing together contemporary jazz with influences from her Greek heritage, Middle-Eastern, folk and latin music. With an emphasis on song and improvisation, Maria's music unfolds from hard-edged saxophone solos to intricate and emotionally charged cinematic ballads. Her latest album 'Life' has already made an impact, and we're delighted to present her music at The Lescar, where she'll be joined by Luke Chakrabarti (alto saxophone), David Bustos (tenor saxophone), Ben Love (double bass), and Kai Chaurensy (drums).

"A highly impressive debut album from a composer & band leader who is clearly going places; A remarkable debut." (All About Jazz).

"The sextet's sound is highly dynamic, moving from pin drop/knife's edge individual spotlights & emotionally charged balladic melodies, to the untamed energy of burning saxophone solos over a roaring rhythm section." (Women in Jazz Media)

Maria's band has already sold-out prestigious UK venues including Soho's Pizza Express, Jazz at the Crypt, Woolwich Works, and at London and Birmingham Jazz Festivals, and she has been involved in projects across the London jazz scene including collaborations including with the NU Civilisation Orchestra, Tomorrow's Warriors Female Frontline, and Grand Union Orchestra, as well as performing alongside artists such as Tim Berne, ESKA, Gary Crosby OBE, Denis Baptiste, Jelly Cleaver, and Emma Rawicz. She also hosts her own radio show, East of the Sun, on One Jazz FM.

Amongst the musicians in her band, you may have caught a couple of them at The Lescar before; Luke Chakrabarti an expressive saxophonist with a great sound leading his own band, in//motion. Kai Chaurensy is a thoughtfully melodic drummer who you may have seen previously, playing with vocalist Nishla Smith.

Here's some music: youtu.be/6BueY1_PYWw?si=Pop_k1sSQqBg8UOX

Beautiful lyrical and wide-ranging music from a name to watch, join us for this gig.

We're delighted to welcome to The Lescar a collective of musicians drawing together some of the finest musicians on the Sheffield music scene. Mishra have been growing a national reputation over several years, winning Celtic Connections' prestigious 'Danny Kyle' award, BBC Radio 2 airplay for their albums 'The Loft Tapes' and 'Reclaim', and performing at festivals including Cambridge Folk Festival, Beardy, Timber, and more. Their distinctive music is rooted in the folk traditions of the UK, driven by a curiosity for cross-cultural exploration that was sparked when the members of the band encountered and began learning Indian classical music, as well as drawing on influences from jazz improvisation.

Mishra's new collaboration project with Indian classical vocalist Deepa Shakthi draws on their traditional influences, combined with the deep well of sufi music, and engaging songwriting craftsmanship.

Here's some music: youtu.be/du6frGH3si8?si=vjohWMOMhB-F1cJl

Originally founded as a duo of Kate Griffin on banjo and vocals and Ford Collier (The Drystones) on low whistle and percussion, the pair recruited John Ball (Rafiki Jazz) on tabla and santoor, Joss Mann-Hazell (Auka) on double bass, and Alex Lyon on clarinets and vocals. When the band met international fusion vocalist Deepa Shakthi (formerly Deepa Nair Rasiya), a blossoming musical friendship developed, turning into a collaborative project that takes the soul-stirring euphoria of Deepa's sufi singing as a starting point, and weaving in the threads of Mishra's UK folk and Indian classical influences to create a captivating cross-cultural sound. Their joyous performances are a journey of contrasts, from hand-clapping trance-like sufi songs to spacious stillness and reflection.

Over 30 years of studying Indian music and working across genres, Deepa Shakthi has forged an international reputation as a vocalist and composer, receiving awards and acclaim in the UK and India. She has worked with artists including Kuljit Bhamra and toured with Opera North's production of Orpheus.

"An airborne amalgam of cross-continental pollinations" Songlines Magazine

Performing brand new music from his upcoming album, one of the most original and respected pianists and composers on the UK jazz scene, Jamil Sheriff is joined by long time collaborators Dave Walsh (drums), Nadim Teimoori (saxophone) and Sam Quintana (double bass).

For this new project Jamil has written a collection of music that stands out amongst his impressive and wide-ranging back catalogue, drawing from African and Latin American influences as well as pieces more connected to classical composers such as John Ireland. Immersive and engagingly thoughtful music, with plenty of space and freedom for these world-class soloists to express themselves.

"Entirely Delightful - the model of a great band playing great tunes with flair and evident enjoyment." Jazzwise

Here's some music:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_ZTu7PIGxQ

www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG_otXIoiAQ

Jamil Sheriff is one of the finest pianists in the UK, a subtle and nuanced improviser, always unmissable, and unmistakeable in his approach. His list of playing credits speaks for itself, including legends such as Ingrid Jensen, Dave Liebman, Terell Stafford, Pete King, Henry Lowther, Gareth Lockrane, and Richard Iles.

Dave Walsh is a creative and versatile drummer, one who's worked with so many musicians over many years and recorded on over 70 albums, from Italian legend Enrico Pieranunzi to Stan Sulzmann, Don Weller, Stuart McCallum, Jim Mullen, 808 State, and across the worlds of jazz and rock to electronic and classical.

Anyone who heard saxophonist Nadim Teimoori at The Lescar previously as part of a vibrant trio with Corrie Dick and Ruth Goller, or leading his own quartet at Sheffield Jazz, or with guitarist Jamie Taylor in that standout gig last year, will know that he is a very special musician who's playing has drawn praise from the great US saxophonist Chris Potter. He has appeared with the likes of Stan Tracey, James Maddren, Gareth Lochrane, and Callum Gourlay, one of the leading UK lights on the tenor saxophone.

Bass player Sam Quintana has become a regular visitor to The Lescar in recent times, one of the most in-demand bass players around, full of imagination, melody and a rich tone, he's previously appeared at The Lescar with his own band Wandering Monster, as well as with Jamie Taylor, Jasmine Myra, Ben Haskins, Shapeshifters Trio and many other line-ups in recent years.

Join us for the very best in jazz improvisation from three powerful musicians as brilliant pianist Robert Mitchell leads an incendiary trio featuring bassist Olie Brice and drummer Johnny Hunter. The title for the band alludes to a quote that playing with John Coltrane was akin to 'stepping into the flames' every night.

One of the most significant voices in UK jazz, an extraordinary pianist, poet, composer, and Steinway Artist, Robert Mitchell has recorded with Greg Osby, Courtney Pine CBE, Daymé Arocena, Jason Rebello, Basement Jaxx, and Jacqui Dankworth MBE. A restlessly creative, imaginative and thoughtful musician, he has recorded fourteen albums of his own projects, as well as publishing three poetry collections and participating in over 100 projects as a sideman and performing in more than 40 countries. A festival creator and curator, as well as a highly respected educator, Robert also leads TRUE THINK, Epiphany3, and has won awards including at the BBC Jazz Awards (Innovation, as part of the F-ire Collective), Best Jazz Album (BBC Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards), a Paul Hamlyn composition award and has been nominated for many more including 2017 British Jazz Composer Award. The Flame have released two highly acclaimed live albums on the NYC based label 577 Records.

"absolutely transcendental music" by Corey Mwamba

"Robert Mitchell is one of Britain's finest and most versatile pianist-composer-improvisors" The Wire

"There are two poems by Mr. Mitchell included in the liner notes, both of which show him to be a wonderfully thoughtful, articulate and probing poet of the highest order." Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG NYC

Olie Brice is a bass player at the forefront of UK improvised music, a purposeful, energising and similarly thoughtful musician who's collaborations include Tom Challenger, Alexander Hawkins, Rachel Musson, Jason Yarde, Evan Parker, Tony Malaby, Ingrid Laubrock, Ken Vandermark and Louis Moholo, as well as performing at venues and festivals across Europe. His own quartet featuring Rachel Musson, Alexander Hawkins and Will Glaser releases a debut album in 2025, and he has also led a trio, quintet and octet which can be heard on albums including 'Fire Hills' and 'Day After Day'. You may have caught Olie previously at The Lescar leading his own inspiring ensembles, as well in bands including Dee Byrne's wonderful Outlines project.

"Brice makes the entire body of his bass sing. He has the ability to deliver a fractal line that is as purposeful as any by the great jazz bassists, but to do so within an entirely abstract setting" Brian Morton, Point of Departure

"imaginative and adventurous" London Jazz News

"consistently inspired" The Wire

A regular visitor to The Lescar, with strong links to the Sheffield music scene, enterprising and vibrant drummer and composer Johnny Hunter has featured in so many wonderful line-ups over the years, including leading his own quartet, and with many groups including Revival Room, Misha Gray's Prehistoric Jazz Quintet, Sloth Racket, the John Pope Quintet, Engine Room Favourites, Blind Monk Trio, Swiss-UK collaboration MoonMot. His music has been recorded and broadcast by BBC Radio 3, and performed across the country in notable venues such as London's Ronnie Scott's, the Manchester Jazz Festival, Birmingham Jazzlines at Symphony Hall, Liverpool International Jazz Festival, among many others.

A double bill of music with strong connections to Sheffield.

Bringing his award-winning trio we're delighted to welcome back Jascha Bingham, a pianist with a glowing and nuanced sound, originally from Sheffield and gaining a lot of attention on the vibrant Leeds jazz scene. Winners of the Bucharest International Jazz Competition 2024, his trio also features Sean Blake (bass) and Adam Scott (drums).

Pushing at boundaries with a strong focus on dynamics and interaction, and powerful influences including Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock this is a group with a real sense of direction and a shared aesthetic. Their music is beautiful; thoughtful, melodic and dynamic.

Here's some of their music:
https://youtu.be/b3x8gqoOS-A
https://youtu.be/s055tWLQtOM

Sharing this double bill, we present Wood & Metal, a drum duo featuring two of Sheffield's most expressive and exciting improvising musicians, both making a name individually and in their various projects with tours and gigs across the North and also more widely across the UK.

Wood & Metal features improvising Sheffield-based drummers Sarah Heneghan (Power Out, Nishla Smith, Paint or Pollen) and Will Shaw (balo, Assembly Trio, Life Aquatic Band), with music that creates a trance-like atmosphere of patterns, soundscapes and meditation. Using just their acoustic kits, Wood & Metal explores how creativity and possibilities can flourish when, paradoxically, limitations are placed upon us.

Thrilling and dynamic new music from one of the most accomplished saxophonists on the jazz scene, and a truly all-star band of the brightest stars from across the UK featuring Ivo Neame (Phronesis/Marius Neset) on piano, Tom Farmer (Empirical) on bass and Jon Scott (GoGo Penguin) on drums. They'll be playing music from their new album 'Friday the Thirteenth' released last year, music alive with energising sharp corners, polyrhythms and addictive ear-worms.

Saxophonist Mike Chillingworth has been at the forefront of the creative jazz scene in the UK for over a decade, collaborating with the likes of Stan Sulzmann, Julian Siegel, Kit Downes, Orlando le Fleming and many others, as well as recording four albums as a member of guitarist Ant Law's quintet. His first album released in 2016 'Scratch and Sift' featured Tom Challenger, Josh Arcoleo, George Crowley, Lewis Wright, Sam Lasserson and Jon Scott.

"Chillingworth is emblematic of this generation of jazz musician: a sculptor and architect with a keen sense of form, flow, colour and texture - The resulting music is exactly as great as it should be" cellarsandlofts.blogspot.co.uk

"Really special ... Very complicated but full of wit and melody too. Clever Sod." Liam Noble

"shrewdly melodic alto saxist Mike Chillingworth is central to the band's power, building smouldering intensity without bravura." John Fordham

Here's some music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-NnUg3OMIY

A multi-award winning pianist and composer Ivo Neame has achieved international recognition as one of the most innovative and dynamic figures on the contemporary jazz scene. His collaborations include the Frankfurt Radio Big Band and the London Sinfonietta, however he is perhaps best known for his work with the award-winning Phronesis and the Marius Neset Quintet, as well as collaborations with Hermeto Pascoal, Kenny Wheeler and Gilad Hekselman. A stunning pianist mixing virtuosity, sophistication and playfulness with dynamic energy and emotional depth.

"Ivo Neame is one of the very best jazz pianists on the UK scene" BANDCAMP DAILY

"That Neame is one of the most interesting jazz pianists of his generation may be clear. That he is getting better and better is too. The 10 years of almost constant touring has given him a prominent role in the front line of British jazz" WRITTEN IN JAZZ

Tom Farmer on bass is best known for his work with the long standing and award winning Empirical, with whom he has won multiple awards, including MOBO awards Best Jazz Act 2010, and Best Jazz Ensemble in the 2016 Parliamentary Jazz Awards, as well as touring extensively in UK, Europe and North America. He also plays in bands led by Ivo Neame and guitarist Ant Law, and in the group Dice Factory, with Tom Challenger and Jon Scott. A resonant, probing and thoughtful presence in every band.

One of the most creative drummers on the UK and European jazz scene, Jon Scott currently tours the world with Mercury-nominated GoGo Penguin and Ethio-Jazz legend Mulatu Astatke, as well as performing with Shabaka Hutchings' Sons of Kemet, Dice Factory (with Tom Challenger and Tom Farmer), and over many years working with the likes of Alexander Hawkins, Henry Lowther, Jim Mullen, Dwight Trible, Kairos 4Tet, Jasper Høiby, George Crowley, Hannes Riepler, Rory Simmons, Alice Zawadzki and more. His playing features on over 40 recordings.

Two of the UKs leading string improvisers, Shirley Smart (cello) and Tobie Medland (violin) with virtuoso and dynamic improvisations on 20th century music by Bartok, de Falla and others, combined with original works, jazz standards and free improvisations. Music alive with grooves, humour, wit and imagination, as well as a few stories!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmfc3Wtkc_Q



Violinist Tobie Medland founded and curates the Gypsy Jazz Festival of London, and has performed with many of Europe's leading figures in the Gypsy Jazz world, including Fapy Lafertin, Olli Soikelli and Dave Kelbie. Tobie also leads their own trio, Skylark, and larger band The Aviary, which launched its first album at the Vortex jazz club in 2023.

On cello Shirley Smart is recognised as one of the UK's most versatile and creative cellists, equally at home and well versed in jazz and Middle Eastern music, as well as classical music and has worked with artists including Avishai Cohen, Omer Avital and Yasmin Levy, Mulatu Astatke, Maya Youssef, Neil Cowley, and Robert Mitchell. You may have seen her before at The Lescar in her wonderful duo with Robert Mitchell, or with Alice Zawadzki and Misha Mullov-Abbado, both unforgettable nights. She also leads her own projects and released her first trio album 'Long Story Short' in 2018 to critical acclaim.

An evening of unexpected musical delights and brilliantly expressive musicianship. We can't wait to welcome Shirley and Tobie to The Lescar.