Artist roster

Based in Leeds since 2009, bassist Sam Jackson is known throughout the UK for his intuitive ensemble playing and encyclopedic command of jazz history and repertoire. Drawing on a lifelong study of the tradition - from early swing to contemporary improvisation, Sam can always be relied upon to bring energy and a sense of focus to the bandstand.

Sam has a highly active career and collaborates with a broad range of artists and musicians in both studio and live settings, contributing to projects that span jazz, popular music, folk, and beyond. He also works with undergraduate ensembles at Leeds Conservatoire, where he is able to share his deep appreciation of the art form with the next generation of musicians. In 2022, he published his first book, The Fundamentals of Jazz Composition, a distillation of years of performing, composing, and exploring this music.

Eliot Richards is a jazz saxophonist from Leeds, England, known for his energetic and soulful playing. He has performed across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, showcasing his talent in various jazz settings. Eliot's musical journey includes studies at Leeds College of Music and with renowned saxophonist Charles Owens in the USA. He is recognized for his ability to blend the styles of legendary saxophonists like Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, and Sonny Rollins while maintaining his unique musical identity.

Vocalist and guitarist Harry Orme has been entertaining audiences across the UK and Europe for over a decade. A devotee of the Great American Songbook, he draws inspiration from legendary singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra, as well as from the guitar mastery of Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass.

With a sound rooted in the spirit of John Coltrane and infused with the modern edge of Jerry Bergonzi, Jay Stebb bridges the gap between past and present jazz.

His playing combines the fire and swing of 1950s bop with the sophistication of today’s jazz language, resulting in performances that are both fresh and timeless.

Equally at home in ska, funk, and soul as he is in jazz, Jay is sought after for his expressive tone, versatility, and technical artistry

Tessa Smith is a seasoned performer, known for her ability to engage audiences and create memorable experiences. She can perform solo, as part of a duo, or with larger ensembles

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She has a particular focus on vintage jazz music, including shows themed around Wall Street, Prohibition, and the Charleston era. Her Gatsby-style shows capture the essence of the 1920s jazz scene. 

Drummer Steve Hanley is a 1st class honors graduate from Leeds Conservatoire and is part of a fresh generation of musicians from the northern quarter of the UK. Hanley has performed and collaborated with many prestigious artists including Mike Walker (Impossible Gentleman) Neil Yates (Edition Records), Ant Law (Tim Garland), Stuart McCallum (Cinematic Orchestra) and Jim Corry (Jamiroquai) to name a few. Hanley has been a Jazz North ambassador since 2014 and has appeared in many ensembles across the northern line rosters to date, with one such band (Family Band) going on to represent the UK at the 2019 12 Points Festival hosted at the Bimhuis, Amsterdam.

Recently, Hanley was nominated for a Parliamentary Jazz Award for ‘Ensemble of the year’ with ‘Ubunye’ which they went onto win in July 2023. As well as extensive touring across the UK and Europe, Hanley enjoys lecturing at the University of Hull and Sheffield, Leeds Becket and Leeds Conservatoire. Hanley’s approach generates a unique voice, through intrinsic grooves and free flowing melodic improvisation.

Robbie picked up his first pair of drumsticks at the age of seven, and was taught by the best teachers the UK.

At 13 years of age, Robbie was performing in various professional bands. He went on to gain a BA in Jazz Music from Middlesex University.

For four years, Robbie performed with international artists in the showband around the world

Robbie joined the RAF as a percussionist in 2016 and has once again been travelling the world, performing on stage and screen with artists including Tom Jones, Katherine Jenkins, Jeff Goldblum, The Darkness and Toploader.
 

Tom Maddison (Double Bass) Since graduating from Leeds College of Music's renowned jazz course in 2013, Tom Maddison has gone on to perform with a plethora of artists across the UK and internationally. From jazz and electro-swing bands at UK festivals such as Boomtown and festival, to big bands and orchestras at venues as prestigious as the Royal Albert Hall, Thomas brings a wealth of hard earned experience to the stage. He also has a passion for writing and arranging music, and examples of his work can be heard by many RAF ensembles, including the famous 'Squadronaires.