Xhosa Cole ‘Rhythm-a-thing’

Critically acclaimed saxophonist, flautist, composer, and Winner of the 2018 BBC Young Jazz Musician of the year Xhosa Cole is an embodiment of the success of numerous community outreach arts programmes in Birmingham. Having started playing Tenor Saxophone at Andy Hamilton MBE’s Ladywood Community Music School, Xhosa has now established himself among the long legacy of Birmingham Saxophonists including Soweto Kinch and Shabaka Hutchings. In this band Xhosa explores the music of Thelonious Monk with his own unique arrangements that explore different Rhythmic possibilities and dimensions.

Xhosa’s early career was shaped by a number of musical mentors including the likes of Sid Peacock, Jean Toussait, Mike Williams, John Ruddick and Percy Purseglove, giving him a varied outlook on his approach to development and a deep connection to the lineage and tradition of Jazz music. More recently it has been various collaborative, performance and compositional opportunities that have forged his development and helped to establish him as an emerging name on the UK scene.

In 2018 he was the recipient of the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year Award and has since: performed alongside artists including Monty Alexander and Courtney Pine and as a soloist for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales; had the opportunity to perform at prestigious venues and events including the BBC Proms, Birmingham’s Symphony Hall and Ronnie Scotts; and In 2020 received the Parliamentary Jazz Award for Best Newcomer and the Jazz FM Breakthrough act.

Earlier this year, Xhosa completed his inaugural 23 date UK tour with his quartet featuring Trumpet virtuoso Jay Phelps, Birmingham veteran drummer Jim Bashford and fellow BBCYJM finalist James Owston. The band recorded his debut album K(no)w Them, K(no)w Us alongside featured guest artists, saxophonist Soweto Kinch and Pianist Reuben James. As a recording artist, Xhosa featured on Kinch’s latest album ‘Black Peril’ where he played alongside African-American Jazz titans: Drummer, Gregory Hutchinson and Pianist, ELEW (Eric Lewis). Cole also recorded saxophone for UK R&B singer songwriter Mahalia’s critically acclaimed debut album Love and Compromise.

Xhosa’s deep and authentic connection to the lineage of Jazz music has helped to establish him among the most exciting young talents in the country. At this stage in his career he is continually learning, developing and growing; in keeping with this great tradition. His exposure to players from a range of different traditions and outlooks compounded by his strong connection to his inner-city community in Handsworth at the heart of Birmingham has helped to develop a fiercely unique and independent voice.

Xhosa Cole // Woodwinds

Josh Vadiveloo // Bass

Jim Bashford // Drums

Venue information:

The Yard, 11 Bent Street, Manchester, M8 8NF.

Evening Concert + Livestream at The Yard

Monday 29th November 2021 at 7.30pm (Please note, doors will be at 7pm)