Jasmine on influences, ImprovisatiOn & album release
Jasmine performs live at The Yard on 31st January
Making waves across the Northern scene, Leeds-based quintet Jasmine will be returning to the NQ Jazz stage after a triumphant turn in 2019, performing the understatedly charismatic works of saxophonist Jasmine Whalley.
A keen improviser, Jasmine is appreciative of jazz’s innate embrace of imperfection, furnishing its artists with the freedom to utilise each of their live performances as separate vehicles for self-expression. Inspired by the likes of Bonobo, MF Doom and Madvillain, as well as fellow saxophonist - and NQ Jazz alumnus - Soweto Kinch, her compositions are subtly suffused with a hint of hip-hop’s signature swagger, combining the classic with the contemporary to create the sort of sleek yet sparkling soundscapes by which audiences can’t help but be captivated.
With a new album currently in the works and set for release some time in 2022, her show will perhaps provide a preview of what’s next for this rising Northern sax star.
Q. How did you first get into jazz?
I first got into Jazz when I was about 13 or 14, at around the same time that I started learning sax. My dad is a Jazz pianist and would take me to local gigs and jams. After a couple of years of playing, I joined various youth bands around Leeds and my passion for Jazz kept on growing.
Q. Though you’re considered a jazz artist, many of your biggest influences are rooted in electronic music. How do you balance your love of both genres?
I really like listening to a variety of music and draw influence from a mix of genres. I would say my music is predominantly Jazz influenced; however, I am also inspired by a lot of electronic music. I think it's important as an artist to listen to a lot of music and always try to broaden your horizons. As a composer, I find that taking ideas from a mixture of genres and putting them together helps me to write music that sounds unique.
Q. You’ve previously praised the jazz genre’s encouragement of improvisation. What is it that you like about it?
I love the energy and excitement that comes from improvisation. I think there's something very cool about creating something on the spot, and taking risks and being vulnerable.
Q. Tell us about your new album. You mentioned on social media that Matthew Halsall has been a big support…
I've been working on my album for about two years now, and am very happy to say that it is finally finished! As I mentioned on social media, I've been very lucky to have a lot of support and guidance from Matthew Halsall, which I'm extremely grateful for. The album is coming out this summer; I'm excited to finally be able to share it with everyone after working on it for so long.
Q. What can our audience expect from your performance at The Yard on 31st January?
The audience can expect to hear a lot of new music that I wrote during lockdown. I hope that it will leave people feeling positive and uplifted.