"I go into this space where I'm not really thinking about anything, and those are the best feelings"
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.
Becoming a frontwoman by happenstance, Jasmine originally had “no interest in leading a project or writing [her] own music”, but after finding herself in search of a suitable band to back her during her final recital at college, the Jasmine Quintet was formed, later fortified via her involvement in separate musical project, Têtes de Pois.
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 - made with the support of Matthew Halsall, Manchester-based jazz musician and co-founder of Gondwana Records, and set for release some time in 2022 - the evening’s setlist will undoubtedly showcase the cream of the quintet’s previous releases, but may also provide us with a preview of what’s next for this Northern sax star.
Jasmine Whalley // Saxophone
Ben Haskins // Guitar
George MacDonald // Keys
Owen Burns // Bass
George Hall // Drums
“Live, the extra fun is watching the band when Jasmine hits some new improvisation or favourite riff, when they can’t hide their delight in her playing. Their faces flash appreciation or astonishment”- The State of the Arts
To buy tickets for this event please visit our events page: Jasmine tickets from Skiddle.