Matt Cliffe – tenor sax, Joel Stedman – flute and bass clarinet, Hugh Vincent – piano, Elliot Roffe – bass, Simon Henry – drums

MU Quintet are a Leeds-based instrumental acoustic jazz group drawing inspiration from the musical avant-garde with a sound characterised by rich compositions, explosive improvisation and intricate melodies

They comprise members of Ancient Infinity Orchestra, Matthew Halsall Band, Jasmine Myra Band, Kinaara and Yard Nule. They launched their debut album ‘Summit’ in December 2022 and tracks had strong support on radio via X-FM (Germany), Jazz FM, Worldwide FM, Ness FM, 1BTN, Totally Wire Radio and a great review in Jazz Journal. The album and it’s tracks have been streamed over 900,000 times up to now! Following this amazing feat, Norwegian label Jazz Aggression picked up on the album and have licensed and scheduled it for a limited edition vinyl pressing.

The group aims to celebrate the act of improvisation and free expression in the modern era. Direct influences include Ornette Coleman, Art Ensemble Of Chicago, Pharoah Sanders, Eric Dolphy, Sam Rivers and Andrew Hill. The compositions and playing style aim to present an alternative expression of the brilliance of jazz music, to the mainstream trends in modern jazz.