Big Bamboo play Rumba, Choro, Mento, Beguine and Merengue – in an acoustic and improvised style reminiscent of New Orleans jazz. Clarinettist Richard Ormrod grew up with the rich, lyrical sound of early Caribbean music and has been playing in this style for thirty five years. Trombonist Will Osborne is passionate about early calypso and beguine and, together, they lead Big Bamboo on a tour through the first half of the 20th Century, across several seas, and through multiple musical traditions rooted in early jazz and hot dance.

Sextet ¡Ritmo Caliente!, formed from the rhythm section of northern Salsa powerhouse Orchestra Mambo International, present a 100th birthday tribute to Latin Jazz pioneer, vibist Cal Tjader.

Led by JazzLeeds regular John Settle on vibes, ¡Ritmo Caliente! honour Tjader’s extensive repertoire from a successful career lasting almost 40 years.

These top Latin jazz musicians from northern England and South America have played with a plethora of Latin music’s greatest, including Joe Bataan, Los Van Van, Grupo X, Jimmy Bosch and many more.

In the realm where Scottish wilderness meets musical innovation, pianist Fergus McCreadie crafts soundscapes that transcend traditional genre boundaries. His compositions are living, breathing interpretations of landscape - each note a brushstroke painting the rugged terrains and fluid seascapes of his homeland.

Jean Toussaint is undoubtedly one of the great tenors in recent jazz history. First coming to prominence with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers in the 80s, Jean’s blistering technique and lyrical sound have graced the bands led by such as Wynton Marsalis and Gil Evans as well as leading his own excellent line-ups.

A stalwart of the Leeds music scene for the best part of four decades, Tony Burkill has maintained a low profile nationally, choosing to favour continued study and development of the instrument over the attainment of success or recognition within the music industry. He has impressed audiences with his powerful and gutsy approach to improvisation and has been a well-kept secret amongst both musicians and audiences in the north of England since the 1980s.

All jazz styles and levels are welcome – vocals and instrumentals – it’s all about the vibe. We are back at Northlight on Potternewton Lane. The jazz Leeds trio will be there to support all performers. Phil Green will be your MC

Grammy-winning trumpeter Philip Lassiter brings an electrifying fusion of musical genres to the Howard Assembly Room, promising an unforgettable night of high-energy performance. With a remarkable career spanning multiple musical landscapes, Lassiter has established himself as a powerhouse arranger and musician who has collaborated with some of the most iconic artists of our time.