Imaginative and multi-faceted, combining memorable themes with sophisticated rhythms & dynamics in a series of inventive compositions that embrace numerous twists and turns.” The Jazz Mann

Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat make a welcome return to JazzLeeds , celebrating the release of their second album Northern Flame – a collection of new music inspired by stories of the resilience and strength of Northern women past and present.

Join Xhosa Cole at Seven Arts Leeds as part of the launch of his third LP ‘On a Modern Genius Vol. 1’, which celebrates the compositions of the inimitable pianist Thelonious Monk. This new project ‘FreeMonk’ explores, abstracts and collages Monk’s compositions, breathing new life into these timeless tunes.

The friendliest jazz jam in town! Come and join in or just enjoy the fun. All styles and levels welcome – vocals and instrumentals – it’s all about the vibe. The JazzLeeds house band are there to support all performers. Phil Green will be your MC

Payf collection

Jazz Jam session @Seven Arts Bar Sunday 23 February Doors 1.30pm Music 2-4pm

Payf collection

Offshoots is back in February at a new venue: Holding Patterns! Free entry with performances from Lewys Holt, Territorial Gobbing, Harvey Parkin Christie and Teruki Chan.

For his second Leeds Jazz Festival 2025 show, Leeds world music/global beats boss promoter Lubi Jovanovic is bringing the mambo and salsa fire to Belgrave Music Hall on Friday 23rd May. Live on stage, top 12 piece mambo/Afro-Cuban jazz/salsa ensemble Orchestra Mambo International. If you love the music of Latin legends Tito Puente, Ray Barretto and Eddie Palmieri, you will love this band.

Jazzleeds are pleased to welcome to Leeds Jazz Festival trumpeter Jay Phelps who has curated an exceptional show which will bring together the best of Miles Davis from 1958 and 1959. Canadian born Phelps has had a career spanning radio presenting for Jazz FM and Worldwide FM, as well as creating the Youtube documentary series Ear to the Ground. Jay has performed with some of the world’s top artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Shabaka Hutchings, Amy Winehouse and Wizkid.

Blur the Lines featuring Jamettone will be an innovative showcase of improvised live music and inspiring performances from Leeds based poets, rappers, singers and musicians.

It’s been quite the journey so far for Lence and Blur the Lines with sold out shows at Leeds Playhouse, an historic event at Leeds Library and multiple appearances at Leeds Literature Festival. This time they are joined by Jamettone, a collective of exceptional musicians who will be creating improvised instrumentals to accompany the artists on stage.

Longtime Leeds jazz/world music promoter Lubi Jovanovic (DJ Lubi), kicks off his 2025 Leeds Jazz Festival program at The Attic (Sheaf Street) on Thursday 22nd May.

For nearly two decades, Eric Chenaux has been gently twisting songs into new shapes. Pairing what has been described by the Guardian as “one of the all-time great singing voices in popular music” with sparse, metronomic rhythms, the Canadian artist is capable of conjuring up songs that feel as familiar and well-trodden as standards. It’s through his spontaneous guitar playing and lightly abrasive pedal improvisation that they change, stretched into something stranger.