US-based musician of international standing, saxophonist Greg Abate is considered to be amongst the finest jazz players of his generation. After studying at Berklee in the mid 70’s Greg went on tour with the Ray Charles band for two years before once again going on the road in the late 80’s with the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra. Following that experience he established himself as an international soloist, something he has now been successfully doing for the last 25 years working throughout the US, Canada, UK, Western and Eastern Europe and Russia.

Rush Hour jazz features a duo performance by two musicians who have built strong reputations both in Leeds and throughout the UK – guitarist Jamie Taylor and pianist Jamil Sheriff.

British pianist and composer Gabriel Latchin has made a name for himself as one of the UK’s finest musicians, praised internationally by critics and world-renowned musicians alike. Known for his effortlessly swinging feel and compelling performances, Latchin was recently praised by Dave Gelly in The Guardian as “the best straight-ahead jazz pianist to appear in the past few years.” Jazzwise recently described his playing as “impeccable… the clarity of his lines evoking something of Hank Jones or Tommy Flanagan”.

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

Phil Green will be your MC.

Ben Powling’s musical interpretations are described as “forceful Coltrane-inspired tenor” and showcase “a rich vein of Coltrane-isms” (London Jazz News) The performance will focus on John Coltrane’s music from the years 1958-1965, a period often regarded as his finest.

Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Havana, but without leaving Leeds! This dynamic HAR evening blends authentic Cuban music, dance, and culture into one unforgettable night of pure rhythm and energy.

The night kicks off with a salsa dance class led by renowned instructor Yersin Rivas, welcoming both seasoned dancers and curious beginners. Whether you're looking to polish your moves or take your first steps, this is your chance to dive into the world of Cuban dance.

The Gypsy Swing Collective are a fresh and exciting group of seasoned Jazz musicians offering dynamic and charismatic renditions of songs and tunes from the Django ‘Gypsy Jazz’ repertoire.

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.