Jasmine Publicity picture

Peter Bacon reports:

Two Leeds-based bands, Jasmine and Slow Loris, are the latest beneficiaries of the Jazz North Introduces scheme which offers high-profile exposure at leading jazz festivals in the north of England for young, up-and-coming musicians. They also get career support and promotion.

Slow Loris Publicity picture

Jasmine combine the influences of jazz and hip-hop, using electronics to introduce layered horn parts over a traditional saxophone led jazz quintet setup. The band is made up of Jasmine Whalley (alto saxophone), Ben Haskins (guitar), George MacDonald (piano), Owen Burns (bass) and George Hall (drums).

Slow Loris is made up of Sam Lowther (guitar), Sam Evans (guitar), Chris Sellers (bass), and Theo Goss (drums) who met while studying at Leeds College of Music. Sam Lowther says their music is “dark, intense and energetic” with rock and metal influences, alongside a love of electronic music and hip-hop, yet staying rooted in jazz. They enjoy challenging traditional genre boundaries to create fresh, original music.

Lucy Woolley, Jazz North Introduces Project Manager, said: “Every year we are impressed by the quality of the applications to the Jazz North Introduces scheme and it is always exciting to see the amazing new artists entering the scene.  By working in partnership with festivals, Jazz North Introduces will provide Jasmine and Slow Loris with the opportunity to perform throughout the region giving jazz audiences their first glimpse of the great talent that is emerging here in the north.”

Jazz North’s partners in the initiative are Durham Jazz Festival, Gateshead International Jazz Festival, Lancaster Jazz Festival, Liverpool International Jazz Festival, Manchester Jazz Festival, Marsden Jazz Festival, Scarborough Jazz Festival and Leeds College of Music.

LINK: Videos about Jasmine and Slow Loris