Jasmine

Jasmine Whalley alto sax, with Ben Haskins (guitar), Jasper Green (piano), Owen Burns (electric bass), George Hall (drums).

Jasmine are a saxophone-led quintet from Leeds, performing music composed by saxophonist Jasmine Whalley.

A keen improviser, Jasmine is appreciative of jazz’s innate embrace of imperfection, furnishing its artists with the freedom to utilise each of their live performances as separate vehicles for self-expression. Inspired by the likes of Bonobo, MF Doom and Madvillain, as well as fellow saxophonist – and NQ Jazz alumnus – Soweto Kinch, her compositions are subtly suffused with a hint of hip-hop’s signature swagger, combining the classic with the contemporary to create the sort of sleek yet sparkling soundscapes by which audiences can’t help but be captivated.

Somewhat of an accidental frontwoman, Jasmine originally had “no interest in leading a project or writing [her] own music”, but after finding herself in search of a suitable band to back her during her final recital at Leeds College of Music, the Jasmine Quintet was formed, later fortified via her involvement in separate musical project, Têtes de Pois.

“Live, the extra fun is watching the band when Jasmine hits some new improvisation or favourite riff, when they can’t hide their delight in her playing. Their faces flash appreciation or astonishment” – The State of the Arts

Sunday afternoon 13 February @Seven Arts 1.30-4pm £10/8 concessions, 25 and under £5 kids under 16 free.