Arve Henriksen, Bill Laurance and Brad Mehldau head to Leeds

Howard Assembly Room in Leeds have unveiled their Spring 2017 programme and there are a number of performances scheduled between now and May that may well appeal to the jazz community in the North.

On March 6th, pianist Bill Laurance performs. A former student at Leeds College of Music, Laurance's star has been in ascendance in recent years. A two time GRAMMY winner with Snarky Puppy, he has also been nominated for a MOBO as a solo artist.

Just two days later, Norwegian trumpeter Arve Henriksen performs with Trio Mediaeval on March 8th. Trio Mediaeval continuously re-interpret the ancient music of religious orders and the folk music of Nordic lands. Their shimmering luminous sound joins with Arve Henriksen’s hushed trumpet and live electronics to unforgettable and spine-tingling effect. Their new programme Rímur explores the mediaeval musical line between Norway and Iceland, with chants and folk songs from both countries including 14th Century vespers and ancient folk song

And finally, looking ahead to May there's a gig that is already selling fast; world famous pianist Brad Mehldau brings his trio with Jeff Ballard and Larry Grenadier.  On May 16th, the trio will perform in Leeds for one night only, playing music from their recent album on Nonesuch Records, Blues and Ballads.

To book tickets and find out more about the full programme, visit the Howard Assembly Room website.

Jazz at Howard Assembly Room - Early 2015

Howard Assembly Room in Leeds have announced their programme of events for early 2015 and have included three high profile jazz gigs in February and March featuring a host of internationally renowned musicians.

Saturday 7th February - Quercus

A trio featuring singer June Tabor alongside saxophonist Iain Ballamy and pianist Huw Warren. Their debut album was released on ECM records, a record which received glowing reviews. The music weaves original instrumental pieces between sets of songs chosen by Tabor. 'Nobody plays a note too many or expresses a false emotion. It's a unique tribute to the power of song.' - John Fordham

Wednesday 11th March - Ravi Coltrane Quartet

Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane appears in Leeds as part of his European tour with frequent collaborators David Virelles, Dezron Douglas and Jonathan Blake. Ravi was last in the UK to tour Spirit Fiction, his latest album which featured trumpeter Ralph Alessi, Eric Harland, James Genus, EJ Strickland and Luis Perdomo amongst others.

Thursday 12th March - Arve Henriksen

Norwegian trumpeter Arve Henriksen brings his project Places of Worship to Howard Assembly Room for a rare UK date. The pieces are written as reflections of religious sites and buildings and this performance features long-time collaborator Jan Bang and visual artist Anastasia Isachsen.