Easter Uprising: Zola Marcelle, Jemima Whyte + Knobil

Jemima Whyte

Zola Marcelle is a name that has been quietly but powerfully carving its place in the UK contemporary jazz scene.  Born in Zimbabwe and situated in London, the Bantu artist has quickly emerged as a force to be reckoned with. She makes her debut to celebrate her debut album 'HOME' released under Jazz Re:freshed.  Her work has been given the nod by the likes of Soweto Kinch and Gilles Peterson with radio play everywhere from BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 1, WWFM and KCRW. Not to mention television play on the acclaimed BBC drama 'Dreaming Whilst Black' by creator Adjani Salmon. Marcelle has additionally collaborated alongside some of the brightest names in UK Jazz including Ashley Henry, Myele Manzanza, Sheila Maurice-Grey and Daniel Casimir. A fierce performer who gives every ounce of herself to the stage and the audience, expect a show full of culture, vivacious and tribal performance mixed with contemporary jazz, soul and experimental sounds.

Jemima Whyte is the newest alto saxophonist and vocalist beginning to excite jazz audiences in venues across London. With roots in the north, her style has been heavily shaped by the vibrant dance culture and afrobeat scenes in Leeds at venues including The Old Red Bus Station and Hifi Club, and her distinctively hard sound and dynamic improvisation drawing from contemporary alto masters like Kenny Garrett. Backed by a 7-piece powerhouse band including an all-female horn frontline, Jemima’s compositions blend energising grooves with rich horn lines, whilst incorporating her love for old school breaks and intimate gospel interludes. With captivating performances at Love Supreme Festival, EFG London Jazz Festival, and jazz re:freshed her, Jemima is set to continue to bring a fresh, exciting voice to UK Jazz this year.

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Double bassist, singer and composer, Louise Knobil invites you to dive into her world where Jazz , Punk , glitter and French Chanson merge with a sparkling and audacious energy. Inspired by iconic figures like Esperanza Spalding, Charles Mingus, and Boris Vian , this rising star of Swiss jazz transforms her personal diary into a unique musical adventure. Polyamory, chronic insomnia, and pesto recipes intertwine in compositions that are both personal and universal. Her impertinent melodies, blending double bass and voice , gain in intensity thanks to the talent of her faithful ' knodisciples ': Chloé Marsigny on bass clarinet and effects , and Vincent Andreae on drums.

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