Doors 7:45 PM, Music 8:30 PM – 2 set(s) of music
Line-up:
Fergus Quill – Double bass
Theo Goss – Drums
Bess Shooter – Alto Saxophone
Harvey Parkin-Christie – Tenor Saxophone
Hamish Dixon – Piano
Alan Wilkinson (special guest) – Alto Saxophone
About
Fergus Quill is one of the hottest acts in the British jazz scene and is the winner of the 2023 Peter Whittingham Jazz Award, the 2022 Tina May Jazz Award, and nominee of the 2025 Jazz FM Innovation Award. Tonight, he will be playing tribute to the Leeds alt-jazz pioneer of the 1980s, alto saxophonist Xero Slingsby (Matthew Coe). This performance will feature special guest Alan Wilkinson (from Xero’s band) playing Xero’s original saxophone.
Xero was active in the local Leeds alternative and jazz music scenes from the late 1970s and formed The Works in 1983. They immediately built up a strong loyal following in Leeds and the North of England with their unique brand of “no categories” improvised music which brought together their mutual love for jazz, punk, funk, rock & roll, blues and TV soundtracks, all tied up with a huge dose of northern working class humour. In
mainland Europe, countries like Holland, Belgium and Germany celebrated street performers and Xero and the band would tour these places regularly, widening their fan base beyond the UK.
Fergus Quill heard about Xero Slingsby a few years ago, was fascinated by the man’s story and fell in love with his music. It was in the same vein and spirit as the music Fergus was making and playing but Xero and The Works had produced their music over 30 years ago. He felt a kinship with Xero and wanted to make an album of his compositions as a homage to him but also to join the dots between the original Leeds alt-jazz pioneer and the vibrant DIY jazz/improvised music scene in the city today. With the blessing of Xero’s widow Sally Coe, who kindly provided some of Xero’s original homemade instruments for the session, this project finally came to life in spring/summer 2023.
Fergus transcribed and then arranged some of his favorite tracks from the two albums by The Works for an album release called “¡Up Yours! Fergus Quill Plays Xero Slingsby”. For this project, he pulled together a band of musicians who he felt had the same fire and spirit as Xero and The Works.
Fergus Quill has toured this show in Leeds and Manchester, including a live session of Xero Slingsby tunes on BBC Radio 6 (featuring on Deb Grant’s New Music Fix show in January 2024). Later this year, they will also be making their European debut.