Doors 7:45 PM, Music 8:30 PM – 2 set(s) of music
Line-up:
Mike De Souza – Guitar
Tom Barford – Tenor saxophone
Rick Simpson – Piano
Huw V Williams – Double bass
Jay Davis – Drum kit
About
Guitarist Mike De Souza presents the launch of his new EP Schism, recorded at Fish Factory Studios in summer 2024 with the support of crowdfunding donations. The EP features four tracks – three new original compositions and a solo guitar version of Body and Soul, interpreted through De Souza’s distinctive approach to harmony, texture and technique. This marks his first released rendition of a jazz standard and reflects a deepening connection with the jazz tradition.
The title Schism refers to the opening track and reflects De Souza’s sense of the divided state of UK politics, where contrasting sets of worldviews and values stand in stark opposition while vying for power and influence. Musically, Schism extends the sound of his previous release Chrysalis (Fresh Sound New Talent), which received 4-star reviews from All About Jazz, UK Vibe, Marlbank and The Jazz Mann, and was praised for its “considered sound design… every bar seems to open into a new world” (BBC Radio 3). While Chrysalis explored transformation through layered textures and electronic soundscapes, Schism takes a more traditional ensemble approach, shining a light on group interaction and the nuances of live performance.
De Souza is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and Leeds College of Music. Since establishing himself on the UK jazz scene he has performed widely as both leader and sideman, and has released several projects including Slow Burn, Road Fork and the quartet album Pond Life with Big Bad Wolf, which was ranked 3rd in Jazzwise Magazine’s “Top 10 Albums of the Year” in 2017. He has also collaborated with Byron Wallen, Alex Paxton, Phil Meadows, Joy Ellis, Belle Chen and Twospeak, and holds a weekly residency at Grow in Hackney Wick with the band Stratos. Mike is also a jazz guitar tutor at Leeds Conservatoire, where he has taught since 2020.
The band features four of the UK’s most respected and in-demand musicians. Rick Simpson (piano/synth) has performed with Christian Scott, Eric Harland, Joe Sanders and Stan Sulzmann, and is known for his albums Klammer and Everything All of the Time: Kid A Revisited. Tom Barford (tenor sax) released his Kenny Wheeler Jazz Prize-winning album Bloomer (Edition, 2018), followed by Live at the Parakeet featuring James Copus. He has also performed with Billy Cobham and Gerald Cleaver and co-leads both the quartet AuB and the Barford/Copus Quintet. Jay Davis (drums) is an award-winning performer and composer who has played throughout the UK, Europe and Asia, appearing at major venues and festivals including Umbria Jazz and the Bimhuis. Huw V Williams (bass) has collaborated with leading figures across contemporary and avant-garde scenes including Jim Black, Ivo Neame and Laura Jurd.
The EP Schism captures this band at a creative high point, expanding its sound while nodding more explicitly to the jazz tradition. It will be followed by a full-length album drawn from the same session, due for release next year.