The creativity and originality of the Guildhall Jazz community is celebrated in the School’s annual Jazz Festival, presented in partnership with EFG London Jazz Festival.

Orchard

Orchard are the newest eight-piece neo-soul group to emerge from the London jazz scene. Having met at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, they have been shaped by their shared love of the jazz tradition, and yet bring their most valuable contributions to the music through individual influences and unique musical backgrounds. Celebrating the interaction between individuality and collective experience is what Orchard’s music is all about - like rows of trees in the orchard, each individual voice grows in conversation with the whole.

Heavily influenced by artists such as Roy Hargrove, D'Angelo, Robert Glasper and Kokoroko, Orchard’s music synthesises meaningful songwriting with heavy grooves, warm horn lines, and blistering improvisation. Having met on the Artist Masters course, Orchard’s sound is fully grown - they are set to release an EP later this year.

Evie Hill - Vocals

Diarra Walcott-Ivanhoe - Piano

Reuben Merry - Drums

Joe Orme - Bass

Calum Harrison - Guitar

Cat Eden - Trombone

Matt Hill - Trumpet

Jemima Whyte - Alto Saxophone

Beluga

Led by Baylee Blu and Louis Gascoyne, Beluga are a Jazz infused band based in London. Their influences are Stevie Wonder, Esperanza Spalding, Tom Misch and Miles Davis.

Louis Gascoyne - Bass and Vocals

Baylee Blu - Vocals

Thomas Sladden - Piano/Keyboard

Alex Astill - Guitar

Frank Hawkes - Drums

Ultimatum

Ultimatum are a dynamic, exciting, new jazz-fusion band, made up of three friends hailing from the vibrant heart of London. Blending the soulful depth of gospel music, the smooth rhythms of neo-soul, the infectious grooves of funk, and the intricate melodies of 70s jazz fusion, they create a timeless and refreshingly contemporary sound. Ultimatum’s music celebrates the diverse influences that shaped the musicians they are today, and together, they support each other in the pursuit of musical excellence.