Jazz North selects Seven Bands for Seventh Round of Northern Line

Since 2013, Jazz North’s northern line has supported 67 jazz artists and ensembles from across the north with over 700 gigs. Now, seven more northern-based ensembles have been selected to join the scheme. Beyond Albedo, freesetrio, John Pope Quintet, Nishla Smith Quintet, Not Now Charlie, Rafe’s Dilemma and SogoRock will have the chance to benefit from the initiative.

The scheme enables the artists to reach new audiences and tour beyond their home area, which Nishla Smith from the Manchester-based Nishla Smith Quintet sees as a great opportunity: “Becoming a northern line artist is really amazing and helpful for us because my band is fairly new and we’re trying to make in roads and develop out of Manchester. It’s really exciting to have that opportunity to tour and make new connections and spread out over the north.”

Jazz North’s northern line Project Manager, Lucy Woolley, says the bands were selected by an independent panel of industry professionals, promoters and musicians: “They were chosen as they represent the variety of high-quality, new and exciting music being made by fantastic artists and performed in the north of England.” Previously there have been nine bands chosen for the programme per year, but this time it will be seven. “A smaller roster of seven artists allows us to work more closely on artist development and business skills, alongside their touring activity,” explains Lucy. “This will create a legacy that will support these young artists throughout their future musical careers.”

Jazz North’s northern line is the organisation’s flagship programme that supports jazz artists through subsidised touring, mentoring and industry support. All round seven bands can expect subsidised gig performances at festivals and in venues, minimising financial risk. All artists will perform at Jazz North’s northern line Showcase Day at Lancaster Jazz Festival on Friday 13th September 2019 in front of national and international jazz promoters. A promotional pack of each ensemble will be produced and one-to-one mentoring with Jazz North is on offer to identify individual areas of support.

More info: www.jazznorth.org