Formed in 2014, they have appeared on BBC Radio 3 and Jazz FM numerous times, and played at leading jazz festivals and venues across the UK including London Jazz Festival, Love Supreme Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scott’s; according to Claire Martin “Their ability to connect with the audience is exceptional”.
They released their debut album Jam Experiment in 2017 which received much critical acclaim, and was followed by a 40 date UK Tour. In the Summer of 2018 they embarked upon a European tour, including appearances in Rome, Berlin, Prague, Kraków and Budapest.
The lineup includes the winner of Rising Star in the British Jazz Awards, trombonist Rory Ingham, his brother Dominic Ingham on violin and vocals, Toby Comeau on piano/keyboard, Joe Lee on bass, and Jonny Mansfield on drums (winner of the 2018 Kenny Wheeler Jazz Prize). Between the members they’ve worked with renowned international artists such as Chris Potter, Newton Faulkner, Claire Martin, Liane Carroll, Dave Holland, BBC Big Band, and Dave Liebman, and performed at venues such as Royal Albert Hall, Bimhuis, Royal Festival Hall and Wilderness Festival.
Bonsai's sound is dynamic jazz fusion balanced with intricate compositions and adventurous improvisations negotiated through mutual admiration for each other. The band has no leader or rather, each member is the leader; through this process they've challenged their own musical boundaries. Given that the Ingham brothers have been playing together for nearly 20 years, when the unusual frontline of trombone/violin/vocals is met with the ferociously “high-octane” rhythm section, the ensemble has an electric synergy that results in “pure musical gold”.
Bonsai are proud to be releasing their eagerly anticipated record ‘Bonsai Club’ on Ubuntu Music; a record label with a roster featuring the likes of Chet Baker, Seamus Blake, Tom Cawley, Mark Kavuma and Eric Alexander.
www.bonsaibanduk.com