Ollie Howell
Ollie Howell is a multi-award winning drummer, instrumentalist, composer, producer and broadcaster. Based in London, Ollie is establishing a name for himself both in the UK and internationally. His live shows and recordings impress fans with a punchy blend of creativity, stunning improvisation and critically acclaimed compositions. Quincy Jones calls him 'an unbelievable drummer. So creative I couldn’t believe it… he really is a 360-degree beautiful young cat.'
Ollie is the first ever jazz recipient of a Sky Academy Arts Scholarship. His first album Sutures and Stitches received critical acclaim, with the Guardian hailing it as ‘a fine debut’ and Mojo stating that his music 'has delicious dynamic flow and an almost elegiac beauty’. His upcoming second album, Self Identity, will be released on Ropeadope in 2017, and the Sky Arts channel filmed a program around the making of the album, presented by Melvyn Bragg.
Ollie is a multi-faceted and talented artist, easily writing music for films, TV, and commercials, producing pop artists as well as working as a presenter on Jazz London Radio, Jazz FM and BBC Music Jazz. Recent / Upcoming performance highlights include: Love Supreme Jazz Festival, London Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scott’s and opening Quincy Jones' first ever "Q's" venue.
Alexandra Ridout Quintet
The members of the quintet all met at The Royal Academy of Music Junior Jazz department, which they attend every Saturday in term time. Their passion for the music and outstanding musicianship produce an incredibly mature band sound that belies their tender years. They are equally at home playing hard swinging jazz, poignant ballads and solid funk tunes.
Julian Joseph Jazz Academy
Focusing on small ensemble jazz, JJJA is dedicated to educating young jazz talent through the study of great jazz recordings. Under the artistic direction of renowned jazz pianist, composer and educator Julian Joseph, it offers young instrumentalists of all ages and abilities an amazing opportunity to work with some of the world’s top jazz musicians. Together with partner HMDT Music, JJJA seeks to support the next generation of musicians by teaching them how to access this rich music using the right methods and by providing them with the right environment and guidance so that they can grow an intelligent and mature approach towards all music.
Youth Music and Give a Gig Week
Youth Music transforms the lives of young people through inspirational music-making projects. Give a Gig is Youth Music’s flagship fundraising initiative. From 24-31 March 2017, we’re calling on musicians to put on 100 gigs – any size, any genre, anywhere. It’s going to be a nationwide, music-making extravanganza! www.giveagig.org.uk