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Sam Leak's 'Looking Glass'

Four heavyweights from the London jazz scene playing jazz fusion influenced by Holdsworth, Weather Report and John McLaughlin

We’re excited to announce the return of Sam Leak to the Marr’s Bar stage, this time around with his own band ‘Looking Glass’. You may remember Sam from his performance with Francesco LoCastro back in May last year. (You’ve probably seen the back of his head in the photo of LoCastro’s band that we use a lot for Music Spoken Here promo!). When I discovered he has his own fusion band with Nick Linnik and Laurie Lowe (who have also appeared for us at The Marr’s Bar in Yolanda Charles’ Project PH), along with bassist Flo Moore, it was a no-brainer to get them on the Music Spoken Here program!

London-based jazz pianist Leak’s eponymous 2011 debut album was listed in MOJO Magazine as one of the ‘Top Ten International Releases of the Year.‘ The 2013 follow up, “Places,” was described by the Guardian’s John Fordham as ‘surefooted creativity… way beyond respectful expertise,’ and by BBC Music Magazine’s Daniel Spicer as ‘assured and sophisticated acoustic jazz with deep roots in the tradition, that knows exactly what it’s trying to do – and succeeds.’

In 2018 Leak released “Adrift”, a duet with New York’s Dan Tepfer, a long-time collaborator of legendary veteran saxophonist Lee Konitz. Of this album, The Wire’s Marcus O’Dair has said: “Sam Leak and Dan Tepfer are two of the best pianists of their generation, and their convergence on this recording is astonishing.” The New York City Jazz Record have described it as “magical” and “constantly evolving and engaging.”

Expect space-age textures, intense interaction, and virtuosic improvising. From contemporary soundscapes to infectious grooves, this lineup brings something fresh to the music while maintaining a deep connection with its roots.

‘One of the brightest stars in the Jazz piano galaxy, a heavenly improviser, and a brilliant prospect for the future.‘ – Helen Mayhew, Jazz FM

“Heavyweights of the British Jazz scene” – Jamie Callum, BBC Radio 2

“Multi-faceted and smart as a pin …of a very high order” – MOJO  ????

“the music is magical… constantly evolving and engaging…” – The New York City Jazz Record

“The Royal Academy of Music’s jazz programme has produced a remarkable crop of newcomers in recent times: notably the Mercury-nominated pianists Gwilym Simcock and Kit Downes. Now comes Sam Leak, an artist of comparable promise…Leak is a subtle storyteller who keeps the grooves and colours changing.” – John Fordham, The Guardian

Doors 8pm, show starts 8:30pm