Ambrose Akinmusire

Ashley Henry

Deborah Jordan

Emma Jean Thackray

Esperanza Spalding

Ezra Collective

Fieh

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

Idris Ackamoor

Ishmael Ensemble

Jamael Dean

Jordan Rakei

Jorja Smith

Kamaal Williams

Kamasi Washington

Keyon Harrold

LCSM

Matthew Halsall

Melt Yourself Down

Morgan Craft

Moses Boyd

Mr Jukes

Muhal Richard Abrams

Nubya Garcia

Om Mas Keith

Poppy Ajudha

Resura Arkestra

Robert Glasper

Robert Glasper Experiment

Skinny Pelembe

Steam Down

Rising mega-talent Tenderlonious is head of 22a Music, the record label at the forefront of a new wave of young London-based musicians. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, his improvised soul-flavoured productions have caught the attention of tastemakers Gilles Peterson, Benji B, Osunlade, Lefto and Alexander Nut to name a few. Aside from his own label he has also released music on Ninja Tune, Brownswood Recordings, Sounds Of The Universe and Yoruba Records. The innovative and forward thinking artist spent his early years split between Germany and Cyprus before coming to the UK in the 90's. Settling for South London, Tenderlonious met his mentor, dance producer, Equinox (Scientific Wax, Planet Mu) who set him on a path of music production. His skills in the studio soon became apparent, coupled together with his ability to play a wide range of instruments, this led him to work with a diverse set of UK artists. It was at his family home in Woking where 22a was born, his debut split release with Al Dobson Jr was hand stamped on his kitchen table. The highly respected Sounds Of The Universe record shop quickly snapped up the release to sell exclusively and these sold out in a week. Word spread on the underground and this hype lead to a further three, well received releases on 22a from Henry Wu, Mo Kolours, Reginald Omas Mamode IV and Jeen Bassa. Fast forward three years and it can be said with certainty that Tenderlonious has firmly established himself as a leading figure on the underground scene. Releases like ‘Bob’s Riddim’ and his recent ‘On Flute’ EP have been met with rave reviews worldwide and have demonstrated the diversity of his musicianship, not to mention his infamous solo live performances – there are flutes and synths a plenty! Now into 2017 there is a live album in the pipeline, due for release later this year, as well as a collaborative project between him and his cousin Dennis Ayler. Listeners can also expect a second studio album from his band Ruby Rushton, who will be headlining The Jazz Café in May for their much anticipated album launch – not to be missed! Words by Rodriguez Guido

Tenderlonious

Terrace Martin

The Heliocentrics

Theo Croker

Theon Cross

Troy Roberts

Vivian Sessoms

Yazmin Lacey

Yazz Ahmed

Yussef Kamaal

WHEN NOT WORKING ON HER OWN MATERIAL, ZARA HAS PERFORMED AS A FEATURED VOCALIST IN GARY CROSBY’S SKA ORCHESTRA JAZZ JAMAICA, AND PERFORMED WITH ESTEEMED BRITISH JAZZERS SUCH AS ORPHY ROBINSON, DENYS BAPTISTE AND SOWETO KINCH. SHE’S MADE HOUSE MUSIC WITH BOPSTAR AND PAID TRIBUTE TO TAMMI TERRELL WITH NORWEGIAN DJ/PRODUCER DALMINJO. HER TRACKS HAVE BEEN REMIXED AND REWORKED BY THE LIKES OF VIENNESE TECHNO DUO OGRIS DEBRIS, NINJA TUNE’S FLOATING POINTS, AFRO-FUNKER OSUNLADE AND SPACE-JAZZERS EMANATIVE. SHE’S FRONTED ITALIAN DJ NICOLA CONTE’S BIG BAND, PERFORMED AT A NINA SIMONE TRIBUTE CONCERT IN AMSTERDAM AND PLAYED SUPPORT FOR SOUTH AFRICAN TRUMPETER HUGH MASEKELA AND AMERICAN SINGER GREGORY PORTER. AT THE UPCOMING LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL SHE’LL BE APPEARING OPPOSITE DIANNE REEVES (QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL, 20 NOVEMBER). SHE ALSO MAINTAINS A ROLE IN EDUCATION, TEACHING WORKSHOPS IN VOCALS AND IMPROVISATION AROUND BRITAIN AND EUROPE. “I LOVE ALL AREAS OF THIS WORK – THE TEACHING, THE PERFORMING – BUT THIS ALBUM SHOWCASES WHAT I’M MOST INTO AT THE MOMENT, WHICH IS WRITING,” SHE SAYS. “THESE SONGS ON THIS NEW ALBUM ARE MORE PERSONAL THAN ANYTHING I’VE EVER WRITTEN. IT’S ME OPENING UP, TAKING LISTENERS ON A JOURNEY.”

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