Steve Banks Quintet
The festival welcomes the immensely talented Steve Banks Quintet to perform on the festivals outdoor stage on Monday 27 May at Blackmore Gardens from 11.00am.
Steve Banks released his critically acclaimed debut album, Emboldened, in 2023 on Stoney Lane Records followed by a UK tour. Emboldened presents a compelling, distinctive, and personal sound, immediately recognisable as the guitarist and composer’s own work.
Powerful modern jazz, deep contemporary grooves, lush harmonies, and memorable melodies amongst expressive, rich, and dynamic improvisation from a quintet comprising celebrated UK musicians and bandleaders.
Steve and his incredible quintet will be presenting music from the ‘Emboldened’ album alongside brand-new compositions.
Steve Banks Quintet: Steve Banks – Guitar, Sam Crockatt – Saxophone, Rebecca Nash – Piano, Henrik Jensen – Bass, Mark Whitlam – Drums
“All the compositions are heartfelt and honest, as are the performances. A chronicle of hard-won optimism and hope. An elegant response to troubled times” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jazz album of the month – BBC Music Magazine
“Banks conveys an authenticity that brings a fresh voice to the world of jazz. An invigorating listening experience with clearly defined energy and character, there is a delight in its originality” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – UK Vibe
“Emboldened is a truly distinctive and personal work that should leave you captivated from start to finish. Listening to these tunes feels like you’re experiencing the view of a breath-taking natural wonder; it makes you feel smaller as your world expands” 9/10 – Blues and Soul Magazine
“Here’s a UK guitarist you might want to give a second and third listen to. Steve Banks is at his most panoramic and soaring with a tone and style caught somewhere between Steve Hackett’s fusion and Pat Metheny’s wondrousness” – Jazz Weekly (US)
“Purposeful precision and smart invention . . .tightly written, long unfolding melodic structures weaving the musicians into braided soundscapes . . . deserving of a much wider audience” – Jazzwise
