Têtes de Pois (“Reflections” album launch) + Naali Collective + Oracle

After earning their stripes rising through the Leeds DIY jazz scene,Têtes de Pois released their debut EP Framework in 2018. Supported by HMUK, the record received plaudits and plays on national radio (BBC 2, 3, 4 & 6).

Off the back of this release the group toured the UK extensively and successfully, bringing driving global fusion rhythms, raucous improvisation and long open solos to dance floors across the country. Têtes have appeared at Love Supreme, We Out Here, Greenman and Shambala and went on to release two further singles, collaborating with artists based in the north of the UK. The 2020 lockdown forced a hiatus on the band but now they return with a new direction.

The album, Reflections, turns the focus on to songwriting. The new approach features vocal performances and delicate moments supplementing the familiar jazz fusion roots. Drawing from the hidden talents of their lineup, healthy vocal contributions are made throughout the record by L.I.M.B.S (saxophone) and Slip Martin (drums) as well as guest vocalist Alice Kim who’s debut album is also due in early spring 2024.

The lead single Wildfire feat. L.I.M.B.S is available to stream and was BBC Introducing track of the week on it’s release. The second single “Somewhere”, featuring guest vocalist Alice Kim, is released on 1st January 2024. The band will tour the album around the UK in April 2024 and this Leeds launch at Brudenell will be their first show at the venue since October 2020. It’s great to have them back with a new album too.

Main support for this show is Leeds future soul/alt-jazz crew NAALÍ COLLECTIVE led by Norwegian singer, artist and activist Lina Holt. Her raw and soulful voice, storytelling and use of electronics mould together into a space of spirituality, politics, expression and lived experience. Her music is inspired by her favorite artists like Erykah Badu, Bjork, James Blake, Hiatus Kaiyote, Bobby Mcferrin and Greentea Peng. Activism and stands on politics often comes through in her music and together with her band, they’re here to comfort you, create vibrations on the dancefloor, provide food for thought, and create community wherever they go. When coming to a NAALÍ show, you can expect an experience and fusion of genres ranging from jazz, neo-soul hip-hop and afrobeat, tastefully surrounded by electronics and sounds she’s found throughout her life.

The Oracle collective are a 7 piece high energy, new wave jazz band coming out of Leeds Conservatoire. Mixing elements from hip hop, flamenco, funk and electronica, this colourful mix of sounds takes inspiration from the likes of Nubya Garcia, Soweto Kinch, Emma Rawicz all the way through to the flamenco jazz of Paco De Lucia and the chaotic genius and energy of Charles Mingus.