From the vibrant and exciting Birmingham jazz scene, we present Glowseeker, a fusion trio drawing influence from R&B, Jazz-Funk, Hip-Hop and Popular Brazilian Music, and featuring David Austin Grey (keys, synths, electronics, piano), Josh Vadiveloo (electric bass), and Matt Holmes (drums/percussion).

Glowseeker playfully mix multiple genres with wilful disobedience, all whilst holding the spirit of improvisation close to their hearts; a heady blend of deep grooves, sparkling synths and infectious drum beats.

For this gig they'll be presenting music from their latest project 'Alto Vuelo'; a joyful exploration of Cuban music and the songs of the legendary Cuban singer Ibrahim Ferrer.

David Austin Grey (keys, synths, electronics, piano) is a wonderful creative musician who has brought so many inspiring bands to Sheffield over the years. He has worked with artists including Birmingham Royal Ballet, Courtney Pine, Eliza Shaddad, Soweto Kinch, Xhosa Cole, and Snarky Puppy, as well as performing at venues and festivals across the UK including Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival, Manchester International Jazz Festival, and Glasgow International Jazz Festival.

Josh Vadiveloo (electric bass) is one of the most exciting bass players to have emerged recently on the UK scene, an exciting yet thoughtful and creative presence, he plays with the likes of Xhosa Cole, David Austin Grey, Julien Durand's Dreamscapes, and Jean Toussaint.

Originally from South Yorkshire, Matt Holmes (drums/percussion), has performed at venues including The Barbican Hall, Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, Pizza Express Soho, The Southbank Centre and Cafe OTO, as well as festivals across Europe including Gent, Tampere Jazz Happening, Sienna, and Northside Festival (Denmark), Paris and Cork, and with artists including Hermeto Pascoal, Brian Jackson, Soweto Kinch and Alina Bzhezhinska.

A really beautiful line-up in the classic jazz piano trio format, led by drummer/percussionist/vibes player Martin Pyne, with pianist David Beebee and bassist Marianne Windham, and we're honoured that they've chosen to celebrate the launch of their second album together, 'Furrow' (on Sheffield's own Discus Music label) at The Lescar. It's truly wonderful music, mixing lyrical and atmospheric tunes with grooves and unexpected turns.

A fluid and creative improviser, Martin Pyne's solo album "Spirits Of Absent Dancers" was named in the Guardian as one of the best albums of 2020. His work is wide-ranging, covering jazz, free improvisation, contemporary dance, and as a silent film accompanist. You may have caught him at The Lescar previously with the wonderful Hi Res Heart quartet and with Espial.

"In terms of percussion improvisation, try to imagine something that runs from the Zen sound-painting of Frank Perry to the light swing of Billy Higgins. There's nothing loud, nothing showy, nothing esoteric. Just a delight in the deft touch of a stick, a mallet, a finger or a wire brush on metal, skin or wood, and in the process of transforming sound into a sense of movement." Richard Williams - The Blue Moment

Marianne Windham is a distinctive presence on bass, performing with many of the leading names on the UK jazz scene and playing regularly at festivals and jazz clubs across the UK. Most recently she has been touring with The Jazz Samba Project alongside guitarist Nigel Price, including a performance to a packed Ronnie Scotts Club.

"A valuable player with Ray Brown-like musicality and drive" - Jazzwise

Pianist, bass player and composer David Beebee has worked with Gareth Lockrane, and Loose Tubes sax player Julian Costello, as well as his own piano trio which features Eric Ford on drums and electric bass player Dave Jones.

"Beebee is brilliant... his scores are world class. It is always exciting to come across a major new talent" Jazzwise

We're delighted to welcome back to The Lescar vocalist Becca Wilkins, on the final stop of her UK-wide album release tour.

Rêverie presents the French Chanson made popular by Jacques Brel and Edith Piaf through the lens of contemporary jazz, including classics such as 'La Bohème' and 'La Mer'; a perfect canvas for Becca's wonderful skills as a song interpreter and improviser, and music that is both brooding and mysterious; vulnerable and atmospheric.

Becca is joined by long-time collaborators and some of the finest emerging musicians on the UK and European contemporary jazz scene: Olly Chalk (piano/synths), Sam Ingvorsen (bass), and Billy Pod (drums).

Rêverie is a chance to experience Becca's 'other worldliness' (Jazzwise Magazine) in a heady collection of rhapsodic Franco-nostalgia. Don't miss this brilliant quartet.

Here's some music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKYFCmidM7c&list=PL32SLWlRrWvijI9e7fNKcSxM74m2I5ChZ

Becca Wilkins first visited The Lescar in a really memorable duo with pianist Tom Harris in 2019, and we're so glad she's returning at last. A really distinctive and original vocalist, she has supported Kandace Springs at Cheltenham Jazz Festival, and worked with award-winning composer Olivia Murphy, as well as playing at Symphony Hall Birmingham and the Vortex Jazz club in London.

Olly Chalk (piano/synths) is a fearless and energising new voice in contemporary jazz and improvised music. With us last August with Dornbusch/Chalk/Glaser, his last album featured acclaimed US saxophonist John O'Gallagher who has hailed Olly as a 'a virtuoso pianist with a compelling and unique musical vision'.

Sam Ingvorsen (bass) visited the Lescar previously in a fiery quartet led by saxophonist Josh Schofield, a dynamic and focused musician, he's also a regular member Olly Chalk's trio, performing regularly at venues including the Vortex in London, and we're delighted to welcome him back.

Drummer Billy Pod has worked internationally across Europe, the US and Asia, recording more than 20 albums including with award winning saxophonist Tivon Pennicott, acclaimed NYC vocalist JD Walter, and Greek music legend Dionisis Savopoulos. Relocating to the UK in 2020, has has worked with the likes of Jim Mullen, Rob Luft, Dave O'Higgins, Mornington Lockett, Vasilis Xenopoulos, and many others. His second official album 'Quintessence' featured Tom Ollendorff on guitar.