Jazz Steps and Libraries: at Home

For almost a decade, Jazz Steps Live at the Libraries has been bringing world class live gigs to library audiences across Nottinghamshire. And while we may not be able to tour this wonderful programme physically at the moment, we believe that the show must go on . . . virtually! Jazz Steps and Inspire are working with renowned jazz artists to bring you specially recorded music sessions, fascinating interviews and playlists, for you to enjoy at home.

We'll be updating this page regularly, so do check back for more. . .

Rory Ingham

Young jazz trombonist, educator and composer, Rory Ingham is an award-winning performer and co-founder of the band Bonsai. They have toured Europe and played at many high-profile British jazz festivals and venues such as the Love Supreme Festival, the EFG London Jazz Festival, and Ronnie Scott’s. The band has released 2 CDs to critical acclaim on Ubuntu Music. Our wide-ranging interview with Rory takes in his musical education, forming Bonsai and his dedication to jazz. Rory introduces his special ‘lockdown’ performance improvising on one of his favourite tunes.

Watch an interview with Jazz trombonist, educator and composer Rory Ingham recorded by Carl Billson for Jazz Steps Live at the Libraries . . .

Listen to the Album Bonsai Club Spotify

Matt Chandler

Matt Chandler is a guitarist from Derbyshire who is now based in London. Matt has worked with a diverse range of artists including Youth (Killing Joke, The Orb), Arno Carstens, Fake?, Poly Styrene and more recently accompanied Ozark Henry on his European tour. His innovative style is supported by a career that has spanned genres from jazz to punk, folk to electronica.

Watch an interview with Matt Chandler recorded by Bob Meyrick for Jazz Steps Live at the Libraries . . .

Listen to Matt's music on Spotify.

Sara Dowling

Watch Sara Dowling's beautiful rendition of Duke Ellington's I Didn't Know About You, recorded especially for Jazz Steps Live at the Libraries . . .

Sara Dowling is a leading London-based jazz vocalist and songwriter who regularly performs at London's prestigious Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club and the 606 Jazz Club. She is known for her interpretations of classic ballads that leave audiences spell bound, and the energy and vigour with which she tackles the up-tempo standards from the American songbook. Gifted with immensely emotional vocals, her influences are wide and far-reaching. With an Irish father and Jordanian mother, she was surrounded by music from her father's record collection. Sara trained as a cellist in the classical repertoire, but later switched to focus on jazz and singing, with influences including Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter and Dakota Staton. Sara was voted best vocalist for the British Jazz Awards 2019, and often guests with Ronnie Scott's All Star Band.

"Her voice has all the qualities that you find in the great singers." Guy Barker

Watch an interview with Sara Dowling recorded by Bob Meyrick for Jazz Steps Live at the Libraries . . .

Listen to Sara's music on Spotify

Buy Sara's albums on her website

Rob Luft

Watch Rob Luft's guitar medley of Abacus and Lonely Woman, recorded especially for Jazz Steps Live at the Libraries . . .

Rob Luft is an award-winning musician from London, and has been described as one of the UK’s most prominent and talented young contemporary jazz guitarists. Praised by The Times ‘to achieve great things in the future’, Rob was the recipient of the 2016 Kenny Wheeler Jazz Prize in association with Edition Records, and he also received the 2nd Prize in The 2016 Montreux Jazz Guitar Competition. His debut album, Riser, was released in July 2017 to widespread critical acclaim from the European jazz media. Rob's brilliant new second album Life is the Dancer is out now on Edition Records.

“So young and so talented!" Jamie Cullum, BBC Radio 2 (UK)

Watch an interview with Rob Luft recorded by Hugh Pascall for Jazz Steps Live at the Libraries . . .