Yazz Ahmed

Yazz Ahmed is one of the leading voices of contemporary jazz. The British-Bahraini trumpeter, composer, and sound researcher has developed a highly distinctive musical language that blends contemporary jazz, electronic sound design, and the musical traditions of her Arabic heritage. Her sound, often described as “psychedelic Arabic jazz”, is both hypnotic and powerful, combining atmospheric density, rhythmic energy, and playful sonic experimentation.

With her ensembles, Yazz Ahmed is an international presence and has performed on major stages in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and North Africa – from London and New York to Bahrain and Canada. She has captivated audiences at renowned festivals such as WOMAD, Love Supreme, NYC Winter Jazz Fest, and Pori Jazz and played to sold-out venues at Kings Place, Purcell Room, and Jazz Café London.

Her artistic work is also characterized by a variety of collaborations, including Radiohead, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Transglobal Underground, and Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. The numerous commissions Yazz Ahmed has received as a composer have further developed her signature style. She finds inspiration in the biographies of courageous women, as well as in the musical traditions of Bahrain - the songs of the pearl divers and wedding singers. 

Live, Yazz Ahmed has a powerful hold over her audience: trance-like grooves, ethereal trumpet lines – often played on her custom microtonal flugelhorn – and music that builds bridges between different cultures, styles, and people. This concert promises to be a captivating journey between dreams and reality.

Yazz Ahmed – Trumpet

Ralph Wyld – Vibraphone

Dave Manington – Bass

Rod Youngs – Drums