While London has been celebrated for a jazz scene that fuses improvisational traditions with the lively sound of the city’s diaspora, other areas of the UK have been fostering fresh talent. In Leeds, saxophonist Jasmine Myra channels meditative melodies, while Glaswegian trombonist Corto Alto was nominated for the Mercury prize for his high-energy ensemble work. In Bristol, meanwhile, jazz has melded with electronics, hip-hop and soulful songwriting to produce groups such as Ishmael Ensemble, Waldo’s Gift and Snazzback.
Ishmael Ensemble singer and keyboardist Holly Wellington, AKA Holysseus Fly, has spent the past two years since the release of her debut single Marigold creating her own blend of Bristolian jazz-soul. Going solo after her diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer in 2019, Wellington’s ensuing releases have journeyed through introspective, piano-laden balladry on Marigold to expansive soul on 2023’s debut EP Birthpool.
Accompanied on stage by a crew of backup dancers cum vocalists, Wellington’s recent performances at Glastonbury and Bristol’s Forwards festival have made reference to improvisatory freedom as much as Self Esteem’s bombastic theatricality. “I’m doing my own thing in my own way, being bold and not being afraid to say how I feel,” she has said. With her latest single, Out of This World, Wellington pushes this striking sound further via rumbling synth-bass and electronic drum programming, proving that the Bristol sound is as diverse as it is enticing.
Holly Wellington is on tour with Ishmael Ensemble until 24 October
