Olivia Cuttill & Friends play the Legends of Jazz

Olivia Cuttill trumpet / James Absalom tenor saxophone / Tom Harris grand piano / Josh Vadiverloo double bass / Miles Pillinger drums

2026 marks the centenary of a host of jazz legends – Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ray Brown and many others, who built a formative jazz repertoire that still resonates with musicians and listeners today. For this intimate and unamplified concert in Forsyth’s historic piano showroom, the sparkling Olivia leads a quintet of fast-rising stars through a selection of landmark 50s and 60s be-bop tunes made famous by those icons, from albums such as Kind of Blue, Giant Steps, Milestones…

Presented as part tribute and part show-and-tell, Olivia, Miles and friends will honour the authentic sound of those classic recordings and share their personal insights into why they continue to be inspired by – and breathe life into – this ever-evolving music created over three generations ago.

Raised in East London, a graduate from Leeds Conservative and alumnus from mjf’s hothouse programme, Olivia comes from a musical family of three generations. Elements of soul, jazz and blues run deep through her sound, as do influences of Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin and Louis Armstrong. She performs with fluency and conviction: a bright, fast-blossoming flower of the new generation of jazz artists.

Manchester-born drummer and composer Miles Pillinger intertwines the raw improvised energy of jazz with the rich, uplifting rhythms and melodies of Brazil, inspired by Airto Moreira, Brian Blade and Max Roach. Since graduating from Leeds Conservatoire, Miles has honed his energetic, sensitive and adaptive playing in various groups (Mangorata, Tara Lily, NYJO), bringing joy to his listeners. He is this year’s winner of the coveted Peter Whittingham Award.

Tickets £25 (includes a glass of Prosecco)