Guildhall Jazz Festival x EFG London Jazz Festival: Sultan Stevenson Trio

MASSIVE CHOPS is a groove Big Band mostly comprised of Guildhall students led by the experienced producer, composer and arranger Josh Stidwill who has been studying Jazz Composition & Arranging under Scott Stroman, Gareth Lockrane and Tom Richards. All of the arrangements and compositions are his originals and they draw influence from a broad range of artists and bands such as CASIOPEA, Louis Cole and Kirk Franklin, showcasing a variety of genres which aren't commonly found in Big Band repertoire such as Japanese Jazz-fusion and Gospel music especially. The group seeks to create a funky futuristic yet nostalgic sound by incorporating electronic synth elements as well as instruments from all over the world, whilst still honouring the great music of the 20th century.

Formed 2 years ago, they have already performed together in two well attended concerts as well as having recorded multiple tracks in the studio. MASSIVE CHOPS strives and continues to contribute a fresh sound to the world of Big Band music.

This brand new ensemble, led by jazz drummer/composer Finn Genockey, features some of the most exciting up-and-coming jazz musicians currently studying at or recent graduates of London conservatoires Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Royal Academy of Music and Trinity College of Music alongside guest appearances from key faculty members across the colleges.

The ensemble plays a wide selection of repertoire from students’ own compositions as well as music by notable large ensemble composers / arrangers: Bob Brookmeyer, Nikki Iles, Jim McNeely, Maria Schneider, Christine Jensen, Thad Jones and Stan Sulzmann to name a few.

LIJO strives to push the boundaries past the average jazz orchestra concert, playing new and rarely heard compositions with new and exciting lineups.

An exciting collaboration between the up and coming Ben Liu Trio and Marlon Hibbert -
leader of the Endurance Steel Orchestra. Featuring steel pan, an instrument that is not
commonly associated with jazz, a mix of originals and jazz standards will premier for the
first time in this upcoming performance.

Jemima Whyte alto saxophone
Cat Eden trombone
Meg Cronin tenor saxophone
Myra Brownbridge double bass
Ananda Brandaõ drums
Lucian McCauley piano 

Jemima Whyte and her 6-piece band combine the contemporary alto sound with rich horn harmonies and infectious grooves. Inspired by the sounds of other modern players such Kenny Garrett and Baptiste Herbin, the 23-year-old saxophonist and her compositions showcase her rich tone and angular improvising style.

Jemima found a love for afrobeat and drum and bass grooves after studying at Leeds Conservatoire and taking in the vibrant jazz/electronic scene, and her compositions blend energetic drum breaks with 3-part horn lines. The band is made up of an all-female frontline of alto sax, tenor sax and trombone, as well as a female bassist and drummer,  with an aim to encourage diversity and support/work alongside talented female jazz musicians in the London scene. 

Sultan Stevenson piano
Jacob Gryn bass
Joel Waters drums

Sultan Stevenson is one of the most exciting young jazz musicians in London today. He is a product of both the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy and Tomorrow’s Warriors, from a young age under the tuition of renowned jazz musicians such as Julian Joseph, Gary Crosby, Simon Purcell and Robert Mitchell. He graduated from Guildhall School of Music & DRama, where he studied jazz piano up until 2023. 

In 2022 Stevenson recorded his debut album with his trio (Jacob Gryn and Joel Waters) the album also features Josh Short (trumpet) and his mentor Denys Baptiste (tenor saxophone) The album, tipped for success, earned Sultan a signing from Whirlwind Recordings. It was released on March 24th and has received much critical acclaim. Sultan launched his debut album at The Jazz Café on March 31st. The show sold out, it was a celebration of not only Sultan’s music but of young talent within the London jazz scene today. Sultan has been touring the album internationally and has gone on to perform at multiple outstanding venues worldwide. 

In March 2023, Sultan went on to win the Parliamentary Jazz Media Award for ‘Best Newcomer’ and is considered one of the brightest stars of his generation.

In 2024, Sultan continues to take the jazz scene by storm. Sultan was hand-selected to perform 2 showcase slots at SXSW in Texas as part of the jazz Re:freshed ‘outernational’ event. Adding to this, Sultan has performed at the jazzahead! Festival in Germany, Brick Lane Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival for a sold-out show and was interviewed live for Radio 3, all in the space of four months.