Joe Bristow

As a member of the Mercury Prize–nominated SEED Ensemble and leader of a chordless double-drums project, Joe draws inspiration from Old and New Dreams, Grachan Moncur III, and his active involvement in the UK jazz scene. His music, steeped in jazz and improvisation, features melody-led compositions anchored by the double bass and propelled by two drummers.

Joe Bristow is a trombonist and composer based in South East London known for his versatile sound, spanning jazz, contemporary classical music and many other genres. Originally from Southampton, he attended Tomorrow’s Warriors before graduating from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. He is a member of the Mercury Prize–nominated SEED, the leader of a chordless double-drums project, and co-leader of Some Other Stuff. Deeply involved in the UK jazz scene and beyond, Joe is developing a body of original work inspired by the angular greats of what Val Wilmer described as “the new music,” shaped through his own distinct voice.

He has recorded with Black Midi, Olivia Dean, Wonky Logic, New Regency Orchestra, Geordie Greep, Balimaya Project, Jas Kayser, and the Dan Casimir Big Band, and performed with Jason Moran’s Harlem Hellfighters, the Nu Civilisation Orchestra, Mercado Negro, Cimafunk, the LSO, and the LCO. He has toured extensively across the UK and internationally playing in concert halls,
venues and festivals all over the world.

He will be presenting his chordless double drums quintet - original music steeped in jazz and improvisation, with melody-led compositions rooted by the double bass and driven forward by two drummers. Inspired by Old and New Dreams, Grachan Moncur III and his experiences as an active member on the UK jazz scene.