Kings Place Jazz Orchestra featuring Matt Carmichael

Scottish saxophonist Matt Carmichael brings his acclaimed blend of folk‑infused jazz to the Kings Place Jazz Orchestra, showcasing the emotive, melodic writing that has marked him as one of the UK’s most exciting young voices.

The Kings Place Jazz Orchestra joins forces with Scottish saxophonist and composer Matt Carmichael for a vivid exploration of one of the UK’s most compelling musical voices. Praised by BBC Music Magazine as ‘a distinctive new voice in a crowded scene’, Carmichael has quickly become known for his powerful emotionally charged blend of jazz and the folk traditions that shaped his early life in the Highlands.

KPJO is a handpicked, project-based ensemble, made up of the UK’s finest jazz and big band musicians, alongside rising-star young artists. Kings Place Jazz Orchestra is more than a new resident ensemble – it’s a bold statement of artistic ambition.

The ensemble hopes to serve as an inspiration for young musicians, opening its doors throughout the year to experience the ensemble in the surroundings of Kings Place, Hall One.

Committed to celebrating the depth of jazz tradition while pushing the boundaries of contemporary large ensemble writing, Kings Place Jazz Orchestra is set to become a cornerstone of Kings Place’s vibrant musical landscape.

This event will last approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including an interval.

Matt Carmichael

Heralded by BBC Music Magazine as ‘a distinctive new voice in a crowded scene’, Scottish saxophonist and composer Matt Carmichael continues to move from strength to strength and grow his reach globally with his powerfully emotive blend of melodic jazz and folk music. He was born just outside of Inverness before moving to Glasgow, where, at the age of 11, he enthusiastically ran home from school clutching a letter from his local music service offering saxophone lessons. Music instantly became his passion, and he soon began writing music for his own band featuring pianist Fergus McCreadie, bassist Ali Watson and drummer Tom Potter, performing their first gig at the Butterfly and Pig in Glasgow – before half the band were legally allowed in the pub.

Since then, the core quartet of the band has remained and alongside regular collaborators including violinist Charlie Stewart, they have developed a special chemistry and unmistakable sound together. They regularl