Rising Birmingham guitarist presents new project developed with Jazz Central Mentoring program

We are delighted to support the Jazz Central Mentoring program again this year, with a project from Birmingham-based rising star Torin Davies. The program accepts applications from  young jazz musicians based in the West Midlands, from which a selection is made by a Jazz Central panel. This year, six successful candidates were selected and each paired with an established jazz musician as a mentor to work on a composition project that will be presented in individual gigs at various Jazz Midlands venues and together in a mini-festival at 1000 Trades in Birmingham 6-8 September.

This performance features guitarist and composer Torin Davies, an exciting young improviser and composer who has worked with some of the most prominent UK jazz musicians, such as Soweto Kinch and Mike Williams. He appeared at The Marr’s Bar last September when Dan Lockheart, a participant in the 2023 program, presented his project with mentor Alex Hitchcock.

Torin’s distinctive quartet, which features his program mentor James Maddren on drums, blends elements of 20th-century classical, jazz, rock, and folk music, creating a unique and captivating compositional style. For this performance, the quartet showcases the adventurous alto saxophonist George Garford and the lyrical bassist Asaph Tal.

The first set will explore musical themes inspired by the history of the Midlands (where Torin grew up and still lives). From the clamour of the Industrial Revolution, to pastoral scenes of Leafy Warwickshire, the quartet will take you on a sonic tour of the heart of England. The second set will feature an exciting selection of new compositions by Torin.