Yaatri selected for Jazz North Introduces programme

Leeds Conservatoire alumni quintet Yaatri are set to become the latest beneficiaries of the Jazz North Introduces programme. The scheme will provide high-profile exposure at festivals in Lancaster, Marsden, Liverpool, Gateshead, Manchester and Durham, alongside career support and promotion.

Yaatri

The quintet consists of 2019 Jazz graduates Liam Narain DeTar (Guitar), Felix Bertulis-Webb (Keys), Jona Tromp (Drums) alongside Bethany Herrington (Popular with Jazz alumna, Vocals) and current Jazz student - Joe Wilkes (Bass).

The band was selected from a wide range of applications after impressing a selection panel of festival directors, professional musicians, promoters and educators who prioritised musical excellence in musicianship, creativity, innovation and potential.

“The music of Yaatri is technically accomplished but with a sensitive musical spirit” explains panel member Neil Campbell (Artistic Director of Liverpool International Jazz Festival). “The band's compositions are performed with great subtlety and taste and boast wonderfully distinctive and beautiful vocals. Compositionally it seems to me there is a clear sense of purpose in the bands fusing of atmospheric jazz with rhythmic and melodic ideas from Indian classical music.”

A genre-crossing quintet, Yaatri blend complex composition and ethereal soundscapes. The influences of the emotive quality of the Scandinavian jazz tradition, the momentum of the rhythms of India and the energy of rock and roll, give their music a strong sense of purpose and journey.

Upon receiving news of the announcement, bandleader and guitarist Liam commented: "having just graduated from LCoM a matter of weeks ago, the task of embarking on a career in music is daunting to say the least. Receiving support and guidance from organisations such as Jazz North so early on in our careers reminds us that we're on the right track, shows there are people listening, and encourages us to work even harder."

Applications for Jazz North Introduces were open to bands at an emerging stage in their career, with a commitment to living, working or studying in the North of England. Previous recipients have included fellow alumni groups Wandering Monster, Stretch Trio, J Frisco, Slow Loris and Jasmine.

Yaatri will also receive a package of help as part of the Jazz North Introduces scheme, including payment and expenses for gigs, professional mentoring, a photo-shoot and assistance in creating an electronic press kit.