Winner of the 2018 BBC Young Jazz Musician of the year, saxophonist Xhosa Cole will be performing in the third of our season of autumn/winter events in partnership with Leicester Jazz House.

Winner of the 2018 BBC Young Jazz Musician of the year, Xhosa Cole is an embodiment of the success of numerous community arts programmes in Birmingham, including the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra, Jazzlines Ensemble and Birmingham Music Service.

Having grown up in Handsworth and first played the tenor at Andy Hamilton's Ladywood Community Music School, Xhosa is now established among a long legacy of Birmingham saxophonists, alongside the likes of Soweto Kinch and Shabaka Hutchings.

Xhosa has performed twice at the BBC Proms, composed music for Birmingham-based string orchestra The Ripieno Players, recorded saxophone for Mahalia’s debut album ‘Love and Compromise’, and completed a 22 date UK tour – all while pursuing his studies at Trinity Laban Conservatoire.

Xhosa received the Parliamentary Jazz Award for ‘Best Newcomer’ in 2019 and was also named Jazz FM’s breakthrough act of the year.

“It is the highly gifted Xhosa Cole who is currently making most waves… Cole has the rich expressive range and technical skills that characterise significant soloists.” – Guardian

“The 24-year-old tenor saxophonist/composer is a British sensation and proves that he’s here for blood with this release… He’s got technique, talent, artistry and a burning desire that shows throughout the set.” – Downbeat