LYDIAN COLLECTIVE
An exciting 4-piece instrumental group formed by composer / producer Aaron Wheeler (aka Laszlo) and fellow producer and guitarist Todd Baker. Described as “blissfully different”, their refreshing brand of original fusion-based music is rich in harmony and groove, showcasing the diversity and depth of their compositional skill and musicianship. Aaron and Todd are joined by an impressive rhythm section, featuring in-demand drummer Sophie Alloway, and the talented Ida Hollis on Bass.
Aaron Wheeler (Piano & Keyboards)
Aaron has had a successful career as one of the UK’s most prolific media composers, writing over 750 tracks for EMI Publishing. In 2010 he set up Lydian Label and has released material as Laszlo and Musicbox (a collaboration with Todd Baker).
Todd Baker (Guitars & Mandolin)
A co-founder of the Lydian projects, Todd has worked as a composer and audio designer in the games and media industries on BAFTA award winning projects such as Little BigPlanet and Tearaway. As a guitarist, artist and producer he has had radio plays on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 3.
Ida Hollis (Bass)
Ida has been part of an eclectic array of projects, including performing alongside Giles Peterson at the re-opening of Birmingham Town Hall, with acclaimed broadway composer Scott Alan at the New Players’ Theatre and with various jazz ensembles at prestigious venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, the 606 Jazz Club and Birmingham Symphony Hall.
Sophie Alloway (Drums)
Sophie is one of the most in demand drummers in London. She has toured the UK, Australia and New Zealand with Roots Manuava. As well as playing on Later with Jools Holland, Mercury Music Prize, Glastonbury and Bestival.
ONLY US
A contemplative, composition oriented, four-piece jazz group from London, influenced by Frasier, dogs and Debussy.
Originally formed in Cambridge in 2009, Only Us has been repeatedly described as a group always putting overall sound above individual performance. This is largely down to the compositions of Mike Sands, who’s music is continually striving to be challenging and unique. Slowly evolving and peaceful, the music of Only Us puts the composition first with occasional smatters of improvisation poking through. This is made possible by 4 sensitive musicians with an established feel for each other’s playing styles.
Mike Sands (Alto)
Mike has been a saxophonist in local scenes in both Cambridge and North-East London for 5 years, composing jazz music for small ensembles, as well as chamber and electroacoustic music. With his imaginative titles and fondness for (much) quieter sounds, Mike’s compositions are always thoughtful and idiosyncratic.
Iakovos Loukas (Guitar)
A fellow founding member of the group, Iakovos has been a frequent performer around both London and Cambridge. Joint-leading and composing for his own group, The Chromatic Quartet, Iakovos is frequently active in the jazz jam session scene around North London.
Ida Hollis (bass)
Ida has been part of an eclectic array of projects, including performing alongside Giles Peterson at the re-opening of Birmingham Town Hall, with acclaimed broadway composer Scott Alan at the New Players’ Theatre and with various jazz ensembles at prestigious venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, the 606 Jazz Club and Birmingham Symphony Hall.
Pete Mansfield (Drums)
Another founding member, Pete is a London based drummer, percussionist and composer, with particular interest in music that attempts ‘to stand apart from the crowd’. Over an approximate period of fourteen years, Pete has played in a wide variety of ensembles from orchestras to rock bands, currently playing and composing with the genre-bridging band Echo Trails.
