Wandering Monster

Leeds-based group Wandering Monster reaches beyond what may be expected from the tried and tested line-up of the tenor saxophone/guitar quintet. The band’s original compositions, penned by double bassist and leader Sam Quintana, draw from a love of American and European jazz, rock and world music, creating a sound that’s simultaneously raucous and sensitive, intense and intellectual. Wandering Monster is made up of some of the finest musicians operating in the UK today; members of the band have also performed with a host of esteemed artists who include Mike Walker, Nikki Iles, Mark Nightingale, Lianne Carroll, Evelyn Glennie, Ant Law, Jasmine Myra, Melt Yourself Down and Worldservice Project amongst others.

Since its inception the band has become an integral part of the thriving Leeds scene, which has produced the likes of Roller Trio, Trio VD, Matthew Bourne, Vipertime and Submotion Orchestra, and with the release of their celebrated debut album (Ubuntu, 2019) Wandering Monster undertook a 14-date UK tour showcasing a dynamic live performance synonymous with the city’s roster of innovative artists.

Singles "Division" and "Metropolis" (Ubuntu, 2020) show a band continuing to progress and develop. Both compositions display a sound-world that is both cinematic and propulsive, securing Wandering Monster as one of the most exciting young groups operating in the UK today.

July 2023 will see the release of Wandering Monster’s second album "Zenna" (Ubuntu) which will be launched with a number of UK tour dates later this year, including this Brudenell Social Club show. 

"Zenna" is Wandering Monster’s second full length album and their third release on the Ubuntu label. It features four new original compositions as well as interpretations of pieces by Jaco Pastorius and Randy Newman. Like the group’s previous releases, the record is a blend of infectious, off-kilter grooves, catchy hooks, ferocious soloing, spontaneous collective improvisation and emotive, hypnotic vamps. The band continues to cultivate a unique sound but also venture into previously unexplored territory, flirting with free improvisation, minimalism and through-composed material. Expect to be taken on an emotional journey through sound-worlds that are intense and raucous, yet sensitive and thoughtful.

Wandering Monster are :

Sam Quintana- Double Bass/Compositions

Ben Powling- Tenor Saxophone

Calvin Travers- Guitar

Richard Harrold- Piano/keys

Tom Higham- Drums

As per usual at "DJ Lubi Presents" shows, support acts are drawn from the next generation of emerging bands and artists in Leeds. For this show, welcome to Elf Mode. A jazz fusion band featuring some familiar faces from the Leeds DIY jazz/beats scene. Saxophonist Emma Coates, electric bass player Jarred Dean, keys player Liam Mason, guitarist Harry Souter and drummer Herbie Underwood make fiery original tunes with heavy grooves, big beats and impressive solos. Taking notes from 90s jazz artists like Joshua Redman as well as contemporary British jazz+ acts like Yussef Dayes/Kamal Williams/Mansur Brown, their music is filled to the brim with hard-hitting lines over dynamic textures and powered electric energy. Over summer, they impressed hugely at Leeds Jazz Festival and Salemango 2023. Get down early to catch another new breakout Leeds jazz band starting to blow up.