Manchester-based contemporary jazz quintet, Artephis comprises some of the North's most creatively diverse young musicians. Double A-sides 'Artephis with The Untold Orchestra' and 'Glow/Treading Water' released in 2020. Their debut album, 'All Change No Change', was released in 2017 and aired on BBC Radio 3’s ‘Jazz Now’ and BBC Radio 2, Jamie Cullum choosing ‘Feroz’ as his BBC Introducing highlight of the year.
Artephis’ improvisation draws contemporary influence from Christian Scott, Butcher Brown, and Brian Blade & the Fellowship, all the while rooted in Miles Davis' late-'60s/early-'70s On The Corner/Big Fun/Jack Johnson era, distilling an eclectic sound of their own with a European sensibility. Described by Mike Walker (The Impossible Gentlemen) as having ‘an organic, collectively individual sound that always has an eye on the narrative’, they compose and perform with a feel for the programmatic. Informed by the musicians’ diverse backgrounds in Afrobeat, Western classical, funk and hip-hop settings, Artephis immerse the listener in a sound-space of imaginative textures, explosive and sensitive grooves, and spirited melodies.
They have performed at the Brecon, Manchester, Liverpool, Scarborough, Marsden, Hull and Lancaster Jazz Festivals, as well as at The Cavern Club, Band On The Wall, Kendal Calling, La Belle Angele and RNCM. They have supported the likes of post-Bowie Donny McCaslin and Marquis Hill Blacktet.
Artephis are Jazz North alumni as Northern Line and Introduces artists.
Aaron Wood (trumpet/flugelhorn/electronics)
James Girling (electric/flamenco guitars)
Ali Roocroft (piano/keyboard)
Alasdair Simpson (bass guitar)
Matt Brown (drums)
Artephis’ improvisation draws contemporary influence from Christian Scott, Butcher Brown, and Brian Blade & the Fellowship, all the while rooted in Miles Davis' late-'60s/early-'70s On The Corner/Big Fun/Jack Johnson era, distilling an eclectic sound of their own with a European sensibility. Described by Mike Walker (The Impossible Gentlemen) as having ‘an organic, collectively individual sound that always has an eye on the narrative’, they compose and perform with a feel for the programmatic. Informed by the musicians’ diverse backgrounds in Afrobeat, Western classical, funk and hip-hop settings, Artephis immerse the listener in a sound-space of imaginative textures, explosive and sensitive grooves, and spirited melodies.
They have performed at the Brecon, Manchester, Liverpool, Scarborough, Marsden, Hull and Lancaster Jazz Festivals, as well as at The Cavern Club, Band On The Wall, Kendal Calling, La Belle Angele and RNCM. They have supported the likes of post-Bowie Donny McCaslin and Marquis Hill Blacktet.
Artephis are Jazz North alumni as Northern Line and Introduces artists.
Aaron Wood (trumpet/flugelhorn/electronics)
James Girling (electric/flamenco guitars)
Ali Roocroft (piano/keyboard)
Alasdair Simpson (bass guitar)
Matt Brown (drums)
