Tamar Osborn (UK)

Collocutor is a ground-breaking modal jazz ensemble formed and led by saxophonist/composer Tamar Osborn (aka Tamar Collocutor). Drawing on wide-ranging influences from electric-era Miles Davis to minimalism via Indian classical music and ethio-jazz, Collocutor’s approach reflects the meaning of their name: ‘a person taking part in a conversation’.

Over the course of three albums and an EP, the unique sound of the quintet (formerly septet) has matured into something exploratory, deep and compelling.

Between them, the band members have worked with an eclectic and broad-ranging mix of artists including Dele Sosimi (in whose group several of the band met), Sarathy Korwar, Jessica Lauren, Maisha, Emanative, Kefaya, Tony Allen, Bonobo, Jamie Cullum, Kelis, Jamiroquai and the more experimental Fiium Shaark.

Notable performances include: Novara Jazz Festival (Italy), NOSPR (Poland), Church of Sound (London), We Out Here Festival, London Jazz Festival, Manchester Jazz Festival, Royal Albert Hall (Elgar Room), Gilles Peterson & Patrick Forge present Another Sunday afternoon at Dingwalls, Jaiyede Jazz Festival (Denmark), Record Store Day Warsaw (Poland)

Magazine features include: Wax Poetics (Europe Special Edition 2019), Straight No Chaser #98, Musikexpress Germany Top 50 Jazz Albums (July 2018)

“Really good collective…Ethiopique, little bit spiritual jazz and banging” Gilles Peterson, BBC 6Music

“Sublime work” Sounds of the Universe

“Bold and adventurous” Andy Hamilton, The Wire

“One of the most dynamic jazz groups to emerge out of London” TJ Gorton/Beat Caffeine

“Brilliance, as usual.” Jeremy Sole, KCRW Los Angeles

“A staggeringly authentic vintage brass arrangement in the style of Gil Evans…the kind of playing and arranging chops it’s impossible to fake” Tom Robinson, BBC 6Music

“Mesmerising and elevating” Jane Cornwell, London Evening Standard