Breaking boundaries - It’s jazz, Jim but not as we know it!
Sophie Speed soloing with Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band at mjf. Photographer: Nigel Slee
The 2025 Northern Line showcase took place over the opening weekend of the Manchester Jazz Festival (mjf) on 17th-18th May. Northern Line is Jazz North’s answer to live touring support for northern artists and champions the most pioneering, bold and innovative music across the scene.
First up from our roster of new talent was Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band chosen to headline the main stage on Saturday night. This Leeds based collective of ‘20-something, twenty somethings’ has a reputation for their energetic live performances and experimental arrangements and they certainly did not disappoint. The band played with passion and humour to an enthusiastic crowd delighted to hear curveball tunes such as ‘Pink Elephants on Parade’ and ‘Let’s Go Fly a Kite’ during their set.
https://fergusquill.bandcamp.com/album/fergs-imaginary-big-band-2
Ex-Easter Island Head taking festival goers on a sonic journey. Photographer: Kieran Irvine
Sunday’s programme started at 1pm on the main stage with a through-composed minimalistic set from the Liverpool based Ex-Easter Island Head. Musicians Benjamin D. Duvall, Benjamin Fair, Jonathan Hering and Andrew PM Hunt captivated the audience both visually and aurally with their layout of multiple prepared guitars, electronics and percussion instruments necessary to produce the soundworld of their 2024 release Norther. The set built gradually in dynamic and intensity taking the festival goers on an ever evolving sonic journey.
Ellen Beth Abdi charming the audience at HOME with her solo set. Photographer: Kieran Irvine
Next we moved over to the HOME stage for an intimate, stripped-down set from the Mancunian singer songwriter Ellen Beth Adbi. Rather than performing with a full band, Ellen Beth accompanied herself skillfully on keys and synths. She charmed the audience with her brand of ‘wonky, soul infused pop’ and ‘quirky’ lyrics giving an insight into her life. You could almost hear a pin drop as Ellen Beth sang the hauntingly beautiful lead track ‘Who this world is made for’ - a prelude to the release of her debut album ‘Ellen Beth Abdi’ on 23rd May. https://ellenbethabdi.bandcamp.com/album/ellen-beth-abdi
Amy and Fran, fearless folk / improvisation captivates the afternoon audience. Photographer Megan Wityszyn.
Back on the main stage it was time to hear from the North East and fearless folk experimenters Amy Thatcher and Francesca Knowles. Amy and Fran demonstrated their talents on a variety of instruments (accordion, drums, percussion, synths, keys and vocals) during their vibrant set. This enabled them to create different moods and explore a range of human experiences through their music. The duo had an almost sixth sense when communicating on stage and their obvious delight in performing together was wonderful to witness.
https://amythatcherfranknowles.bandcamp.com/album/emergency-of-the-female-kind
Two exhilarating sets by The EXU inside HOME. Photographer Molly Summerfield
The final Northern Line performance took place on the HOME stage with two exhilarating sets by the Leeds based band The Exu. This accomplished and intuitive trio - James Mainwaring, Dave Kane and Emil Karlsen - incorporate a wide range of influences including free jazz, grunge, death metal and hip hop into their compositions. During the second set they burst into an impromptu rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ to celebrate mjf’s 30th anniversary. Saxophonist James whipped their already excitable listeners into a frenzy with a ‘double sax’ moment bringing the Northern Line Showcase to its triumphant conclusion.