The new single, “Hold On To People” from the UK’s hard-bop heroes The Jazz Defenders and rising soul star Hannah Williams showcases the unique talents that have led these UK musicians to the forefront of the modern jazz/funk/soul spectrum.
The Jazz Defenders, whose last two albums both reached the top 10 in the U.S. jazz charts, combine solid grooves and catchy horn lines, fusing soul, jazz, hip hop and groove-lead by renowned pianist and composer George Cooper, who has collaborated with the likes of Hans Zimmer, Lisa Stansfield, Omar, Nigel Kennedy, MF Doom, and The Brand New Heavies.
Keeping the legacy of hard bop and soul jazz alive, their 2024 album “Memory In Motion” wowed fans and critics alike, gaining rave reviews and extensive radio play.
Hannah Williams and the Affirmations are key players in the UK and worldwide soul scenes, having achieved international fame since their track “Late Nights & Heartbreak” was sampled by Jay Z on the Grammy-nominated song “4:44”.
Since then, they’ve graced global stages such as Montreal Jazz Festival and Blue Note in Milan and Tokyo, while collaborating with artists like Tyler the Creator, Pete Rock, and Guy Chambers.
To celebrate their new collaborative single “Hold On To People”, both bands will be performing a homecoming live show at St George’s in Bristol on the Friday 22nd November, hosted by rapper, actor and comedian Doc Brown.
Beginning life as an underground rapper, Doc Brown AKA Ben Bailey Smith, has diversified profoundly, moving into mainstream TV and film acting, stand up, screen writing and children’s books. Doc will be performing new and existing works with The Jazz Defenders as well as compering the show.
This special one-off evening of soul, jazz, soundtrack and hip hop will see both bands perform their music together with members guesting on each other’s repertoire, and the whole show arranged and performed with a world-class string section.
