Mark Kavuma

Proudly presented in partnership with One Jazz

Main Act: Mark Kavuma Quartet

Over the last decade composer, trumpeter and bandleader Mark Kavuma has established a reputation as an influential figure, performing at the cutting edge of the vibrant London nu-jazz scene.

He has released eight albums as leader featuring his original compositions: Kavuma (2018), voted among the best albums of the year by Downbeat magazine, The Banger Factory (2019), Arashi No Ato (2021), Back-to-Back (2022), The Banger Factory – Warriors (2022), Erskine & Kavuma – Ultrasound (2023), The Dandy (2024) and fresh off the press: Mark Kavuma & The Banger Factory – Magnum Opus (2024).

As a performer, Kavuma is renowned for his unique, distinctive trumpet sound. His lyricism, soulful tone and graceful technique spread infectious joy and mutual excitement among audiences and fellow musicians. His evolving compositional flair immerses fellow band members in the vibrant, contemporary world of colour, texture, and harmony that epitomises his musical style.

Kavuma is contingent upon bringing the people a good time. He has developed and nourished a truly unmistakable ‘sound’, with his band featuring some of the most gifted and engaging musicians on the scene today. 

Band line-up

Mark Kavuma – trumpet 

Jack Garside – bass

Jack Thomas – drums 

Deschanel Gordon – piano

Support act: Oscar Lyons Quartet

Also on the bill is a very special support set from the Oscar Lyons Quartet. Oscar is an exceptional pianist performing his own compositions, who first played with us in our 2023 festival and is now studying at the Royal Academy of Music. Included in his band is BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2024 finalist, tenor saxophonist George Johnson.

Support act line-up

Oscar Lyons – piano

George Johnson – tenor sax

Zaki Osahn – double bass

Ananda Brandão – drums

One Jazz

This show is presented in partnership with One Jazz, the 24-hour global online jazz radio network that plays a majority of new music but also reflects the jazz tradition in its widest sense. One Jazz is a global hub for the music people know as 'jazz', steadfastly promoting the vibrancy, progression and evolution of the music.

Information

Doors open 7.00pm. Support act starts at 7.30pm followed by an interval of 25 minutes. Main show starts at 8.30pm, scheduled to end by about 10.00pm.

Full bar available from 7.00pm and during the interval.

Free parking is available on site, and nearby in Century Retail Park (please check conditions of parking on arrival - usually 4 hours for free). The Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre is 4-minute walk from Watford High Street Overground Station.