World Jazz Jive feat. Yamikani, Levniz & Kanavu

A world jazz night at The Attic in Leeds, presented by DJ Lubi, pairing the Afro-Diasporic ensemble Yamikani with the Bristol-based guitarist Levniz and the group Kanavu.

DJ Lubi, a long-standing promoter of world music and jazz in Leeds, presents the evening at The Attic, a venue that hosts concerts and shows in the city. The programme places contemporary jazz alongside Afro-Cuban rhythms, Brazilian music and Indian carnatic music, with newer musicians from Leeds, Brazil, Turkey and Bristol.

Yamikani is an Afro-Diasporic jazz fusion ensemble in Leeds, led by bandleader and congas player Yamikani Soko. It is the latest project of saxophonist Reece Soko, who also plays with Afrodesia, Ferg's Imaginary Big Band and the Amon Ra Collective. Its original repertoire draws on CuBop, rumba, calypso and spiritual jazz, with inspiration from Chano Pozo, Max Roach and Mongo Santamaria, and adds Malawian heritage and bebop. The line-up includes flute, three saxophones, trumpet, trombone, piano, double bass and drums.

Levniz is a Bristol-based guitarist and composer of Turkish heritage who plays classical and jazz, as well as Turkish and flamenco music. Brazilian bossa nova is a particular interest, especially the work of Baden Powell, Luis Bonfa and Roberto Menescal. Kanavu, the group also named in the billing, is one of the bands whose musicians feature in Yamikani's line-up.