Jaeger/Mitchell/Hitchcock & Alex Hitchcock Quartet

Leading the charge in terms of new jazz music being created in the UK – BBC Jazz World

About the Programme

Saxophonist and composer Alex Hitchcock presents a specially devised programme at World Heart Beat. The first set features a spontaneous, exploratory trio with acclaimed improvisers cellist/vocalist Midori Jaeger and pianist Robert Mitchell.

In striking contrast, the second set showcases Hitchcock’s dynamic working quartet — with Will Barry, Ben Tiberio and Ananda Brandao — fresh from developing new material at a long residency at Guimaraes Jazz Festival in Portugal. This one-off performance offers an insight into the creative arc leading to Hitchcock’s forthcoming album Letters From Afar, released in September 2025, and highlights the rich breadth of collaboration shaping his bold, evolving sound.

World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens is proud be a host venue once again at EFG London Jazz Festival 2025.

About the Artists

London-born, New York-based Alex Hitchcock is an immediately distinctive improviser and a leading voice on the saxophone on the international stage. An Ivor Novello-nominated composer, his innovative collaborations have confirmed his growing reputation as an instigator and catalyst for captivating musical encounters that continually push the envelope a little further. Described by The Guardian as a ‘virtuoso’ saxophonist, he tours and records trailblazing musicians in new combinations for his Dream Band series.

Midori Jaeger is a cellist, singer and composer originally from Japan. She writes emotive songs from the cello. As a solo artist, she has released three studio EPs and toured the UK and Europe from 2023-2024. Midori tours Europe and the world regularly as a session performer in music and theatre. As a genre-defying collaborator, she has lent her creative touch to Courtney Pine, Shards, Daughter, Patrick Watson, China Moses, Tanita Tikaram, JADE, Calum Scott, Lucinda Chua and Heather Nova.

Robert Mitchell is an award-winning pianist, composer, bandleader, teacher, and poet. He has released 13 albums and has led the bands Epiphany 3 and TRUE THINK. His latest release in 2024 is a solo piano improvisation EP – A Study (In The Key Of Now) on 577 Records (NYC). He has worked with (amongst many) – Billy Harper, Phil Ranelin, Steve Coleman, Courtney Pine, Julien Lourau, Dayme Arocena, Alicia Olatuja, Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, Ty, Shirley Smart, Orphy Robinson, Basement Jaxx, Matana Roberts, Jhelisa Anderson, Soweto Kinch, Empirical and Norma Winstone. He has won the Hamlyn Award for Composition, A Broadcast Award (as MD on Jazz 625 Live BBC4), and has composed commissions for the London Sinfonietta and Jazz South.

Will Barry is an award-winning pianist, drummer and percussionist based in London. A graduate from the Royal Academy of Music, Will was the recipient of the Musician’s Company Young Jazz Musician of the Year award and over the last 15 years has built a reputation as one of the UK’s most in-demand, creative and dynamic musicians. Will is a regular collaborator of Alex Hitchcock, Adrian Cox, Heidi Vogel, Jonny Mansfield and Rachael Cohen. He is featured on several acclaimed records and plays at London’s top clubs. Touring extensively across the globe, he has performed at the North Sea, Umbria Jazz and Love Supreme and has had the pleasure of performing with Wynton Marsalis, Eddie Henderson, Jerry Bergonzi, Joe Farnsworth and Steve Davis, to name a few. With a particular passion for music from South America and the Caribbean, his time spent studying and working in Spain and his vast experience as a percussionist and drummer give Will a unique and exciting sound.

Ben Tiberio is a New York-based bassist and composer whose expressive style and deep musicality have made him a key figure in the global jazz scene. He has performed extensively with luminary artists such as Joel Ross, Veronica Swift, Shai Maestro, Dayna Stephens and Immanuel Wilkins, and shared the stage with many jazz greats, such as Billy Hart, Kenny Barron, Randy Brecker, and Danilo Pérez. His 2021 debut album, Rare Peace, established his voice as a composer and bandleader. He is currently a steady member of the Ari Hoenig Trio.

Ananda Brandão is a young Franco-Brazilian artist described as “a rising star on drums, as well as an inspired singer and composer” – Jazz à Vienne. After studying at CMDL (Paris), she completed a master’s degree at the Royal Academy of Music (London). She has performed across Europe, the UK, and Brazil, collaborating with iconic jazz musicians such as Rhoda Scott, Marco Lobo, Alex Hitchcock, and Clélya Abraham, among others. Ananda co-leads Ninanda with pianist Nina Gat. The band won 1st Prize at the ReZZo Jazz à Vienne 2024, and their debut album, A Place Where, recently released on the KOMOS label, was named a “Révélation” by Jazz Magazine (France) and praised as “an essential new group on the French jazz scene.”