Emile Hinton
Emile Hinton is an award-winning jazz pianist and composer emerging from the heart of the London jazz scene. A mentee of renowned UK pianist Julian Joseph, he graduated with first-class honours from Trinity Laban Conservatoire and recently spent three months at the Tribeca Jazz Institute in NYC, studying with some of New York’s top musicians. In 2023, Emile was honoured with the Tina May Musician’s Company Young Jazz Musician of the Year. As the pianist for jazz legends Ricky Ford (Charles Mingus, Ellington Orchestra) and Jazz Messenger Jean Toussaint (Art Blakey, McCoy Tyner), Emile has performed at top venues across the UK and Europe, including Ronnie Scott’s, The Jazz Café, The Barbican and Pizza Express, working with their ensembles and leading his own diverse projects across multiple genres.
‘Emile is a joy to witness, he’s a thoughtful, conscientious and well-balanced young man and his talent certainly speaks for itself. I predict that he will rise rapidly through the ranks and be a musical force to be marvelled at’ – Jean Toussaint
Nnamdi Nnachi-Cole
Nnamdi Nnachi-Cole is a young pianist with a beautiful flowing integrity of sound. His ballad playing is insightful and mature coupled with an effortless urgency when the music is powerful and fast pace. Trained at the esteemed Julian Joseph Jazz Academy, Nnamdi is already turning heads and attracting positive waves as one of the newest emerging stars on the London jazz scene.
Ellis Gates
South London musician Ellis Gates has been crowned the Young Drummer of the Year, securing his place in drumming history at the Zildjian Young Drummer contest, testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication. He’s heavily influenced by Roy Haynes, Art Blakey and Tony Williams.
Hass Richards
Hass Richards is making waves on the London jazz scene with his robust sound and intense ability to swing and bring energy to every situation. Hass loves a wide range of genres including R&B, gospel, and jazz, and those influences seep into his musical palette powering his compelling attack and musical vibration. A multidimensional character and personality, Hass is a graduate in Biological Sciences.
In the midst of his university studies, Hass sought out musical programs to help develop his musical abilities and found the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy. It was there, when Julian heard him on bass it was suggested that he focus his efforts on the bass in addition to his guitar playing. Throughout his time at JJJA he gradually transitioned to the upright bass and hasn’t looked back. Hass also has all the artist development opportunities offered in the World Heart Beat Young artists programmes.
Since completing his degree, he is in high demand as a performer and educator on the London jazz scene. He now teaches guitar and regularly performs at venues across the city, including the World Heart Beat, Vortex, and the 606 Club, and bringing a thoughtful, groove-driven approach shaped by both self-discovery and formal jazz mentorship.
