“The Solomon Gundy band sounds like and is the culmination of a musical lifetime’s work. The man behind it - Sean Corby - has deep roots in the UK’s gloriously multicultural jazz history and this album feels like a joyous, but thought-provoking expression of that. Professional and personal challenges have meant that Sean has had long spells not doing the thing that he loves most and does best - make music. But this project proves that the momentum never stopped, it was burning inside him and now it’s been unleashed for us all to enjoy. “
Jez Nelson One Jazz/Jazz FM
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The Solomon Gundy Band forge a sound rooted in both the Jazz tradition and the British Caribbean experience. Their debut album ‘Hancestry’ combines virtuosity with free-improvisation, heavy afro grooves with punk-energy, poetic lyrics with working-class grit. It is conscious sound system jazz for the 21st century.
Led by visionary trumpeter and UK jazz catalyst Sean Corby their music channels the pioneering spirit of 80's Jazz Warriors, electric Miles Davis, the afro-diasporic language of Cuba, New Orleans, and Kingston Jamaica, whilst being uniquely shaped by the vibrant eclecticism of the UK music world.
Having released their debut album Hancestry, the group made their live debut at Jazz In The Round with Jez Nelson, followed by an appearance at Love Supreme Festival, and an explosive performance at Ronnie Scott's in July 2026.
After their debut show, Jez Nelson commented “We get loads of great shows and incredible players, but that was a performance with real humanity.”
The album has been recieved widespread critical acclaim, with a series of glowing reviews from Kevin Le Gendre in Jazzwise, and in Jazz Journal, UK Vibe, Le Grigri Radio (Fr), and has been celebrated by Radio presenters including Nikki Yeoh, Chris Phillips, & Tony Minvielle at Jazz FM, Moses Boyd ‘Round Midnight’ BBC3, Rob Luis (Tru Thughts) Untold Radio, Adam Rockers (Jazz Refreshed) Dope Jazz Radio, Dom Servini & Jez Nelson on One Jazz, Ann Arbor on U.S station KFJC, and radio shows in France, Japan, Australia, and the U.S.
Solomon Gundy is a spicy Jamaican pickled Herring paste usually served with crackers as an appetizer or hors d’oeuvre. The term is originally from the French word "salmigondis", which refers to a disparate assembly of things, ideas, or people forming an incoherent whole
Produced by Loose Tubes/Freak Power maverick Ashley Slater and two-time Grammy and Juno nominated electronic artist/producer Carmen Rizzo, their debut album, 'Hancestry,' features guest contributions from UK jazz legend Courtney Pine, Trinidadian singer-songwriter Drew Gonsalves, orignal Tomorrow's Warriors vocalist Julie Dexter, emerging piano star Sultan Stevenson and showcases a remarkable array of generational talent. With tracks that include the words of community activist Ismahil Blaigrove and author James Baldwin, along with dedications to Leon Forrest and Zora Neale Hurston.
“Often driven by super-strong latin and afro-diasporic rhythms this music is at the same time danceable and brain-food, with Corby's passion for the Jazz tradition and the socio-political bever far from the surface.”
Jez Nelson (One Jazz)
“Hancestry signals an intention to make a strong cultural statement as well as create music that is accessible and well arranged.”
Kevin Le Gendre (Jazzwise)
“ Wadada will be track of the week. Well done Sean, this album is VERY GOOD and doesn't sound like anything else I have heard!”
Nikki Yeoh (Jazz FM)
Live line-up 2026
Sean Corby-trumpet, Nathaniel Cross-trombone, Phil Dawson-guitar, Graeme Evelyn-percussion, Chris Jerome-piano/keys, Edmondo Cicchetti-basses, Daniel Crosby-drums
FOR ALL INDUSTRY, LABEL, BOOKING & PRESS ENQUIRIES Contact:
Peter Conway Management peter@peterconwaymanagement.com
Artwork www.graemeevelyn.com
Press Photos
Photo by Monika S Jakobowski
Live at Jazz In The Round April 24th 2026 photo: Steven Cropper