Rising fast from South Wales to the UK’s biggest stages, Joe Webb has carved a reputation as one of the most dynamic new pianists in British music. He has performed with the Wynton Marsalis Quartet, recorded and toured with Jamie Cullum and Damian Lewis, supported and guested with Jools Holland across the UK, and appeared solo on Later…with Jools Holland. Now signed to the influential Edition Records, Webb’s growing profile has already been backed by high-profile admirers including Gilles Peterson, cementing his place as one of the most talked-about new jazz voices of his generation.
Hamstrings & Hurricanes, Webb’s debut album, released in Oct 2024, draws its charge from both his Welsh cultural roots and the grit and grandeur of ’90s Brit-pop, while never losing sight of the tradition of pre-1960 jazz piano he reveres. The record, produced with his band members, bassist Will Sach and drummer Sam Jesson, collides rags, ballads, blues, and improvisations into something closer to a mixtape than a straight jazz set.
For Joe, to be shortlisted for the Mercury Prize is life-changing, as he explains “It’s surreal to see my debut album sitting alongside such incredible records. I really look forward to the opportunity of sharing our music with a wider audience”.
A bold, continuous soundscape, Hamstrings & Hurricanes blends studio recordings with live trio moments giving it an immediacy that mirrors Webb’s reputation as a captivating performer. An extraordinarily gifted pianist and improviser, Webb draws on the flavour of ’90s Brit-pop and his Welsh cultural roots while channeling the virtuosity of stride and early jazz masters. The result is a sound that pays homage to classic idioms yet feels strikingly original – a balance of groove, nostalgia, and invention that has become the hallmark of the Joe Webb Trio.
The album captures the trio’s instinctive ability to push boundaries while respecting tradition, fulfilling their early promise and placing them firmly in the modern jazz conversation. Across rags, ballads, blues, and improvisations, Webb infuses his music with an energy that bridges past and present. Closing track Hiraeth (“homesick” in Welsh) nods directly to Oasis’ Shakermaker – “That era was the starting point of my love of music,” Webb explains. “I loved the way it made me feel. I started to get that same feeling when listening to Duke Ellington, Franz Liszt, Billie Holiday, Oscar Peterson, Blur, Art Tatum and the list goes on. The handwriting on the album cover was even inspired by Oasis’ Definitely Maybe.”
With Hamstrings & Hurricanes, Webb confirms himself as a trailblazing force in British jazz, ready to captivate audiences far beyond the scene with the backing of influential champions including Jools Holland, Jamie Cullum, and Gilles Peterson.
Joe Webb will perform with his trio at the Mercury Prize Awards Show on Thursday 16 October broadcast live on BBC TV and Radio.
What the Critics Said About Joe Webb
"With his talent, Webb really could be the bearer of vintage jazz to Gen X and beyond." The Times ★★★★
"...absolutely its own fabulous 21st century dragon." Shindig Magazine ★★★★
"There are few people more joyous to listen to at the piano than Joe Webb." Jamie Cullum
"...an extraordinary young pianist and writer who can also illuminate the music of the great masters...the wonderful, amazing Joe Webb!" Jools Holland
"...shrewdly reappraising swing, boogie and the blues in storming runs and splashy chording" The Guardian
"...an original and fiery pianist..." Nettavisen, NO
"...he will join Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey and Michael Sheen on the Valleys’ Mount Olympus" Morning Star
"Joe combines the ‘stride’ piano style with modern jazz sensibilities to create an unique piano trio sound." BBC Radio Cymru
" this trio will make you dance!" TSF Jazz, FR
"An essential discovery!" "Une découverte indispensable!" Jazz Magazine, FR
"...the boundary-pushing Joe Webb Trio." BBC Radio 3
4 comments :
A well deserved nomination for one of the most promising piano players to grace the UK shores for some time . I , like many on here, had the absolute pleasure of seeing him first hand at the Lit and Phil it was simply unbelievable . The hour went in a blur as did his fingers over the keys , during lockdown his online content was a very welcome break from the restrictions we lived with . I am delighted he is receiving the plaudits he so richly deserves.
Well said, Neil.
Absolutely - young Joe is a force of nature - we're so lucky to have seen him up here for that wonderful Lit & Phil gig. Maybe we can lure him back before his rise up to the stratosphere!
I agree. The nomination is, as Neil says, well deserved.
However, there's a lot of non-jazz big hitters on the list including local boy made good Sam Fender.
If Joe does get the nod - and I hope he does - the furrore afterwards would be similar to the occasion some years ago when Esmeralda Spalding 'aced' Justin Bieber as 'Best New Artist' at the Grammys.
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