Introduction and Bio:

Phil Meadows began his saxophone journey at 12, inspired by Lisa Simpson’s duet with Bleeding Gums Murphy. Twenty years later, he’s one of the UK’s leading saxophonists, composers and conductors, with accolades including two Parliamentary Jazz Awards, a London Music Award, and the Peter Whittingham Jazz Award.

Phil has worked with an impressive range of artists, from NYC jazz trumpeter Ingrid Jensen to European piano trio Phronesis, guitarist Femi Temowo, and UK jazz stars like Laura Jurd and Elliot Galvin. He’s toured Europe with electronic music pioneer Matthew Herbert and completed a residency in the Netherlands with acclaimed pianist Rogier Telderman. He also holds a longstanding residency at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, showcasing the best in upcoming UK jazz talent under the Future Movers monocle, and runs his own band Beware of the Bear, uniting some of his favourite musicians to perform his original music.

Beyond small-group jazz, Phil is celebrated for his innovative work with orchestras, specialising in cross-genre collaboration as a conductor and arranger with the Grammy-winning Metropole Orkest, BBC Concert Orchestra, and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He’s been commissioned to re-orchestrate his music for the Royal Northern Sinfonia and worked as an improvisation expert for the Southbank Sinfonia (now Sinfonia Smith Square) and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Meadows is also undertaking a PhD in ‘developing creative practices for orchestral musicians’ due for completion in 2025.

Musical Style & Sound:

Phil Meadows seamlessly blends jazz and improvised music with electronica and beat music, drawing from influences like Bonobo, Bill Frisell, Donny McCaslin and J-Dilla. His signature sound interweaves swirling textures, soaring melodies and infectious grooves whilst creating the space for all musicians to improvise.

Regular Line-Up:

Phil Meadows - Saxophone // Michael De Souza - Guitar // Joe Downard - Bass // Jay Davis - Drums