WANDERING
MONSTER
'Thoughtful music; melodic, flowing and measured, with enough twists and turns to keep everyone engaged-'
- Mike Walker (Dave Holland, Tal Farlow, Anthony Braxton)
'This in an incredibly impressive release, it's insanely good-'
- Local Sound Focus
'...there’s a maturity and generosity in each other’s musical company that makes Wandering Monster just a little special-‘
- Andy Robson - Jazzwise
Sam Quintana- Double Bass/Compositions
Ben Powling- Tenor Saxophone
Calvin Travers- Guitar
Richard Harrold- Piano/keys
Tom Higham- Drums
Leeds-based group Wandering Monster reaches beyond what may be expected from the tried and tested line-up of the tenor saxophone/guitar quintet. The band’s original compositions, penned by double bassist and leader Sam Quintana, draw from a love of American and European jazz, rock and world music, creating a sound that’s simultaneously raucous and sensitive, intense and intellectual. Wandering Monster is made up of some of the finest musicians operating in the UK today; members of the band have also performed with a host of esteemed artists who include Mike Walker, Nikki Iles, Mark Nightingale, Lianne Carroll, Evelyn Glennie, Ant Law, Jasmine Myra, Melt Yourself Down and Worldservice Project amongst others.
Since its inception the band has become an integral part of the thriving Leeds scene, which has produced the likes of Roller Trio, Trio VD, Matthew Bourne and Submotion Orchestra, and with the release of their celebrated debut album (Ubuntu, 2019) Wandering Monster undertook a 14-date UK tour showcasing a dynamic live performance synonymous with the city’s roster of innovative artists.
Singles Division and Metropolis (Ubuntu, 2020) show a band continuing to progress and develop. Both compositions display sound-world that is both cinematic and propulsive, securing Wandering Monster as one of the most exciting young groups operating in the UK today.
2023 saw the release of Wandering Monster’s second album Zenna, again with Ubuntu, accompanied by a UK tour which included a sell out show at the world famous Ronnie Scott's jazz Club.
