Matt Carmichael

 This Autumn/Winter, Kings Place will present an ambitious season of jazz performances featuring internationally acclaimed artists, exclusive premieres and major new collaborations, underlining the venue’s growing reputation as one of London’s leading destinations for live jazz.

You will be opening the Kings Place Jazz season on Sunday September 20th, joining the KingsPlace Jazz Orchestra. How did that opportunity arise and how are you feeling about the show?

I remember getting a call from Hannah the producer of the orchestra at the end of last year whilst I was in the studio recording a new album. I’ve loved playing in big bands since I was in high school but never really imagined my own music in that context but people have seemed interested in it, the first opportunity came with WDR Big Band which came about by pure chance a few weeks after I released my debut album, when the manager and Bob Mintzer found the album on a streaming site! It’s always a treat to be involved and have so many musicians in the same room. I’ve done some new arrangements of my music especially. Arranging is something I’ve started doing fairly recently alongside my saxophone playing and it’s a big learning experience every time. I’ve learned a lot since the last time I wrote some Big Band music and I’m looking forward to hearing how the arrangements sound when the musicians bring it to life. Also Callum Au will be doing a set beforehand, he’s one of the world’s best arrangers and I’m excited to hear his music live and learn from that too.

What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have any recommendations?

I saw Jazz at the Lincoln Centre Orchestra Black, Brown and Beige by Duke Ellington last week in Edinburgh which was amazing! I’ve also listened to Phoebe Bridger’s new album this week, there’s lots of cool production on that. Immanuel Wilkin’s band came to Scotland the other week too which was incredible, I love hearing music live in small rooms.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments?

Some favourites are acoustic guitar, piano, violin, French horn, bass clarinet. A lot of the time it’s the personality of the musician as supposed to the instrument that draws me in.

Is it difficult picking a setlist? Do you have a song selection process?

With my own band we have a pool of tunes from across my albums, so it’s nice to not choose a setlist sometimes, it keeps things fresh and opens up the possibilities. With the Kings Place Orchestra you can’t be as flexible with so many musicians involved and I’ve chosen a set with a considered narrative and arc that works best being heard in that specific order from start to finish.

Do you have any new music releases planned for 2026/2027?

My next album ‘Held in the Dark’ is coming out October 16th. It’s in an Indie-Folk sound world, with more guitars than my previous albums, but retaining the core band, most of whom have played with me since we were teenagers which is grounded in collective improvisation and Jazz tradition. There’s a few singles out already and release shows this year along with more extensive touring in March 2027.

What is your earliest musical memory?

When I was in primary school a Tuba player came into our school and played the tune Fnugg. I think this is what planted the seed of playing a wind instrument, I went home asking my parents to learn Tuba but it never happened. A few years later my local council offered saxophone lessons in school, I didn’t know what a saxophone was really but something about it being a wind and shiny metal instrument seemed exciting which I think properly traces back to the memory of being blown away by the sound of the tuba. I was hooked since day one of starting the saxophone.

What makes Matt Carmichael happy and what makes you unhappy?

I like spending time with family, friends and in nature, listening to people who are passionate and tell stories, more so than talking myself. I love discovering new music that makes me feels something and opens up a whole new world to me that I hadn’t experienced before.

The state of the world can be overwhelming and the lack of compassion, power hungry individuals etc… I’m very lucky to be able to be able to be surviving playing music and have a nice community around me.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Baxter PR

Sunday 20 September 2026
Kings Place Jazz Orchestra featuring Matt Carmichael
Hall One, Kings Place, London4.30pm

Tickets: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/jazz/kings-place-jazz-orchestra-featuring-matt-carmichael/