‘La Nouvelle Vague’: Paris and the golden era of modern jazz

Saturday -

April

18,

2026

7:30pm

The Holly Shearsmith Quartet

'La Nouvelle Vague'

Details and Tickets

New Wave of Jazz in a Wider World

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The Holly Shearsmith Quartet brings young Jazz Musicians back to Oxford with their own 'New Wave' as they embark on their jazz careers in the wider world.

It's a programme inspired by the spirit of the French New Wave, a revolutionary late-1950s/early-1960s film movement, led by critics-turned-directors like François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard, exploring music connected with Paris and the golden era of modern jazz.

It will feature music linked to the ground breaking New Wave cinema of the 1950s featuring artists such as Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers, Miles Davis (Ascenseur Pour l’Échafaud). Andthere's a chance to re-live the work of American jazz musicians in Paris, including Cannonball Adderley’s Live in Paris (1960) and Dexter Gordon’s Our Man in Paris (1963).

Personnel:

Holly Shearsmith: Saxophonist and emerging bandleader who served as Musical Director of the Oxford University Jazz Orchestra during the 2024–25 season. Inspired by the likes of Cannonball Adderley and Jackie McLean, her playing combines lyrical phrasing with an energetic and expressive improvisational style. Holly has performed at a variety of venues across both Oxford and London, establishing herself as a versatile young voice on the saxophone.

Edouard Le Feuvre: Bass player and composer based in London. A recent graduate of the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Edouard can be found playing frequently on London’s vibrant music scene in a variety of settings, including multiple performances at major venues such as the Vortex Jazz Club and the Barbican Hall.

Harry Ashworth: Jazz pianist based in London. An in-demand virtuoso known for his dynamic touch and stylistic versatility. A sought-after performer on the London scene, he brings both technical flair and a deep sensitivity to the language of the music. Harry has appeared at some of London’s most celebrated venues, including The Piano Bar, Alfie’s Jazz Club, The Vortex, and Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club.

Lester Ridout is a busy young London based drummer who recently graduated from Guildhall School. An already in-demand musician he has been cutting his teeth in many London jazz venues such as The Vortex, Jazz Café Posk, The Green Note, The Shed, Alfie’s and Olivers Jazz bar. Lester is the resident House Band drummer for the popular Monday night jam sessions at ‘sYp’ in the City. “Despite his young age, Lester drove the band with fire and imagination. His explosive interaction with both horn players was particularly striking” (UK Jazz News)