Mark Lockheart is one of the UK’s most distinctive and forward-thinking saxophonists and composers, celebrated for his fearless creativity and genre-defying collaborations.
Whether leading ambitious orchestral jazz projects, reshaping Ellington for the 21st century, or blending electronics with acoustic improvisation, Lockheart has continually reimagined what British jazz can be. His recent albums include the critically acclaimed Dreamers (2022), which explored lush electronic soundscapes, Smiling (2024), featuring a 13-piece ensemble, and the upcoming trio album Shapeshifter (early 2026).
Mark first came to prominence with the pioneering big band Loose Tubes (in which he worked with recent RRC guest Chris Batchelor), before going on to shape the UK scene through projects such as Perfect Houseplants and the Mercury Prize-nominated Polar Bear. He has worked with Norma Winstone, Kenny Wheeler, Dave Holland, Seb Rochford, June Tabor, Django Bates, the NDR Big Band, Robert Wyatt, Radiohead, and Mark-Anthony Turnage, with whom he premiered major contemporary works such as About Water and Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House.
David Gordon - piano
Denny Ilett - guitar
Paul Pace - on Ronnie Scott's
John Crawford - piano
Shirley Smart - cello
Alan Barnes - saxophone
Harry Evans - multi-instrumentalist
Mark Lockheart - saxophone
Emily Masser - singer/saxophone
End of term gig - Emile Hinton Trio