About Luke

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Luke Bainbridge is a drummer, composer, and percussionist working in diverse contexts as a sideman and bandleader. He has won awards in both jazz and contemporary classical arenas (2018 Dankworth Prize; 2017 BCMG Compass Composition Prize), and his debut album Surface Tension garnered critical acclaim for its “distinct and identifiable voice” (Jazz Views).

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Beyond his own project, Luke has appeared at Love Supreme and Cheltenham Jazz Festivals as a member of Hootini Brass Band, with their recent singles featuring on BBC radio shows such as James Morrison's Top Brass and Soweto Kinch's 'Round Midnight. He has also shared stages with Chip Wickham, the London Mozart Players, and the James Taylor Quartet (Barbican, Cadogan Hall), alongside recording and performing with comedy icons Jazz Emu (Ego Death, BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show) and Sheeps (Edinburgh Fringe and Soho Theatre Walthamstow).​​​​

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Following the success of Surface Tension, Luke is currently preparing for his highly anticipated sophomore release PETSTEP. Reuniting his core powerhouse quartet of Kieran McLeod (trombone), Ralph Wyld (vibraphone), and Huw V Williams (bass), this upcoming era ventures deeper into the band's dynamic sound. Channelling influences ranging from MF DOOM to Olivier Messiaen, the new material promises a bold fusion of experimental composition, hip-hop energy, and virtuosic contemporary jazz interplay.​​​