Xhosa Cole presents FreeMonk Big Band at The Edge, Birmingham

An electrifying homage to Thelonious Monk's compositions unfolded at The Edge in Birmingham, where saxophonist and bandleader Xhosa Cole assembled a distinguished big band for a night of post-bop exploration. Known for his accolades including the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year Award (2018) and Jazz FM’s Breakthrough Act (2020), Cole brought together an exceptional roster of musicians for this ambitious project.

The concert featured a remarkable collection of artists, including vocal powerhouse Cleveland Watkiss, alto saxophonist Soweto Kinch, trumpeter Laura Jurd, and multi-instrumentalists such as Jason Yarde and Hans Koller. This ensemble, dubbed the FreeMonk Big Band, convened only hours before the performance, relying heavily on spontaneous interaction and minimal rehearsal to navigate the intricate arrangements.

Cole’s leadership was evident throughout the evening, as he directed the band with improvised cues and vibrant gestures, signaling transitions and structural changes in real time. This approach underscored the collective's mastery and adaptability, especially given the complexity of Monk’s compositions and the limited preparation time.

Highlights included a rendition of 'Straight No Chaser' that showcased Watkiss’s vocal improvisation alongside Jurd’s striking trumpet solo, illustrating the band’s capacity to blend individual virtuosity with cohesive ensemble dynamics. The performance was a testament to the vitality of jazz improvisation, blending abstraction and collaboration seamlessly.

The event also served as a soft launch for Cole’s forthcoming album, 'On a Modern Genius Vol. 2,' a follow-up to his acclaimed 2025 release. This milestone coincided with Cole’s 30th birthday, adding a celebratory undertone to the evening. In a gesture of gratitude, Cole encouraged support for the album and merchandise sales, with proceeds directed towards maintaining The Edge, a venue he regards as his artistic home.

The Edge holds a significant place in Cole’s creative journey, having hosted previous projects such as live performances of his compositions and community-driven festivals like the Talking Drum Fest. The venue's transformation from a former industrial space to a vibrant cultural hub mirrors the innovative spirit of Cole’s work.

Last year, Cole led a 38-date tour promoting the first volume of 'On a Modern Genius,' signaling his commitment to bringing contemporary jazz to wider audiences. The successful reception at The Edge suggests a promising trajectory for the new album and potential touring plans in the near future.

The FreeMonk Big Band’s lineup also featured George Crowley on tenor saxophone, Christos Stylianides on trumpet, Louis Koller on trombone, Corey Mwamba on vibraphone, Leon Foster-Thomas on steel pan, Calum Gourlay handling double bass duties, and Tim Giles on drums. This assembly of talent brought a rich palette of sounds and textures to the Monk repertoire, reimagining the compositions with fresh energy.

The evening exemplified how modern jazz artists continue to reinterpret classic works while fostering community and innovation within the genre. Xhosa Cole’s leadership and vision not only honored Monk’s legacy but also propelled it forward through collaboration and creative risk.

While details on future projects remain limited, the success of this performance and album launch signals an exciting phase for Cole and the wider UK jazz scene. The FreeMonk Big Band’s Birmingham residency at The Edge stands as a vibrant example of contemporary jazz’s evolving landscape, rooted in tradition yet boldly experimental.