Drummer Miles Pillinger and bassist Fergus Quill have put together a 7 piece group playing the music of Brazilian percussion legend Hermeto Pascoal who passed away last year. It would have been his 90th birthday this year. Hermeto Pascoal (22 June 1936 – 13 September 2025) was a Brazilian composer and multi-instrumentalist. Pascoal was best known in Brazilian music for his orchestration and improvisation, as well as for being a record producer and contributor to many Brazilian and international albums.

Hermeto’s music will be played by a stellar line-up of musicians, honouring his legacy with Miles Pillinger (drums), JJ Petrie (percussion), Pablo Barrios (piano), Fergus Quill (percussion), Elliot Whitehouse (bass), Olivia Cuttill (trumpet), Benjy Sandler (flute/ sax).

Miles Pillinger (drums) is an inspiring and dynamic presence who you will have seen since he started at Leeds Conservatoire in 2021, with his own quintet – Mangorata and in Olivia Cuttill’s Quintet. He made his Ronnie Scotts’ debut as a leader last year.

More often seen playing bass, Fergus Quill (percussion) leads some of the most exciting bands on the UK scene right now, including the acclaimed Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band, a musician who brings fire and originality to every performance and line-up.

Venezuelan pianist Pablo Barrios brings an infectious energy, flair, and a keen sense of innovation. Musical director of the NYJO Latin Collective he’s one of the most exciting musicians emerging on the London jazz scene, appearing last November at the EFG London Jazz Festival as well as at Pizza Express as part of the Soho Jazz Festival.

Award-winning trumpeter Olivia Cuttill, is definitely a musician making an impact on the UK jazz scene, with a sound rich with soul and influences from across the world of jazz and blues. She visited us many times previously with her own fantastic quintet but also as special guest with visiting bands such as Dave Bristow’s Quintet.

Multi-instrumentalist Benjy Sandler (flute/sax) is a member of NYJO and the London Improvisers Orchestra, a musician with a beautiful tone on his instrument who has performed at venues and festivals including the EFG London Jazz Festival and at Cafe OTO.

JJ Petrie (percussion) has visited us previously with Mangorata. On bass is Elliot Whitehouse is another great musician emerging from the London jazz scene.

Payf concert (£10 recommended) in the courtyard at Seven (inside if weather is inclement!)

Music 1.30pm – 3.30pm in Seven Arts Courtyard, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS73PD