If you’re even slightly curious about jazz but feel like it might be a bit too serious or complicated, Sam Newbould’s latest tour might just flip that idea on its head. This spring, Sam Newbould—a saxophonist from Yorkshire who’s been living in Amsterdam for the past ten years—is bringing his band back to the UK with a seven-date tour that’s equal parts music, storytelling, and good vibes.
And here’s the twist: it’s not just for hardcore jazz fans. Whether you’re deep into improvisation or just want a night out where the music makes you feel something, this tour’s got your name on it.
The ‘Homing’ tour: a musical homecoming (with a pigeon involved)
Let’s start with the name—Homing. It’s also the title of Newbould’s third album, which drops in May 2024, but it’s got a quirky backstory. The whole thing was inspired by a random meeting with a Polish homing pigeon. Yep, the kind that always knows how to get back home. But for Sam, who’s been living abroad for years, the idea of “home” became more about people and experiences than a fixed place.
“Unlike the homing pigeon, my feeling of home isn’t tied to a place anymore. Instead, it’s about relationships, experiences, and moments.”
That feeling? That sense of searching for your place in the world? That’s what this album—and this tour—is all about.
Where and when to catch the band
The tour runs from 7th April to 13th April, hitting venues across Scotland and the north of England. And for the first time ever, they’re performing in Bradford and Kendal—just down the road from where Newbould grew up in the Yorkshire Dales.
Here’s the full list of dates:
- 7 April – Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
- 8 April – Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock
- 9 April – The Tolbooth, Stirling
- 10 April – Blue Lamp, Aberdeen
- 11 April – Brewery Arts, Kendal
- 12 April – Big Brass Blowout Festival, Bradford
- 13 April – Jazz at the Merchant’s House, Glasgow
Each venue has its own vibe—from cosy concert halls to full-on festivals—so whether you’re after an intimate evening or something more high-energy, there’s probably a gig that fits.
It’s not your typical jazz gig
Now, if you’re picturing a bunch of serious musicians in suits playing long solos no one understands—this ain’t that. The Sam Newbould Quintet is all about energy, emotion, and a bit of unexpected fun. Their live shows swing between toe-tapping rhythms and deep, thoughtful moments.
“There’s an energy and joy in our live shows that we hope is for everybody—jazz fans and non-jazz fans alike. The songs are catchy, foot-tapping, but also sometimes dark and emotional.”
Think of it like this: it’s like going to a movie that makes you laugh, cry, and want to dance—all in the space of 90 minutes. But instead of actors, it’s five musicians absolutely going for it.
Meet the quintet
These aren’t just some random musicians thrown together—they’re five top-tier players with real chemistry on stage. Based in Europe, they’ve played with some huge names and bring a global flavour to their sound.
The line-up:
- Sam Newbould – Alto Saxophone & Composer
- Bernard van Rossum – Tenor Saxophone
- Xavi Torres – Piano
- Jort Terwijn – Bass
- Guy Salamon – Drums
You’ve got two saxes, which means big, bold melodies. Add in that rhythm section with piano, bass and drums—and you’ve got a mix of groove, harmony, and the kind of musical conversations that only happen when a band really trusts each other.
