Mike De Souza: “Schism”
Text for Gig Promoters
Contents:
Band line-up
Short Bio (150 words)
Long Bio (600 words)
Tech-spec
Band line-up
Mike De Souza - electric guitar
Tom Barford- tenor saxophone
Rick Simpson - piano, synths
Huw Williams - double bass
Jay Davis - drums
Short Bio (150 words)
Guitarist Mike De Souza leads his quintet Rick Simpson (piano/synth), Tom Barford (tenor sax), Huw V Williams (bass), and Jay Davis (drums), on a tour celebrating his latest release Schism. Fierce moments of high energy and introspective periods of calm and impressionistic beauty blend with multiple melodic layers and juxtaposition between acoustic and electronic sound to create an uplifting set that at times evokes a mood reminiscent of alternative-rock bands such as Radiohead, or indie-folk bands such as Big Thief, yet retains the risk-taking, exploration, and language of jazz.
ALL ABOUT JAZZ ★★★★ UK VIBE ★★★★ MARLBANK ★★★★ THE JAZZ MANN ★★★★
“Magnificent” - Chris Philips (Jazz FM)
“There’s such considered sound design. Every bar seems to open out into a new world” Soweto Kinch (BBC Radio 3)
“Burgeoning guitar talent” - Jazzwise Magazine
“De Souza's playing is always absorbing and engaging” - All About Jazz
“A masterly example of lyricism…the guitar work here is highly impressive” - Jazz Journal
“A sonic journey through extended guitar-led compositions, expertly navigating a diverse range of musical moods and landscapes, enriched by the captivating and virtuosic improvisations of some of London’s most esteemed musicians.” - Jazz In Europe
Long Bio (600 words. 2 pages)
Guitarist Mike De Souza presents the launch of his new EP Schism, recorded at Fish Factory Studios in summer 2024 with the support of crowdfunding donations. The EP features four tracks – three new original compositions and a solo guitar version of Body and Soul, interpreted through De Souza’s distinctive approach to harmony, texture and technique. This marks his first released rendition of a jazz standard and reflects a deepening connection with the jazz tradition.
The title Schism refers to the opening track and reflects De Souza’s sense of the divided state of UK politics, where contrasting sets of worldviews and values stand in stark opposition while vying for power and influence. Musically, Schism extends the sound of his previous release Chrysalis (Fresh Sound New Talent), which received 4-star reviews from All About Jazz, UK Vibe, Marlbank and The Jazz Mann, and was praised for its “considered sound design… every bar seems to open into a new world” (BBC Radio 3). While Chrysalis explored transformation through layered textures and electronic soundscapes, Schism takes a more traditional ensemble approach, shining a light on group interaction and the nuances of live performance.
De Souza is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and Leeds College of Music and has performed at top European venues such as the Elbphilharmonie and Donau 115, completed multiple UK jazz tours, performed at festivals in Krakow (Jazz Juniors 2021), Graz (Jazzwerkstatt 2017), Varna (Radar Festival, 2025) and Northern Spain (Ni CaJazz! and EGA Jazz festivals 2022), and was also a finalist in the 2021 International Jarek Smietana Jazz Guitar Competition in Krakow. Since establishing himself on the UK jazz scene he has performed widely as both leader and sideman, and has released several projects including Slow Burn, Road Fork and the quartet album Pond Life with Big Bad Wolf, which was ranked 3rd in Jazzwise Magazine’s “Top 10 Albums of the Year” in 2017. He has also collaborated with Byron Wallen, Alex Paxton, Phil Meadows, Joy Ellis, Belle Chen and Twospeak, and holds a weekly residency at Grow in Hackney Wick with the band Stratos. Mike is also a jazz guitar tutor at Leeds Conservatoire, where he has taught since 2020.
The band features four of the UK’s most respected and in-demand musicians. Rick Simpson (piano/synth) has performed with Christian Scott, Eric Harland, Joe Sanders and Stan Sulzmann, and is known for his albums Klammer and Everything All of the Time: Kid A Revisited. Tom Barford (tenor sax) released his Kenny Wheeler Jazz Prize-winning album Bloomer (Edition, 2018), followed by Live at the Parakeet featuring James Copus. He has also performed with Billy Cobham and Gerald Cleaver and co-leads both the quartet AuB and the Barford/Copus Quintet. Jay Davis (drums) is an award-winning performer and composer who has played throughout the UK, Europe and Asia, appearing at major venues and festivals including Umbria Jazz and the Bimhuis. Huw V Williams (bass) has collaborated with leading figures across contemporary and avant-garde scenes including Jim Black, Ivo Neame and Laura Jurd.
The EP Schism captures this band at a creative high point, expanding its sound while nodding more explicitly to the jazz tradition. It will be followed by a full-length album drawn from the same session, due for release next year.
Tech-Spec
We are able to bring all required equipment for the performance as long as there is sufficient space and power sockets available. However, having the following supplied at the venue will help to improve the performing experience, and will help to reduce travel costs.
Recently tuned/serviced acoustic piano. Grand or Upright are fine. If not, we can bring an electric piano.
A manned PA system with monitoring. It can be helpful depending on the venue size to mic up the piano, and potentially other instruments. If a PA system is available, we would put the synth through front-of-house, otherwise we can bring a small amp for the synth, which will do the job.
Bass amp suitable for Double Bass amplification.
Fender Deluxe Reverb (or similar valve) guitar amp.
Jazz drum kit.
5 music stands.
