Shez Raja Album Launch featuring John Etheridge

Virtuoso electric bass player, Shez Raja leads a formidable line-up of jazz stars including Soft Machine guitar legend John Etheridge, saxophonist Vasilis Xenopoulos and enchanting Polish folk-jazz singer Monika Lidke. Together they’ll be performing originals from their latest highly acclaimed album, Gurutopia, recorded with global jazz stars Mike Stern and Randy Brecker.

The Collective's live show is an eclectic headcharge of raw energy and always leaves audiences uplifted, inspired and asking for more. Following headline performances at international jazz festivals and venues from Russia to New Zealand they have forged a reputation as one of the most entertaining live acts on the scene today.

Expect exciting music that’s full of surprises – a sonic kaleidoscope of euphoric jazz, thundering funk, tuneful ragas and intoxicating grooves!

“If the Mahavishnu Orchestra were reformed with a reincarnated Jaco Pastorius in charge it would sound pretty similar” - The Guardian

“I thought my head was going to explode. It sounds like it’s come from the future. In fact I don’t even think there is a correct term for this kind of music just yet” ***** - Bradford Telegraph

“Multi-layered and imaginative” **** - Manchester Evening News

“The hip-shaking mix of Eastern song lines and funky Western dance-beats never wavers” **** - Evening Standard

Line-up: Shez Raja – electric bass guitar, John Etheridge – electric guitar, Vasilis Xenopoulos – tenor saxophone, Monika Lidke - vocals, Pascal Roggen - electric violin, Alex Stanford - keyboards, Chris Nickolls – drums