ISQ

Led by singer-songwriter Irene Serra on vocals/electronics, ISQ is a critically acclaimed band from London that combines elegant jazz-pop songs with powerful lyrics and Nordic Jazz sensibilities.

With Richard Sadler on double bass (founding member of the Neil Cowley Trio) and Naadia Sheriff on piano (Yazz Ahmed, Hermeto Pascoal), this crossover jazz outfit embraces songwriting in its own inimitable style. Its unique use of beautiful melodies, space and dynamics coupled with Serra’s evocative lyrics weave stories of a rare intensity. Undoubtedly one of the most original bands on the scene.

Celebrating their 10-year anniversary this year since the release of their debut album and with a body of work that includes four critically-acclaimed albums, their performance will include fresh arrangements of their most well-known tunes and a preview of new material from their forthcoming fifth album.

‘One of the most recognisable bands on the scene…’ (Jazzwise), their second album TOO was a Time Out London Critics Choice and their latest album, Requiem For The Faithful (2019) has seen them firmly establish a reputation as an emerging force in the UK jazz scene of both creativity and performance.

With successive appearances at the London Jazz Festival, Pizza Express Jazz Club and a sold-out performance at the Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall in 2019, their music has also been featured in Clash magazine and had radio play on BBC Radio and Jazz FM.

★★★★ ‘…Performed midway between jazz and soul mode, Serra occupies terrain Billie Holiday would find familiar; Sade too…’ (Jazzwise)

‘…A group who hone in on the soulful possibilities offered by improvisatory music…’ (Clash magazine)

‘Sublime vocals’ (Jazz FM)