Chelsea Carmichael

Biography

Chelsea Carmichael, a Manchester-born saxophonist, composer, and arranger of Jamaican descent, grew up in Warrington with parents who were dancers on the Northern jazz and funk scene. She immersed herself in her father's record collection and the musical culture of her family, starting on piano before switching to saxophone. She played in big bands and the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra (WYJO), which she credits as essential to her development, emphasizing the social aspect of music beyond practice. Manchester jam sessions at venues like Indigo Bar and Matt and Phred's built her confidence, leading her to move south in 2001 to study at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, where she received formal training while self-teaching composition.

Now based in South East London's Lewisham district, Carmichael is a key figure in the UK jazz scene, known for her warm, hypnotic playing and subtle improvisation in the nu jazz genre. She gained prominence playing on the Mercury-nominated SEED Ensemble's 2019 album 'Driftglass' and tours with artists like Theon Cross, Outlook Orchestra, Joe Armon-Jones, and Neue Grafik Ensemble, as well as international figures Terence Blanchard and Courtney Pine. Shabaka Hutchings recognized her talent, signing her as the first artist on his Native Rebel Records label; her 2021 debut album 'The River Doesn’t Like Strangers' was recorded at RAK Studios with collaborators including Eddie Hick, Dave Okumu, and Tom Herbert. She leads her own quartet and ensemble, arranging music that sold out London's Jazz Café for a John Coltrane tribute, blending groove, intricate rhythms, electronic sounds, and explorations of Black British jazz lineage, including influences like Courtney Pine, Denys Baptiste, Jason Yarde, Soweto Kinch, and Nu Troop.

As an educator and innovator, Carmichael serves as Musical Director for the NYJO Jazz Messengers and delivers lectures on Black British music at Goldsmiths University. She aims to advance jazz by serving the music in real-time performance and pushing its evolution, drawing from her self-taught compositional journey and commitment to uncovering UK jazz history often overlooked in American-focused conservatoire curricula.

Fun Facts

• Her debut album 'The River Doesn’t Like Strangers' was the first release on Shabaka Hutchings' Native Rebel Records label, recorded at the iconic RAK Studios.
• She led a tribute to John Coltrane’s 'Giant Steps' at London's Jazz Café that sold out on the album's 60th anniversary.
• Self-taught in composition despite conservatoire training, she composes in her room on keyboard through trial and error.
• Delves into traditional Jamaican folk songs, informing her playing due to her family background and DNA.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Shabaka Hutchings - Recognized her potential and acted as a key instigator by signing her to his label (Native Rebel Records debut album 'The River Doesn’t Like Strangers') [2021]

Key Collaborators

• SEED Ensemble - Band member contributing saxophone (Album 'Driftglass' (Mercury-nominated)) [2019]
• Theon Cross - Regular touring and performance partner (Live performances and tours) [Ongoing from late 2010s]
• Outlook Orchestra - Current band member performing for large audiences (Major venue and festival shows) [Ongoing]
• Eddie Hick - Recording collaborator (Sons of Kemet drummer) ('The River Doesn’t Like Strangers') [2021]
• Dave Okumu - Recording collaborator (The Invisible guitarist) ('The River Doesn’t Like Strangers') [2021]
• Tom Herbert - Recording collaborator (The Invisible, Polar Bear bassist) ('The River Doesn’t Like Strangers') [2021]
• Joe Armon-Jones - Regular touring partner (Tours) [Late 2010s onward]
• Neue Grafik Ensemble - Recent performance collaborator (Live performances) [Late 2010s]
• Terence Blanchard - Touring with international heavyweight (Tours) [Ongoing]
• Courtney Pine - Touring partner and stylistic influence reference (Tours) [Ongoing]

External Links

• Spotify