MusicRadar

Seb Rochford

The British jazz scene boasts a fair number of talented sticksman but few have impressed in recent years as much as Seb Rochford: band-leader, composer, dedicated technician, workaholic, two-time Mercury Prize nominee, owner of vast hairdo.

The sheer number of projects and styles to which Rochford can turn his hand is testament to his imagination and drive and has even seen him tipped as "the hardest working person in music" by critics. Aside from leading experimental jazzers Polar bear (emphasis on mental), he drums punk-jazz with Acoustic Ladyland, rock with Menlo Park, improv with Leafcutter John and even the occasional bit of indie with Babyshambles. There are dozens more – so many, in fact, that Seb himself says he can lose count.

Watching him play leaves little doubt as to why he's in such high demand. Head up and eyes open, Rochford is always listening behind the kit: watching the other players, calculating his next move, executing it with impeccable technique. Rochford brings the best of the jazz ethos to the worlds of punk, rock and indie – making for some of the most vibrant and fascinating music you're ever likely to hear.

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Recommended listening

Held On The Tips Of Fingers - Polar Bear Buy here: Amazon | HMV | Play
(Eponymous) - Basquiat Strings With Seb Rochford (F-IRE) Buy here: Amazon | HMV | Play

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