We’re thrilled to kick off our Jazz:Re:Found spotlight with none other than corto.alto, one of the brightest new talents lighting up the UK jazz scene. Although to label their sound as “jazz” doesn’t quite capture the full spectrum of their musical brilliance.
Hot off a Mercury Music Prize nomination for their debut album, Bad With Names, corto.alto is the collective genius of Liam Shortall and his Glasgow crew, including the talented Fergus McCreadie on keys and a dynamic horn section featuring James Copus, Harry Weir, and Mateusz Sobieski. Their sound—a fusion of contemporary jazz, bold improvisation, and sleek electronic beats—dives into themes of redemption, the flow of time, and the intricacies of contemporary society, capturing the attention of audiences across the UK with a sold-out tour.
Don’t miss our Q&A with Liam, where he shares insights into his musical journey and inspirations. Plus, he’s put together a must-hear playlist for Rhythm Passport and Jazz:Re:Found festival goers.
Make sure to catch corto.alto live at Jazz:Re:Found on Saturday the 31st of August at the EcoMuseo stage from 8 PM
What motivated you to accept the invitation to perform at Jazz:Re:Found, and how does the festival’s vision align with your artistic vision?
Having been to Italy a few times with different projects I really loved the audiences, and knew I wanted to go with corto.alto. I love the jazz scene in Italy, and have actually worked on some music with my friend Daykoda, an amazing Italian producer who’s music is in a similar sonic-world to mine. Jazz Re:Found has such an amazing reputation here in Scotland as being one of the most forward thinking festivals in Europe, so I’m super excited to be playing there with my band this year.
Jazz:Re:Found prides itself on pioneering innovative jazz music, which closely aligns with the aims leading your music. For someone who has never listened to your music before, can you share the key influences and origins of your unique sound?
Whenever I get asked this question about my influences, I’m not really sure where to start. I suppose every artist has a completely unique path with who and what inspired them musically, and my tastes are very varied and are always changing. My first musical love was the 90s hip-hop coming from the US, especially the producers and artists who sampled jazz (De La Soul, J Dilla, Tribe Called Quest etc.). I love jazz, funk, soul, Latin, classical music, but recently I have been really getting into more electronic genres like dubstep, jungle, drum and bass. I love the way the sound design blends with more traditional live instruments, and I suppose that’s where my music has been leaning recently.
This will be your first performance at Jazz:Re:Found. Have you ever heard about it before, and are there any aspects of the festival’s ethos and setting that you are most looking forward to experiencing?
I have definitely heard about the festival before, my booking agent Agnese is Italian, and she put me on to the festival a few years ago when we started working together. I suppose it was always a goal of ours to get a booking at the festival. I’m just really looking forward to getting away from the horrible Scottish summer, drink some Italian beer and check out some new music.
Jazz:Re:Found is set in the picturesque Monferrato area of Piedmont in Northwest Italy. Have you ever been to the area, and what are you looking forward to experiencing, visiting, eating, and/or drinking once there?
I’ve never been but yes I’m very much looking forward to it. Italy is such a beautiful country with an amazing culture. I can’t wait to eat lots of great food and drink lots of great coffee.
Have you ever performed in Piedmont or Italy before? If yes, what can you tell us about your previous music experiences?
I have but not with corto.alto. The Italian crowds are amazing, and in my previous experiences, the festivals are always super accommodating. Oh and the weather is amazing.
Is there any local or Italian musician at large that you are passionate about or who has inspired your sound?
Again I love Daykoda’s sound and vibe, he’s such a cool dude and his music is some of the best. I’m excited to check out some other local artists too as I know how strong the jazz scene is in Italy.
The festival line-up constantly features a diverse array of top-notch acts. Which other artists participating in this year’s edition are you excited to see perform or possibly collaborate with?
Everyone! Many of the artists I haven’t heard of before, so it’s going to be really nice to check some new music out. It’s always the best part of playing international gigs, as I am never as familiar with the scene as local musicians will be.
Jazz:Re:Found always gathers a uniquely eclectic audience. How do you usually prepare your performances to connect with such a diverse crowd?
– It’s always so nice to play to an audience who have an open-mind, it’s much easier in fact. It’s great knowing that you can take risks and go to new places in the music, and that the crowd are there for it.
Performing at such festivals is also a unique opportunity to present and promote your music in front of thousands of music lovers. Do you have any projects you are eager to introduce to the Jazz:Re:Found audience, and what are your plans for the future?
I think I’m just excited to showcase some new music we’ve been working on.
If you were to wear the clothes of the Jazz:Re:Found PR and invite people to the festival and your set, what would you say?
Come with your favorite people in the world, drink some beers and enjoy the tunes.