‘Smiling’ available now on CD and download from Bandcamp

Mark Lockheart’s Smiling brings together a 13-piece ensemble featuring Rowland Sutherland on flute, Nathaniel Facey and Lockheart on twin saxophones, John Parricelli on electric guitar, Tom Herbert on bass, and ex-Robert Plant drummer Dave Smith, alongside a full brass and wind section. The album fuses jazz improvisation with rock-inflected rhythms, creating a vibrant, energetic soundscape that balances sophistication with rawness. With inventive arrangements and dynamic interplay, Lockheart continues to explore new textures and narratives within jazz, offering a spirited and charismatic musical journey.

Jazzwise review:
"Mark Lockheart… comes up with a very personal and original slant on the use of jazz improvisation and harmonies over a rock-influenced rhythmic conception." — Stuart Nicholson

Mark Lockheart /Nathaniel Facey -saxes

Rowland Sutherland- flutes

George Crowley/James Allsop- clarinets

Laura Jurd/Mike Soper - trumpets

Jim Rattigan/Anna Drysdale- horns

Harry Maund - trombone and bass trombone

John Parricelli- guitars

Tom Herbert- bass

Dave Smith- drums

Produced by Mark Lockheart and Steve Baker

Mixed by Steve Baker

Mastered bt Peter Beckmann

Recorded at Livingstone Studios, London