Emma Rawicz: Live at Cheltenham

Emma Rawicz brought her ‘Inkyra’ material to Cheltenham Jazz Festival and this is a project that just keeps getting better and better.

In the current absence of a live picture, here's one of me with Emma last month

The impeccable band brought Emma’s music to life: Inkyra really is an ensemble that includes the leader’s sax but shares the spotlight. There’s a subtlety to the dexterity of Emma’s writing and improvising that allows her to shine alongside the other musicians. 

With Emma herself on tenor sax, there’s also Gareth Lockrane (flute, alto flute, bass flute, piccolo), David Preston (guitar), Scottie Thompson (Rhodes, piano, Prophet), Kevin Glasgow (electric bass) and Jamie Murray (drums).

I heard the Prophet synth on the album but had never actually been aware of seeing one played live before. It adds an electronic element that sits well with guitar and bass guitar, collaborating musically with the tenor and various flutes.

When the big sax solos come, they are huge, powerful and energetic. But Inkyra is very much an ensemble piece and each of the tracks from the album sounded more rounded, reflecting the many tour dates (and presumably rehearsals) undergone to reach Cheltenham.

Emma’s arrangements are inspired: the bass opening to Time and Other Thieves and the quasi-rock guitar of Moondrawn (Dreaming), or the various moments of Gareth’s stupendous flute work seem all designed for the specific players. The packed audience was appreciative of the delightful Marshmallow Tree at the conclusion of the too-brief set.

I’ve been lucky enough to interview Emma for Harmonious World in January 2025, as well as reviewing Big Visit with Gwilym Simcock in March 2025 and Inkyra when it was released in October 2025. I also reviewed her performances at the EFG London Jazz Festival in November 2024 and 2025.

Emma’s upcoming performances include a range of ensembles, so check them out