Quentin Collins
Quentin Collins on ubuntu music
Brought up around the sounds of jazz by a music-loving father, Quentin had seen many of the greats by a young age, including Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton & Dave Brubeck. This had a profound influence upon his decision to become a professional musician.
In 20 years as a professional, Quentin has established himself as one of the UK’s top Jazz/Commercial trumpeters, having performed, toured and recorded with a plethora of internationally renowned artists across many genres. These include Fred Wesley, Gregory Porter, Mark Ronson, Kyle Eastwood, Omar, Basement Jaxx, Roy Ayers, Alicia Keys, Dennis Rollins and Mulatu Astatke.
Quentin released his debut solo album, ‘If Not Now, Then When?’, on SunlightSquare Records in 2007. It received much critical acclaim. MOJO magazine voted ‘If Not Now, Then When?’ one of its top jazz albums of 2007.
Quentin currently co-leads QC/BA, a Hammond-organ quartet with tenor sax titan Brandon Allen. QC/BA released their latest album, ‘Beauty in Quiet Places’, in September 2015 on Ubuntu Music:
"Superb album...absolutely contemporary and of the moment."
-Jazz Views
QC/BA’s debut album, ‘What's It Gonna Be?’, released in May 2011 on Sunlightsquare Records, was greatly acclaimed by the critics.
"This talented quartet get the full five stars, not only for performing brilliantly
here but also for playing the type of jazz few can master - namely bright,
tuneful neo-bop originals that swing from start to finish.”
-Jack Massarik, Evening Standard
For the past five years, Quentin has toured the world extensively with the Kyle Eastwood Band. Their latest album, ‘In Transit’, was released worldwide on Jazz Village in 2017. ‘In Transit’ was the follow-up to 2017's highly acclaimed release, ‘Time Pieces’. Quentin is prominently featured as a performer and a composer on these two recordings.
In early 2015 Quentin Collins & Martin Hummel formed Ubuntu Music with the clear ambition to help nurture young & gifted artists and connect them with wider audiences. Quentin's role as Artistic Director allows him to develop his skills as producer, overseeing the various musical aspects of the album-making journey. Projects so far have included producing Noemi Nuti's "Nice to Meet You" & Camilla George's recent "Isang", both highly acclaimed, and an integral role in producing young tenor sax tyro Leo Richardson's debut album, released in Autumn 2017.
Quentin often hosts a residency at London’s prestigious Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club with his quartet, featuring Andrew McCormack on piano. Quentin will be releasing a new sextet album in September 2019 on Ubuntu Music.