Tom Skinner

Tom Skinner creates a sound that is fundamentally rooted in the physical act of drumming but expands into something far more ethereal. It is jazz that prioritizes the 'groove' as a spiritual pursuit, using repetitive, polyrhythmic cycles to create a sense of forward motion that never feels rushed. The instrumentation often leans toward the woody and acoustic, featuring prominent cello and saxophone that weave around his intricate percussion like smoke.

What makes Skinner distinctive is his background in both the London jazz explosion and experimental rock. He brings a producer's ear to live performance, often editing and looping live takes to create a hypnotic, 'sampled' feel while maintaining the organic warmth of a room full of musicians. It is music that demands your attention but rewards it with a deep, meditative trance.

Start with 'Voices of Bishara'. It is a masterclass in modern spiritual jazz that showcases his ability to lead an ensemble through complex rhythmic terrain while keeping the emotional core accessible and profoundly soulful.