A notable young Nottingham-based pianist and composer, his soundscape blends spiritual jazz, fusion, avant-garde, R&B, UK dance music and contemporary Black British influences, drawing directly from Thelonious Monk, Pharoah Sanders, Ahmad Jamal and Ravel.
His sound blends spiritual jazz, fusion, avant-garde, R&B, UK dance music and contemporary Black British influences, drawing directly from Thelonious Monk, Pharoah Sanders, Ahmad Jamal and Ravel.
Lucas uses composition to turn emotion and lived experience into immersive, authentic and spiritually uplifting music that reflects who he is.
His debut album was commissioned by mjazz (East Midlands Jazz) and Arts Council England. Co-produced with acclaimed pianist, composer and mentor Robert Mitchell, the project marks a significant step in his artistic journey and signals the arrival of a compelling new voice in British jazz.
Lucas was a 2024 BBC Young Jazz Musician semi-finalist and was shortlisted for Channel 4’s The Piano, performing for Jon Batiste. In 2026, Walters received the mjazz Jazz Young Musician Commission.
Walters has appeared at leading UK venues and festivals, including Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, Pizza Express Soho, Jazz at the Lescar, Peggy's Skylight, Hockley Hustle, Leeds Jazz Festival, Leeds Emerging Artist Festival and Lancaster Jazz Festival.
He’s performed alongside diverse artists including Marcus Joseph, National Youth Jazz Orchestra, MOJA FAN, Benjamin Luhis, Hannabiell and Midnight Blue, Dominique Simone, JAFRO, Sam Cotton and Jack Wolff.
Album line-up: Lucas Walters piano and composer, Klara Devlin trumpet, Gary Reader saxophones, Beau Presley bass, Miles Pillinger or Jamie Sykes drums, Dominique Simone vocals co-composer & lyricist
Watch his band recording their debut album here
Hear him talk about playing at his dream venue on TikTok
Book now to catch a compelling new voice in British jazz – and from Nottingham!
Booking opens soon. Tickets: Standard £16 | Student £8 | Child with paying adult £0
Jazz Steps brings high quality, entertaining contemporary jazz to audiences in Nottingham at the excellent Bonington Theatre venue in Arnold.
And, through our Jazz Steps Live at the Libraries monthly events - a collaboration with Inspire, we promote gigs at their library venues in Beeston, Worksop and West Bridgford.
As a not-for-profit volunteer-run promoter, we have been welcoming enthusiastic audiences to enjoy live music from top musicians and bands for over 25 years. Each and every gig is a unique experience - jazz being the quintessential 'music of surprise'! Let’s keep enjoying it – see you soon!
