A notable music force, Nottingham-based pianist and composer Lucas Walters has recently created his debut album with a vibrant sextet featuring own compositions.
His soundscape blends spiritual jazz, fusion, avant-garde, R&B, UK dance music and contemporary Black British influences. He draws directly from some jazz heroes: Thelonious Monk, Pharoah Sanders, Ahmad Jamal as well as classical composer Ravel.
Lucas uses composition to turn emotion and lived experience into immersive, authentic and spiritually uplifting music that reflects who he is.
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
His debut album was a Jazz Young Musician Commission in 2026 from mjazz and Arts Council England. Co-produced with acclaimed pianist, composer and mentor Robert Mitchell, the resulting album marks a significant step in his artistic journey and signals the arrival of a compelling new voice in British jazz. His progress has included being a 2024 BBC Young Jazz Musician semi-finalist and was shortlisted for Channel 4’s The Piano, performing for Jon Batiste.
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 National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Marcus Joseph, MOJA FAN, Benjamin Luhis, Hannabiell and Midnight Blue, Dominique Simone, JAFRO, Sam Cotton and Jack Wolff.
Watch on You Tube here a track from his album filmed in the recording studio.
Hear Lucas chat on TikTok about playing at his dream venue.
Book now to hear Lucas’ sextet perform immersive, authentic and spiritually uplifting music. Back them Big – they’re Nottingham’s own!
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!
