Sam Norris Trio

The Sam Norris Quartet’s debut release, Small Things Evolved Slowly, was released on the Resonant Postcards Collective label in August 2024. Recorded at Fish Factory studios in north London, it consists of a body of compositions he has worked on over four years and is inspired by his life in the capital. This process is reflected in the album’s title, which is lifted from a quote by French composer Erik Satie- ‘I took to my room and let small things evolve slowly’.

Hailing from Cambridge, alto saxophonist Sam Norris’s love of jazz was ignited when he heard Coltrane's A Love Supreme aged 12. Since then, he has been fascinated with luminaries of improvised music such as Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk and Lee Konitz. Sam's passion for jazz is combined with an equal interest in contemporary classical and folk music. This melting pot of influences has led him to develop a distinctive musical language, at once forward-thinking and grounded in the rich tradition of improvised music.

Sam moved to London in 2018 to study with a scholarship on the prestigious jazz course at the Royal Academy of Music under the tutelage of Kit Downes, Stan Sulzmann and Iain Ballamy. He was the first musician in over a decade to enter straight into the second year of the degree programme, having previously studied philosophy and economics.

As well as leading his quartet, Sam works across the UK and EU with musicians including Ronan Guilfoyle, Darren Beckett and PHEMO Quartet. He has performed at venues such as King’s Place, the Vortex Jazz Club and the Workman’s Club. Sam won Craig Ball prize for jazz saxophone in 2021 and was a finalist in the Musicians' Company Young Jazz Musician competition the following year.

'Sam has an extraordinary technique and improvisational flair for one so young.’- Irish bassist Ronan Guilfoyle (Brad Mehldau, Joe Lovano)

'I was particularly impressed by the interaction between Verma and Norris during the latter's solos.’- Tony Dudley-Evans, London Jazz News

About the music

Sam’s compositions fuse exploratory jazz improvisation, driving contemporary grooves and pensive classical chamber music. Weaving a captivating musical narrative, their performances showcase not only each musician’s virtuosity but also a deeply balanced approach to ensemble playing. The quartet are at home performing their music in a wide variety of venues, including jazz clubs, bars, concert halls and chapels.

The band

Jay Verma- piano

Jay Verma is a highly innovative pianist and keyboardist. His playing is eclectic, showing a deep knowledge of the jazz tradition, 20th century classical music, hip-hop and film music. His aesthetic

versatility has led him to major performances for COLORS, the BBC and the Eurovision Song contest. He recently released his debut EP on the Harbour label.

Will Sach- double bass

Will Sach was raised in the New York City Area and moved to London in 2015 to study with Dave Holland. The same year, he was National YoungArts Foundation Merit winner for jazz bass. Praised for his deep, woody sound and strong rhythmic feel, he has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Kit Downes, Sam Amidon and Sheku Kanneh-Mason.

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