Ben Shankland

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'Easeful harmonising and sureness of touch leave one eager to hear more from Shankland in the future' - Scottish Jazz Space

‘Shankland’s playing combines lyricism with drive and precision, as well as a
penchant for melody’ - The Scotsman

Winner of BBC Radio Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year and two time Scottish Jazz Award nominee, Edinburgh-born pianist and composer Ben Shankland is swiftly gaining recognition on the UK jazz scene, despite his young age. He is equally comfortable in various settings, from large ensembles to solo piano, and his combination of 'lyricism with drive and precision’ (The Scotsman) has garnered praise from audiences and critics alike.

Shankland’s music is born of a clear reverence for the jazz tradition and lineage, but with unmistakable personality in every phrase. Always driven by melody, yet never afraid to explore complexity in rhythm and texture, Shankland sings freely with the piano as his voice. Unapologetically playful and willing to chase after every idea, he conjures new sound worlds from any impetus.

Before even discovering jazz, Shankland’s life was already filled with an eclectic mix of sounds: the harmony of the choral music his father directed, the groove-driven 80s pop loved by his mother, the textures of classical repertoire in early piano lessons. With the later addition of his discovery of improvised music, his writing forms connections between diverse styles, resulting in music that is a genuine reflection of an individual spirit and in constant evolution.

He has featured at numerous UK jazz festivals, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, and Birmingham, has also worked in a duo collaboration with vocalist Lucy-Anne Daniels, and played opening sets for pianists Pablo Held and Jason Rebello.

Alongside his primary focus on improvised music, Ben continues to perform in the classical world. Notably, he has collaborated with BBC Young Musician 2022 percussionist Jordan Ashman in an award-winning recital and served as the soloist in three performances of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra. His ability to engage and connect with audiences at such a young age truly sets him apart as a talent to watch in the coming years.

‘Original and highly lyrical’ - Scottish Jazz Space