Big news on the block! The youthful and dynamic Ezra Collective has just snagged the Mercury Prize 2023, marking them as the first jazz ensemble to clinch this title. These London lads, have been the heartbeat of the modern jazz scene, blending the rhythmic pulse of afrobeat, the raw energy of hip-hop, and the fluid vibes of reggae into a jazz narrative that’s all their own.

Ezra Collective is a testament to the raw, unfiltered energy and working-class spirit mirrored in Liverpool's own cultural blueprint - gritty determination, bags of creativity and doing things our own way, to shape the very fabric of music culture. The band’s journey, from small gigs to now being Mercury Prize winners, echoes the hardworking ethos that is so ingrained in our own cultural fabric.

Since their inception in 2012, Ezra Collective has been challenging the status quo, embodying a youthful zest, that shines an unapologetically cool spotlight down on the jazz scene. It’s this spirit of innovation and freshness that we at Parrjazz are all about, and we’ve got a line-up of events that echo the Ezra Collective’s trailblazing spirit ready for established and jazz-curious fans to get their teeth into.

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Genevieve Lamb, the big boss at Parrjazz, is buzzing with the news:

“Ezra Collective taking home the Mercury Prize is a game-changer! It is not just a victory for the band, but a victory for jazz as a genre. I am so happy for them all - they are doing great things for the genre as well as shining a spotlight on the importance of music education, this win is a clear indication that jazz is reaching wider audiences - and remains a vibrant, evolving, genre that connects with people of any age and all walks of life. It’s exactly the kind of energy we are channelling in our Autumn Winter events programme for Liverpool and we are thrilled to be a part of this vibrant ecosystem, bringing the diversity of jazz to Liverpool.

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So, what’s cooking at Parrjazz? Well, we’re kicking things off with a bang with Mutant Jazz at Metrocola for Mutant Jazz on September 28th, an event that is all about breaking boundaries and throwing the genre rules out of the window - very much in the spirit of Ezra Collective’s big win, and fresh perspective - Mutant Jazz   is a mini festival and the epicentre of a new contemporary jazz scene in Liverpool.

October is all set to elevate the jazz vibe with Get The Blessing hitting the stage at the Substation at IWF on the 21st. Picture experimental rock-jazz vibes from some of Bristol’s finest, who include Portishhead among their former collaborators.

As we roll into November, we’re continuing the celebration of the Jazz resurgence bringing together the globally acclaimed Bill Laurance and Michael League - a five times grammy winner - for a night of jazz synergy at The Tung on the 17th.

And we’re rounding off the month with a night of pure jazz bliss with the Nigel Price Organ Trio at the District on the 26th; a nod to the rich jazz blended with  flowing bebop lines, deep blues - a night where the old meets the new, and everything just... clicks.

So, are you ready to dive headfirst into the vibrant world of modern jazz? Check out our website for all the details on our upcoming events, and come be a part of the jazz revolution that is sweeping the globe, fueled by young, dynamic forces like Ezra Collective.