Rev21 is a collective of joyful, improvising musicians from across London.

Inspired by the 21st chapter of the biblical book of Revelation - all about the new creation - the music is infused with a message of hope.

The band brings together an array of young jazz talent who can regularly be found performing on the London jazz scene. The front line consists of Royal Academy of Music graduates Steve Nichols (trumpet and flugel) and Max McLeish (trombone) alongside regular vocalists Lois Odell and Sam Wakeford. The rhythm section of Matt Nunn (guitar), Josh Stidwill (keys), Isaac Merchant (bass) and Daniel Watt (drums) have an innate chemistry that stems from years of playing together both in church and in jazz, funk and neo-soul combos.

Fresh from recording their debut album, the music is influenced by jazz, gospel, funk and neo-soul, Rev21’s repertoire consists of original material and reimagined gospel and contemporary worship songs, bringing them outside the church building and into the club. With a deep admiration for jazz, improvisation plays a big part in shaping Rev21’s musical soundscape. Punchy horn lines and solis, sung verses, looped grooves and collective improvisation also brings the music far away from being a string of solos. Blurring the lines between instrumental and vocal music, Rev21’s sets include arrangements to support both.

Through routinely singing in church and leading sung worship weekly, each member of the band contributes vocally. ‘Rev21 provides a new dimension to jazz that brings with it all the excitement of experimentation, yet also echoes the melodies and traditions that have gone before.