The Emily Francis Trio is one of the hottest acts on the UK jazz scene. Featuring Emily Francis (piano, keyboards), Trevor Boxall (bass), and Jamie Murray (drums), the group’s fresh and original take on the piano trio format mixes influences from late 60s/70s electronic jazz, progressive rock and pop, Scandinavia, and the current New York scene, to create compositionally rich original music, with a strong emphasis on melody and groove.

“This must be one of the finest jazz ensembles playing in the UK” Roger Haywood, Eastern Daily Press

“Emily Francis is undoubtedly a name to watch” Matthew Ruddick, Kind of Jazz

The trio began life in 2014, formed by west London musicians, Emily Francis (Piano and Keyboards), Trevor Boxall (Bass), and Liam Waugh (Drums). Early appearances at renowned events, such as the Ealing Jazz Festival, helped to galvanise the Trio’s early sound – taking the classic jazz trio format and mixing influences from jazz-funk, soul, and progressive rock.

The group’s debut album The Absent, was released in 2015 to positive reviews and appearances at Jazz Cafe POSK and The Hideaway, Streatham, as part of London Jazz Festival. The Absent established and displayed the Trio’s compositional style – creating modern, original jazz with an emphasis on melody and combining rhythmic elements from a broad range of styles. The album also exhibits the group’s penchant for mixing the old and new – particularly with the use of analogue tape and vintage instruments to create fresh, exciting music, with a timeless feel.

A follow-up tour in Spring 2016 saw the Trio appear at venues such as PARR Jazz – Liverpool, Matt & Phreds – Manchester, Swing Unlimited – Bournemouth, Southampton Modern Jazz Club, Dempsey’s – Cardiff, and Norwich Jazz Club.

In 2016, the trio embarked on a new video EP project, New Town, with funding from Arts Council England. The new EP showcases the Trio’s developing compositional style, with a stronger focus on group improvisation and exhibiting more electronic and progressive influences. 2017 saw the trio follow up their EP release with another successful tour, with notable performances at Manchester Jazz Festival, The Lescar – Sheffield, and Lancaster Jazz Festival.

In 2018, the Emily Francis Trio will be working on their second album, with more live shows to come throughout the year.