Nimbus Sextet and Support

One of the most innovative groups in UK jazz, Nimbus Sextet approach their music with a unique freedom, bringing jazz, rare groove, hip hop and world influences into their sound. Led by the quiet genius of keyboardist and composer/arranger Joe Nichols and featuring top level musicians throughout their line-up, the band have amassed an ever-growing following through two acclaimed albums for the legendary Acid Jazz label, DREAMS FULFILLED (2020) and FORWARD THINKER (2022).

Their simmering 2024 cover of Roy Ayers’ ‘SEARCHING’ became a staple track of the year, hitting the Jazz FM ‘A’ list with support from Gilles Peterson and Craig Charles. They have recorded live sessions with Radio France Internationale (RFI), Jazz FM and BBC Radio Scotland. Live, the band have played sold-out gigs at Ronnie Scott’s, Pizza Express Soho, New Morning in Paris, and gave a frenzied performance closing this year's Edinburgh Jazz Festival.

2026 sees their first appearance at Celtic Connections, performing tracks from their brilliant new album, FATE, with guest vocalists Russell Stewart, lissappear, Fraser McMillan and Ariane Mamon. As Joe explains: "Jazz for me is the spirit of improvisation. I grew up with Faithless and Horace Silver as well as Tinariwen and War, so it has always been important for me to express the different sides of my musical upbringing in my compositions. I don't want to put up boundaries around jazz, or write in one style or 'box.' I let all the sounds in. I tie it together with melodies that stand out from the canvas, that you will remember and sing."