Hailing from the Northeast of England and currently based in Leeds, Sophie Speed is an accomplished up and coming jazz musician and saxophonist whose dynamic playing and versatile musicality have captivated audiences across a range of jazz styles. A recent graduate of the esteemed jazz course at Leeds Conservatoire in 2023, Sophie has established herself as a rising star in the jazz scene. With a primary focus on the tenor saxophone, Sophie exhibits an impressive mastery of multiple instruments, including all the saxophones, clarinet, and flute. Her musical journey began with big band jazz, an early passion that fostered a deep appreciation for ensemble dynamics and the rich soundscapes of large-scale jazz arrangements. As Sophie's musical horizons expanded, she developed a love for smaller ensemble jazz, relishing the intimacy and improvisational freedom it offers. Sophie has had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed jazz artists and participating in diverse contemporary jazz projects. She has played in projects ran by luminaries such as Mark Chandler, Ivo Neame, Tori Freestone, Nikki Iles, and Byron Wallen. Sophie has also lent her talents to notable big band projects led by Mark Chandler and Nadim Teimoori, further expanding her musical repertoire, and honing their ensemble skills. Fuelled by a passion for live performance, Sophie has amassed a wealth of experience through a multitude of gigs and performances. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to musical excellence has earned her opportunities to collaborate with a diverse array of musicians, shaping her versatile playing style and strengthening her stage presence. Sophie is also a current member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO). Currently playing in a Latin and Cuban BeBop Sextet project on tenor sax and flute. Most notably, Sophie will be playing in a big band version of the sextet's repertoire at Ronnie Scott's in February. Sophie's growth as a musician has been nurtured by an impressive roster of mentors and educators. She has received invaluable guidance from esteemed jazz musicians such as Lewis Watson, Joel Purnell, Ed Jones, Nikki Yeoh, Tori Freestone, Nadim Teimoori, Mark Chandler, Jamil Sheriff, Dave Walsh, Matt Anderson, and Jim Corry. Each mentor has played a pivotal role in shaping Sophie's artistic voice and pushing her to reach new heights in her musical journey. Influenced by the jazz greats, including Dexter Gordon, Joshua Redman, Dewey Redman, Art Blakey, Scott Hamilton, John Coltrane, James Moody, Hank Mobley and Charles Mingus, Sophie draws from a diverse pool of inspiration to create a unique and captivating sound. Her playing reflects a deep appreciation for melody, improvisation, and the rich history of jazz, while infusing her own personal touch and artistic interpretation. In addition to her individual work, Sophie can be found collaborating with various bands and ensembles, each showcasing her adaptability and versatility as a musician. Whether performing with the Evergreen trio, the Sophie Speed and Nathan Lawson duo, the Sophie Speed Quartet, the Katie Proctor Quartet, the Northern Swing Orchestra, Dracorex, the Tara Wilson Quintet, or the Livia Clementi Band, Sophie consistently delivers engaging and exciting performances. You can also find Sophie appearing on gigs with Ferg's imaginary Big Band. With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz, a deep-rooted passion for live performance, and an unwavering dedication to her craft, Sophie stands poised to make a lasting impact on the jazz landscape. Her musicality and versatility make her an artist to watch as she continues to evolve within the world of jazz.