TOP jazz saxophonist Carlos Lopez-Real is bringing his new band, Mandorla, to Huddersfield Jazz Club on April 25.

They will play at Lawrence Batley Theatre’s Syngenta Cellar, as part of a spring UK tour to promote their self-titled new album.

Carlos said he is looking forward to returning to Huddersfield with a different musical group.

“I’ve played in Huddersfield before with my previous band and am looking forward to bringing my new project here.

“The jazz club here is one of the most enthusiastic that I’ve visited, so it’s always a great pleasure.”

Gig-goers can expect lyrical melodies, grooves which draw you into the music and interaction between the band members.

They are Justin Quinn on guitar, Oli Hayhurst on bass, Simon Colam, on piano and rhodes and Jon Scott on drums.

Justin is a founder member of the F-IRE collective, where he met Carlos. His solo album, Before I Forget, was voted best jazz CD of 2005 by MOJO. He also features in The Teak Project, an Indian trio and a New York trio with Kenny Wollesen and Kermit Driscoll.

Oli is a key member of Zoe Rahman’s trio – who were nominated for the 2006 Mercury Music Prize – and a found of the Gilad Atzmon Orient House Ensemble.

Simon is keyboardist and musical director for singer Ty.

Jon is a drummer for musicians including Mishka Adams, Hannes Riepler and Kristian Borring.

Completing the group is, of course, Carlos on alto and soprano saxophones.

He trained with Dave Liebman in America and his collaborations are extensive, having worked with Zoe Rahman, Gary Husband, the Nicolas Meier Group, Tom Arthur’s Centripede, Jonathan Bratoeff’s Quintet, Barak Schmool’s Meta Meta and the F-IRE collective.

Carlos has studied Indian music, which led him to play sax for John Mayer’s classic band Indo-Jazz Fusions and to feature with salsa star Roberto Pla and the Tito Puente orchestra.

The concert starts at 8pm and tickets cost £13 on the night or £12 in advance or for concessions.

Contact the LBT box office on 01484 430528.