Two of the Scottish jazz scene's brightest young talents come together to perform some of their favourite songs, all deeply rooted within the jazz tradition.

Winner of 2023 BBC Radio Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year, Edinburgh-born pianist and composer Ben Shankland is, despite his young age, already gaining recognition on the UK jazz scene. He was hooked on jazz as a teenager, and began honing his craft as a member of Scotland’s finest youth jazz orchestras, with mentorship from pianists John Turville and Alan Benzie, and saxophonists Tommy Smith and Mike Williams. Currently, he performs with his trio regularly around the country, exploring his original compositions with Ewan Hastie and Chun-Wei Kang. He is also active as a solo pianist, an interest which developed out of his classical background and inspiration from the music of Fred Hersch. In addition to his work as a leader, Ben has performed and recorded as a sideman in various bands with fellow young musicians. His ability to engage and connect with audiences at his young age truly sets him apart as one to watch in the years to come.

Sam Hancock is a young vocalist with a bright, sophisticated tone, technical proficiency, and a mature approach to repertoire choice. Based in St Andrews and while still an example of new talent on the scene he has performed at some of Scotland's finest jazz venues. Audiences are drawn in by his clear ability to interpret Songbook classics, whether a tender rendition of a ballad, or an up-tempo swing tune. Inspired by greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, and modern figures like Kurt Elling, Sam is passionate about, and aims to emulate, ‘real’ jazz singers, never shying away from improvised solos, vocalese, or interpretive melodic phrasing.