Words and images from Alan Dearling
It was a TFuz explosion of adventurous jazz at Sunday Easy recently in the Trades Club in Hebden Bridge. They are a musical collective, hi-energy jazzers from Leeds, on this occasion performing as a six-piece. An incendiary sound, led by drummer Charlie Tanner. Fronted by brass, plenty of bass, guitar and drums, fine keys. A propulsive mix of classy modern jazz with a hip-hop, funked-up edge. A highlight came on Billy Cobham’s ‘Stratus’ – a thundering jazz-rock fusion juggernaut. This particular tune featured in Jeff Beck’s live repertoire, employing vast drum and bass, and it was also sampled by the band, Massive Attack in ‘Safe from harm’.
Here is Jeff Beck’s take on ‘Stratus’ live at the Crossroads festival in 2007.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moRwRYOxm2U
From the TFuz press release: “The group has already drawn attention for its high-calibre line-up and dynamic live performances. ‘The Gryphon’ described the players as individual powerhouses who create ‘huge movements as a collective,’ predicting a ‘bacchanalia of jazz’ and excitement for their upcoming rise. ‘Leeds Inspired’ echoed this sentiment, noting that TFuz features some of the hottest players on the local scene and expecting their sets to deliver. With a focus on tight ensemble playing and genre-blurring creativity, TFuz is carving out a distinct space in the UK’s contemporary Jazz Fusion landscape.”
And here is a video of TFuz at the Leeds Sela Bar from a couple of years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cdlmyhtrz4&t=11s
Now, live in 2026, they are developing into a real exciting talent. Plenty more to come from them in the future. A good example from their live set at Sunday Easy was their hip-hop take on Thelonius Monk’s ‘Straight, No Chaser’. I found myself getting lost inside the musical creativity, transformed during the many experimental improvisations as the band members took off on their personal flights of musical fantasy.
In all, TFuz created an adventurous tapestry of jazz and funk. Charlie Tanner is an effusive band-leader from behind his considerable drum kit. TFuz is a fusion project that has been described as a “… a blend of the tight, horn-driven energy of Tower of Power with the improvisational spirit of Snarky Puppy. The band brings together some of the most respected musicians from the city of Leeds, including Isaac Keech on keys, Jade Smith on bass, Sam Hughes on guitar, and a brass section featuring Conrad Clenton on saxophone, and Fee Buckton on trumpet.”
On the evidence of this show, TFuz collectively and through many of their individual players are certainly musicians to watch out for. They are definitely proponents of ‘heavy-jazz’ pumping up the volume, tension and unexpected musical dynamite.
Before TFuz, Barney provided the audience with a half-hour set of sensitive solo guitar music. Very much in the style of a laid-back Tal Farlow and Barney Kessel.
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