Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band to Launch New Album in Leeds

Leeds-based ensemble prepares homecoming show at City Varieties

Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band, a 22-piece experimental jazz group from Leeds, is set to celebrate the launch of their third album, The New Atomic, with a special concert at City Varieties on Saturday 27 June 2026. The band, led by composer and improviser Fergus Quill, has been an active part of Leeds’ independent jazz and experimental music scene since 2018.

Origins and development of the band

Fergus Quill founded Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band initially as a Sun Ra tribute for a jam night at Hyde Park Book Club. Since then, the band has expanded its repertoire and presence, releasing two albums and several singles, and performing at notable venues including the Howard Assembly Room in Leeds, The Vortex, and Ronnie Scott’s in London. They have also appeared at major jazz festivals such as Love Supreme, and the jazz festivals in London, Leeds, and Manchester.

Touring highlights and band logistics

Despite the logistical challenges of touring with a large ensemble, the band has managed to perform nationally. Fergus Quill credits the organisation skills of baritone saxophone player Bess Shooter for helping coordinate tours. Memorable moments include travelling by hired bus to Manchester Jazz Festival and filling the dressing room at Ronnie Scott’s to capacity, with some members reportedly eating their meals in the toilets to save space.

Insights into the Leeds music scene

Describing Leeds as having one of the best music scenes in the country, Quill highlights the city’s balance of diversity and community. He notes that the relatively lower cost of living compared to cities like Bristol or London allows musicians more freedom to experiment and develop their sound.

About the new album, The New Atomic

The New Atomic is the band’s second studio album and the first 40 minutes of a three-day recording session that produced over four hours of music. The album features contributions from more than 30 musicians and draws on a wide range of influences, including Duke Ellington, Sun Ra, Japanese monster cinema, early bluegrass recordings, harmolodic experimentation, and noise explorations inspired by the band Boredoms.

What to expect from the launch show

The upcoming launch party at City Varieties promises an improvisational and theatrical experience. The band is known for moving freely around the audience during performances, combining humour with experimental and noisy elements. Quill emphasises that the band is distinct from traditional jazz ensembles and plans to embrace the historic venue’s theatrical atmosphere.

Additional information

• Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band includes members from other notable groups such as Awen Ensemble, Ancient Infinity Orchestra, Plantfood, and KOG.
• The band does not perform frequently in Leeds, making this homecoming show a rare opportunity to see them locally.
• The launch event is scheduled for Saturday 27 June 2026 at City Varieties, Leeds.

For further details and ticket information, visit the Leeds Heritage Theatres website.

Source: Leeds Heritage Theatres