Seb Rochford's Finding Ways

In 2003, drummer Sebastian Rochford formed Polar Bear – a contemporary jazz group that, over the next decade, helped define a new era in British music. Their sound was bold, open-hearted, and influential, earning two Mercury Prize nominations and widespread acclaim. Since then, Seb’s distinctive voice has been heard across a broad spectrum of music, collaborating with artists including Patti Smith, Damon Albarn, Grace Jones and Brian Eno. This year he returns as a bandleader with Finding Ways, layering up to three guitars at a time around his drums and bass, the album featuring ten different guitarists. He’s joined by a remarkable set of collaborators and guests including – Tara Cunningham, David Preston, Simon Tong, Leo Abrahams, Matt Hurley, Adrian Utley, John Parish, Seye Adelekan, Anders Christensen and Ruth Goller – each adding something unmistakably their own and it’s this space they’re given to be themselves that defines the sound. This is honest music-making. Nothing is forced. Nothing boxed in. Finding Ways. That’s what Seb is doing—musically, emotionally, personally.