Cardiff band in Future jazz semis

Farmyard Cannibals from Cardiff have made it through to the semi-final of a competition to find new jazz talent run by Future Inns.

They'll battle it out against three other bands – The Swiss from Devon and Bristol's Lund Quartet and All-In-One Helmet – at the semi-final on Saturday May 8 held at Future Inns' hotel in Cabot Circus, Bristol.

The two bands judged the best will go through to the final.

Farmyard Cannibals are 19-year-olds Huw Williams on bass, Ben Treacher on sax and Lloyd Haines on drums, with 20-year-old Joe Webb on piano. They are all students at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama studying jazz.

Huw said: "We're so chuffed to get through to the semi-final of the competition, giving us the chance to play in England for the first time and reach a different audience. And of course, we'd love to win!

"We all had massive colds and flu when we recorded the demo so we didn’t expect to get through, making us extra happy now we have.

"Our band formed last April and we’re heavily influenced by South American music. Our sound is quite energetic, quite modern, high-energy contemporary jazz.

"Jazz offers amazing freedom of expression - you can improvise, you can do anything. After college, we all hope to make a living out of playing jazz, so this competition is a brilliant chance for us.

"Cardiff definitely has a vibrant jazz scene that's growing in popularity. With two jazz clubs in our city and performers coming over from London, Cardiff is a great place to hear live jazz."

For more information visit www.futureinns.co.uk