Mark Lockheart, Huw V Williams & Jay Davis - Shapeshifter (2026)

Shapeshifter is the powerful new album from saxophonist Mark Lockheart, bassist Huw V Williams and drummer Jay Davis. Taking the exploratory spirit of groups like Polar Bear and Malija (both also featuring Mark Lockheart) the trio move together through a common language of jazz, rock, classical and free improvisation exploring dark textures and dramatic musical shifts as they revel in the unexpected.

High energy jazz improvising combined with spatial and ambient sounds gives this trio its unique and bold concept. The music shifts effortlessly moment to moment, gracefully and spontaneously stitching together sound landscapes and grooves. The subtle use of electronics (particularly on the saxophone), fat rich bass lines and tantalising drum rhythms give his band a unique sound that although firmly rooted in jazz has rock, folk and classical influences too. The album's specially commissioned artwork by Tim Edgar perfectly reflects the shifting shapes of Shapeshifter.

Available on deluxe black ice vinyl with printed inner sleeve and CD digipak edition, housed in a gatefold card case.

Mark Lockheart: saxophones & bass clarinet
Huw V. Williams: bass
Jay Davis: drums

Produced by Mark Lockheart. Recorded and mixed by Giles Barrett at Lightship Studio, London, April 2025