British Jazz Musicians Collaboration

The world of British jazz and improvised music is full of boundary-pushing artists, but few partnerships are as consistently creative as that of cellist Hannah Marshall and pianist/organist Veryan Weston. Their ongoing collaborations—sometimes joined by experimental violinist Jon Rose or percussionist Mark Sanders—are a celebration of spontaneity, adventurous composition, and the unique character of acoustic instruments. Their projects are well-documented on the official project page.

A Meeting of Musical Minds Jezz

Hannah Marshall and Veryan Weston have been working together in various settings for over a decade. Their shared language of improvisation is at the heart of every project, whether it’s a trio, duo, or larger ensemble. Marshall’s approach to the cello—ranging from delicate textures to bold extended techniques—meshes beautifully with Weston’s fluid piano playing and exploratory work with organs.

Haste: The Spirit of Improvisation

One of their celebrated projects is the trio Haste, which originally brought together Marshall, Weston, and saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock. This group’s music is driven by quick-thinking interplay and a deep sense of listening, resulting in improvisations that feel fresh and full of energy. Marshall and Weston’s intuitive connection is especially noticeable here, as they trade melodic fragments, rhythmic pulses, and sudden dynamic shifts with ease.

Exploring Tracker-Action Organs: Tuning Out

Perhaps the most unique of Marshall and Weston’s collaborations is their exploration of tracker-action church organs, joined by Jon Rose on violin. This project, known as Tuning Out, saw the trio touring churches around the UK, playing on historic pipe organs. Each instrument’s individual quirks and microtonal possibilities became part of the music, with the trio drawing out unexpected sounds and new harmonic textures.

According to their project page, this work was about “bypassing assumptions and judgements,” inviting listeners to experience music in a state of discovery. The interaction between wind (organ), strings (cello and violin), and historic acoustics resulted in performances that were as much about the space as about the notes themselves.

Crossings: Jazz

Marshall and Weston’s collaborative journey has continued to evolve. In Crossings, they’re joined by percussionist Mark Sanders. This project dives into the possibilities of blending acoustic improvisation with electronic textures, again emphasizing the trio’s strong sense of dialogue and adventure. Each new collaboration opens up another chapter in their ongoing creative story.

Why These Collaborations Matter

What makes these collaborations between British jazz musicians so compelling is the willingness to experiment and push beyond traditional boundaries. Whether performing in concert halls, churches, or studios, Marshall, Weston, and their collaborators always put communication and curiosity at the center. Their projects demonstrate how improvisation can be both challenging and welcoming—full of surprises, yet deeply human.

Listening guide

Album	Format	Highlights
Haste (2012)	Live trio	High-velocity free improv; rare consonance; instrumental interplay.
Tuning Out (2014–16)	Church tour & album	Microtonal exploration; tactile organ interaction; string‑organ dialogues.
Crossings (2020)	Electronic‑informed trio	Modular sketch-based compositions; funk grooves; lyrical cello storytelling.

Discover More

For more information about these projects, recordings, and future performances, visit the official project page.

Musicians Collaboration