Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat are a cinematic, melodic instrumental group based in Leeds, led by saxophonist and composer Emma Johnson.

 

Since augmenting into a quintet in 2019, the band have gone from strength to strength - moving from touring as part of Jazz North's Northern Line Scheme that year, to being awarded the Peter Whittingham Development Award to record their first album, Worry Not in 2021. In 2022, Johnson was commissioned by Lancaster Jazz Festival to write new work to be performed that year, and out of this, the group developed the music into Northern Flame, their second album release which 'confirms Johnson as a singular and exciting talent' according to All About Jazz. 

 

As with many jazz acts, Gravy Boat really come to life in the live setting, with freedom and interplay at the heart of their performances, punctuated by stories and inspirations behind the music from bandleader Johnson, creating performances full of magic, joy and warmth.

 

Last year with a 4* Jazzwise Review under their belt, Gravy Boat set off on a national tour including stand out performances at London Jazz Festival, NQ Jazz and Howard Assembly Room in a double bill with Gondwana's Jasmine Myra. Featured on BBC Radio 6, Jazz FM and Worldwide FM, as well as Fresh on The Net's Fresh Favs and Bandcamp's Best Jazz Releases November 2023, this release marks a step up for Johnson and Gravy Boat, who have been hailed by Trust The Doc as 'one of the most refreshingly imaginative and perfectly configured acts in contemporary jazz'.