Jamil Sheriff

Jamil was born in Bolton, UK in 1977 to Pakistani father, Asgar Sheriff and Lancashire born mother, Carol Sheriff. Both Jamil and his sister, Naadia Sheriff, studied music at Bolton School of Music under the direction of Richard Eastham.

At the age of 18 Jamil went on to study at Leeds Conservatoire (then Leeds College of Music) where he focused on Jazz piano and composition and developed under the direction of Joe Palin and Nikki Iles.

As a performer/composer Jamil is a prolific artist who has spent his career creating new music for a variety of ensembles, including his acclaimed octet, big band, trio and collaborative project Rafe’s Dilemma. He has also enjoyed performing with artists such as Ingrid Jensen, Dave Liebman, Terell Stafford, Baptiste Herbin, Lukas Oravec, Pete King, Henry Lowther, Gareth Lockrane, Josh Kemp, Richard Iles, Neil Yates and Colman Brothers.

Manchester Evening News An instinctive melodist, the frontline is an extension of his own colourful piano: A quiet marvel.

The Guardian Classy contemporary jazz with a personal stamp

Jazz UK The music is both swinging and sophisticated, with Sheriff showing himself once again to be a constantly inventive arranger. Just when you think you’ve heard it all, he’ll come up with something fresh.

The Guardian Pianist/composer Jamil Sheriff, a pivotal figure in the influential jazz programme at Leeds College of Music, has made a real difference to the vitality of the jazz scene in the north.