Impossible Conversations

Presented by Friends Of Thimblemill Library in association with Jazz At Wolverhampton.

“This was one of the best and one of the most dynamic performances that I have ever seen from such a young band. Look out for Impossible Conversations” – Ian Mann – The Jazz Mann

“This would be an incredible band to see live! Everyone’s doing something dynamic, it’s super exciting!” – Jordan Rakei – BBC Radio 3 Round Midnight 

Impossible Conversations is a homegrown, dynamic jazz-fusion ensemble that blends the deep roots of traditional jazz with the bold sounds of contemporary music. Drawing on influences ranging from iconic legends such as Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock, to modern trailblazers like Kamasi Washington and Yussef Dayes, the band crafts a unique sonic landscape that resonates with both jazz purists and adventurous new listeners alike.

This thrilling Bearwood-rooted outfit is the brainchild of Louis Hamilton-Foad, grandson of the legendary Jamaica-born saxophonist Andy Hamilton and current drummer with jazz giant Soweto Kinch.

With a line up of five young musicians – Louis (Drums), Gabriel Amann (Trumpet), Alex Smith (Keys), Ben Carter (Saxophone) and Hassan Khairi (Bass) – each bringing their own unique musical backgrounds to the table, Impossible Conversations thrive on tight arrangements, fiery improvisation, and intricate grooves that push the boundaries of the genre. Their music finds the perfect balance between the structured sophistication of classic jazz and the free-spirited experimentation of today’s music scene.

The interplay between the trumpet and sax often recalls the dynamic energy of classic frontline duos, yet the compositions move fluidly into improvisations which never lose their strong melodic content. The rhythm section, anchored by the steady pulse of the drums, bass and keyboard, provides a foundation that both propels and complements the melodies, creating a truly collaborative musical experience.

Each performance by Impossible Conversations feels like an open dialogue between the band members, with each player contributing their own voice to the conversation. Their improvisational skill and chemistry are central to their live shows, where no two performances are ever the same. Whether they’re reinterpreting a jazz standard or creating something entirely new, the band thrives on the spontaneity and unpredictability that defines the genre.

These inspired local heroes have attracted rave reviews through performances at key venues such as Matt & Phred’s in Manchester, Peggy’s Skylight in Nottingham and Marr’s Bar in Worcester, where reviewer Ian Mann declared:

“They exhibit the same degree of skill and confidence – chutzpah, if you will - that Ezra Collective, another drummer-led band, did when I saw them for the very first time, some ten years before their Mercury Music Prize win.”

The band came together through a variety of routes. Carter is a graduate of the jazz degree at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, while Hamilton-Foad and Amann fostered their considerable skills

through bands for newcomers such as The Notebenders and The Blue Notes that had been founded by Andy.

Brum jazz institution Hamilton, who died in 2012, achieved wider fame late in life through high-profile albums Silvershine (1991) and Jamaica By Night (1994). He also founded the jazz club in Bearwood, latterly operating at The Bear Tavern under the name Silvershine Jazz and run by Hamilton-Foad’s parents. Louis cut his teeth as a drummer at the venue and Impossible Conversations recorded their single 19; 58 there.

A few years on, they’re certainly not to be missed!