Multi-award-winning trumpeter, composer & bandleader

Henry Spencer launched his latest album ‘The Defector’ (“A masterpiece” – Jazz in Europe) following international touring, TV and radio broadcasts and the increase of audiences and followers worldwide. He worked with multi-GRAMMY Award winning Dave Darlington in New York (whose credits include Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter) for his previous releases, receiving critical acclaim internationally:

“Spencer is one of the great talents of the British jazz scene drawing a high level of recognition. Listen to Spencer’s genius.” InMusic(DE)

“Big music that demands a big setting – major festival stages and theatres beckon.” Jazzwise ★★★★

“Spencer sets the bar high…as if he’s a singer-songwriter with a horn. Dazzling” The Guardian ★★★★

For ‘The Defector’ Henry Spencer collaborated with Jon Kelly (credits include; Michael Jackson, Kate Bush, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Richard Ashcroft), co-producer Paul Whalley (platinum-selling producer regularly working with high profile international artists) and composer George Stevenson (commissioned by London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra among others).

Touching jazz, rock and minimalism, the music’s “astonishing dynamic variety” (Manchester Jazz Festival) combines Henry’s “spectacular technique” (The Guardian), intense, raw energy and evocative outlets, with moments of intimate, heart-felt, emotionally-led, lyrical melodies – almost as if there were words being sung.

Henry’s unusual and personal approach gives the music its rare, impactful strength; emotionally drawing in as well as exhilarating the listener.

“I’m most interested in music that’s driven by sincere emotional intent and deals with genuine experience. I want to draw in the listener so they engage with the music, relating it to their own personal experience – with as much emotive clarity as if the music had lyrics. It’s an outlet, a release.”

Early Life

Growing up on a working farm in Wiltshire, England, Henry started playing the piano at a very young age and later the trumpet at the age of ten. In 2006 he was awarded a DfES scholarship as a Specialist Musician at Wells Cathedral School. In 2008, he successfully auditioned winning a place on the four-year jazz course (BMus Hons.) at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. He studied and was involved in masterclasses with musicians such as Dave Liebman, John Scofield, Randy Brecker, Joshua Redman and Christian McBride. Nick Smart, Trevor Tomkins, Scott Stroman and Gerard Presencer. 

Upon moving to the city Henry Spencer, established himself as a trumpet player, composer and bandleader on the London jazz and commercial scene. He immediately began performing, recording and touring, independently of the conservatoire, in a range of jazz groups, pop/rock bands and recording sessions, such as with Ollie Howell, London City Big Band, London Jazz Orchestra, George Porter Jr (The Meters), The Hara, Samuel Jack, Crowd Company and The Manor. 

Henry Spencer formed his group as an outlet for his compositions. His band’s debut performance resulted in him winning the Best Newcomer Award at Marlborough Jazz Festival, and then, prior to releasing his debut album with UK/US record label, Whirlwind Recordings, he won the UK’s Emerging Excellence Award. His debut album received critical acclaim across Europe (“Contender for album of the year” - All About Jazz) and his EP release in 2022 (The Survivor and The Descendant) was made with multi-GRAMMY winning Dave Darlington in New York (credits include; Miles Davis, Prince, Herbie Hancock, Michael Jackson). 

For The Defector Henry Spencer collaborated with Jon Kelly (credits include; Michael Jackson, Kate Bush, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Richard Ashcroft), co-producer Paul Whalley (platinum-selling producer regularly working with high profile international artists) and composer George Stevenson (commissioned by London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra among others). 

His band’s growing international touring schedule, radio and TV broadcasts, including major jazz festivals and broadcasts on Mezzo TV, have led to the increase of audiences and followers internationally. Henry has also been writing and performing with his group with orchestras in performances.