Five-Way Split
Five-Way Split is a top UK jazz band blending hard-bop tradition with modern flair. Award-nominated, they deliver soulful, swinging original and classic tunes.
Biography
Five-Way Split is a collaboratively led band formed in 2020, showcasing some of the UK’s finest contemporary jazz musicians. The group is fronted by internationally acclaimed trumpet virtuoso Quentin Collins and the electrifying Greek saxophonist Vasilis Xenopoulos. They are joined by the golden touch of pianist and composer Rob Barron, the dynamic and virtuosic bassist Matyas Hofecker, and the hard-swinging drummer Matt Home.The band draws inspiration from the legacy of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, while also reflecting the vibrant sound of today’s New York contemporary-bop scene. Their music honours the hard-bop tradition, delivering a fresh and compelling take for modern audiences.Five-Way Split boasts a wide-ranging repertoire of imaginative and finely crafted original compositions from each member, alongside hip, swinging interpretations of works by jazz legends such as Jimmy Heath, Cedar Walton, and Horace Silver. The result is a high-energy, soulful performance that resonates with jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike.Individually, the band members have worked with world-renowned artists including Al Jarreau, Kyle Eastwood, Stacey Kent, Harold Mabern, and Barry Harris. Collectively, they’ve played to sold-out audiences at prestigious venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, the 606 Club, and Pizza Express Live, and have featured at leading UK jazz festivals including Swanage Jazz Festival.Their debut album, All The Way, released on Ubuntu Music in March 2023, features predominantly original material alongside select arrangements of classic jazz standards. The album has been celebrated by critics and was named one of Jazzwise Magazine’s Top Albums of 2023.This is music for true lovers of hard bop and straight-ahead, contemporary jazz.Line-up
Quentin Collins – Trumpet
Vasilis Xenopoulos – Saxophone
Rob Barron – Piano
Matyas Hofecker – Bass
Matt Home – DrumsAwards
Nominated for Best Jazz Ensemble at the 2024 Parliamentary Jazz Awards
Reviews
Album ReviewsJazzwise ★★★★★
“Barron, Collins and Xenopoulos have collectively achieved a poised sound that is very
pleasing indeed” Peter Vacher,Nick Lea, Jazz Views
“Five-Way Split is a group of some of the finest contemporary musicians on the UK circuit
who make a strong case for bebop and hard bop being a vital force in 21st century jazz”Press QuotesQuentin Collins
“Splendid”
★★★★★ - BBC Music Magazine
Vasilis Xenopoulos
“One of the most fiery young saxophonists around”
★★★★- The Times
Rob Barron
“Classic Jazz Piano at it’s best”
5/5 - UK Vibe
Band quotes“Five-Way Split is a band born in 2020 at a time when performance
opportunities were scarce, but creative energy was strong, by musicians with a shared passion for continuing the lineage of Contemporary Bop music.”“Five-Way Split are delighted to be a part of the impressive Ubuntu Music roster. It also makes perfect sense for Rob Barron and Ubuntu Music co-founder Quentin Collins to continue their strong association with one of the best independent jazz labels on the
international scene.”