Saturday 24 October 2026
Ruta Di & Six-Piece Band: Onwards & Upwards – Album Launch!
Experience an electrifying evening with London-based Lithuanian vocalist, guitarist and composer Ruta Di and her six-piece band as they celebrate the launch of her new album, Onwards & Upwards.
Japan’sThe Walker’s jazz magazine described Ruta as a ‘hot topic for exceptional guitar playing’, highlighting her distinctive presence as both an instrumentalist, vocalist and bandleader.
Her music brings together influences from jazz, neo-soul, classical, rock, Brazilian and Lithuanian folk music traditions, moving effortlessly across genres while remaining deeply authentic.
The concert introduces Voice Beyond Words, Ruta's latest creative project—a deeply personal way of writing music, exploring what the voice can express without words. The melodies become open spaces, inviting each listener to become a co-creator of the story. Alongside music from the new album, the evening will also feature a selection of audience favourites from Ruta's earlier releases, reimagined by her expanded six-piece ensemble.
Having performed at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, EFG London Jazz Festival and Rochester International Jazz Festival, and selected to represent emerging England-based jazz artists at the Jazz Promotion Network Conference, with music featured on BBC and Jazz FM, and her latest album supported by the Lithuanian Council for Culture, Ruta continues to create bold, expressive music that connects beyond stylistic boundaries. Join her for this special album launch and an unforgettable evening celebrating the next chapter of her artistic journey.
Line up:
Ruta Di– vocals & guitar
Joe Baz - flute, alto sax
Toby Evans - tenor sax
Alex Wardill - bari sax
Murray Dare - bass guitar & double bass
Finn Genockey – drums
Joining Ruta on stage are five phenomenal musicians: Murray Dare - versatile bassist, equally at home on double bass and electric bass who has performed alongside such artists as Jean Toussaint (The Jazz Messengers) and the BBC Bigband; Finn Genockey - a drummer, composer and bandleader (Emma Rawicz Quintet, Stan Sulzmann Neon Orchestra, the Sultan Stevenson Trio, founder and director of the London Intercollegiate Jazz Orchestra); Alex Wardil (bari sax) – multi-instrumentalist, former musical director of the Durham University Big Band, and co-founder and director of the Durham University Jazz Orchestra, Joe Baz (alto sax, flute) - saxophonist and composer (regularly performing at Ronnie Scott's, PizzaExpress Live and the 606 Club; work spanning jazz, Afrobeat, folk rock and hip hop), Toby Evans (tenor sax) - saxophonist and composer (Joe Webb, Will Sach).
www.instagram.com/ruta.guitar/
Video 1 („Deep Green Forest”): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAo1FNxf0yg
Video 2 („Perfect As It Is”): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LslCSq5zWMg
