Bio

Sound of Movement are a unique and engaging collective of musicians and dancers who push the boundaries of contemporary jazz, classical, afrobeat and dance. 

Their unique performances and recorded music specialises in the formation of contemporary jazz and dance, presenting a thought-provoking journey through improvisation and melodicism. They have two live shows they perform, one as a music only performance, and one featuring dance.

What sets ‘The Sound of Movement’ apart is that they offer a new perspective of music and dance; with composition, improvisation and choreography created and performed in a distinctive and organic way.

Merging the worlds of contemporary dance and jazz, The Sound of Movement’s debut project features a brand new EP showcasing a multi-genre suite of music and two bonus tracks. Their debut EP takes listeners on a journey demonstrating their virtuosity and creativity whilst painting a picture of movement.

Their debut single ‘Flying From Within’ is out now on all streaming sites, with their album due out in 2024. January 2024 saw the release of their second single ‘The Tales We Tell Ourselves’.

Formed in south-east London and typical of a young London ensemble, the collective boasts a multicultural membership with successful members such as BBC young jazz musician of the year finalist Kielan Sheard, Jazzwise magazine’s ‘Future Mover’ Ruta Sipola, and the National Youth Ballet performer and teacher Hannah George.

Composer,  instrumentalist and bandleader Joel Rocca set out to explore the possibilities of creating and performing music guided by movement in a collaborative environment; pushing the boundaires of the norms within contemporary jazz.

Breaking away from conventional approaches to improvisation and composition in jazz, Joel set out to challenge, redefine and recreate a setting in which the music and performance invovles both the musicians and dancers contributing to the improvised music and movement that you see in their live shows. Using a plethora of cues, parameters, predetermined music and invitations, everyone on stage is involved in this creation.

The Sound of Movement have produced a methodology which allows the musicians to be guided and informed in real time by dancers movement, and in turn, allow musicians to guide dancers movement through their improvisation and melody, creating unique, one-off performances.

Melodisicm and harmony play an important part throughout, allowing the performances to remain true to their quest whilst creating a palatable and enjoyable experience for viewers of varying musical tastes.

Press:

Represent Radio Show Interview and EP play through: https://www.mixcloud.com/Reprezent/baz-kaye-28th-september-2023/

JazzLondonLive Radio Show Feature: https://www.mixcloud.com/AlbanLow/jazzlondonlive-261-with-joel-rocca-12102023/

Live in London highlight reel.

Instagram:

@soundofmovement_

TikTok:

@soundofmovement