In the first decade of this, the twenty-first century, Polar Bear were one of the most exciting and dynamic bands on the UK, strike that, international jazz-scene. Formed by drummer Sebastian Rochford out of a desire to make sense, through music, of his move from Aberdeen to London this genre-defying band whacked us all sideways with the release of their debut album, Dim Lit, in 2003. A lineup that featured two tenor players, of two generations, Mark Lockheart and Pete Wareham and the hugely talented bass player Tom Herbert was augmented by electronics maestro Leafcutter John for their second release Held On The Tips Of Fingers. It was this album that was to see them win wide-acclaim and a Mercury Music Prize nomination.
Now for the first time Edition records are releasing these two superb albums on vinyl. To celebrate this fact the entire band joined Jez Nelson for a Q&A at London’s Brilliant Corners venue.
In this special edition of One Jazz One Artist you can hear highlights of their conversation as well as tracks from the album and some rare live music.
This special can be heard (BST) on One Jazz
13 July 2025: 14:00
14 July 2025: 08:00
15 July 2025: 15:00
16 July 2025: 18:00
17 July 2025: 02:00
18 July 2025: 20:00
19 July 2025: 12:00
20 July 2025: 05:00
Or listen now on Mixcloud below: