13/05/2026
🔦 Alumni Spotlight: Ben Haskins 🔦
Guitarist, composer and producer Ben Haskins is a multi-faceted talent. As well as leading his own quartet and producing music under the moniker Lo
Vu, Ben is guitarist for celebrated alto saxophonist (and fellow alumni) Jasmine Myra and Ghanian powerhouse K.O.G. Ben has toured extensively across the UK and Europe, as well as playing shows in China, South Africa and Turkey. He has also performed at Glastonbury, Shambala, We Out Here and London Jazz Festival, and has appeared on Later…with Jools Holland.
The Ben Haskins Quartet draws influence from jazz scenes on both sides of the Atlantic, taking inspiration from John Coltrane, Shabaka Hutchings, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ambrose Akinmusire and Bill Frisell. Featuring fellow alumni Ben Powling on saxophone, Theo Goss on drums and Owen Burns on bass, the band has become a honed ensemble and played shows across the North of England.
The group’s debut album Second Thoughts and lockdown-era EP ‘Twenty Twenty/Laid Up’ showcase Ben’s melodic, expansive compositions and lithe guitar playing, alongside propulsive improvisation from the ensemble. The groups new singles ‘July’ (featuring vocalist and Leeds Conservatoire lecturer Amy Clark), ’Colours Stay’ and ‘Shapes Change’ are available on streaming services now. The Ben Haskins Quartet has upcoming shows at Zefferellis in Ambleside, Band On The Wall in Manchester and The Globe in Newcastle.
In 2024 Ben began releasing music as Lo Vu. His debut EP includes collaborations with Slip Martin and K.O.G and has been featured on BBC 6 Music and BBC Introducing. The projects live incarnation (featuring an all star line-up from the Leeds jazz scene) has recently played shows in Bristol, Manchester and Leeds.
“One of the most talented music makers the region has to offer” - Christian Carlisle, BBC introducing
