Long known for its dramatic architecture and relentless rain, Glasgow has recently emerged as a vital new jazz hotspot, and few acts embody this energy more convincingly than corto.alto, the brainchild of composer and multi-instrumentalist Liam Shortall. Together with his band he brings a tight-knit collective of musicians who consciously chose to stay in Glasgow and help build a thriving scene, rather than follow the crowds to London. Formed through countless gigs, from intimate living room shows in Shortall’s flat to packed local jazz clubs, corto.alto has developed into a razor-sharp ensemble known for its infectious groove and improvisational depth. On stage, Shortall commands attention as he fluidly switches between trombone, bass, guitar and keys. Their debut album Bad With Names (2023) blends deceptively accessible grooves with subtle tempo shifts and complex rhythmic layers. Jazz for the head, heart and hips.