Jazz Connections: Ant Law's Unified Theories

The Brighton Dome is starting its 2026 Jazz Connections series on Friday, 20th March, with a performance by guitarist Ant Law at the Studio Theatre. He’s bringing his latest project, Unified Theories, to the stage, an album that has been getting a lot of traction recently, including being named an Editor’s Choice by Jazzwise. If you’ve followed his work, you’ll know he doesn't stick to one lane; this specific project is a bit of a hybrid, pulling in influences from classical music and rock, alongside rhythms inspired by South Indian music. It’s described as a more contemporary, avant-garde take on jazz, focusing on building intricate musical worlds that feel both complex and accessible.

The performance features a quintet made up of some of the most established musicians currently working in the UK. Joining Ant Law on guitar are Gwilym Simcock on piano and Mike Chillingworth on alto sax, with Orlando le Fleming handling the bass and the Cuban drummer Ernesto Simpson rounding out the rhythm section. The Financial Times has described Law as a technician with a truly original voice, and having a band of this calibre suggests the focus will be on high-level ensemble playing. It’s the kind of setup where the chemistry between the musicians is just as important as the notes on the page, aiming for a sound that Jazzwise called "pure pleasure" in their review of the group's performance.

In terms of the logistics for the evening, the doors at the Studio Theatre open at 19:15, and the music is scheduled to start at 20:00. It’s a reserved seating show, which makes things a bit more relaxed if you're arriving closer to the start time. Tickets are £26 for general admission, but there is a concession price of £23 available for those under 30. One thing to remember is the £3.50 booking fee that applies to phone and online orders, though Brighton Dome members are exempt from this. The event is open to most, but the venue does require that anyone under the age of 14 is accompanied by an adult. It’s a solid opportunity to see how the 2026 jazz season is shaping up in a relatively intimate setting.