“One of the most stunning jazz groups in the UK” – Andrew Marston, BBC Radio
BiiJ (But is it Jazz?) is a Midlands based original jazz project spearheaded by Worcestershire saxophonist and songwriter Thomas Hinks.
Output tends to be mix of jazz, pop, and soft rock including both studio recorded and/or electronically created instruments.
“Very Classy” – Nina Das Gupta, BBC Radio
Debut album “Oh Silly Me” features real drums, double bass, piano, numerous saxophones plus digital flute and 7 vocalists across its 18 original songs in the style of 1930’s/40’s show tunes from the golden era of jazz. We're thrilled that BBC Introducing have already played 17 tracks from the album to date. In fact BiiJ have now had 20 tracks featured on BBC Introducing and a variety of other local radio stations which comes as a very welcome affirmation that we must be doing something right.
“…richly-textured stories of delight, surprise and regret” – Hot Music Live
BBC Introducing Hereford & Worcester also invited us to do a live recording session for them at Jacqueline's Night Club in Ross-on-Wye, and did a feature programme on the band. You can see some video excerpts from that session on the videos page.
BBC Introducing also proposed the band for the New York WinterJazz festival.
“I love that, yeah we need more, we definitely need more” – Vital, BBC Radio Host, Artist, Curator, Mentor
The band is keen to support worthwhile causes and has released 3 songs to this end...
All proceeds from song “A Frog In The Bell” (from the "Oh Silly Me" album) were dedicated to BBC Children In Need throughout 2018 and 2019. See the song's video on the video page.
Single "Father ChristmasIs Coming" released in October 2018, and again as a swing remix in October 2019 features a first school choir of 6 to 9 year olds with 50% of any profits going to the school. See the whacky fun video on the video page!
Latest release "Another 14 Hours" is an original charity song in gratitude to, and support of, the NHS during this unprecedented time. Home recorded and produced during self-isolation lockdown, all proceeds will go to Matt Lucas' "Feed NHS" fund. Although due for distribution on streaming and download sites on 7th May 2020 you can watch the video right now on the videos page, and download the track on the shop page on a "Pay what you want basis".
“I hope you listened to the lyrics in that, what a song, and what a message! Brilliant brilliant song!” - Kate Justice, BBC Radio
BBC Introducing Hereford & Worcester made BiiJ their artists of the week w/c 20th April 2020.
“Oh my goodness me, how good is that?! Wow. That is But Is It Jazz, our brilliant BBC Introducing artists of the week." - Kate Justice, BBC Radio
Although primarily a recording project, after the success of the BBC Introducing session (which was live in front of an audience) Thomas is keen to get the band out gigging, so if you like the music, please get in touch!! You can listen to numerous videos on the video page.