Billy Hare - Room 12a

Contemporary UK jazz, soul, Brazilian music and 70s-inspired cinematic arrangements converge on ‘12a’, the debut solo album from 25-year-old producer, writer and pianist Billy Hare, set for release via Wah Wah 45s on 20th November. Hare has spent the last few years establishing himself within the UK contemporary jazz scene through his work with Tanhai Collective, writing and producing much of the group’s material and performing at venues and festivals including Jazz Cafe, Love Supreme and Brick Lane Jazz Festival. ‘12a’ marks his first album built entirely around his own songwriting, bringing together a ten-piece ensemble of young jazz musicians alongside strings, flute, trombone, saxophone, percussion and guitar.

Following on from the release of debut single ‘Too Much’ - which found fans on Jazz FM, NTS, and Worldwide FM, as well as finding itself immediately added to Apple’s Jazz Scene: UK playlist - Billy delivers the foot-friendly ‘Formerly’, released as a single today alongside the album’s announcement. It’s a tune that owes most of its DNA to the bluesy 70s soul jazz sound of artists like Donald Byrd, and Johnny ‘Hammond’ Smith, driven heavily by stacked horn arrangements and a tight drum groove.

Label: Wah Wah 45s
Format: Vinyl LP
Cat No: WAHLP040
Estimated Release Date: 20 November 2026
Genre / Style: Jazz / Jazz Piano

Tracklist

1. Too Much
2. Formerly
3. Catacai
4. At Once
5. Highly
6. Five to One
7. Interlude
8. Carolles
9. Smaller Church
10. Transmission