King Heron

Music Spoken Here

An unapologetically different slant on the guitar trio format

King Heron are a guitar trio sprung from Bristol’s modern jazz scene, bringing together lyrical expression, hard-edged basslines and clanging rock to form their own distinct blend of progressive beats and fluttering soundscapes. Jacob Houghton’s perpetually melodic guitar phrases glide around Cerith Evans’ stoic low-end rumble and Cameron Macdougall’s deeply musical drum grooves. The clear-cut individuality in each of the musicians results in King Heron’s unapologetically different slant on the guitar trio form.

The group have shared stages with the likes of Oscar Jerome, Mdou Moctar and Lydian Collective, and performed at venues, clubs and arts centres across the UK. Their 2023 single ‘Stasis (ft. Andrew Neil Hayes)’ marked their first collaboration with a guest appearance from the Run Logan Run tenor player, in a raucous exploration that excitedly reflects a ‘Bristol sound’. Following 2023’s two single releases, the trio have their second EP, ‘Risky Business’, set for release in September 2024.

King Heron are most at home on stage. Always groove-oriented with an emphasis on improvisation, their live performances are captivating with tunes taking their own path and never being played the same twice. At the heart of their live sound is a deep trust and connection between three friends exploring a new jazz impression together.

“Great stuff!” - Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM)

"Gobsmackingly tight rhythm section" - Tom Robinson

“Bright, smooth, from King Heron. The EP that just oozes soul crafted by these musicians who clearly love what they do” - Adam Crowther (BBC Radio Bristol)