Orlando le Fleming

Orlando le Fleming is one of the best and most accomplished bassists in contemporary jazz. His virtuoso technique, boundless creativity and powerful beat are the hallmarks of a musician who has humbly carved out a place for himself in the upper echelons of American improvised music. Originally from the UK, Orlando seemed destined for a sporting career and was briefly a professional cricketer until he gained a place at London's Royal Academy of Music and his lifelong passion for music took over. Le Fleming's move to New York City in 2003 came at the right time. Shortly after arriving in the US, Orlando joined Jane Monheit's band and shared bass on her 2004 album Taking a Chance on Love with Ron Carter and Christian McBride; the following year he recorded with jazz legend Jimmy Cobb on his Marsalis Music Honours album. In the ensuing years, musicians as diverse as Branford Marsalis, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Bill Charlap, Billy Cobham, Seamus Blake, Jeff "Tain" Watts and David Sanchez have relied on Le Fleming's steady beat and eloquent counterpoint to propel their rhythm sections.