Projects

Project

Deff60

Since 2024 Kurtis has managed, composed and musically directed for jazz-fusion group ‘Deff60’, who are finding success across Leeds, York and Manchester. His compositions in this band consist of elaborate harmony, strange rhythms and alternative song structures closely related to jazz-fusion theoretical techniques, mixed with the erratic energy from rock music. Through this project, Kurtis also works alongside local promoting company ‘Notathing Events’ to showcase musicians across Leeds at popular jazz venue ‘Sela Bar’ throughout 2025 and 2026.

‘Deff60’ played their first gig at Sela Bar in November 2024, then released two pieces of music on streaming platforms which landed them their first headliner show as part of the Leeds Jazz Festival, that sold out popular venue ‘Left Bank Leeds’. Since then, Deff60 has been gigging regularly at festivals and events, as well as recording and merchandising.

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Smiling Politely

Smiling Politely serves as an alternate to Kurtis’ regular work; playing tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, flute, tin whistle, EWI and piano in this alt-rock fusion project. Smiling Politely gigs regularly around Leeds, deeply embedded in the alternate music scene across Yorkshire, holding professional recording dates in studios too.

Contemporary Jazz Orchestra

Kurtis Scotland has been a consistent member of the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra since October 2023, working with multiple practitioners including James Mainwaring, Johnny Enright of ‘Grupo X’, Steve Banks, Jonathan Silk, Edgar Jones and Gustavo Andrade of ‘The Brasukas’. The project has put on two concerts each year with these different professional musicians and their individual projects they have brought to the orchestra. This has allowed Kurtis to deeply explore the different musical concepts from all of these practitioners.

Leeds Improvisers Orchestra

Since September 2025 Kurtis Scotland has been a member of the Leeds Improvisers Orchestra, arranged by the musical director of ‘Ancient Infinity Orchestra’ Ozzy Moysey. The project focuses on intense musical improvisation across all genres, including jazz. Through this, Kurtis works with multiple professional musicians in an extremely collaborative environment.
Leeds Conservatoire Big Band

Project

Deff60

Smiling Politely

Contemporary Jazz Orchestra

Leeds Improvisers Orchestra

Leeds Conservatoire Big Band

Kurtis plays lead alto saxophone in the Leeds Conservatoire big band, regularly sightreading, rehearsing and recording in studios.