In our DATSKAT series we present innovative acts on the cutting edge of jazz, hip-hop, neo-soul, and more. corto.alto is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer Liam Shortall. The Scottish omnipotent musician moves between traditional genres, where danceable grooves, dark dub and flexible jazz improvisation intersect.

Having cut his teeth playing trombone in Scottish National Jazz Orchestra while making beats in his bedroom, Shortall has developed incredible chops. His first EP was picked up by major radio shows with hosts like Jamie Cullum and Gilles Peterson, among others, and in October 2023 his debut album Bad With Names was released. An already critically acclaimed record, on which his multi-instrumentalism (trombone, guitar, bass guitar, synths, tuba & percussion), energetic jazz improvisations and catchy band sound are in full force.

‘Appearing on the equally cool New Soil, Bad with Names is a tantalising, delightfully bouncing between genres, and as infectious as it is impressive, debut.’ (Dick Hovenga, Written in Music)

Alexander Wesson keys, Liam Shortall trombone/bass/samples/keys, Mataeusz Sobieski sax, Graham Costello drums