Nauta are a contemporary jazz quintet that formed in early 2023 and have since worked to establish themselves among the developing jazz scene in the north east of England. Spending the last two years performing their original music to audiences at venues across the north of England, such as the Hexham Jazz Festival and their sell-out debut headline at the Globe, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, they are now looking toward releasing their music. Channelling the ferocity of jazz creators from the late 20th century and the folk melodicism of their ancestors, Nauta offers a breath of fresh air for the UK jazz scene. Their music showcases their collective unique improvisatory voice and welcomes audiences into their creative sphere.
ABOUT THE MEMBERS
Guitar: Jacob Egglestone
Jacob is a trained jazz guitarist, with both a Master of Music and BA(Hons) degree from Newcastle University, as well as grade 8 in contemporary guitar. His career has seen him headline in bands across the world at venues such as The Glasshouse for the BBC Proms, Belgrave Music Hall and Disney Land Paris. He currently also plays in SwanNek and Bold Big Band, two groups that heavily influence his playing and exemplify his range.
Piano/Keyboard: Louis Wild
Louis is a pianist and composer with a BA(Hons) degree in Music from Newcastle University and Grade 8 Piano. He specialises in popular music and jazz, with memorable performances coming from The Glasshouse, Durham Town Hall, and Lindisfarne Festival. Louis also regularly performs with Brazilian-born artist Nadedja, and Sunderland-based singer Hannah Roeves. As a composer, Louis is responsible for the soundtracks of multiple award-winning short films.
Saxophone: Olly Styles
Currently studying music at Newcastle University, Olly plays an active part in Newcastle’s music scene, from performing in various function bands that cover funk, pop and jazz, to playing headline gigs all over the north east. Alongside Nauta, Olly plays in SwanNek with whom he’s played at a various venues from The Glasshouse to Pilgrim, and been heard on BBC Radio 3. His playing is greatly inspired by Joshua Redman and Bob Reynolds.
Drums: Bailey Rudd
Bailey is a Norfolk-born drummer who moved to Newcastle in 2019. He has since graduated with a BA(Hons) and MMus degree from Newcastle University, and has gone on to perform weekly at small club gigs to major festivals – notably the BBC Proms, Kendal Calling, and Newcastle Jazz Festival. As a recording musician, Bailey has done session work for the BBC, as well as playing on tracks heard on BBC Radio 3, Radio 6 and more.
Bass: Jamie Watkins
Jamie played classical guitar in school, advancing to grade eight, before transitioning to bass guitar six years ago after he moved to Newcastle to gain his BA(Hons) and MMus degrees in music performance. Since then he has played all across the city with notable gigs at the Glasshouse, the Cluny and the BBC studios for the BBC Introducing live series. As a founding member of Nauta, Jamie’s voice is a core part of Nauta’s sound.
Vocal Feature: Seona Colligan
Seona is a final year music student, specialising in jazz and soul vocals. This, along with her classical foundation has shaped her into a versatile vocalist, seamlessly able to transition between genres. From weddings to private functions to collaborations with ensembles such as the Newcastle University Jazz Orchestra, Seona has performed at renowned events like the Great North Big Band Jazz Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe.
Show Reels
You can find a selection of our show reels on the “booking” page. If you are thinking about hiring us, they are a great showcase of our sound and look
YouTube
Our YouTube, while also hosting our original music (which can also be found on Spotify and Apple Music), has a series of live recordings that show us playing covers as well as our own music to live audiences and in the studio.
Instagram Reels
From live performances to studio mini-series, our Instagram reels are another great place to hear us play in some of our most creative states.
Nauta 