​Jim Blomfield is a Bristol-based pianist, keyboardist, composer, arranger and educator with a long-standing presence in the UK jazz and Latin music scenes. Known for his versatility and musical sensitivity, he has worked across jazz, Afro- Cuban, Latin, rock, funk and contemporary music, and has been involved in a wide range of projects emerging from Bristol’s diverse musical culture.

Jim is an in-demand accompanist and collaborator, and has frequently been the pianist of choice for visiting jazz artists past and present, including Andy Sheppard, Barbara Thompson, Pete King and John Etheridge to name just a few. He is also widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading Latin jazz and salsa pianists, bringing a strong rhythmic understanding and stylistic authenticity to Afro-Cuban and Latin music contexts.

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As a composer and arranger, Jim has released several albums of original music on ASC and Pig Records, blending jazz with Latin influences, rock, electronica and contemporary writing. His current main creative project is Saoco Collective, a Latin jazz ensemble co-led with Cuban-born trumpeter Michel Padron, featuring original compositions and arrangements alongside Afro-Cuban jazz repertoire.

Recent performance highlights include a UK tour with Afro-Cuban stars Asere and sold-out concerts with Buena Bristol Social Club, a project celebrating Cuban music while incorporating specially arranged material by iconic Bristol band Massive Attack.

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Alongside his performance career, Jim is an experienced educator. He teaches jazz piano at the University of Bristol and has worked extensively in workshops and residential courses, including many years with CL Jazz. In 2026, together with Michel Padron, he co-founded Afro Cuban Jazz Workshops, a week-long residential course in Las Palmas, focused on Afro-Cuban jazz performance and study.

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“Heard in full flow, pianist Blomfield sounds as fully formed as any of his better-known UK peers..."                   (Phil Johnson – The Independent)

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