Sean Payne

Sean was first noticed as a finalist in the inaugural BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year competition in 2014 at just 13 years old. Since then, he’s built an incredible career as both a bandleader and sought-after sideman across the UK and Europe. A former member of Clark Tracey’s Quintet, Sean has performed alongside acclaimed artists including Seamus Blake, Gwilym Simcock, Soweto Kinch, and Kit Downes, while also sharing the stage with notable players such as Joey Calderazzo, Gregory Hutchinson, and Aaron Goldberg. His performance highlights include appearances at prestigious venues and festivals such as Ronnie Scott’s, the Royal Albert Hall, Jazz à Vienne, and Duc des Lombards. At 18, he became the youngest competitor in the inaugural Michael Brecker International Saxophone Competition. He is a recipient of the Elton John Scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music and graduated with First Class Honors.