Mostly Jazz in conversation with: The Atlantic Players

You guys are a true staple of Mostly Jazz lineups. What was your favourite moment of 2026? 

First, can we say a big, big thanks to the Mostly Jazz who work 24/7, 365 to ensure that the experience is one of quality, excellence and blissful wonder, year in year out. It’s a perennial highlight and honour for us and we never take it for granted!

I think (for most of us) it was, obviously, simply playing to such a fabulous crowd on such a sunny day! What a pleasure! However, a very close second (perhaps!) was seeing both Thee Sacred Souls (what a vibe!) and Jalen Ngonda (what a guy!) shine us all throughout the evening! Am still living off the energy three weeks later!

What has been your overall favourite Mostly Jazz performance? Of yours but also favourite band you’ve seen on the lineup?

For me it was 2022. We’d not played there for a few years, and the afternoon was chilled and relaxed, but we sensed that the crowd wanted something high energy and explosive to happen, to get them moving and grooving – which we did! We finished the set and I said, “Folks, its been great! This is our last song” down the mic – and the crowd collectively roared, “NOOOO!! MOOORE!!!”. We then knew we’d done the job!

Overall favourite MJ performance? There are very many to choose from but the first that springs to mind was seeing Burt Bacharach headline in 2019, which was sadly one of his last ever performances. I have never seen so many middle aged men cry at a gig, due to him triggering the memory of them, as kids, sitting listening to his songs back in their folks’ living rooms! It was pretty transcendental, as hit after hit after hit was shared.

The Atlantic Players are famously analogue. You guys blow away live audiences, but have you found the increasing move to streaming and digital promotion challenging? 

Not really! We use whatever tech suits us as and when we need to. We’re fortunate that our fan base are pretty analogue too – and that new fans want to come along on that ride!

What’s next for The Atlantic Players?

Saturday 7th November 2026! A Birmingham Soul Revue at the Crossing in Digbeth, featuring us, Midnight City Soul, the Catwalk Villains, the Magicians and numerous DJS! It’s going to be almost as good as playing Mostly Jazz! Tickets will be on sale very soon! Make sure you get your tickets, cos as I’ve always said – it’s always better when you’re there!!