“The Scottish musician redefining jazz for a new generation”, is how the music of Liam Shortall, aka corto.alto is described by none other than The National. These are glory days for the Scottish composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist. His debut album Bad With Names (2023) won the Scottish Jazz Award for Best Album and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in 2024. In 2025, he was hailed Breakthrough Artist at the AIM Awards in London.
 
corto.alto recently signed to Ninja Tune, the label housing artists like Thundercat, Kamasi Washington and Hiatus Kaiyote. There, he recently released the singles DON’T LISTEN, APRIL (feat. anaiis) and WHODIS, the latter in collaboration with legendary Chicago rapper Mick Jenkins.

corto.alto is unique when it comes to music. His music is impossible to define: don’t expect a conventional jazz combo, but rather a fusion of electronica-infused jazz, intuitive improvisations and influences from hip-hop, funk and soul. He jumps effortlessly between genres and his affinity with club culture is clearly evident in his mega-catchy tracks.

His live shows are all about the interplay between live instruments, electronic production and sound design. On stage, he plays bass, synth and trombone, together with a group of incredibly talented musicians. corto.alto shows you what jazz sounds like these days: raw, idiosyncratic and futuristic. Something you really don’t want to miss.