Born and bred in the Wirral, Shez Raja began playing the electric bass as a kid with dreams of becoming a professional bass player. Now, over a quarter of a century later Shez has become a creative force to be reckoned with, turning his dream into an established and successful career, whilst performing all over the world.
Returning to his roots for a hometown show this July, we caught up with Shez to talk about what to expect and his favourite career moments so far…
You’ve built such an impressive career in music over the last couple of decades. We’d love to hear about your first memory of music…
One of my earliest memories is being surrounded by music at home and feeling its energy before I understood anything about it. I started on violin when I was young, but the real turning point came when I discovered the electric bass. I remember the physical feeling of it – the low frequencies, the groove, the way it connected rhythm, harmony and emotion. It felt like the instrument I had been looking for.
Do you remember the specific moment when you knew you wanted to pursue music?
Yes – I was around 12 when I first tried a bass at a friend’s house. Something clicked immediately. The violin had given me musical foundations, but the bass felt like home. It was powerful, expressive, and physical. I knew very quickly that this was the instrument I wanted to spend my life exploring.
Tell us more about your career – you must have so many favourite memories, moments and milestones. Where did your journey start? And what’s your favourite “moment” to date?
My journey really started on the Wirral. I bought my first bass with money I earned delivering the Wirral Globe newspaper, and I played in local bands around the Wirral and Liverpool. Those early gigs were hugely important. They gave me confidence and a real love of performing.
From there I studied at Leeds College of Music, worked as a session musician, toured, and gradually developed my own sound as a bandleader. I’ve been incredibly lucky to collaborate with musicians I grew up admiring such as Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Dennis Chambers, Wayne Krantz, Trilok Gurtu and many others.
There have been so many special moments: playing Ronnie Scott’s, the Jazz Café, Royal Festival Hall, international festivals, and recording with musical heroes. But honestly, returning to the Wirral for my Future Yard homecoming after 25 years was one of the most emotional. It felt like the journey had come full circle.
The music you make and your “sound” in particular is so individual and versatile. When did you first delve into the Indo-jazz-funk sound, and what influences inspire you?
The seeds were planted very early. My father is from Punjab and my mother is English, so I grew up between cultures. Trips to Punjab with my father had a huge impact on me. I became fascinated by Indian classical music, ragas, tabla rhythms and the depth of improvisation in that tradition.
At the same time, I was deeply into jazz, funk, fusion and groove music – artists like Jaco Pastorius, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Miles Davis and all the great electric players. Over time, those worlds naturally came together.
The ‘Indo-jazz-funk sound’ has organically become my musical identity: Indian melody and rhythm, jazz improvisation, funk grooves, rock energy and a big emphasis on live performance.
Can you tell us about growing up in the Wirral — how has Liverpool and Merseyside influenced your path as a musician?
Growing up on the Wirral was incredibly important. There’s such a strong musical identity in Merseyside and obviously Liverpool has this huge global music legacy, but there’s also a very real grassroots scene. I played in local bands, went to gigs, met musicians, and learned by performing and collaborating.
The audiences in Liverpool and the Wirral have always had a lot of energy and honesty. You can’t fake it – you have to communicate. That shaped me as a performer. Even now, I still try to bring that directness and excitement to every show.
So coming back to the Wirral and playing Future Yard means a lot. It’s not just another gig, it’s connected to where I started.
We know you’re working towards an upcoming headline show at Future Yard, Birkenhead. We’re so excited to have you back. What can you tell us about the upcoming performance?
I’m really excited about this one. We’re bringing the Spellbound tour to Future Yard, and the band is absolutely phenomenal: Guthrie Govan on guitar, Chris Jerome on keyboards and Sophie Alloway on drums.
The music is high-energy, uplifting and very groove-based, but there’s also a strong spiritual and melodic side. Expect Indo-jazz-funk, big improvisation, deep grooves, explosive solos and a lot of interaction on stage.
Future Yard is a brilliant venue, and because it’s on the Wirral, it has that extra emotional charge for me. I think it’s going to be a very special night.
And you’re working with Milap again for your hometown show. Can you tell us about your relationship with Milap over the years, working with a Liverpool-based Indian Arts organisation platforming so many different types of Indian music?
Milap have been incredibly supportive, and I really admire what they do. They’ve spent decades platforming Indian arts and culture in Liverpool and beyond, but they also have a very open-minded approach to what Indian music can be.
For someone like me, whose music sits between Indian classical influences, jazz, funk and contemporary improvisation, that’s really important. Milap understand tradition, but they also support artists who are pushing boundaries.
Working with a Liverpool-based Indian arts organisation for a hometown show feels very meaningful. It connects my heritage, my music and my Merseyside roots in a really powerful way.
You’re performing with guitar master Guthrie Govan on the night and you’ve worked with him closely before in the past. What’s your favourite thing about playing with Guthrie?
Guthrie is simply one of the greatest guitarists in the world, but what I love most is his musicality. Everyone knows about the technique, which is astonishing, but he never plays just to show what he can do. He listens, reacts, takes risks and always serves the music.
Playing with him is exciting because you never quite know what’s going to happen. He can go from something incredibly lyrical to something completely outrageous in a split second, and he raises the level of everyone around him.
He’s also great fun on stage. There’s a real sense of adventure, humour and freedom when he plays.
Anything else you want to tell us?
Just that I’m really grateful to be bringing this music back to the Wirral with Milap and Future Yard. ‘Spellbound’ is probably my most personal album so far – it brings together my South Asian heritage, my love of jazz and funk, and collaborations with some extraordinary musicians.
For me, the live show is where the music truly comes alive. So I’d say: come with open ears, expect a lot of energy, and be ready to join us on a journey.
Shez Raja
Friday 24 July
Future Yard
Tickets
