Orlando le Fleming

Among the most proficient and accomplished bassists in the field of contemporary jazz, Orlando le Fleming's virtuoso technique, boundless creativity and powerful beat are those of a musician who has found himself, humbly, occupying a space in the uppermost stratum of American improvised music. 

Orlando's facility as an improviser and capacity as a team player were first honed not on the bandstand, nor in the practice room, but on the cricket pitch. Originally from the UK, Orlando seemed destined for an athletic career, and was briefly a professional cricketer, until he was granted a place at London’s Royal Academy of music, and his lifelong passion for music won out. 

Le Fleming's 2003 move to New York City was a timely one. Soon after arriving stateside, Orlando joined Jane Monheit's band, consequently sharing the bass duties on her 2004 release Taking a Chance on Love with Ron Carter and Christian McBride; the year following, he recorded with jazz legend Jimmy Cobb on his Marsalis Music Honors release. In the years since, leaders as diverse as Branford Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Bill Charlap, Billy Cobham, Seamus Blake, Jeff “Tain” Watts, and David Sanchez have relied on Le Fleming's firm beat and eloquent counterpoint to propel their rhythm sections forward. 

While he succeeds as a sideman, it is as a leader that Orlando le Fleming truly shines. From Brooklyn With Love is a living document of Orlando's original compositions, as performed by his 2010 quartet. Recorded in concert at storied Park Slope hangout Freddy's, it features saxophonist Will Vinson, guitarist Lage Lund, and drummer Antonio Sanchez. Riding the high acclaim of this initial release, Lund, Vinson, and Le Fleming would go on to form the drum-less OWL Trio, whose eponymous 2013 debut was hailed by critics and listeners alike. Downbeat declared “Everything about this album,which should contend for debut of the year honors,is a resounding success. The music swings effortlessly, every utterance is gorgeous and the recording is intimate and beautiful." 

2016 brought a wide array of opportunities as an electric bassist, from accompanying Tony-winning vocalist Leslie Odom, Jr, to navigating the shifting metrics of Wayne Krantz's legendary 55 Bar residency. His latest endeavor, Romantic Funk, presents a pastiche of classic fusion sounds and ideas, updated by Le Fleming's signature palette of polyrhythm and abstract exploration. 2020 saw the release of Romantic Funk’s second album - The Unfamiliar, and also a new OWL Trio record featuring the virtuoso vocalist, Kurt Elling. In 2022 Orlando was part of a collaborative standards album featuring jazz legends Mark Turner and Jeff “Tain” Watts and in 2024 he released  his third Romantic Funk album, featuring a guest appearance from Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

Now relocated back in the U.K., he balances his own projects while maintaining a busy touring schedule for international artists such as Shai Maestro, Lage Lund and Walter Smith. Orlando has also built up a worldwide network of bass students through his teaching, augmented by the release of his book Get It Together.

“Mr le Fleming serves as the band’s grounding force” NY Times

“A deep-toned walker with an impeccable sense of time” Jazz Times

"Superb... a fresh mix of energy, intelligence and groove." ★★★★★ Jazz’n’More

“An outstanding bassist takes a turn towards muscular fusion.”WBGO

“Le Fleming’s compositions change texture, tempo and mood, conjoining narrative twists into an overarching form” Financial Times

"Raw, exciting, authentic and vital." ★★★★ The Jazz Mann

"Orlando has great ears, is a master of phrasing and note choice and knows exactly how to complement his musical surroundings; he's a pleasure to play with every time." - Ari Hoenig

“Orlando is a brilliant musician and one of my most favorite bassists. He has so many dynamic and musical qualities, his sound is big and supportive, his lines are deep architecture, his solos are dances in shadows and light, his energy is warm, engaging and playful, and his technical skill is on the highest level.” - Kurt Rosenwinkel

"Orlando is easily one of the most skilled and thoughtful musicians that I have worked with." - Jeff "Tain" Watts