606 Jazz Club, Chelsea, London - Live Music Programme 1st - 15th April 2024.
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Laura Thorne of the 606 Club has forwarded details of some forthcoming live jazz events. Fully detailed schedule attached.
Laura Thorne writes;
Hello all you connoisseurs of culture and lovers of live music – greetings from the 606 in Chelsea, known for presenting the best jazz, soul, Latin, groove, R&B & blues musicians in the UK bar none.
This mail provides details about the Club’s upcoming shows from Monday 1st to Monday 15th April 2024.
And, looking ahead later in the month, jazz & Latin pianist John Crawford & his quintet release their long-awaited new album, “Room for Dancing” (Thu 18th), renowned Calypso band Tobago & D’Lime, famous for their appearances in the Paddington Bear films perform on Monday 29th and we host three nights of ‘The Royal Scammers’ tribute to Steely Dan led by Jeremy and Paul Stacey (Oasis, Black Crowes, King Crimson) Tuesday 30th April, 1st & 2nd May.
Keep reading for more information about our April programme or, visit the events area of the 606 site at https://www.606club.co.uk/events/, where there are extended descriptions, photos and video clips for your consumption.
606 CLUB – 1-15 APRIL 2024 GIG GUIDE
Mon 1st 8:00pm SOPHIE ALLOWAY
Drummer Sophie Alloway has been the musician of choice for a wide variety of high-profile artists for some years now. With appearances for the likes of Later with Jools Holland, the Mercury Music Prize, Glastonbury Festival and most recently King Charles III, her featured tracks on ‘Abbey Road Masters: The Drum Sessions’ have been used on radio and TV across the world. A long-standing friend of the Club and a consummate musician, the band she leads this evening features the brilliant saxophonist Mornington Lockett to perform what Sophie describes as “the music of the greats, including Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, Michael Brecker and Herbie Hancock”. Great player, great gig this.
“Goddess of groove…Sophie Alloway” Jazz FM
Tue 2nd 8:00pm RAY BUTCHER ‘BUTCHER’S BREW’
Ray Butcher is an excellent, fluent and melodic trumpet player whose extensive experience includes work with the likes of Dr John, Mica Paris, Robbie Williams, Beverly Knight, Robert Plant, Soweto Kinch and Jean Toussaint. He was the trumpet soloist on the Grammy nominated, US chart-topping album ‘Burning Lights’ by US Grammy winner Chris Tomlin and appeared on outtakes from the Cookie Monster iPhone ad seen by 3.5M YouTube viewers! Ray’s own band, The Ray Butcher Band, has made appearances on comedies “Very Important People” and “The Morgana Show” and he also had extensive coverage on BBC1’s period drama “Landgirls”. The line-up this evening includes Matt Telfer-sax, Edgar Macias-piano, Wayne Matthews-bass & Miles Levin-drums.
“Ray Butcher is a trumpeter and composer who has clocked up years of achievements…” Cross Rhythms
Wed 3rd 8:00pm EMILY FRANCIS TRIO
With a fascinating mix of influences including 60s & 70s-era electronic jazz, psychedelia and even prog rock, Emily Francis-piano/keys, Trevor Boxall-bass & Jamie Murray-drums have created an accessible, yet harmonically rich landscape of melody and groove. Now approaching their 10th Anniversary, the band have a new EP, “Atomic” which they describe as taking “a more direct approach, placing melody front and centre, employing cinematic-style leitmotif, and propelling the music forward with driving rhythm”. Featured at the 606 last year as part of our 2023 EFG London Jazz Festival schedule, Emily and the Trio’s live shows deliver excitement from start to finish!
“Emily Francis’ new trio album…is a thing of rare beauty” Jazzwise;
“Francis transcends her many influences to create a sound that is very much her own, skilfully blending acoustic and electric elements to create a rich tapestry” The Jazz Mann
Thu 4th 8:00pm TOMORROW’S NEW QUARTET
Tomorrow’s New Quartet is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most exciting jazz bands emerging from the British scene. Taking inspiration from Chick Corea’s ‘Return To Forever’ and Keith Jarrett’s ‘European Quartet’, Tomorrow’s New Quartet has been thrilling audiences all over the country with its engaging brand of modern jazz. Led by drummer / composer Rod Oughton, the band released its debut album ‘All Together, Now!’ on the Ubuntu Music label in 2022. Following a successful launch tour, which culminated in a sold-out show at Pizza Express Dean Street, the album was named ‘Editor’s Choice’ by Jazzwise Magazine, and dubbed ‘very fresh’ by Jumoké Fashola on BBC Radio 3. The band features several young heavyweights from the next generation of British jazz, namely Helena Kay on Sax, Deschanel Gordon on piano* and Flo Moore on electric bass.
“A terrific performance from a hugely talented quartet” The Jazz Mann;
“A quartet for today as well as tomorrow” Jazzwise
*Pianist Sam Watts (Jean Toussaint, Abram Wilson) will be performing with the Quartet this evening in lieu of Deschanel.
Fri 5th 9:00pm DAVE LEWIS’ ‘1UP’
Dave Lewis’s robust and melodic tenor playing has been heard with a notable list of artists including John Martyn, Bryan Ferry, Joan Armatrading, John Mayall, Eric Clapton and The Blockheads. His own band features an impressive array of talent fronted by the fabulous singer Lizzie Deane, who has worked with the likes of Carleen Anderson, Mica Paris and Jocelyn Brown. With a strong emphasis on groove, improvisation and spontaneous melodic interplay, 1UP is one of the tightest, funkiest bands on the scene.
“It’s a real treat…tight chunky grooves and… exciting…funky sax.” Blues and Soul;
“Deane…incredible” Cross Rhythms
Sat 6th 9:00pm DAVE O’HIGGINS QUARTET
Dave O’Higgins has worked with the likes of Cleo Laine and John Dankworth, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Nancy Wilson. With 24 albums as leader to his credit, Dave’s 2017 recording ‘It’s Always 9:30 in Zog’received a British Jazz Award nomination, while Dave was nominated ‘Best Tenor Saxophonist’. His project ‘O’Higgins & Luft’ with guitarist Rob Luft was nominated ‘best band’ in the 2020 Parliamentary Jazz Awards on the back of a 40-date tour. When he’s not on the road, Dave’s also an in-demand producer, most recently producing Matt Bianco’s album ‘Gravity’. Dave & his band (Sean Fyfe-piano, Jeremy Brown-bass & Josh Morrison-drums) will be playing choice, swinging standards alongside some playful originals & John Coltrane tunes. A brilliant gig led by one of the most respected musicians on the international jazz scene.
“exceptional fluency…one of Britain’s finest musicians” Observer;
“virtuoso”Time Out; “world class” BBC Music Magazine;
“…dazzling” Guardian;
“stunning” Jazz Guide
Sun 7th 1:30pm SUNDAY LUNCH: GARETH LOCKRANE BIG BAND
One of the finest jazz flautists in Europe, named “Rising Star on Flute” in the prestigious Downbeat Critics Poll (USA), this afternoon Gareth will be fronting his amazing 18-piece Big Band. Performing his brilliant arrangements of a mix of originals and the odd classic jazz standard (many of which are featured on their album, “Fistfight at the Barndance”), the ensemble inevitably attracts a host of high-profile award-winning players and is not to be missed!
“The band plays a roof-lifting mix of fresh grooves…and blistering…solos from some of the country’s finest musicians” Jazz FM; “brilliant” Observer
Sun 7th 8:00pm LULU PIERRE & THE ALEX WEBB TRIO WITH SPECIAL GUEST DENYS BAPTISTE
Already making waves on the London jazz vocal scene, Lulu Pierre has proved herself to be a classic Torch Song stylist with the sass of Nancy Wilson and the swing of Sarah Vaughan – and a knack for heartbreaking ballads too. With the experienced piano accompanist Alex Webb and his trio (Menelik Claffey, bass & Charlie Hutchinson, drums), her set features lesser-known pieces from the Great American Songbook, as well as surprising, fresh picks from outside the standard jazz repertoire. Over the last few years, they have appeared at venues such as the Vortex, Crazy Coqs and the like, honing a tight, grooving jazz vocal act accessible to general listeners and jazz purists alike. Webb is a pianist, arranger and songwriter with a long history of working with leading jazz vocalists; his songs have been recorded by Liane Carroll, China Moses, Jo Harrop, Allan Harris, Cherise, Ayanna Witter-Johnson and others, while he’s also the bandleader of the acclaimed musical theatre show, Café Society Swing. For the 606 performance, tenor sax boss Denys Baptiste, who has played and recorded with some of the biggest names in jazz (McCoy Tyner, Andrew Hill, Ernest Ranglin) will be the featured guest. He has won multiple awards including the “Mercury Music Album of the Year” and “MOBO Award for Best Jazz Act” and he was also a two-time Jazz FM Award Nominee in 2018
.“Lulu is a great performer…Swinging and serenading in equal measure” Hilary Seabrook;
“Something new and exciting ... Alex Webb’s fantastic arrangements allowed Lulu the space to make a clear statement – she has arrived” Jazz in Europe;
“Denys Baptiste…the icon of British jazz” Time Magazine
Mon 8th 8:00pm THE KRISZTIAN OLAH QUARTET WITH SPECIAL GUEST PAUL BOOTH
Although still in his 20’s, the multi-award-winning Hungarian pianist Krisztián Oláh is widely regarded as one of the finest musicians of his generation. From a prestigious musical family (his father is the internationally acclaimed pianist/composer Kálmán Oláh) Krisztian already has a raft of Awards and recommendations to his name, including (but not limited to); Best Soloist at Jazz Competition of Marosvasárhely (2013), Finalist, Nottingham Solo Piano Competition (2014),The Vilnius International Jazz Competition-Creative Art Prize, the Junior Prima Prize and the Hungarian Jazz Prize of Gramofon Magazine (all 2015). In 2016 the Hungarian Jazz Federation elected him Young Jazz Musician of the Year, and in 2018 he was the first Hungarian to be invited to the international competition organised by the Thelonious Monk Institute in Los Angeles, featuring fourteen of the best jazz pianists in the world. Krisztian’s inaugural recording “At the Back of My Mind” was inspired by this experience, while both his second “Oláh Krisztián Quartet –Crescendo” and most recent project, “Parallel Reflections”(an interplay between string orchestra and jazz quartet) have been received with considerable acclaim. Suffice it to say he is very, very good! Tonight he will be appearing at the Club with his quartet, including the multi-award-winning Kalman Olah Jr-sax (Krisztián’s brother – a very talented family!) alongside a UK rhythm section of Calum Gourlay-bass & Andrew Bain-drums. And just to add even more interest their Special Guest will be the brilliant, premier UK saxophonist Paul Booth (Bansangu Orchestra, Patchwork Project, Steve Winwood)! A stellar lineup and not to be missed.
“Booth…Blistering saxist” Independent;
“Paul Booth is…a pleasure to listen to.” Birmingham Post
Tue 9th 8:00pm DAN REINSTEIN
American born saxophonist Dan Reinstein first began playing at the old 606 Club when a medical student in the 1980’s. He returned to the US in the early 90s to become one of the world’s leading laser eye surgeons (he’s now Professor Reinstein). But when he returned to London, it was great to hear his fluent, classic hard-bop, muscular sax playing again and the rest, as they say, is history-Dan & his quintet have performed here for the last 20 years.
”...impressive hard-bop saxophonist” Time Out
Wed 10th 8:00pm FRANCESCA CONFORTINI
Italian-born vocalist Francesca Confortini brings sophistication and warmth to everything she does. With a background in musical theatre and international experience as a singer for the likes of Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) and gypsy-jazz ensembles Trio Manouche and Gypsy Dynamite as well as her own trio Jazz Silhouettes, she is capable of moving effortlessly from neo-jazz originals to interpretations of American Songbook classics.
“Francesca Confortini…beautiful voice” Indieeyefilmawards
Thu 11th 8:00pm JOHN EAST PROJECT
John East Project is led by vocalist and Hammond organ player John East, becoming a popular and regular feature at the Club since their first appearance here twelve years ago. John has played the Hammond for decades, working with musicians such as John Etheridge, Katie Kissoon and Phil Robson. Tonight John & his band will be performing material from their album, “Mr Businessman”, which features a selection of carefully chosen vocal standards along with lesser-known songs from the popular songbook as well as the occasional instrumental tune, with the emphasis on melodic jazz driven along by the distinctive Hammond sound. And what a band it is, drawn from the top players in the UK: Nigel Price-guitar, Dave Lewis-sax, Scott Baylis-trumpet, Dan Hewson-trombone, Steve Pearce-bass and Mark Fletcher-drums. After a long and successful run of over 50 shows, John will be stepping away from live gigs later this year so do come along and enjoy the John East Project while you still can.
“(East) and the band…brought the house down” City AM;
“Vocalist and Hammond player East leads a fine band” Time Out;
“A bit of genius” Fleece Jazz
Fri 12th 9:00pm BEVERLEY SKEETE WITH SPECIAL GUEST ‘FIRE’ FT. ERWIN KEILES
Beverley Skeete’s career in the music industry is the stuff that dreams are made of. A first call singer for numerous high-profile artists including Robbie Williams, Tina Turner and Elton John she was also a pivotal member of ex-Rolling Stones’ bassist Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings. Her talent and versatility have put her in a class that few can equal One of the UK scene’s great singers. For this show Beverley has invited the band “FIRE” featuring guitarist & Musical Director Erwin Keiles, who has worked with a who’s who of artists including Shalamar, Gloria Gaynor, Jamiroquai and so many more hitmakers to be her special guests. Promises to be an epic night.
“Skeete…came into her own with a perfectly paced version of James Brown’s ‘It’s a Man’s Man’s World’” LondonJazz News
Sat 13th 9:00pm JAMES DAVISON WITH SPECIAL GUEST GIACOMO SMITH
Winner of the Smith-Watkins Trumpet Award (2016) at the Royal Academy of Music and the prestigious ‘Young Musician of the Year’ Award-presented by the Worshipful Company of Musicians-in 2018, James Davison works with the likes of the BBC Big Band, the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and the Misha Mullov-Abbado Group, as well as popular West End shows such as the Book of Mormon. Also appearing at the Club regularly with his own group “Quintet-a-Tete”, co-led with Callum Au and featuring the music of Clark Terry and Bob Brookmeyer, James is a powerful force on the UK scene. But tonight James will be joined by the wonderful saxophonist & clarinet player, Giacomo Smith. The founder of Kansas Smitty’s, the brilliant, swinging band celebrating American jazz music from the 30’s & 40’s, Giacomo is not just a superb musician but also a charismatic performer who brings an infectious joie de vivre to every note. The rest of the group is equally accomplished, Will Barry-piano, Misha Mullov-Abbado-bass & Dave Ingamells-drums. Spectacular!
“Davison…in particularly fine form with an emotive trumpet solo… effervescent…thrilling” The Jazz Mann;
“Played at a breakneck pace the piece featured dazzling, quote filled solos from Giacomo Smith…” The Jazz Mann
Sun 14th 1:30pm SUNDAY GOSPEL LUNCH: FEMI OSINAIKE
Our Gospel Lunch today features the talented saxophonist/composer Femi Osinaike (Afrocentrics, Jane Doka). His eclectic approach and style blends elements of Gospel, Smooth Jazz, Latin and African folk, all showcasing his versatility and innovative approach to music-making. This afternoon he will be returning to his Gospel roots with a 7-piece band that features two brilliant singers as well as our own Andre Gabriel, bassist & leader of the 606 Gospel Group. Promises to be a great afternoon of music! And this is our family friendly afternoon so children of all ages are welcome.
Sun 14th 8:00pm HAMISH STUART
Probably best known for his work as the original lead singer/guitarist with The Average White Band, Hamish Stuart has had an illustrious career as both songwriter and performer. He has worked with the likes of Diana Ross, George Benson and Chaka Khan (for whom he wrote the No. 1 chart hit ‘Whatcha Gonna Do For Me’) culminating in six years with Paul McCartney. A regular member of Ringo Starr’s All Star band Hamish’s shows are always a special occasion. Tonight he will be appearing with his powerhouse 10-piece band, including Jim Watson & Ross Stanley-keyboards; Adam Phillips-guitar; Steve Pearce-bass & Ian Thomas-drums, plus the 4-piece HS Horns.
“We love Stuart, the funky ex-Average White Band singer/guitarist… still playing a superior blend of soul and jazz …while his voice has that unique smoky soul allure.” Time Out
Mon 15th 8:00pm HAMISH STUART See Sunday 14th For this second night Hamish is coming back with the full 10-piece band. Trust me, this you can’t miss!
606 Club
90 Lots Road
Chelsea
London
SW10 0QD
020 7352 5953
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