Winner of the Parliamentary Jazz Award for Best Media, 2019

Jazz Gigs & Events

Gwenifer Raymond + Ancient Hostility at Weirdshire, The Jam Factory, Hereford.

Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;


Tuesday November 11th: Downstairs at the Jam Factory
Gwenifer Raymond + Ancient Hostility
Tickets
https://wegottickets.com/event/669464

 

Moving into November, we are very excited to bring you two fabulous and contrasting artists who both explore the traditional in bang up to the minute ways.

 

Gwenifer Raymond has rapidly and rightfully gained a reputation as one of the finest and most technically articulate finger picking guitarists in the world. She has released a series of incredible albums on a variety of labels, and toured Europe, the US and Canada with the likes of Michael Chapman, Michael Hurley, Charlie Parr, Lankum, Richard Dawson and Ryley Walker. The latest album is already selling out on vinyl…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWChJuPSmLk

 

Ancient Hostility are a powerhouse duo of mainly unaccompanied singers, bringing anarchist, inclusive politics and resolute solidarity to this traditional format. Their debut album is an inspiration, and full of songs to last long into the future to be sung at the barricades. I can’t wait….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g27Bhsxzrvc

 

HEREFORD: The Jam Factory
40 Widemarsh St
Hereford
Herefordshire
HR4 9EP

Me Lost Me + Alula Down at Weirdshire, The Speakeasy Bar, The Left Bank, Hereford.

Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;


Wednesday October 22nd: Speakeasy Bar
Me Lost Me + Alula Down
Tickets
https://wegottickets.com/event/668192


Me Lost Me.  Jayne Dent is an incredible, individual song writer and singer from Newcastle. We had originally booked her to play a Weirdshire show just before lockdown in 2020, and that, like so many things, was wiped… and it’s taken ages for the planets to align and have this booked again. In the intervening years she’s garnered considerable plaudits and a big audience for her work. The latest album, out on the Upset the Rhythm record label was described by MOJO as:
A David Lynch-directed version of The Unthanks… overwhelmingly powerful ★★★★
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GChQVi5kg7c

 

Alula Down are Weirdshire’s home grown avant folk/improv duo, Kate Gathercole and Mark Waters. There’s a new album and an evolving live set to match, centred on Kate’s voice and Mark’s double bass and incorporating drone, improvisation, samples, field recordings, and a mixture of refashioned traditional songs and new compositions.
Back in 2020 they were awarded the Guardian Folk Album of the Month for their Summer edition of the Postcards from Godley Moor series.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuQypBqEVow

 


HEREFORD: Speakeasy
Left Bank
Bridge St
Hereford
HR4 9DG
http://www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk/venue/speakeasy

 

https://weirdshire.com/

 

Ian Shaw sings Stephen Sondheim at Hall Two, Kings Place, London.

Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025

Featuring: Ian Shaw

More details

From;
https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/jazz/ian-shaw-sings-stephen-sondheim/

Ian Shaw sings Stephen Sondheim
Stephensong
The London Concert
with Barry Green piano


Jazz meets Broadway as multi-award-winning singer Ian Shaw brings his soulful artistry to Kings Place in this album launch concert. With wit, warmth and dazzling vocal flair, Shaw, with acclaimed pianist Barry Green, reimagines Sondheim’s iconic songs. A must-see for lovers of jazz, theatre and lyrical genius.
Join us for an unforgettable and exclusive evening as acclaimed jazz vocalist Ian Shaw brings the genius of Stephen Sondheim to life in a spellbinding album launch concert. With his signature blend of emotional depth, wit, and vocal virtuosity, Shaw reimagines Sondheim’s iconic songs through a jazz lens – infusing them with fresh nuance while honouring their melodic, emotional and theatrical brilliance.


From the aching introspection of Children Will Listen and the vocally dexterous Another Hundred People to the biting irony of Being Alive, Shaw’s interpretations are both intimate and grand, capturing the heart of Sondheim’s storytelling. Accompanied by the world-class Netherlands-based pianist, Barry Green, this performance promises rich harmonies, inventive arrangements, and moments of pure musical theatre magic.


Whether you’re a lifelong Sondheim devotee or discovering his work anew, this concert offers a rare chance to experience his songs in a new light – filtered through the soul of one of Britain’s most expressive jazz voices. Expect laughter, pathos, a masterclass in musical interpretation and ‘a fearless intimacy’ (The Guardian).


Ian Shaw Sings Stephen Sondheim is more than a tribute – it’s a celebration of two masters of their craft, colliding in a night of lyrical beauty, daring and emotional resonance.


This event will last approximately 90 minutes, with no interval.

 


Date: Thu 27 Nov
Start time: 8pm (Doors: 7.30pm)
Venue: Hall Two
Price: £10.00-£30.00

 

Kings Place
90 York Way,
London,
N1 9AG.

The Fabulous Speakeasy New Years Eve Party feat. The Fabulous Red Diesel at The Beacon, Hastings, Sussex.

Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025

More details

From;
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-fabulous-speakeasy-new-years-eve-party-tickets-1672081473699

Wednesday, December 31
The Fabulous Speakeasy New Years Eve Party
By PriestessRecords
Get your roaring 20’s on, and get down to the jazziest speakeasy party in town. Live music from The Fabulous Red Diesel


Date and time
December 31 · 8pm - January 1, 2026 · 1am GMT


Location
The Beacon
67-68 Saint Mary’s Terrace Hastings TN34 3LS


£10

 

And finally, we are ,after popular demand, bringing in a small pub quiz for New years Eve at The Beacon Hastings. So that’s Pass the Parcel, Fancy Dress ( speakeasy style) with a prize for the most amazing costume, full dance set of original mind-blowing jazzy tunes from yours truly, and fire in the garden. Plus spell-casting for New Years resolutions and plans, licenced bar and food available. It’s at The Beacon in Hastings, tickets from Eventbrite or on the door, but be aware , we sold out last year, so best to get them early !

The Fabulous Red Diesel at The Cellar Arts Club, Worthing, Sussex.

Date: Friday, November 28, 2025

More details

From;
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-fabulous-red-diesel-at-the-cellar-arts-club-worthing-tickets-1751984495789


Friday, November 28
The Fabulous Red Diesel at The Cellar Arts Club Worthing
By PriestessRecords
Get ready to groove your banana thing with The Fabulous Red Diesel at The Cellar Arts Club - it’s gonna be a night to remember!

 

Date and time
Friday, November 28 · 7:30 - 11:30pm GMT


Location
Cellar Arts Club
70 Marine Parade Worthing BN11 3QB


£10

 


Since 2016, the Fabulous Red Diesel have been making mischievous jazz, soulful melodies and outrageous tuba solos. They are one of the most hardworking original bands on the circuit today, and now its starting to bear some very juicy fruit. Their new album ”Goddess The Seahorse” Its their 8th album,14 original tracks, and is the best yet. Jazz FM’s Mark Walker made ”Dear Number 5”his track of the week, and ”Joe Cool ”appeared on John Osbourne’s Jazz FM sunday show.


They have opened for The James Taylor Quartet , sold out Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s 3 times played Cheltenham , Rye and , Sidmouth Jazz Festivals. This album promo tour has included The 606 Club, The Verdict, The Bear Club, Toulouse Lautrec , Brecon Jazz Festival,and Aberjazz.


They are currently in the studio recording album number 10.


Frontwoman/songwriter and singer, Ms Kitty , in Sammy Stein’s words, ‘Think Eartha Kitt meets Tina Turner, tone it down a tone then add a touch of a mother tigress and you have some idea of how Kat’s voice purrs, roars and can also turn up the sassiness like a Vaudeville star- and all while staying perfectly in tune. It is unique.”‘


This band will sweep you off your feet, they are happiest in the middle of the audience, taking them for the ride of their lives, through latin, funk, soul, swing and even a hint of gypsy punk. Absolutely will contain Tuba .

Southbound Autumn Jazz Festival, Southbound Cafe & Bar, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.

Dates: Friday, October 17, 2025 - Sunday, October 19, 2025

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

Dave Fuller of Music Spoken Here, Worcester, has forwarded the following information regarding this event;

Southbound Autumn Jazz Festival
Southbound Cafe - Bar
Unit 12, Victoria Business Centre, Neilston Street, Leamington Spa CV31 1AZ


Friday 17th - Sunday 19th October
Southbound Cafe & Bar in Leamington Spa are hosting a three-day jazz festival this weekend. The small but popular venue is located in Railway Arch 12, Neilston Street, just 10 minutes walk from Leamington Spa station. The program starts at 4pm on Friday and features local bands and artists, including Jay Riley’s JRQ (pictured) headlining on Saturday. Admission is free and the line-up is as follows:



 

Friday
16:30 - Jazz Stew featuring UNDERCover
20:00 - Easy 3 featuring Mary Savva
21:30 - Low Key



 

Saturday
15:30 - Aloud Out
17:00 - 3 in a Shed
18:30 - Dobbö
20:00 - Mercy Mercy Mercy
21:30 - JRQ (Jay Riley Quartet)




Sunday
16:00 - Chris Gibbons All-Stars
17:30 - Two Piece Blues
19:00 - Unit 12



 

For further details go to the Southbound Cafe-Bar website.
https://www.southboundcafebar.uk/whats-on

 

Alan Barnes at Chesterfield Jazz Club, Olde House, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025

Featuring: Alan Barnes

More details

Wendy Kirkland of Chesterfield Jazz Club writes;


A last minute reminder to get your tickets if you haven’t already done so.

 

This week we are thrilled to welcome Alan Barnes back to Chesterfield Jazz Club. Alan has visited us twice before and we are really looking forward to his return.
Alan has a very impressive and extensive biography which you can find here https://www.alanbarnesjazz.com/bio

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the UK’s top performers. You’ll be in for a real treat.

 

Tickets are now at Parson’s and Dunn (I delivered them myself this morning!) for cash only, online tickets are always available from http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/wendykirkland, or pay £15 on the door, cash or card.

 

We look forward to welcoming you back to the club.
See you soon,
Wendy, Pat and the team
http://www.chesterfieldjazz.com
07764 587258

 

Tickets here;
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/wendykirkland/chesterfield-jazz-club-presents-alan-barnes-saxophone

 

Chesterfield Jazz Club - by Wendy Kirkland Events ›Chesterfield Jazz Club presents Alan Barnes, saxophone
Chesterfield Jazz Club presents Alan Barnes, saxophone
Olde House Chesterfield, Chesterfield, S40 4RN
Thursday 16th October 2025

 

Alan Barnes is a prolific international performer, composer, arranger, bandleader and touring soloist.  He is best known for his work on clarinet, alto and baritone sax, where he combines a formidable virtuosity with a musical expression and collaborative spirit that have few peers.

 

His range and brilliance have made him a “first call” for studio and live work since his precocious arrival on the scene more than thirty years ago.


His recorded catalogue is immense.  He has made over thirty albums as leader and co-leader alone, and the list of his session and side-man work includes Bjork, Bryan Ferry, Michel LeGrand, Clare Teal, Westlife, Jools Holland and Jamie Cullum. He has toured and played residencies with such diverse and demanding figures as Ruby Braff, Freddie Hubbard, Scott Hamilton, Warren Vache, Ken Peplowski, Harry Allen and Conte Candoli.


In British jazz, the young Barnes was recognized – and hired – by the established greats of the time:  Stan Tracy, John Dankworth, Kenny Baker, Bob Wilber, and Humphrey Lyttelton.  But he is equally respected for his longstanding and fruitful collaborations with contemporaries such as David Newton, Bruce Adams, and Martin Taylor.
Alan Barnes’s unique musicianship, indefatigable touring, and warm rapport with audiences have made him uniquely popular in British jazz. He has received over 25 British Jazz Awards, most recently in 2014 for clarinet, and has twice been made BBC Jazz Musician of the Year.

 

“Barnes’ melodic sense bypasses the usual scale-running clichés that pepper the playing of lesser bop disciples.” Peter Marsh, BBC Music Review.


“His stylistic range is quite phenomenal… He has a wonderful capacity for suggesting a given style without actually imitating anyone” Dave Gelly, Masters Of The Jazz Saxophone.


“I was relishing the prospect of Barnes’s casually consummate musicianship, deadpan humour (he could be a comedian, if jazz ever fails him), and indomitable belief in a respected place for the music’s rich history in this eclectic and often forgetful world.” John Fordham - The Guardian.


“Barnes plays music that was radical 50 years ago but he infuses it with so much passion and energy you could believe it was minted on the spot, which is always part of the story with jazz.” John L. Walters, The Guardian.

Jazz Jam Session at Swansea Jazz Club, The Swigg, Swansea Marina, Swansea.

Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

More details

Wednesday October 15th, 8pm
Jazz Jam Session @THE SWIGG
Come along and join the jam with the house band !
FREE ENTRY


https://www.swanseajazzland.co.uk/

NYC WINTER JAZZFEST, various venues, Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York City, USA.

Dates: Thursday, January 08, 2026 - Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

We have received the following press release;

2026 NYC WINTER JAZZFEST, (Jan. 8-13) Announces Individual Shows and Marathon Dates.


 STILL WE RISE: NYC WINTER JAZZFEST ANNOUNCES SHOWS, VENUES AND LINEUPS

 


NYC Winter Jazzfest 2026 — January 8-13, 2026
In Manhattan and Brooklyn

 

 

Psychic Hotline Records Showcase, Meshell Ndegeocello at Pioneer Works, Giant Step 35.5 Anniversary at Elsewhere, My Country Tis of Thee at LPR, Gilles Peterson at Roulette, Dave Harrington’s Prankster’s East Reimagine Bitches Brew

 


Full Festival and Marathon Passes on sale now at http://www.winterjazzfest.com

 


22nd season celebrates Black American Music, Community, and Joy amidst forces of Erasure

 


A rallying cry echoes across the season:
STILL WE RISE • STILL WE GATHER • STILL WE DANCE • STILL WE PLAY •  STILL WE SING.


For its 22nd edition, NYC Winter Jazzfest (January 8-13 2026) reaffirms its commitment to nurturing community and free expression through live music. This year’s theme centers on the joy and beauty of gathering together while celebrating the tradition and future of Black American music—especially urgent during a time when external forces threaten to erase Black culture and history.

 

 

“Winter Jazzfest has always been more than a music festival—it’s a nurturing community gathering, a platform for diverse voices, a space of joy and resilience,” said the festival team. “In 2026, we double down on the power of music to resist erasure and amplify the voices at the heart of Black American music traditions.”

 


The 2026 festival once again brings together a kaleidoscope of voices spanning jazz, experimental, soul, electronic, and global traditions. Today, the festival is announcing the initial individual shows, venues and dates for the Manhattan and Brooklyn Marathons. The initial line-up includes:

 


Adam O’Farrill’s ELEPHANT
Adegoke Steve Colson
Alden Hellmuth
Alfredo Colón Quintet
Amir ElSaffar w/ Tomas Fujiwara, Ole Mathisen, and Tania Giannouli
Amirtha Kidambi Elder Ones
Amy Gadiaga
Annie & The Caldwells
Arturo O’Farrill
Arun Ramamurthy Trio
Bex Burch
Black Earth Sway w/ Nicole Mitchell, Alexis Lombre, Coco Elysses, JoVia Armstrong
Brandon Ross Phantom Menace w/ Graham Haynes, David Virelles, JT Lewis, Hardedge
Brandon Woody’s Upendo
Brittany Davis
Carmen Staaf & Sounding Line
Civil Disobedience w/ David Ambrosio, Donny McCaslin, Ingrid Jensen, Bruce Barth & Johnathan Blake
Cory Henry
Dave Harrington’s Pranksters East Reimagine Bitches Brew
David Binney Action Trio w/ Pera Krstajic and Louis Cole
David Murray Quartet
Dawn of Midi
DoYeon Kim Quintet
Ekep Nkwelle
Elena & Samora Pinderhughes
Endea Owens & The Cookout
Freedom Riders
Gabrielle Cavassa
Gilles Peterson
Hanging Hearts
Instant Alter w/ Emilio Modeste, Natasha Agrama, Brandon Rose, Miguel Russell
James Brandon Lewis Quartet
James Carter Quintet - Trane: A Centennial Supreme
Joe Westerlund
Joel Ross
John Roseboro
Joy Guidry
Julius Hemphill Stringtet
Kahil ElZabar & Isaiah Collier
Kassa Overall
Lady Blackbird
Lakecia Benjamin
Laura Anglade
Lex Korten & Canopy
LOJO Watts w/ Logan Richarson, Joe Sanders, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts
Louis Cato
Luke Stewart’s Silt Trio
Luke Titus
Mádé Kuti & The Movement
Marcus Gilmore’s Journey to the New
Mei Semones
Merope w/ Shahzad Ismaily
Meshell Ndegeocello
Mingus Dynasty
Nate Mercereau
Nels Cline: songs from Lovers conducted by Michael Leonhart
Obed Calvaire
Ohad Talmor’s Back to the Land w/ David Virelles, Joel Ross, Chris Tordini and Eric McPherson
Patricia Brennan Tentet
Pedrito Martinez
Quantum Blues Quartet w/ Tisziji Muñoz, Will Calhoun, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, and Paul Shaffer
Ron Trent
Sam Gendel
Sarah Elizabeth Charles
Sasha Berliner
Shahzad Ismaily, Maria Chavez, Greg Saunier
Sylvan Esso (DJ Set)
Takuya Kuroda
The Either/Orchestra plays éthiopiques
Tia Fuller & Shamie Fuller-Royston
Tomas Fujiwara Dream Up
Tomeka Reid Quartet
Tyreek McDole
Veronica Swift
William Tyler & Yasmin Williams
Xenia Rubinos
+ More TBA



Additional artists, individual shows, keynote speakers, and panel programming will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

January 8, 2026 - Psychic Hotline at NYC Winter Jazzfest
Mei Semones & John Roseboro, Amy Gadiaga, Sam Gendel, Joe Westerlund, William Tyler & Yasmin Williams, Sylvan Esso (DJ set)
Venue: LPR
Time: 7:00 PM Doors
Winter Jazzfest partners with Durham-based record label Psychic Hotline for a label showcase that expands the conversation around jazz and its many intersections. Founded by Sylvan Esso’s Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn with Martin Anderson, Psychic Hotline is an artist-run company built on radically artist-forward values: transparent deals, creative freedom, and an ever-growing community of voices. This showcase brings together adventurous music-makers across jazz, folk, and experimental traditions—Mei Semones & John Roseboro, Amy Gadiaga, Sam Gendel, Joe Westerlund, William Tyler & Yasmin Williams—plus a DJ set from Sylvan Esso. Winter Jazzfest has previously presented Psychic Hotline artists including Amaro Freitas, Sam Wilkes, and Gendel. This year’s showcase extends a warm genre-agnostic welcome to a label that celebrates our core values.

 


Manhattan Marathon
January 9, 2026 - Winter Jazzfest Manhattan Marathon
Venues: LPR, City Winery, City Winery Loft, Nublu, Drom, Bitter End, Zinc Bar
Time: 5:00 PM - 3:00 AM
On January 9, 2026, Winter Jazzfest’s legendary Manhattan Marathon once again transforms Lower Manhattan into a living map of sound, with music coursing through LPR, City Winery, City Winery Loft, Nublu, DROM, The Bitter End, and Zinc Bar. Audiences will be able to wander between venues and encounter strikingly different musical worlds that nevertheless speak to one another in surprising ways.
At LPR, experience lush, orchestrated textures alongside vibraphone and trumpet-driven ensembles exploring the percussive and electronic edges of contemporary improvisation. At City Winery, hear socially conscious bandleaders embodying jazz’s activist spirit, alongside a fiery tribute to John Coltrane. At Nublu, genre-benders join forces, creating exchanges where so-called “jazz” collides with ambient and electronic textures. At DROM, experience global currents flowing into contemporary jazz and the avant-garde.  Late-night settings like Zinc Bar and The Bitter End keep the energy alive with cross-genre sparks originating from NYC to Paris, the Middle East and beyond. Our marathons are a kaleidoscope of rhythm, harmony, and expression—an open invitation to journey across the many shades of jazz in 2026 and beyond.


 

Brooklyn Marathon
January 10, 2026 - Winter Jazzfest Brooklyn Marathon
Venues: Brooklyn Bowl, Music Hall of Williamsburg, Superior Ingredients, National Sawdust, Baby’s All Right, Union Pool, Loove Annex
Time: 5:00 PM - 3:00 AM
For the fourth year in a row, on January 10, Winter Jazzfest’s signature Marathon heads to Brooklyn for its second night; a night of expansive sounds spread across Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn Bowl, Superior Ingredients, Loove Labs Annex, Baby’s All Right, National Sawdust, and Union Pool. Like our Manhattan Marathon, our Brooklyn Marathon highlights artists who blur genre lines while staying rooted in jazz’s spirit of invention. At Music Hall of Williamsburg, rising stars of jazz vibraphone dovetail with folk-rooted fingerstyle guitarists and singer-songwriters whose instrumental and vocal storytelling intersect folk traditions with jazz. Brooklyn Bowl offers a global pulse, summoning trance-inducing diasporic traditions from Ethiopian jazz to Gnawa to Afrobeat and contemporary Afro-Cuban music. At Loove Labs Annex, we present a Fully Altered Artists showcase connecting multiple generations of forward-thinking jazz with radical reimaginings of improvised music. The avant-garde thrives at Baby’s All Right, with a cornucopia of cutting-edge improvisers lik. National Sawdust features exploratory voices in the Black Music continuum, while Union Pool’s Dada Strain showcase, now in its third year, offers genre-agnostic and boundary-breaking collaborations. The Brooklyn Marathon is a meeting ground for tradition, experimentation, and the global resonance of jazz today.


 

January 11, 2026 - Meshell Ndegeocello, Cory Henry, Annie & The Caldwells
Venue: Pioneer Works
Time: 7:00 PM Doors
Meshell Ndegeocello is the quintessential Winter Jazzfest artist—restlessly collaborative, multi-disciplinary, and fiercely dedicated to chronicling the experiences of Black Americans through song. Across projects that braid soul, jazz, and spoken word, her work radiates the creative impulse to bring joy, pain, birth, death and all life’s events in words and music—always unflinching, and deeply grooving. Opening, GRAMMY-winning keyboard visionary Cory Henry brings the church with him—melding gospel, jazz-funk, and R&B uplift. His recent project Church draws on his musical heritage and family, a testament to an artist whose work moves feet and hearts alike.
Mississippi’s Annie & The Caldwells testify with disco-tinged gospel soul straight from West Point, MS. As Annie says, “My family is my band,” and their multigenerational harmonies and sibling rhythm section turn lived experience into praise, perseverance, and party.

 

January 11, 2026 - Giant Step 35.5 Years Celebration at WInter Jazzfest
Gilles Peterson, Ron Trent, Kassa Overall, plus guests TBA
Venue: Elsewhere
Time: 6:00 PM
Giant Step and Winter Jazz present an unforgettable night celebrating 35.5 years of Giant Step, featuring exclusive New York DJ sets from Gilles Peterson, Ron Trent, and a live performance from Kassa Overall. Both Gilles and Ron have deep roots in Giant Step’s history; from Gilles’ many iconic DJ sets over the years to Nuyorican Soul, and Ron’s influential DJ residency and production work during Giant Step Records golden era in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Expect a special musical journey only these legends can deliver, plus a live set from Kassa Overall and special guests. Kassa’s new album Cream is earning rave reviews for its bold fusion of jazz and hip-hop. This one will sell out so grab your ticket early.

 


January 12, 2026 — LPR - My Country ’Tis of Thee: Freedom Riders & Guests Arturo O’Farrill, Samora Pinderhughes, Mádé Kuti, Adegoke Steve Colson + more
Doors: 7:00 PM
Winter Jazzfest presents My Country ’Tis of Thee—a powerful night of music, resistance, and hope. At the heart of the evening are the Freedom Riders, an all-star ensemble of youngish voices in creative music, dedicated to amplifying messages of social justice through sound including Tomoki Sanders, Alfredo Colón, Milena Casado, Sasha Berliner, Carmen Staaf, Joe Dyson and co-leaders Luke Stewart and Ben Williams (both bassists with deep roots in our nation’s capital).
This one-of-a-kind performance takes the shape of a truly improvised round robin, interweaving spontaneous creation with standard repertoire linked to the civil rights movement. Alongside these echoes of history, the Freedom Riders and their invited guests—visionary artists Arturo O’Farrill, Adegoke Steve Colson, Samora Pinderhughes, and Mádé Kuti plus additional guests to be announced—will share current songs born from their own activist practice, underscoring the ongoing struggle for equality and freedom.

 

January 13, 2026 - Gilles Peterson Presents: Liner Notes
An Evening of Music, Stories and More presented by NYC Winter Jazzfest & Giant Step
Venue: Roulette
Internationally renowned broadcaster, DJ label owner, festival curator and record collector, Gilles Peterson has played a pivotal role in supporting and promoting underground music globally over the past four decades. Please join us for a unique evening where Gilles enters into a conversation with his records. Accompanied by a series of special guests, he will join the musical dots, playing and chatting about his favorite sounds past, present and future - think of it as a live radio show you can see.


Take Two: Dave Harrington’s Pranksters East Reimagine “Bitches Brew”
January 13, 2026 - Take Two: Dave Harrington’s Pranksters East Reimagine “Bitches Brew”
Venue: LPR
co-presented with Pique-nique
Pique-nique and Winter Jazzfest present guitarist and producer Dave Harrington and his Pranksters East, reinterpreting Miles Davis’ groundbreaking album “Bitches Brew” in his centennial year.
Part of the Take Two deep-listening series, the evening pairs an uninterrupted playback of the 1970 classic followed by a live reimagining by Harrington and his ensemble.  Known for his work with Darkside, Taper’s Choice and exploratory solo projects, Harrington has assembled all-star Pranksters in cities across the country. Always a “behemoth grooving machine”, they drew inspiration from many substrates of free improvisation, asking what lies between “Bitches Brew” and “Blues for Allah”.
For this special performance, Harrington leads an ensemble of longtime friends and new collaborators, taking cues from Miles’ legendary 1970 Fillmore shows when he opened for the Dead. Honoring both the energy of those live sets and Teo Macero’s groundbreaking studio craft, the group will explore the space between composition, improvisation and production.


 

Visuals & Messaging: STILL WE RISE
The festival’s 2026 creative direction, led by Creative Director Maryam Shines, takes inspiration from Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise.” The artwork created for this year’s festival is a visual anthem of resilience, power, and joy, drawing on the bold lines of political poster art, the brilliance of Afrofuturist visionaries, and the lush imagination of artists like Kerry James Marshall and Mati Klarwein.
At its center, two hands rise—cupped open, both offering and receiving—embodying the spirit of jazz itself: the magic of cross-cultural and socio-economic exchange occurring across time, the embrace of tradition and the human urge to innovate new musical forms of expression. Flowers, especially roses, bloom throughout the imagery: as sound bursting from instruments, as threads binding musicians together, as offerings of joy in defiance of silence. (“Still I Rise” by Dr. Maya Angelou is officially used here with permission of Caged Bird Legacy, LLC)
The rallying cry echoes across the festival:
STILL WE RISE. STILL WE GATHER. STILL WE DANCE. STILL WE PLAY. STILL WE SING.

 

From Then Until Now
NYC Winter Jazzfest began in 2005 at the Knitting Factory on Leonard St., with the inaugural mission of highlighting music that deserved wider attention while the APAP conference was in town. To a large degree, that mission remains. But over the years it has grown to focus on artists with meaningful messages—serving as a beacon for racial and gender justice, climate action, immigration, mass incarceration, and other urgent issues that affect so many of us.
The overarching goal is clear: to grow the audience for jazz through a broad programming vision that reflects the diversity of New York’s scene, presenting the widest spectrum of what jazz can be. That mission continues in January 2026, as Winter Jazzfest once again supports a host of fearless and creative musicians while pushing boundaries and imagining new possibilities for our music scene and our world.

 


About NYC Winter Jazzfest
Praised by The New York Times, The New Yorker, NPR and countless other outlets, NYC Winter Jazzfest has become a creative home for pathbreaking artists from New York and around the world, and a pivotal destination for arts leaders, hardcore fans, and new listeners alike. The festival has grown from its humble beginnings into a citywide event featuring as many as 150 groups and 600+ artists across 20 stages in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Founded by New York concert impresario Brice Rosenbloom, Winter Jazzfest is the definitive all-inclusive jazz gathering, offering a “state of the union” of the music in all its forms—from avant-garde to post-bop, party bands to ambient electronics, jazz-funk to global fusions. Attendees regularly travel from across the U.S. and abroad, making it one of the most anticipated destination festivals on the international calendar—often referred to as jazz’s answer to SXSW.

 

2026 Partners: Boom Collective, Langham Hotels, Yamaha, Venue Pilot, Nublu, Giant Step, Paris Jazz Club, TSF Jazz, Psychic Hotline, Reservoir, Dada Strain, Pique-nique, KMDH, WRTI, Fusicology, DoNYC

 



http://www.winterjazzfest.com

The Errol Linton Band at The Lion’s Den, Midhurst, West Sussex.

Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

More details

We have received the following press release regarding this event;


Secret Festival pop-up #2: THE ERROL LINTON BAND!


If you missed the first one…whatever you do, don’t miss this…
After the phenomenal night we had with The Medicine Band and the wonderful Lauren Dalrymple, we are delighted to announce a second, secret pre-festival pop-up! We are thrilled because we’ve got British blues titans The Errol Linton Band coming down for a private, one-night only performance, to warm us up for the Festival!
Wednesday 22nd October at the Lions Den in Midhurst, doors at 7pm.

 

About Errol…
From a packed Glastonbury 2022 Acoustic Stage slot to a feature in BBC Two’s Arena documentary Two Generations of the Blues (Blues South of the River), Errol is the real deal. He won the UK Blues Challenge in 2023, and he’s the harmonica you hear tearing through Joe Bonamassa’s Abbey Road cut “Lookout Man!” from Royal Tea. Most recently, he stepped into the national spotlight again with a live session on Cerys Matthews’ BBC Radio 2 Blues Show in March.
Expect Chicago blues shot through with reggae swing, soulful harp, and a band that absolutely smokes. As well as siding for Joe Bonamassa, Errol has played with Bo Diddley, Dr. John, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Tony Allen, Abram Wilson, and The Blind Boys of Alabama.

 

And here he is…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeD68DOiYL4


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmzM-zEwnb0


Tickets £20 and selling fast! Only 40 left!
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS!
https://www.midhurstjazzandblues.com/errollintonpopup

 

No table bookings this time, just seating and standing, first come first served. Expect the night to be packed and up-close.

 

The Lion’s Den is at North Street, Midhurst, GU29 9DJ, very close to the North Street Car Park at the north end of town.

 

Hope to see you there!
Adam Page, Festival Director
Midhurst Jazz, Food & Blues Festival
14-16 November 2025
M: +44 (0)7788 457890
E: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
W: http://www.midhurstjazzandblues.com

Sean Mason Quartet at Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts, New York City, USA.

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

More details

We have received the following press release regarding this event;


Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts continues its 2025-26 Jazz series with
Sean Mason Quartet
The Miller debut of the sought-after pianist/composer, with original works and timeless jazz from the ‘20s to today
Saturday, November 15, 7:30PM
Miller Theatre (2960 Broadway at 116th Street)
Tickets starting at $25; Students with valid ID starting at $10


Saturday, November 15, 2025, 7:30PM
Sean Mason Quartet
A leading figure in the jazz scene, Sean Mason is known for his expansive musical vision, seamlessly blending classic styles with modern elements to become one of today’s most sought-after pianists, composers, and music directors. He takes the Miller stage for the first time with his quartet, in a performance featuring original works and timeless jazz from the 1920s to now.
Artists:
Sean Mason, piano
Felix Moseholm, bass
Anthony Hervey, trumpet
Hank Allen-Barfield, drums

 

 

Sean Mason, piano
http://www.seanmason.net
Sean Mason is a Grammy-nominated jazz pianist, composer, and record producer, widely recognized for his innovative approach and profound connection to jazz tradition. His musical journey began in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he taught himself piano from age 13, influenced by gospel music and Ray Charles. In 2017, Mason met Branford Marsalis, who recommended him to The Juilliard School, where he enrolled the following year.
After moving to New York in 2018, Mason established himself both as a sideman and as a leader of his own trio, which gained a following through a residency at Smalls Jazz Club from 2019 to early 2020. He expanded his reach into film, contributing as pianist for the soundtrack of the Netflix film Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. In 2022, he was named to the inaugural Youngbloods class of NPR’s Jazz Night in America and formed his quintet, which embarked on an initial two-week tour sponsored by Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Since 2023, Mason has emerged as a prominent bandleader and composer. His debut album, The Southern Suite (2023, Blue Engine Records) has been lauded for its blend of sophistication, raw emotion, and fresh approach to jazz tradition. He received a Bessie Award for Outstanding Sound Design for “LaTasha Barnes presents The Jazz Continuum” at the Joyce Theater. In 2024, he co-released My Ideal with vocalist Catherine Russell, which earned a Bistro Award for Outstanding Recording and a Grammy Award nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album, and Chrome Valley with poet Mahogany L. Browne. Mason maintains an active touring schedule, performing both with his ensemble and as a solo artist at major jazz festivals and prestigious venues internationally.

 

Hank Allen-Barfield, drums
http://www.hankallenbarfield.com
Hank Allen-Barfield is a New York–based jazz drummer recognized for his versatility, deep musicality, and dedication to the jazz tradition. Originally from Sacramento, California, he began playing drums at age 10, inspired by his father, John Allen, frontman of the 1990s band His Boy Elroy. Allen-Barfield has performed with a wide range of artists, including Samara Joy, Stella Cole, Emmet Cohen, Vincent Herring, Nat Reeves, David Williams, Jerry Weldon, Bruce Harris, Mike LeDonne, Julius Rodriguez, and Michael Weiss. He has appeared at leading clubs and festivals such as Smalls, Mezzrow, Birdland, Dizzy’s Club, Smoke Jazz Club, The Django, The Jazz Forum, the Kennedy Center, Black Cat, Scullers, and the Monterey Jazz Festival. In addition to his work as a sideman, Allen-Barfield frequently leads his own ensembles and hosts jam sessions at venues throughout New York City. He studied at William Paterson University and later earned his master’s degree at The Juilliard School.

 

Anthony Hervey, trumpet
http://www.anthonyherveymusic.com
American trumpeter Anthony Hervey, named by Grammy.com as one of the “10 Emerging Artists to Know in 2023,” has captivated audiences as a sought-after sideman and a visionary bandleader. He has performed and recorded with Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Jon Batiste, and Michael Bublé, among others, and performs regularly with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the Christian McBride Big Band, the Mingus Big Band, and the Future of Jazz Orchestra. Hervey has performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Blue Note, and Birdland, as well as renowned festivals and international stages such as the Monterey and Newport jazz festivals, Marians Jazz Room in Switzerland, the Cotton Club in Tokyo, XJAZZ Berlin, and the Marciac Jazz Festival in France. As the leader of the Anthony Hervey Quintet, he is celebrated for his original compositions that blend the complexities of jazz with a wide range of influences, from ragtime and R&B to gospel and the blues. His debut album, Words From My Horn, was released in 2023. Hervey is a graduate of The Juilliard School, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

 

Felix Moseholm, bass
http://www.felixmoseholm.com

Danish-born and now based in New York, Felix Moseholm is a double bassist known for his collaborations with Brad Mehldau, Samara Joy, and Sean Mason, among others. He works across a wide range of musical styles and maintains an active performance schedule in New York City and internationally. Moseholm’s musical background began with the cello, which he studied for ten years before switching to double bass at the encouragement of his granduncle, bassist Erik Moseholm (who performed with Don Byas and Eric Dolphy). By the age of eighteen, after several years playing professionally in Denmark, he moved to New York to learn about American culture and music. In New York, Moseholm was mentored by Gerald Cannon and George Coleman, among others, while earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at The Juilliard School. Moseholm performs on numerous recordings, including Samara Joy’s Portrait (2024). He can also be seen playing on Isaiah J. Thompson’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert.

 

About Miller Theatre
http://www.millertheatre.com
One of New York City’s most vital music venues, Miller Theatre at Columbia University is a thriving home for contemporary and early music that serves audiences, composers, and musicians. Founded in 1988, Miller’s mission is to develop new audiences; foster enthusiasm for the arts by pioneering new programming approaches; educate the public by presenting specialized programs to a broad audience; discover diverse repertoire and commission new works; and share the University’s intellectual riches with the public. Led by Executive Director Melissa Smey, Miller Theatre sparks engagement and personal connections to music through distinctive live performances and is deeply committed to fostering collaborative relationships with the composers and musicians who make this possible.

 

Miller Theatre’s 2025-26 Season is supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and by the Howard Gilman Foundation.

 

Columbia University’s Miller Theatre is located north of the Main Campus Gate at 116th St. & Broadway on the ground floor of Dodge Hall.

 

Directions and information are available online at http://www.millertheatre.com
or via the Miller Theatre Box Office, at 212/854-7799.

 

Em Craig Quartet at The Flute & Tankard, Cardiff.

Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025

More details

From;
http://flutentankardjazzorg.wales/page2.html

 

29th Em Craig Quartet -
This quartet, formed by saxophonist Em Craig, promises to dazzle and delight the audience with a wide selection melodies, rhythms, harmonies and textures. The musicians are based both in South-Wales and Leeds making this gig a promising meeting of two large British jazz cultures here at the Flute and Tankard. The music is largely freely improvised with smatterings of bright melodic compositions paired with outlandish, off-the-wall noise-jazz. The quartet consists of: Em Craig: Saxophones, Harvey Parkin-Christie: Saxophones, Paula Gardiner : Double Bass, Teruki Chan: Drums.


Flute And Tankard, 4 Windsor Place, Cardiff, Wales
http://thefluteandtankard.com

 

The Flute and Tankard (music upstairs) is a small and intimate venue with excellent acoustics, The bar serves a fine selection of beers and other refreshments. It’s to be found in Windsor Place, just off Queen Street and car parking in Windsor Place is free after 8pm and it’s close to major bus routes and Queen Street station.


Start time is 8:30pm and admission is normally £10/6, but bear in mind that the charge goes exclusively to the musicians, feel free to contribute more in appreciation.

Will Barnes Quartet at Corn Exchange Jazz Club, The corn Exchange, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.

Date: Friday, January 09, 2026

Featuring: Will Barnes Quartet

More details

From;
https://www.rosscornexchange.co.uk/events-one

 

Jazz Club Will Barnes Quartet
Friday, January 9, 2026
7:30 PM 9:30 PM

 

Following the success of their debut album Source of the Severn, the Will Barnes Quartet returns with Outside the Light, a bold new collection of original jazz compositions. Drawing inspiration from local folklore and Celtic mythology, the album explores themes of light, seasons and changing landscapes.  Featuring pianist Jack Gonsalez, bassist Aidan Thorne, and drummer James Batten, the quartet is known for their tight interplay and dynamic live performances. With acclaim from MOJO and The Jazz Mann, this tour offers an evening of contemporary jazz that’s both heartfelt and compelling. 

★★★★★
“I’m thrilled to say I’m left hungry for more”
HiFi Choice ‘Hot Pick’


​★★★★
“Springy deftness… Cool precision… Serious chops…”
Andy Cowan, Mojo


“They are superlative musicians!”
Adam Walton, BBC Radio Wales


​★★★★
“Evocative, intelligent… contemporary”
Ian Mann, JazzMann


“Immaculately conceived and performed”
Nick Lea, Jazz Views

 

Tickets;
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/vidlerhospitalityltd/1897000

 

Corn Exchange
8 High St, Ross-on-Wye HR9 5HL

Kings Place Jazz Orchestra Presents: Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, afternoon event at Hall One, Kings Place, London.

Date: Sunday, November 02, 2025

More details

From;
https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/jazz/kings-place-jazz-orchestra/


Kings Place Jazz Orchestra
Presents: Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue


George Gershwin (arr. Sammy Nestico) Strike Up The Band
George Gershwin (arr. Callum Au) It Ain’t Necessarily So
George Gershwin (arr. Gil Evans) Bess, You Is My Woman Now
George Gershwin (arr. Callum Au) Prelude II (A Sort of Blues)
George Gershwin (arr. Callum Au) How Long Has This Been Going On?
Duke Ellington Cotton Tail
George Gershwin (arr. Mark Nightingale) But Not For Me
George Gershwin (arr. Callum Au) Rhapsody In Blue


Kings Place proudly presents the launch of the newly formed Kings Place Jazz Orchestra. Directed by award-winning composer, arranger and trombonist Callum Au, and featuring acclaimed guest pianist Rob Barron, the Orchestra will perform a dynamic programme of music by George Gershwin, culminating in Callum’s epic new arrangement of ‘Rhapsody in Blue’.


Join us for the Orchestra’s debut performance on Sunday 2 November, as they take you on a journey through Gershwin’s music – reimagined through the voices of jazz legends such as Miles Davis, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington.

 

KPJO is a handpicked, project-based ensemble, made up of the UK’s finest jazz and big band musicians, alongside rising-star young artists. Kings Place Jazz Orchestra is more than a new resident ensemble – it’s a bold statement of artistic ambition.

 

The ensemble hopes to serve as an inspiration for young musicians, opening its doors throughout the year to experience the ensemble in the surroundings of Kings Place, Hall One.

 

Committed to celebrating the depth of jazz tradition while pushing the boundaries of contemporary large ensemble writing, KPJO is set to become a cornerstone of Kings Place’s vibrant musical landscape.

 

This event will last approximately 2 hours, including an interval.

 

Founded in 2025 by Callum Au (Creative Director), Hannah Hutton (Producer), and Sam McShane (Artistic Director, Kings Place), the Orchestra was created to bring the powerful, immersive sound of the big band to the heart of a contemporary arts centre.


Callum Au is a British composer, arranger, orchestrator, and trombonist. He writes music across a wide range of genres, with a particular passion for orchestral and large jazz ensemble music. He is highly regarded for his stylistic awareness and versatility, and has worked with some of the world’s biggest artists.
Over the past fifteen years, Callum has established himself as one of the busiest arrangers in the world. He has had the privilege of writing music for many international artists including Quincy Jones, Jamie Cullum and RAYE, and ensembles including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the WDR Funkhaus Orchestra, and the Danish Radio Big Band.

 

Rob Barron is a London-based jazz pianist, arranger and composer and has been described as “one of the most creative and versatile musicians of his generation.” Regarded as a mainstay of the London jazz and studio scene and constantly in demand, he is a first call pianist highly regarded for his improvisational flair, innate musicality and a deft touch that reveal influences inspired by pianists such as Hank Jones, Wynton Kelly and Tommy Flanagan.

 


Date: Sun 2 Nov
Start time: 3pm (Doors: 2.30pm)
Venue: Hall One
Price: £25.00-£45.00
+ 12.5% (£6 cap) Transaction fee.
+ £1 Building levy.
https://shop.kingsplace.co.uk/31663/31664

 

Kings Place
90 York Way,
London,
N1 9AG.

Eva Fox & the Sound Hounds at The Black Swan Venue, Newcastle Arts Centre, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

More details

From;
https://newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk/jazz-cafe-programme/


Jazz Cafe Presents… At The Black Swan:
Eva Fox & the Sound Hounds
Presented by Newcastle Arts Centre and The Black Swan Bar & Venue

 

Tuesday 28th October 2025
Doors 7:00pm / Music 7:30pm
In the Black Swan Bar


Local jazz vocalist Eva Fox has been making waves in the North East jazz scene, having started out as a newcomer in The Globe and performing regularly on the stage at Prohibition Cabaret Bar. Eva will be performing here at The Black Swan in a newly formed jazz ensemble comprising of some of the most top shelf, seasoned musicians of the local scene including aficionado Jude Murphy with her fingers dancing across her trusty double bass, organist and pianist Steve Chambers, master of the keys, and consummate percussionist Sid White on drums.

 

This phenomenal quartet, whilst keeping their sounds close to the swinging rhythms of the Great American Songbook era, have taken inspiration from the modern stylings of jazz vocalists Diana Krall, Melody Gardot & Madeleine Peyroux to mention a few, and have fused an eclectic mix of jazz-styled 60s-70s tunes with a few blues and contemporary pop variations.

 

TICKETS & more info…
https://newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk/product/jazz-cafe-presents-at-the-black-swan-eva-fox-and-the-sound-hounds/

 


Newcastle Arts Centre
67 Westgate Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 1SG


0191 261 5618

Adrian Cox Trio, lunchtime event at The Black Swan Venue, Newcastle Arts Centre, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025

More details

From;
https://newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk/jazz-cafe-programme/


Presented by The Lit & Phil…

 

Adrian Cox Trio
Friday 17th October 2025
Doors TBC / Music 1-2pm
In The Black Swan
More TICKETS coming soon…

 

A charismatic, dynamic performer, Adrian Cox is an authority on the clarinet masters of New Orleans. A professional musician from the age of fifteen, for the last twenty-five years he has toured worldwide, appearing at innumerable jazz clubs, festivals and concert halls, including Buxton Opera House, the Barbican Centre, Ronnie Scott’s and Soho Pizza Express (London) and Jazz at Lincoln Center (New York). He will be joined by Alex ‘Honey’ Boulton (guitar) and Alex Gilson (double bass) and will perform compositions by or associated with several legendary clarinettists (Sidney Bechet, Edmond Hall, Jimmie Noone and others).

 


Newcastle Arts Centre
67 Westgate Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 1SG


0191 261 5618

Pete Tanton’s Cuban Heels at The Black Swan Bar, Newcastle Arts Centre, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025

More details

From;
https://newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk/jazz-cafe-programme/


Live Thursdays: Pete Tanton’s Cuban Heels
Presented by Newcastle Arts Centre and The Black Swan Bar & Venue

 

Thursday 16th October 2025
Doors 7:00pm / Music 7:30pm
In the Black Swan Bar


Latin fusion consisting of local jazz legends Pete Tanton on trumpet and vocals, Paul Grainger on double bass, Alan Law on piano and Mark Robertson on drums…

 

TICKETS & more info…
https://newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk/product/live-thursdays-pete-tanton-and-the-cuban-heels/

 


Newcastle Arts Centre
67 Westgate Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 1SG


0191 261 5618

Alexandra Ridout Quartet at Guildford Jazz, Guildford Pavilion, Guildford, Surrey.

Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025

More details

Mick Thomas of Guildford Jazz writes;


Alexandra Ridout Quartet
Wednesday 19 November from 8pm at Guildford Pavilion, Woodbridge Rd GU1 4RP
UK born, New York based trumpeter Alexandra Ridout is one of the most talented young musicians on the international scene. Since winning the prestigious BBC Young Jazz Musician of The Year in 2016 Alexandra has received numerous international awards. The other Quartet members also have impressive credentials, having performed and recorded with a wide range of world class artists. For more details visit http://www.guildfordjazz.org.uk

Allison Neale Trio at Guildford Jazz, Guildford Institute, Guildford, Surrey.

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

More details

Mick Thomas of Guildford Jazz writes;

 

Allison Neale Trio
Saturday 15 November from 7pm at Guildford Institute, Ward St GU1 4LH
Unique on the UK jazz scene, American-born alto saxophonist Allison Neale is a beautifully fluent and inventive musician, who plays in a strongly melodic ‘West Coast cool jazz’ style reminiscent of Paul Desmond (of Dave Brubeck fame). For this intimate evening concert Allison will be joined by the fine pianist Eriko Ishihara and versatile bassist Marianne Windham. For more details visit http://www.guildfordjazz.org.uk

Bill Laurance Trio at Guildford Jazz, University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey.

Date: Friday, November 07, 2025

More details

Mick Thomas of Guildford Jazz writes;


Bill Laurance Trio
Friday 7 November from 8pm at the University of Surrey, Stag Hill, GU2 7XH
Described by The Guardian as ‘A Jazz Maestro’ pianist Bill Laurance’s albums, whether solo, duo or orchestral recordings, have all been released to universal critical acclaim. There are few creative avenues that this brilliant musician has yet to explore and his latest trio with drummer Oscar Ogden and bassist Menelik Claffey has developed an innovative musical kinship. For more details visit http://www.guildfordjazz.org.uk


Vasilis Xenopoulos & Paul Edis, lunchtime event at Guildford Jazz,  Guildford Institute, Guildford, Surrey.

Date: Monday, November 03, 2025

More details

Mick Thomas of Guildford Jazz writes;


Vasilis Xenopoulos & Paul Edis
Monday 3 November from 2.00pm (lunch available from 12.00) at Guildford Institute, Ward St GU1 4LH
An hour of world-class jazz featuring tenor saxophonist Vasilis Xenopoulos and pianist Paul Edis with Marianne Windham on bass. Originally from Greece, Vasilis had just finished studying at Berklee College in the US when he met up with Paul in West London some 20 years ago. Their first album. entitled ‘A Narrow Escape’, was released in 2016 to critical acclaim followed by glowing reviews from around the world for their latest album ‘Feels Like Home’, released in 2024.


http://www.guildfordjazz.co.uk

A Quincy Jones Tribute –with the RWCMD Big Band at Black Mountain Jazz, Melville Centre, Abergavenny.

Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025

More details

From;
https://www.facebook.com/events/2218416171917801

Event by Black Mountain Jazz and Melville Theatre Abergavenny
Pen y Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP75UD
Public · Anyone on or off Facebook


http://www.blackmountainjazz.co.uk


http://www.rwcmd.ac.uk


TICKETS ON SALE SOON


BLACK MOUNTAIN JAZZ CLUB PRESENTS A Quincy Jones Tribute –with the RWCMD Big Band


Black Mountain Jazz is proud to welcome the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Big Band for a special tribute to one of the most influential figures in modern music: Quincy Jones.


Following the recent passing of Jones, a Fellow of the College, this concert celebrates his extraordinary legacy as a composer, arranger, bandleader and producer. Expect an unforgettable evening filled with some of his greatest big-band writing, alongside iconic hits that defined a generation.


With the unmistakable swing, groove and show-business sparkle that made Quincy Jones a household name, the RWCMD Big Band directed by tutor Ceri Rees, will fill the Melville Centre with energy, passion, and the spirit of a true musical legend.


Join us for a night that honours Quincy’s unparalleled contribution to music — from jazz clubs to Hollywood, from big-band brilliance to chart-topping success.
Don’t miss this celebration of a giant of jazz, brought to life by the next generation of world-class musicians.

 

BMJ Collective with guest Mike Outram at Black Mountain Jazz, Melville Centre, Abergavenny.

Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025

More details

From;
https://www.facebook.com/events/1347244326744423


Event by Black Mountain Jazz
Pen y Pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP75UD
Public · Anyone on or off Facebook


http://www.blackmountainjazz.co.uk


http://www.mikeoutram.com

 

TICKETS ON SALE SOON


Join us at Black Mountain Jazz Club for an unforgettable evening of live jazz! Our brilliant house band, The BMJ Jazz Collective, welcome the sensational UK guitarist Mike Outram.


Renowned for his electrifying playing and magnetic stage presence, Mike has performed with some of the biggest names in jazz, rock, and beyond. Expect a night of soulful grooves, sparkling improvisation, and the kind of energy that only live jazz can deliver.


Don’t miss your chance to hear one of the UK’s finest jazz guitarists up close in the intimate, welcoming atmosphere of BMJ.


By attending this exciting event, you will be both supporting our YOUTH initiative, the BMJazz Katz and help keep jazz alive in the younger generations of musicians in Abergavenny.


Our BMJazz Katz currently have 18 students who meet once a month at the Melville Centre-Abergavenny. There is room for more if you know any interested young musicians?


We hope to see you there!


http://www.youtube.com/electriccampfire


http://www.electriccampfire.com


thejewelbox.bandcamp.com/album/the-jewel-box-vol-1

Music Spoken Here’s Sunday Service with Czafari, early evening event at The Marr’s Bar, Worcester.

Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025

More details

From;
https://musicspokenhere.club/event/sunday-service-with-czafari/


Sunday Service with Czafari.
November 30 @ 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm

 


West Midlands alternative R&B singer-songwriter brings storytelling to life through evocative music influenced by Lianne La Havas, Lily Allen and Eryka Badu
Czafari. is an alternative R&B singer-songwriter from the West Midlands who brings storytelling to life through her evocative music. “Songwriting is a way for me to release the thoughts in my head while exploring the nuances of my voice,” she shares. Influenced by a diverse range of artists, including Lianne La Havas, Lily Allen, and Erykah Badu, Czafari. blends soulful melodies with a distinctive, eclectic style that sets her apart.

 

At just 17, Czafari. debuted her first EP, Human Legitimation, on SoundCloud. The electronic R&B project delved into themes of love, identity, and social dynamics, showcasing her talent for introspection and lyrical depth. A performer since the age of four, she honed her craft through local singing competitions and talent shows, cementing her passion for connecting with audiences.

 

Since releasing Human Legitimation in 2016, Czafari. has gained recognition with airplay on BBC Introducing West Midlands and BBC Radio 1Xtra. Her live performances have taken her across the UK, including opening for Detroit-based multi-instrumentalist JMSN. With a sound that resonates deeply and a voice that captivates, Czafari. continues to carve out her space in the world of alternative R&B.

 

TICKETS
Music Spoken Here is proud to offer exceptional live music experiences in Worcester at a price affordable to you. Our events at The Marr’s Bar are ticketless, just show up on the evening and pay what you can afford on the door.
The suggested contribution for this event is £12.

 

 

The Marr’s Bar
12 Pierpoint Street
Worcester,
Worcestershire,
WR1 1TA.

Music Spoken Here’s Sunday Service with Onika Venus, early evening event at The Marr’s Bar, Worcester.

Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025

More details

From;
https://musicspokenhere.club/event/sunday-service-with-onika-venus/


Sunday Service with Onika Venus
October 26 @ 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

 


A unique vocal style, outstanding musicianship and shades of old school reggae, RnB, pop, and funk


Onika Venus is a singer and songwriter from South Manchester in Jamaica, now based in the Forest of Dean. Introduced to live music at an early in age in her home village of Resource, she quickly learnt that music reaches people in a way that nothing else does. Ever since her first performance, her soulful voice and reggae style has been capturing the hearts of audiences across continents.

 

With a unique vocal style and outstanding musicianship, Onika now performs her multi-genre music across the UK with her band. Expect to hear shades of old school reggae, RnB, pop, and funk – as well as a few surprises.

 

A seasoned performer, Onika has worked with the likes of Seanie B from BBC1 Xtra, Tubby T and Miss Dynamite (under the stage name ‘Lady Posh’), and fronted the band Slyde, who were nominated best new act at the Break Beat Awards.

 

In 2021, Onika released her first solo album ‘Everything You Are’, which has been supported by BBC Upload with regular radio plays. In 2023 she released her second, ‘Midnight Remedy’.

 

TICKETS
Music Spoken Here is proud to offer exceptional live music experiences in Worcester at a price affordable to you. Our events at The Marr’s Bar are ticketless, just show up on the evening and pay what you can afford on the door.
The suggested contribution for this event is £12.

 

 

The Marr’s Bar
12 Pierpoint Street
Worcester, Worcestershire WR1 1TA

Marc Ribot: Map of a Blue City at World Heart Beat, Embassy Gardens, London.

Dates: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 - Thursday, October 30, 2025

Featuring: Marc Ribot

More details

Serious have provided the following information regarding this event;


Wed 29 & Thurs 30 October, World Heart Beat
Marc Ribot: Map of a Blue City

 

Most renowned as a wildly inventive guitarist who has collaborated with Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, John Zorn, Wilson Pickett, Marianne Faithfull and more, catch Marc Ribot as he performs his newly released Map of a Blue City.


Tickets;
https://serious.org.uk/events/marc-ribot-map-of-a-blue-city?


World Heart Beat,
Embassy Gardens,
3 Ponton Road,
London
SW11 7BD

Shahzad Ismaily (Solo) at Cafe Oto, Dalston, London.

Date: Monday, October 20, 2025

More details

From;
https://serious.org.uk/events/shahzad-ismaily-solo-


Mon 20 October 2025
Stage time / 7:30pm
Doors / 7:00pm

 


Cafe OTO,
18 - 22 Ashwin street
London
E8 3DL
https://www.cafeoto.co.uk/

 

Shahzad Ismaily is an American musician, producer and composer of Pakistani descent. He is mostly self-taught as a musician and plays a variety of instruments, including electric and double bass, guitar, banjo, accordion, flute, drums and electronic instruments such as Moog synthesisers. He has recorded and performed with an incredibly diverse assemblage of musicians, including Marc Ribot, John Zorn, Yoko Ono, Laurie Anderson, Beth Orton, Colin Stetson, Ben Frost, Bonnie Prince Billy, Damien Rice, Jolie Holland, JFDR, Secret Chiefs 3, Sam Amidon, further and further.


In 2019, Ismaily collaborated with Merz and Laraaji for a one-off album entitled Dreams Of Sleep And Wakes Of Sound.


Ismaily regularly composes for theatre, films and musicals, including for Min Tanaka, the Frankfurt Ballet, Shinichi Iova-Koga/inkBoat and the East River Commedia. He is the composer of the soundtrack for the movie Frozen River, which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Festival in 2008. He also runs the record label figureight records.

Merope with Shahzad Ismaily at Cafe Oto, Dalston, London.

Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025

More details

From;
https://serious.org.uk/events/merope

Merope with Shazhad Ismaily
Sun 19 October 2025
Stage time / 7:30pm
Doors / 7:00pm
Book Tickets
https://www.cafeoto.co.uk/events/merope/

 

Location;
Cafe OTO,
18 - 22 Ashwin street
E8 3DL
Visit Website

 

Tickets
£17.50 - £22 + booking fee

 

 

Shahzad Ismaily is an American musician, producer and composer of Pakistani descent. He is mostly self-taught as a musician and plays a variety of instruments, including electric and double bass, guitar, banjo, accordion, flute, drums and electronic instruments such as Moog synthesisers. He has recorded and performed with an incredibly diverse assemblage of musicians, including Marc Ribot, John Zorn, Yoko Ono, Laurie Anderson, Beth Orton, Colin Stetson, Ben Frost, Bonnie Prince Billy, Damien Rice, Jolie Holland, JFDR, Secret Chiefs 3, Sam Amidon, further and further.


In 2019, Ismaily collaborated with Merz and Laraaji for a one-off album entitled Dreams Of Sleep And Wakes Of Sound.


Ismaily regularly composes for theatre, films and musicals, including for Min Tanaka, the Frankfurt Ballet, Shinichi Iova-Koga/inkBoat and the East River Commedia. He is the composer of the soundtrack for the movie Frozen River, which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Festival in 2008. He also runs the record label figureight records.

 

Ludlow Jazz Collective at The Studio, The Regal, Tenbury Wells, Worcs.

Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;


We’re delighted to announce another intimate evening of live music in the Regal Studio.


On Thursday 13 November at 7.30pm, the Ludlow Jazz Collective will bring together some of the area’s finest musicians, including Paul Brooks (piano), Roy Johnson (sax), Larry Tench (drums) and Peter Cabara (bass).


Join us in the relaxed setting of the Studio for an evening of great playing and a welcoming atmosphere.


Tickets are Pay What You Can – choose from £15 / £10 / £5 / £0 (no questions asked). Because great music should be for everyone.
https://www.regaltenbury.co.uk/events/jazz-nights-with-the-ludlow-jazz-collective

 

Regal Tenbury Trust, 49 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells, England, WR15 8AE, United Kingdom
01584 811 442
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Lizzie Thomas at Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club, Kennington, London.

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025

More details

We have received the following press release regarding this event;


NEW YORK CITY’S SPELLBINDING JAZZ MUSICIAN LIZZIE THOMAS IS SET TO TAKEOVER LONDON IN ‘THE AWAKENING TOUR’
PERFORMING AT TOULOSE LAUTREC, OCTOBER 17TH
TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/etn/lizzie-thomas-quartet-awakening-tour/

 


“Above all, Lizzie is a storyteller. Her interpretations cut to the heart of the lyric” - NYC Jazz Record

 

“Her pitch and sense of time are flawless” - LA JAZZSCENE

 

“This singer takes risks that other singers wouldn’t dare try” - Bebop Spoken Here

 


Following the release of her eighth studio album Awakening, New York City’s finest Jazz singer-songwriter Lizze Thomas is set to take over London on October 17th for an electrifying Jazz experience at Toulouse Lautrec.

 


Seamlessly blending neo-soul, jazz, and vocal pop, Awakening signals a bold new era in Thomas’ creative journey. Recorded at the legendary Powerstation in NYC and featuring the Grammy-winning Harlem String Quartet, Awakening is a bold new chapter in Thomas’ lauded career — one that pushes beyond the Great American Songbook and into a sound that is uniquely her own. Thomas trades the traditional upright bass for electric bass and brings the B3 Hammond organ into the core band, reshaping her sound with warmth, soul and modern edge.

 

While Lizzie has long been celebrated for her interpretations of classic jazz standards, Awakening reveals a new layer of vulnerability and originality. The album sits comfortably alongside artists like Snoh Aalegra, Melody Gardot, Laufey, Nicole Zuraitis, and Sy Smith, with a sonic palette that is at once intimate, expansive, and emotionally resonant.

 

Raised in the South and educated in Nashville,Thomas has collaborated with jazz greats including Ron Carter, Russell Malone, John Di Martino, Wayne Escoffery, Helio Alves, and Neal Smith. Her prior releases, New Sounds from the Jazz Age and Duo Encounters, garnered wide critical acclaim, positioning her as one of NYC’s premier vocal talents.

 

With Awakening, Lizzie Thomas steps fully into her artistry as a singer, composer, and producer- channeling emotional healing and emotional healing. Released August 8th, on GODDESS Legacy Records, the album marks not just a release, but a rebirth.

 


Toulouse Lautrec
140 Newington Butts
Kennington
London, SE11 4RN

 

Phone & Email
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7582 6800
E-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

Stefanos Tsourelis / Terence Collie Duo at Jazz on the Plaza Café Yukari, Kew, London.

Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;


Sunday 26 October 7.30pm
Jazz on the Plaza
Café Yukari, Kew

 

Stefanos Tsourelis - Guitar
Terence Collie - Piano
£20 in advance, £25 on the door

 

Our Jazz on the Plaza series at Café Yukari presents London-based Greek guitarist Stefanos Tsourelis in duo with resident pianist Terence Collie. Stefanos is renowned for his ability to blend the rich traditions of Mediterranean and Greek music with the freedom and creativity of contemporary jazz. His playing is both soulful and virtuosic, moving effortlessly between intricate melodies, driving rhythms and atmospheric textures. This duo hopes to create an engaging musical dialogue that promises to be both intimate and exhilarating in the welcoming setting of Café Yukari.

 

Mood Indigo Events are run by Kingston based vocalist Janet McCunn and Hampton based pianist Terence Collie combining their efforts to bring great jazz music to SW London and beyond. This is all done without any funding and is reliant solely on your continued support in attendance at our events.
https://www.moodindigoevents.co.uk/

Jay Riley Quartet at Corn Exchange Jazz Club, The Corn Exchange, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.

Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025

Featuring: Jay Riley

More details

From;
https://www.rosscornexchange.co.uk/events-one


JAZZ CLUB: Jay Riley Quartet
Thursday, November 13, 2025
7:30 PM 9:30 PM

 

Jay Riley, the Birmingham-born tenor saxophonist whose sound bridges the hypnotic soul-jazz of the 1970s with cutting-edge modern-day jazz fusion. Jay conjures sultry grooves, shimmering textures, and rhythmically magnetic moods that are both nostalgic and forward-looking.

 

Reflecting on his journey, Jay lists Wayne Shorter—whose intelligent phrasing and atmospheric improvisation redefined jazz storytelling—and Eddie Harris—whose adventurous tone and genre blending spirit ignited a new creative path—as defining influences (thejazzbreakfast, The Jazz Mann). The result is music that seduces with its warmth and pushes boundaries with its freshness.


His latest single, “Carl Finegan,” is a case in point: a hypnotic jazz-funk groove that swings like a pendulum between nostalgic lounge haze and progressive exhilaration. It’s a slow-burning euphoria made entirely without words, where every sax line conjures mood and meaning louder than anylyric could (A&R Factory).


Jay will be playing music from his two solo albums and mixing in some choice Jazz Standards.


Featuring Jay on Tenor Sax, Matt Ball on piano, Russ Sargeant on Bass and Tom Voce on Drums


TICKETS HERE
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/vidlerhospitalityltd/1863848

 

Corn Exchange
8 High St, Ross-on-Wye HR9 5HL

The Midhurst Jazz, Food & Blues Festival, various venues, Midhurst, West Sussex.

Dates: Friday, November 14, 2025 - Sunday, November 16, 2025

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

For details please visit Festival website;
https://www.midhurstjazzandblues.com/

Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers at Union Chapel, Islington, London.

Date: Monday, October 27, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;


Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers combine a mixture of Jazz-Funk, Fusion and R&B music.

 


Victor Wooten is widely considered to be one of the foremost working bassists today. He credits bassists Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, and Larry Graham as major influences.

 


Joseph Wooten is an astute keyboardist and a winsome vocalist whose touring credits include, among others, the Steve Miller Band.

 


Roy “FutureMan” Wooten is a deft and spicy percussionist from far in the future, graciously taking time from his intergalactic schedule to stop by 21st Century Earth to enlighten us with his unique presence.

 


The oldest wolf in the pack is guitarist-extraordinaire Regi ‘Arpeggio’ Wooten. He’s known as ‘The Teacha’ because, when the Wooten lads were young tykes milling restlessly around their home in Hawaii.

 

https://www.seetickets.com/event/victor-wooten-the-wooten-brothers/union-chapel/3375979

 

Union Chapel, London N1 2UN

Brick Lane Jazz Festival, various venues, London.

Dates: Friday, April 24, 2026 - Sunday, April 26, 2026

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

27/09/2025.
We have received the following press release;


Brick Lane Jazz Festival announces the first wave of artists for their fifth birthday edition, including first headliner Brian Jackson

 


24th – 26th April 2026 | Early bird tickets start from just £29.95

 

Alexander Flood, Alici , Amanda Whiting, Arjuna Oakes, Brian Jackson, Charlie Stacey, Daoud, Footshooter (live), Gabriele Poso (Live), IAMNOBODI, Knats, Kwame Yeboah, Leif Kaner-Lidström, Levitation Orchestra, Meron T, Ruby Rushton, Saiming, SHOLTO & Finn Rees, TABLE, Tia Gordon, Wilfy D


 

Today, Brick Lane Jazz Festival announces the first wave of artists for their fifth birthday edition, which will take place from 24th – 25th April 2026.


Growing from its modest debut across four venues in 2022 to a 12-stage extravaganza spanning Brick Lane and Shoreditch in just three years, the festival was named #1 Best London Festival by The London Standard in 2024, and has earned plaudits from the likes of The Guardian, Metro, NOTION, Clash, The Line Of Best Fit, Jazzwise, All About Jazz, UK Jazz News, Elle, Wonderland, TimeOut, Jazz FM, Rinse FM, One Jazz, Worldwide FM, and many more. Since 2024, the festival has also amplified its impact with the launch of BLJF Presents - a year-round series of events showcasing the UK’s most exciting artists, record labels, and parties. After sell-out shows in Manchester, Brighton, London and more, BLJF Presents is heading to new heights in 2025/26 with more regional stops in the likes of Bristol and Glasgow, as well as two international shows in Brussels in November.

 

Having firmly established itself as a cornerstone of East London’s musical landscape, Brick Lane Jazz Festival has earned a reputation for spotlighting local artists and emerging trailblazers from the city’s thriving underground scenes, whilst honouring the jazz legends that have come before them. 2026’s edition sees them continue to hold down this tradition, bringing together an eclectic range of genre-defying artists to play against the backdrop of some of the capital’s most renowned cultural hotspots. All the festival venues are within a short walk from the central hub at the iconic Truman Brewery space on Brick Lane, transforming the site and surrounding area into a vibrant hive of gig-hopping excitement for three days every April.

 


Reflecting on this fifth birthday edition, the festival’s Founder, Juliet Kennedy says, “From day one, Brick Lane Jazz Festival has been about shining a light on the incredible talent in London’s jazz scene. Five years on, Brick Lane Jazz Festival has grown into a landmark celebration of the UK’s underground music community. It’s been incredible to see the festival become a space where artists and audiences connect so powerfully – and this is only the beginning. Our ambition is to keep pushing boundaries and championing the next wave of talent for many years to come. We’re only just getting started!”

 

The first wave of 2026’s stellar line-up sees them bringing together a borderless array of artists that span jazz, alt-rap, neo-soul, R&B, neo-classical, electronic music, and more. It also sees the announcement of the festivals first headliner, jazz-funk legend and Gil Scott-Heron collaborator, Brian Jackson. It also brings together the likes of Australian beat-master Alexander Flood, recent Geordie Greep (ex-black midi) and Eddie Chacon touring band Knats, spiritual jazz collective Levitation Orchestra, Tenderlonious-led South London jazz outfit Ruby Rushton, Ghanian multi-instrumentalist Kwame Yeboah, and many more.


 

The full line-up so far is as follows:
Brian Jackson
Alexander Flood, Alici , Amanda Whiting, Arjuna Oakes, Charlie Stacey, Daoud, Footshooter (live), Gabriele Poso (Live), IAMNOBODI, Knats, Kwame Yeboah, Leif Kaner-Lidström, Levitation Orchestra, Meron T, Ruby Rushton, Saiming, SHOLTO & Finn Rees, TABLE, Tia Gordon, Wilfy D

 


2026 will mark the first year that the Greentea-Peng-approved venue Mad Cats will feature as one of the festival’s stages alongside Village Underground, Ninety One Living Room (hosted by Jazz re:freshed), Rough Trade East, 93 Feet East, Rich Mix, Juju’s Bar & Stage, The Brick Lane Tap Room (hosted by Tomorrow’s Warriors), and many more.

 


2026 will once again see the festival partner with Jazz re:freshed and Tomorrow’s Warriors, both vital community organizations that nurture emerging talent in UK jazz. As always, those without tickets can also enjoy free-entry spaces throughout the site, including The Brick Lane Tap Room, The Big Chill, 93 Feet East, and Cafe 1001.


 

Early bird tickets for the festival are now on sale with day passes starting from just £29.95, and weekend passes from £89.95. Tickets and more info are available HERE
https://bookings.kaboodle.com/tickets?t=kaboodle-9y4i4&c=202&p=24960&k=878a15279e5367e1334b6a2dbf51879bedb52c5d

 

Follow Brick Lane Jazz Festival:
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Jack Pearce Quintet plus guest Deborah Glenister at Brecon Jazz Club, The Muse Arts Centre, Brecon.

Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

More details

SAVE THE DATE
NOVEMBER BJC : TUES 18th NOVEMBER
JACK PEARCE QUINTET
- a thrilling young band from Leeds,
feat Jack Pearce alto sax
& guest Deborah Glenister tenor sax

BRECON JAZZ CLUB
MUSE ARTS CENTRE
Glamorgan St.
Brecon,
LD3 7DW.

Robert Mitchell’s Little Black Book at Derby Jazz, Chapel Street Arts Centre, Derby.

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025

Featuring: Robert Mitchell

More details

From;
https://mjazz.co.uk/whats-on/8D-little-black-book/


Chapel Street Arts Centre
Little Black Book
Fri 17th Oct | 8:00pm
£16 (students and under 18s £11)


ROBERT MITCHELL’S NEW ELECTRIC POWER TRIO. The way the keyboards and guitar continually swap lead and bass roles makes this an exceptional band.
With multiple award winning pianist, composer, bandleader Robert Mitchell on keys (Rhodes, Keytar, Piano) are, Zayn Mohammed on guitar and Laurie Lowe on drums. Zayn and Laurie have both worked with Robert on other projects but never together.
Little Black Book are releasing a new album on Whirlwind this autumn.


Robert Mitchell is an award winning pianist, composer, bandleader, teacher, and poet. He has released 13 albums, and has lead several bands. He has worked with many of the worlds leading jazz musicians.
“Robert Mitchell is one of Britain’s finest and most versatile pianist-composer-improvisors” The WIRE

 

Zayn Mohammed is a UK based award-winning jazz guitarist. Receiving his BA from Berklee College of Music, he has been mentored by jazz greats including Ahmad Jamal, Wayne Shorter and most recently, George Benson.

 

Laurie Lowe has been playing drums since the age of six and has gained experience playing with many different artists in many different genres of music. More recently he’s focused on jazz working with Gilad Atzmon, Nicolas Meier, Jim Mullen, Dave O’Higgins, Andy Sheppard, Mike Mondesir, Zhenya Strigalev and Carl Orr.

 

 

Studio Theatre, Chapel Street Arts Centre, DE1 3GU
With 124 seats, the same as New York’s legendary Village Vanguard, a superb natural acoustic and excellent sightlines this studio theatre is ideal for jazz. It’s part of Chapel Street Arts Centre in the building that was previously the home of Déda opposite Chapel Street Car Park in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter.
The CUBE bar/cafe serves drinks before the show and during the interval.

Derby Jazz

 

Dom Franks’ StrayHorn at the Steam and Whistle, Cheltenham, Glos.

Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Featuring: Dom Franks’ StrayHorn Quartet

More details

From;
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dom-franks-strayhorn-at-the-steam-and-whistle-cheltenham-tickets-1652996780869


Wednesday, 15 October
Dom Franks’ StrayHorn at the Steam and Whistle, Cheltenham
By Steamin’ Jazz Club
Jazz at the Steam and Whistle, Cheltenham, with saxophonist Dom Franks and his groove-driven StrayHorn project.


Date and time
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 19:30 - 21:30 BST. Doors at 7pm


Location
The Steam and Whistle
247 Gloucester Road Cheltenham GL51 8NW

 

Lineup
Dom Franks’ Strayhorn


2 hours
In person
Doors at 19:00
Refund Policy
No Refunds
About this event
Music • Jazz


“Franks’ influences are broad…accomplished and highly accessible”
★ ★ ★ ★ Jazzwise Magazine


Dom is “a local sax hero with a national reputation” (The Jazz Mann) and a former winner of the Daily Telegraph Jazz Award.


Dom Franks’ StrayHorn was formed to showcase his harmonically emotive, lyrical, but groove-driven compositions. Dom’s project comes to Steamin’ to celebrate the release of his new album (Duality Pt. 2, out September 2025).
Fuelled by a love of 60s and 70s jazz and Brazilian music, Dom’s highly anticipated latest recording follows his acclaimed 2024 release Duality Pt. 1, that received a 4* review in Jazzwise and picked up airplay on Jazz FM and BBC Radio 3.

 

Lineup:
Dom Franks - tenor & soprano saxes
Aidan Pope - electric & acoustic guitar
Jules Jackson - bass
Alex Steele - keys
Andrew Brotherton - drums

 


Reviews;


“Local sax hero Franks is a Cheltenham based musician with a national reputation and has been featured on national radio and in the national jazz press. Fluent, authoritative tenor sax soloing and lyrical soprano playing” - The Jazz Mann


“You sound great, man, like Sanborn but on tenor!” - Greg Abate


“Franks’ influences are broad…accomplished and highly accessible” - Jazzwise Magazine review ****

 

Tickets
Tickets £18 in advance, £20 on the door.
Early bird £16
Students and U18s £10
(ages 16+ , under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Seating is unreserved. Please be advised that this venue currently has no accessible facilities available.

 


Timings
Doors open 7pm.
Performance 7.30pm - 9.30pm (including 20min interval).

 


Steamin’ Jazz Club at the Steam and Whistle
Steamin’ is Cheltenham’s newest jazz club, hosted by a collaboration of experienced musicians from across the spectrum of jazz. It aims to offer monthly gigs, taking place at The Steam and Whistle, near Cheltenham Spa railway station.

 

Where is it?
The Steam and Whistle, 247 Gloucester Rd, Cheltenham GL51 8NW
The club is hosted at the Steam and Whistle, a beautiful Victorian pub opposite Cheltenham spa station (GL51 8NW). The pub has a purpose-built venue space that hosts a variety of music, comedy and creative arts, including Dom Joly’s monthly SpeakeaZy.

 

Food
The pub has quickly become known for its amazing food. Come early and enjoy quality pizzas and burgers, and stay on for drinks after the gig.

 

Travel and parking
Situated close to Cheltenham spa railway station, the venue is well served by public transport. The nearest car park is at the station.
Return trains on Wednesdays:
Cheltenham to Stroud run up to 10.15pm.
Cheltenham to Bristol Temple Meads run up to 11pm.

 


About Dom Franks:


Bandcamp: domfranksstrayhorn.bandcamp.com


http://www.facebook: /domfranksstrayhorn


Instagram: @domfranksstrayhorn

The Gas Giants All Stars at Widcombe Social Club, Bath.

Date: Sunday, November 02, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;

 

The Gas Giants All Stars
Sunday 2 November
Widcombe Social Club
Doors & Bar open 7pm - Band on stage 8pm
Tickets online HERE
https://ticketscandy.com/ec/nod-knowles-254

 


The Gas Giants - multi-instrumentalist and composerWill Gregory (of – amongst many others - Goldfrapp and The Moog Ensemble) and percussionist and electronic wizz Tony Orrell (of every notable Bristol band for decades - and didn’t he once meet Deborah Meaden?) have been creating clever, witty, imaginative, sometimes pastiche-y, always relentlessly enjoyable and highly inventive music for cosmic light years.
And now comes the Big Bang (or Band?) as the Gas Giants can’t resist the gravitational pull of an All Stars night with stellar trombonist Raph Clarkson, the intergalactic
Ross Hughes (is there any instrument he doesn’t play?) and another Celestial Guest appearance from the multi-instrumental parallel universe of Max de Wardener.
Witness the creation of this new musical phenomenon and orbit the Gas Giants’ new galaxy from planet All Of The Above – an experience even Elon Musk can’t buy…..but you can!
The anticipated rare sighting of this heavenly body reminds us of the meteor shower and global excitement caused by their terrestrial manifestation at the 2024 Bath Jazz Weekend


BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE ON THE GAS GIANTS’ SHUTTLE TO INFINITY AND BEYOND
https://ticketscandy.com/ec/nod-knowles-254
Regular AOTA customers please note:  AOTA is trialling a new online
Box Office - Tickets Candy - which is where the link above leads - and which may save AOTA on box office commission charges.

 

Tickets are still also available on the Eventbrite site with which customers may be more familiar.
Access Gas Giants tickets on Eventbrite HERE.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aota-presents-the-gas-giants-all-stars-tickets-1693618120389

 

All Of The Above Music
c/o Widcombe Social Club
Widcombe Hill
Bath,
BA2 6AA.

Indika Festival presented by Milap, various venues, Liverpool City Region.

Dates: Friday, October 17, 2025 - Friday, October 31, 2025

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

For details please visit;
https://milap.co.uk/experience/indika-2025/


We have been advised of the following performances that are likely to be of interest to jazz listeners;

 

SARATHY KORWAR
TICKETS https://milap.co.uk/2025/08/milap-and-the-reader-present-yoga-live-sitar-wellness-experience/
One of the most original and compelling voices in the UK Jazz scene. A globally acclaimed percussionist, composer and producer.
With ringing endorsements from the The Guardian, Rolling Stone, MOJO Magazine, Songlines and Jazz FM, Korwar has established himself as a standout artist and collaborator - he won MOJO’s Jazz Album of the Year (2019) for his second studio album, won Songlines’ Best Album of the Year in 2023 and The Guardian placed his third studio album #2 for Best Global Albums (2022).
At INDIKA, Sarathy will present work from his new album ‘There is Beauty, There Already’. Expect a striking, percussion-led exploration of rhythm, voice and electronics featuring South Asian temple procession rhythms and contemporary minimalism.

 

THE TAPI PROJECT
TICKETS https://milap.co.uk/2025/08/milap-and-mellowtone-present-tapi-project-ft-dj-richie-vegas/
A continuous revival and retelling of stories and themes that make up modern India – held together by their compelling songwriting and compositions. Influences from the worlds of jazz, funk, folk and rock – filtered through the Indian subcontinent – all combine to create their unique and genre-defying sound.

 

ROHAN ROY COLLECTIVE
TICKETS https://milap.co.uk/2025/08/milap-and-liverpool-philharmonic-hall-present-rohan-roy-collective/
A fresh and fearless take on contemporary fusion. Rohan Roy Collective bring Indian classical ragas into conversation with jazz, groove and global sounds. Performing original compositions that are melodically rich and soulful, the ensemble create an atmosphere that’s both immersive and unpredictable.

 

 

 

Guitar Workshop with Steven Kirby and John Close, lunchtime event at The Muse Arts Centre, Brecon.

Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

More details

Calling All Guitarists!
GUITAR WORKSHOP
Weds lunchtime 15 Oct, Muse 12-2pm
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/breconjazz-jazzlivecymru/t-jzenrzn

The Muse Brecon, Brecon, LD3 7DW
Wednesday 15th October 2025 12:00PM

 

Guitar class & jazz tuition with Steven Kirby & John Close - Weds 15 October, 12-2pm The Muse
Join Steven and John for this lunchtime event of teaching and playing, to learn more about the jazz guitar and improvisation techniques. Steven is a teacher and performer, someone who plays concert stages (including our Festival 2024) as well as intimate gigs, runs coaching and workshops, while John Close teaches guitar to young people in RCT as part of the county music service.
This session is open to guitar players at all levels and to all ages. Please bring your own instrument, music stand, and amp if used.
Tickets are £15 with PWYC & Youth option
Event Details
Starts at 12:00PM


Location
MUSE ARTS CENTRE
Glamorgan St.
Brecon,
LD3 7DW.

 

Leela James at Cadogan Hall, London.

Date: Friday, January 16, 2026

More details

We have received the following press release regarding this event;

Soul Superstar LEELA JAMES

 

With her unmistakably raw, powerful, and soul-stirring voice, Leela James brings her timeless blend of classic soul and contemporary R&B to London’s Cadogan Hall for one unforgettable night.

 


Since her 2005 debut A Change Is Gonna Come, Leela James has earned acclaim with hits like Fall For You, Complicated, and Say That featuring Anthony Hamilton—delivering seven Top 20 R&B singles and two Billboard #1s.

 


Crowned “The Goddaughter of Soul” by James Brown himself, Leela’s live shows are celebrated for their emotional depth, vocal fire, and unfiltered authenticity. With seven acclaimed albums and multiple NAACP and Soul Train awards to her name, she stands as one of modern soul’s most vital voices.

 

Joined by special guests, this is a rare chance to experience a true soul powerhouse in one of London’s most intimate and iconic venues.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W9TCEwEIus

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK90l_hg_aE

 

Tickets;
https://www.seetickets.com/event/leela-james/cadogan-hall/3468964

 

Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace
London SW1X 9DQ
Box Office: 020 7730 4500
http://www.cadoganhall.com

2025 TD James Moody Jazz Festival at The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Newark, New Jersey, USA.

Dates: Saturday, November 08, 2025 - Sunday, November 23, 2025

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

We have received the following press release;


New Jersey Performing Arts Center Announces 2025 TD James Moody Jazz Festival, Nov 8-23
sponsored in part by TD Bank
New Jersey’s Largest Jazz Festival Returns to Newark for 14th Year

 

Hip-Hop Legends & Leading Poets Unite for Powerful Fusions of Music and Social Justice

 

Festival Artistic Advisor Christian McBride Leads His Big Band with Andra Day, José James, and Ledisi

 



The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) today announced details of the 14th annual TD James Moody Festival, taking place November 8-23, 2025. Co-curated by NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor Christian McBride, this year’s festival, which draws thousands of fans to the city of Newark, aims to showcase jazz as a powerful cultural force for social justice. From groundbreaking jazz masters Arturo Sandoval and Stanely Clarke to the censored “Poet of Havana” singer-songwriter Carlos Varela and hip-hop stars Chuck D, Rakim and Slick Rick baring their souls in the annual Represent! show, this year’s Festival is rooted in jazz’s intertwined history with activism. Presented at various accessible locations throughout Newark, the citywide Festival offers a diverse program of several acts fusing jazz with poetry, spoken word, dance, blues, pop, African-Caribbean music, and more — making it a destination for all arts lovers. New for this year, eligible TD Bank cardholders will receive special perks at the TD James Moody Jazz Festival. Review more information and the full list of benefits here.

 


Quote from John Schreiber, NJPAC President and CEO:
“Jazz has always been an art form that’s strengthened by artists collaborating, crossing boundaries, finding new inspiration in the counterpoint of different rhythms coming together. You’ll hear that in almost every show at the TD James Moody Jazz Festival this year, and especially in this year’s Represent! concert that will bring together leading voices in hip hop, jazz and spoken word poetry.”

 

Quote from Christian McBride, TD James Moody Jazz Festival Advisor and multiple GRAMMY® Award-Winning Jazz Bassist:
“This is going to be another all-star, can’t-miss TD James Moody Jazz Festival. I can’t wait to groove with my Big Band and the incredible vocalists Andra Day, José James and Ledisi. But as always, I’m proud that we’ve put together a festival that has something for everyone: You’ll hear inspiring words from Dodge Poets, witness the tap dance magic of Savion Glover, hear Rachael Price of Lake Street Dive sing new tunes inspired by the music of the 1940s with her friend Vilray, and move to Cuban rhythms from Carlos Varela, Diana Fuentes, Arturo Sandoval and Omar Sosa. Plus, we’ll welcome two legendary players — my fellow bassist Stanley Clarke, and guitarist Stanley Jordan — to the NJPAC stage this season. This is a rare treat, and I know fans will be looking forward to their appearances as much as I am. Our goal with the Moody festival is to ensure you’ll always hear some of your favorites — and always discover new music to fall in love with.”


 

Quote from Martin Melilli, TD Bank Commercial Market President:
“TD Bank has been an active supporter of the festival since it began, sponsoring free community performances and educational events, as well as mainstage concerts showcasing jazz superstars. We are very proud to continue our relationship with NJPAC and the TD James Moody Jazz Festival as they work to educate and inspire through jazz. At TD, we believe music and the arts are a universal language we all speak, and they both have a special way of inspiring positive change and connecting diverse communities.”

 


2025 TD James Moody Jazz Festival Performers
Alexander Claffy · Andra Day · Arturo Sandoval · Ben Williams · Carlos Varela · Christian McBride · Chuck D · Diana Fuentes · DJ Spinna · George Cables · Jerome Jennings · José James · King George · La Bruja · Ledisi · Lenny Williams · Luisito Rosario Orchestra · Nat Adderley Jr. · NJMEA All-State Jazz Band and Choir · Nuyorican Slam Poetry Team · Omar Sosa · Pokey Bear · Rakim · Rachael Price · Rodrigo Toscano · Savion Glover · Slick Rick · Stanley Clarke · Stanley Jordan · Theodis Ealey · Tucka James ·Tyehimba Jess · Tyreek McDole · Vilray Bolles · West Love
Plus surprise special guests and more!

 


2025 TD JAMES MOODY FESTIVAL LINE-UP (subject to change):
When: November 8 - 23, 2025
Where: Multiple venues in Newark, New Jersey, including NJPAC (One Center Street), Bethany Baptist Church (275 West Market Street), Feldman Middleton Community Center (92 Thomas Carmichael Drive), Newark Public Library (50 Hayes Street) and Clement’s Place (15 Washington Street)
Tickets: Free-$79. To purchase, contact NJPAC at 1.888.GO.NJPAC/1.888.466.5722
or visit http://www.njpac.org/jazz.

 

 

SAT 11.08 @ 6:00 p.m. BETHANY BAPTIST JAZZ VESPERS: GEORGE CABLES TRIO featuring ALEXANDER CLAFFY AND JEROME JENNINGS
George Cables – piano
Alexander Claffy – bass
Jerome Jennings – drums
“Anyone serious about jazz will tell you that George Cables belongs in the pantheon of the greatest jazz pianists.” – All About Jazz
Co-presented by the Bethany Baptist Church Jazz Vespers, NJPAC begins its season-long FREE concert series at Newark’s Bethany Baptist Church with legendary pianist George Cables. Since 2000, Newark’s historic Bethany Baptist Church has hosted free concerts that combine jazz and worship.
A major voice in modern jazz, George Cables is celebrated for his fresh interpretations of classic compositions and for his innovative style of writing. In addition to composing and arranging for his own albums, Cables has contributed to recordings by Dexter Gordon, Art Pepper, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Bobby Hutcherson, and many others. Recently named an inaugural recipient of the 2025 Jazz Legacy Fellowship by the Mellon Foundation and the Jazz Foundation of America, Cables is described as a “humble keyboard genius with impeccable technique and a unique songbook.” The New York City Jazz Record hails him as “a piano giant,” while National Public Radio notes that his solos “reveal a deep sense of groove and pacing and a mind at work.” Location: Bethany Baptist Church.

 


SAT 11.08 @ 7:30 p.m. OMAR SOSA QUARTETO AMERICANOS
Omar Sosa – piano
Sheldon Brown – saxophone/clarinet/flute
Ernesto Mazar Kindelán – bass
Josh Jones – drums
“Omar Sosa has carved out a place for himself in the musical landscape that’s equal parts musical and spiritual. If the spirit speaks to anyone, it’s Omar Sosa.” – NPR Radio
It’s Latin jazz — plus pizzazz — with multi-GRAMMY® nominee Omar Sosa and his Quarteto Americanos. Playing with boundless energy, the Cuban-born composer, pianist and bandleader is “one of those rare birds whose keyboard skills are near those of Chick Corea and Chuco Valdes” (The New York Times). Rounding out the quartet are Omar’s buddies from the Bay Area: drummer Josh Jones, bassist Ernesto Mazar Kindelán and Sheldon Brown on saxophone, clarinet and flute. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.

 

 

SUN 11.09 @ 3:00 p.m. STANLEY CLARKE N•4EVER with special guest Ben Williams    
Stanley Clarke – bass
Ben Williams - bass
“In the truest sense of the word, Stanley Clarke is a legend.” – NPR Radio
An evening of bass! Four-time GRAMMY®-winning film composer, bassist and NEA Jazz Master Stanley Clarke is one of the most celebrated acoustic and electric bass players in the world. Clarke’s storied career has been awash with showcases in his virtuosity on the acoustic and electric basses. He’s worked with fellow music titans like Chick Corea, George Duke, Jean-Luc Ponty and Al Di Meola, and has scored for film and television. From 1974-1976, Clarke dropped a series of solo albums that would herald his status as a force in music and foreshadow his 2022 designation as an NEA Jazz Master. Opening the show is fellow bassist Ben Williams – one of the most acclaimed and versatile bassists in modern jazz. A GRAMMY® Award winner, he won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2009 and has been landing impressive accolades ever since. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater. This program is funded by the Berger Family Foundation.

 


WED 11.12 @ 4:30 p.m. JAZZ IN THE STACKS/BOOKS ON THE MOVE      
TD Jazz for Teens
Enjoy a FREE performance by TD Jazz for Teens at local Newark Public Libraries! Kicking off NJPAC’s monthly series in each of the NPL branches, it will host a Jazz in the Stacks performance preceded by a free engaged reading of Playing at the Border, Yo-Yo Ma’s children’s book as part of the Books on the Move series. Location: Newark Public Library Springfield Branch.

 


THU 11.13 @ 7:30 p.m. ARTURO SANDOVAL
Arturo Sandoval – trumpet
“a consummate musician, a true virtuoso” – Omaha World-Herald
At 75 years old, jazz trumpet virtuoso Arturo Sandoval still practices every day. Even after receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Kennedy Center Honors and 10 GRAMMYs®, he’s never let the acclaim distract him from the most important thing: the music. As a child growing up in Cuba, he found freedom in jazz, Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban jazz. And “freedom,” he says, “is the most important word in any dictionary in any language in the world.” Feel the infectious energy and vivacious versatility of this music legend. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.

 

 

FRI 11.14 @ 7:00 p.m. NJMEA / ALL-STATE JAZZ BAND AND JAZZ CHOIR
Catch the next generation of great jazz artists from New Jersey. This annual concert event, co-presented by NJPAC’s Arts Education Department and the New Jersey Music Educators Association, brings together some of the very best young musicians and vocalists from across the state for a dynamic group performance. Performers include NJMEA All-State Jazz Band and NJMEA All-State Jazz Choir. Location: NJPAC’s Chase Room.

 

SAT 11.15 @ 3:00 + 7:00 p.m. SAVION GLOVER: PROjECt.9
Savion Glover – tap dance + percussion
PROjECt.9 – band + vocalist
“Savion is to tap when Charles Parker is to jazz.” – Herb Alpert
Boldy breaking ground for over a quarter century, Savion Glover brings his drum set and tap shoes to NJPAC. In his latest production PROjECt.9, Savion is lead percussionist as well as tap dancer in an illustrious celebration of sound. The group comprises a vocalist and three other musicians (names TBA) performing original dance compositions and instrumental score written by Savion. In addition to presenting his award-winning tap dancing, Savion also displays his musicianship as percussionist.
What makes PROjECt.9 particularly unique is Savion’s emphasis on the collaboration of sound and improvisation. His performances evoke themes of identity, community and resilience, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of Afrocentric culture.
Born in 1973, the tap dancer/choreographer/actor Savion has graced the stage since childhood. He set a record as the youngest person ever to receive a scholarship in the Newark Community School of the Arts. Before he was a teenager, he made his mark starring in the leading role in the Broadway musical The Tap Dance Kid. He eventually worked with dancing greats Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis, Jr. Among his credits are starring roles in major motion pictures like Jelly’s Last Jam, a role for which he made history as the youngest ever recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant. His starring role in the musical Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk, which he also choreographed, debuted on Broadway in 1996. The musical chronicles events in African-American history and brought Savion a TONY Award for Best Choreographer. Glover was made known to the younger generation with recurring appearances on Sesame Street. He also holds the credit as the live captured dancing motion behind Mumble the penguin in the film Happy Feet. Savion also served as co-choreographer for the film. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.


 

SAT 11.15 @ 8:00 p.m. BLUES IS ALRIGHT
Tucka James – vocals
King George – vocals
Pokey Bear – vocals
West Love – vocals
Lenny Williams – vocals
Theodis Ealey – vocals/guitar
Blues Is Alright is a one-night only concert of Southern soul, blues and R&B; a musical storytelling filled with stark emotion and a revolving reality check. It’s authentically raw; transforming tragedy, adversity and heartache into a visceral and cathartic experience. This special night of emotive lyrics and guitar-driven accompaniment features a mega lineup of musical royalty: performances by Tucka, King George, Pokey Bear, Theodis Ealey, J-Wonn and West Love.
Equally influenced by R. Kelly and Barry White, Louisiana’s Tucka James is an R&B singer who delivers “pillow talk” songs that recall the grooves of the ’70s, ’80s and 2010s. He kicked off his career singing lead vocals with Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band before going solo and earning his nickname “The King of Swing.”
King George burst onto the Southern Soul scene with his signature party-centric sound and R&B flair. Based out of Hopkins, South Carolina, his album Juke Joint Music was released in 2022. For old-school music lovers, King George is the perfect combination of R&B, soul and funk that’s sure to get anyone to do a little two-step.
Wardell “Pokey Bear” Brown hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he started his career as a rap artist before becoming the soulful singer that he is today. His first hits include “They Call me Pokey” and “Side Piece,” and he’s worked with Tyree Neal, Adrian Bagher, Ms. Pat, Veronica Raelle and Cupid.
Hailing from the Mississippi Delta, West Love’s voice carries the weight of generations of blues legends, equal parts gravel and honey. She’s earned a reputation as a modern-day blues torchbearer, weaving love, loss and life’s struggles into every note. Her guitar sound is inspired by the greats like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters.
The ultimate soul crooner, Oakland, California native Lenny Williams was lead singer of Tower of Power and won BMI’s Songwriter Award in collaboration with Kanye West for “One Night Celebrity,” recorded by Twista. His rich, passionate R&B vocal style made a splash on hits like “Cause I Love You” and “So Very Hard to Go.”
Blues guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, producer and entertainer … just a few of the titles that describe the phenomenon of Mississippi native Theodis Ealey. After four successful albums with Ichiban Records, he founded IFGAM Records, launching his song “Stand Up in It” to #1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles chart. Location: NJPAC’s Prudential Hall.

 

SUN. 11.16 @ 2:00 p.m. JAZZ SALSA SUNDAY
Luisito Rosario – vocals
Luisito Rosario Orchestra
As part of NJPAC’s ArtsXChange initiative, this concert is a FREE innovative collaboration between NJPAC and Newark neighborhoods to produce arts and cultural programming. ArtsXChange spotlights local talent and nurtures the creativity of residents of all ages and abilities. The Luisito Rosario Orchestra will be led by New Jersy’s own leading Salsa singer Luisito Rosario. All are welcome to join the salsa party in the South Ward! Location: Feldman Middleton Community Center.

 

SUN 11.16 @ 7:00 p.m. RACHAEL & VILRAY
Rachel Price – vocals
Vilray Bolles – guitar + vocals
“Rachael and Vilray are a perfect example of the idea that sometimes what that once seemed old fashioned can actually resonate as new again.” – All About Jazz
Brooklyn-based jazz duo Rachael Price and Vilray Bolles, known as Rachel & Vilray, makes their NJPAC debut. Performing works from their latest album West of Broadway (Concord Jazz), the two friends offer a contemporary take on tin pan alley, the Great American Songbook, and vintage small combo jazz. Fusing West Coast jazz with Broadway musicals, they turn the idea of “Everything old is new again” on its head.
Rachael Price is one of contemporary pop’s great vocalists, who when she isn’t singing cabaret jazz with Vilray, fronts the headlining rock band Lake Street Dive. The guitarist/singer/songwriter Vilray exists in that rare intersection of jazz, pop, and singer-songwriter fare. They met at college two decades ago. But it would take them years before they discovered their mutual love of the American songbook standards from the 1930s and 40s and subsequently create a project to showcase Vilray’s special gift of channelling classic songwriters in his original music. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.

 

THU 11.20 @ 8:00 p.m. REPRESENT! A NIGHT OF JAZZ, HIP HOP, AND POETRY
Rakim – hip-hop artist
Slick Rick – hip-hop artist
Chuck D – hip-hop artist
Tyehimba Jess – poet
Nuyorican Slam Poetry Team – poets
Caridad de la Luz aka La Bruja - poet
DJ Spinna
“A once-in-a-lifetime grouping of artists, presented in a unique way. No two numbers were really alike and yet, due to the vocalists’ and the musicians’ skill, everything flowed together seamlessly.” – NJarts.net
Back by popular demand is the fan-favorite jazz-meets-spoken word show Represent! Curated by Bill Stephney, part of the pioneering Def Jam Records team and responsible for launching rap group Public Enemy, this celebratory concert comprises MCs and poets performing their hit. For one unmissable night, NJPAC unites the leading voices in jazz, hip-hop and poetry.
Blaring horns and baring souls, these masterful artists exclaim their vision of justice, change, and joy. The incredible lineup includes hip-hop stars Rakim (Paid in Full), Slick Rick, and Chuck D (Public Enemy.  Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tyehimba Jess; one of the top poetry slam teams in the nation, the Nuyorican Poets Café’s Slam Team featuring La Bruja; spoken word performers; leading jazz artists and more. Complete line-up to be announced soon! Location: NJPAC’s Prudential Hall. This performance is part of Dodge Poetry.

 


FRI 11.21 @ 7:30 p.m. JAZZ JAMS
Co-presented by NJPAC’s Jazz Advisory Committee and Rutgers Institute for Jazz Studies, Jazz Jams at Clement’s Place is a FREE Jazz Jams Session concert series featuring top-flight New Jersey musicians directed by pianist and bandleader, James Austin, Jr.  Audience members immerse themselves in the relaxing sounds of jazz music that stimulate the players’ and listeners’ minds. All novice and seasoned jazz musicians and singers are welcomed to jam and improv with the professional band throughout the night. Co-producers: Wayne Winborne, Executive Director, IFJS and Eyesha Marable, AVP, Comm Engagement, NJPAC. Location: Clement’s Place.

 

FRI 11.21 @ 7:30 p.m. CARLOS VARELA with special guest DIANA FUENTES
Carlos Varela – vocals + guitar
Diana Fuentes – vocals
Rodrigo Toscano - poet
“The music of Cuba’s Carlos Varela feels as timely as ever.” – Los Angeles Times
Known as the “Poet of Havana” or the “Bob Dylan of Cuba”, the immensely popular Cuban singer-songwriter Carlos Varela has dedicated his 30-year music career to expressing “the problems of my people.” His poetic lyrics speak to the promise and pain of Cuba across generations, with complex emotion and powerful imagery. His message has been banned and censored by Cuban authorities, but his songs, like 2000’s “Una Palabra,” continue to resonate around the world. As Carlos explains: “Words can transform. They can reach your soul and your heart. They can shake your bones. They can change your life, and that can’t be lost.”
Special guest Diana Fuentes is a Cuban singer-songwriter known for her sparkling voice and her fusion of pop, R&B and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. She began as a vocalist in Síntesis and Carlos Varela’s band, earning Latin GRAMMY® nominations. She was the first Cuban female artist signed to Sony Music Latin since Celia Cruz, earning two Gold Records and one Platinum Record. Opening the concert is Rodrigo Toscano, an author of 12 books of poetry, dialogist, essayist and labor-environmental activist.
Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater. This performance is part of Dodge Poetry and receives additional support from the Gia Maione Prima Foundation.

 

FRI 11.21 @ 8:00 p.m. CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE BIG BAND with ANDRA DAY, JOSÉ JAMES, and LEDISI
Christian McBride – bass/bandleader
Christian McBride Big Band
Andra Day - vocals
José James – vocals
Ledisi – vocals
“one of modern jazz’s most innovative musicians” – Glide Magazine
Montclair resident Christian McBride is a nine-time GRAMMY® Award-winning bassist/composer/producer, NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor, Artistic Director of the Montclair Jazz Festival, Board Member and Artistic Chair of Jazz House Kids. He makes his return as a bandleader with his latest project featuring his acclaimed Big Band and several special guest vocalists including: contemporary R&B innovator José James, the unparalleled GRAMMY® Award-winning Ledisi, and Andra Day who won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in the biopic The United States vs. Bille Holiday.
Most of the vocalists appearing on his latest album Without Further Ado, Vol. 1 (Mack Avenue Records) have performed with him on the NJPAC stage. As told to WBGO Radio, “The impetus for this recording actually stems from the annual gala at NJPAC. So since 2012, I’ve been NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor and my Big Band has been the house band for the gala ever since. We’ve invited all kinds of great singers to come and sing at those galas. Between the gala and the James Moody Festival, we’ve had Al Jarreau, Dianne Reeves, Jeffrey Osborne, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Lizz Wright, Fantasia, Cynthia Erivo, Philip Bailey, every singer you could possibly think of. Every year I had to write these arrangements for these singers and they only got played once. After more than 10 years, I’m looking at my library and I got this huge pile of big band music that’s only been played once. I thought they shouldn’t go to waste.“Location: NJPAC’s Prudential Hall.

 

SAT 11.22 @ 7:30 p.m. STANLEY JORDAN PLAYS JIMI
Stanley Jordan – guitar
“one of the world’s finest guitarists” – Downbeat
World-renowned jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan channels the blues-rock legend in this can’t-miss tribute. “This is my fantasy Jimi Hendrix concert if Jimi were still alive and playing today,” he explains. It was Jimi’s death in 1970 that first moved 11-year-old Stanley to take up the guitar. His jazz career took flight, with four GRAMMY® nominations and the development of his signature two-handed touch technique, which was inspired by Jimi’s left-handed tapping. In this performance, Stanley channels Jimi while allowing his own style to shine through. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.

 


SUN 11.23 @ 11:30 a.m. + 1:30 p.m. DORTHAAN’S PLACE: NAT ADDERLY JR. QUARTET
Nat Adderly Jr. – piano
“The finest in jazz is on the menu… anticipation runs high at Dorthaan’s Place, whether you’re there for the music, the food, the scene, Dorthaan, or all of the above.” - All About Jazz
NJPAC continues Dorthaan’s Place, its popular Sunday jazz brunch series at NICO Kitchen + Bar curated by Newark’s First Lady of Jazz, Dorthaan Kirk. The series made its debut during NJPAC’s 2012-13 season and has grown ever since. This edition presents New Jersey’s Nat Adderley, Jr. — pianist, composer, arranger and longtime music director for Luther Vandross. Inspired by greats like Chick Corea, John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk. There are two brunch seatings: 11:00 a.m. (music begins at 11:30 a.m.) and 1:30 p.m.  Location: NJPAC’s NICO Kitchen & Bar.

 


Sun 11.23 @ 3:00 p.m. 14th ANNUAL SARAH VAUGHAN INTERNATIONAL JAZZ VOCAL COMPETITION
Gary Walker – host
Ann Hampton Callaway – judge
Jon Faddis – judge
Nnenna Freelon – judge
Christian McBride – judge
Janis Siegel – judge
Tyreek McDole - vocalist
The divine Sarah Vaughan—Newark’s greatest musical gift to the world—got her start as the winner of a talent contest. NJPAC honors her legacy every year with the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, the only global jazz vocal contest of its kind, open to all genders and nationalities. This event offers outstanding jazz singers a one-of-a-kind platform for embarking on a career in the music business—and offers audience members a chance to discover the jazz stars of tomorrow. For this 14th annual “The SASSY Awards” event, WBGO Radio’s Gary Walker will host and 2023 SVVC winner Tyreek McDole will perform. A panel of all-star judges—Ann Hampton Callaway, Jon Faddis, Nnenna Freelon, Christian McBride, and Janis Siegel—will select the winner. Gifted young contestants from around the world are evaluated on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, and ability to swing. The winner receives a $5,000 cash prize. Past winners include Samara Joy, Cyrille Aimée, Jazzmeia Horn, Quiana Lynell, Laurin Talese, and more. For more information or to enter the competition, visit SarahVaughanCompetition.com. Location: NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.

 

About NJPAC
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is the most diverse performing arts center in the country, and the anchor cultural institution for both the city of Newark and the state of New Jersey.  It is an artistic, cultural, educational and civic center where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day.  NJPAC brings communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC Arts & Well-Being develops initiatives and programs that amplify the health benefits of the arts and measure the impact of the Arts Center on community health and well-being. NJPAC has attracted more than 12 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.  Visit http://www.njpac.org for more information.       

 

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®
For the 14th consecutive year, the Festival is sponsored by the TD Bank is the title sponsor of all jazz programming during NJPAC’s season, including free community performances and educational events, as well as mainstage concerts showcasing jazz superstars. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S. by assets, providing over 10 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,100 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Auto Finance, a division of TD Bank, N.A., offers vehicle financing and dealer commercial services. TD Bank and its subsidiaries also offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J.
To learn more, visit http://www.td.com/us. Find TD Bank on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/TDBank_US/.
TD Bank is a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, a top 10 North American bank. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD”. To learn more, visit http://www.td.com/us.

Kahil El’Zabar Ethnic Heritage Ensemble at 229, London.

Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;


The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble was founded by spiritual jazz multi-percussionist and bandleader Kahil El’Zabar in 1974.

 


With El’Zabar at the helm, the band’s line-up has featured Light Henry Huff, Kalaparusha Maurice Macintyre, Joseph Bowie, Hamiett Bluiett, and Craig Harris.

 


The current line-up has been consolidated over two decades — trumpeter Corey Wilkes entered the circle twenty years ago, while baritone sax player Alex Harding joined seven years ago, after having played with El’Zabar since the early 2000s in groups such as Joseph Bowie’s Defunkt.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOfq6F6BxSA


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjoQZmiJgNc

 

Tickets;
https://www.seetickets.com/event/kahil-el-zabar-ethnic-heritage-ensemble/229/3462710

 

229, London W1W 5PN


Tuesday 11 November 2025 at 19:00.
Performing
Kahil El’Zabar Kahil El’Zabar Quartet Ethnic Heritage Ensemble

Remi Harris - Man of the World: The Music of Peter Green, Extra show at The Regal Tenbury Wells, Worcs.

Date: Sunday, November 02, 2025

Featuring: Remi Harris

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;


Man of the World: The Music of Peter Green – New Date Now on Sale
We’re thrilled to announce that due to overwhelming demand, a second date has been added for Man of the World: The Music of Peter Green with Remi Harris and his band!

 


Sunday 2 November at 7pm
at The Regal, Tenbury Wells

 

This powerful show celebrates the life and music of Peter Green, founder of the original Fleetwood Mac. Guitarist Remi Harris is joined by vocalist Dave Small, bassist Tom Moore and drummer Nicky Waters to perform classics from across Peter Green’s career, including Man Of The World, Black Magic Woman, Need Your Love So Bad, Albatross and The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown).

 

“A highly enjoyable show… The standard of the playing was excellent throughout.” — thejazzmann.com


“This was a band that brought vivid life to the songs and instrumentals written and performed by Peter Green… with taste and accuracy.” — Lichfield Live

 

Tickets;
https://www.regaltenbury.co.uk/events/man-of-the-world-the-music-of-peter-green-1-xmnde

 

Regal Tenbury Trust, 49 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells, England, WR15 8AE, United Kingdom


01584 811 442


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Fred Hersch Trio at The Village Vanguard, New York City, USA.

Dates: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - Sunday, October 26, 2025

Featuring: Fred Hersch

More details

We have received the following press release regarding this residency;

 

Pianist Fred Hersch Celebrates His 70th Birthday With a Week-Long Run at The Village Vanguard October 21-26
Shows at 8:00 and 10:00 PM
Featuring Bassist Drew Gress and Drummer Marcus Gilmore
Tickets Available Online
https://vv.squadup.com/artists/fred-hersch

 


Fred Hersch’s The Surrounding Green, his Third Recording for ECM, is an Essential Entry into the Piano Trio Canon
Featuring Bassist Drew Gress and Drummer Joey Baron
Hersch Tackles a Handful of 20th Century Compositions, Spanning from Standards to Less Frequented Jazz Tunes, as Well as Three Originals
Available Now via ECM
https://ecm.lnk.to/SurroundingGreen

 

“This offering by Hersch, Gress and Baron is engaging, ardent and otherwise splendid; it’s conceivable Manfred Eicher has found the great piano trio to anchor his catalogue for the foreseeable future.”
— DownBeat (★★★★1/2)

 


“Everything is elegant here; the trio has achieved mastery of their collective approach, not in raging romps or virtuosic displays, but in the clarity of their communication and their use of space.” — All About Jazz

 


“Soaked in jazz tradition, but equally driven to pursue his own distinctive vision, Hersch possesses one of the most divine keyboard techniques of anyone currently working. Clearly classically trained, the Cincinnati native is more likely to imply his skill than put it on display, putting the tunes in charge on his latest album The Surrounding Green.” — The Big Takeover

 


Masterful trio interplay reliant on deeply honed three-way communication and a refined sense of understatement make Fred Hersch’s The Surrounding Green, his third recording for ECM, an essential entry into the piano trio canon. Hersch tackles a handful of 20th century compositions – spanning from standards to less frequented jazz tunes – as well as three originals, with Drew Gress on bass and Joey Baron on drums.


Gress and Baron are longstanding companions of Hersch’s who have played with him on and off since the late ‘80s and early ‘90s respectively – in various combinations Fred was joined by the one or the other on over a dozen recordings. This however marks their first studio recording as a trio, and their exceptional collective approach, shaped by decades of experience, can be heard (and felt) in every song.


“Joey is such a genius with dynamics that it was no problem at all for us to hear each other in the Auditorio,” notes Hersch. “And the way that Drew plays, for example on ‘Plainsong’ and ‘The Surrounding Green’, there’s so much trust in how we get through the harmony, where we pause and where we move on. I feel that on this record you really hear the history! I hope that people can feel the maturity of the interaction, the sonic world and the sensitivity at play.”


As to his approach when writing a new song, Hersch insists that he usually composes within a limit timeframe – 45 minutes, the kitchen timer keeps track. His favourite tune writers, Hersch says, “Monk, Wayne shorter, Duke or Kenny Wheeler – many of their songs don’t look like much on a page, but they have a kind of world to them. Everything Monk wrote fits on 86 pages – everything! I’m a believer in that a good tune needs no more than two essential elements – it has to be memorable, as in it has to stick. And it should be fun to play, leaving room for the player to bring in whatever they bring.”


“This record to me is very concentrated, which always seems to be the case when I work with Manfred,” says Hersch. “It marks my third record with him, all three recorded in Lugano’s Auditorio Stelio Molo – and I can definitely say it’s the perfect condition for kind of playing live, but in a controlled environment.”


Recorded in May 2024, The Surrounding Green was produced by Manfred Eicher.

 

Fred Hersch · The Surrounding Green
ECM · Release Date: June 27, 2025
For more information on ECM, please visit:
https://ecmrecords.com/


https://www.youtube.com/shorts/raGPWUXEky8

 

Fred Hersch featured on Jazz Night in America
https://www.npr.org/2025/07/17/nx-s1-5464879/jazz-night-fred-hersch

 

Village Vanguard 178 7th Avenue South, New York, NY 10014, United States
(212) 255-4037 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
http://www.villagevanguard.com

Sarah Jane Morris & Tony Remy, album launch at 229, London.

Date: Sunday, March 08, 2026

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;


“Sarah Jane Morris has a magnificent, enormous voice.”
THE SUNDAY TIMES

 


International Women’s Day 2026 sees the launch of the new album from Sarah Jane Morris & Tony Remy ‘The Sisterhood Volume 2’.

 


A representation of Sarah Jane’s roots, inspirations, and indefatigable love of contemporary music-making and its iconic pioneers ‘The Sisterhood, Volume 2’ celebrates twelve female stars who dominated the singing and songwriting of the 20th century - Amy Winehouse, Big Mama Thornton, Bonnie Raitt, Debbie Harry, Etta James, Janis lan, Joan Armatrading, Patti Smith, Peggy Seeger, Sinead O’Connor and Tracy Chapman.


Sarah Jane Morris - Lead Vocals
Tony Remy - Guitar
Marcus Bonfanti - Guitar/Vocals
Henry Thomas - Bass/Vocals
Anders Olinder - Keys/Vocals
Martyn Baker - Drums

 


Tickets here;
https://www.seetickets.com/event/sarah-jane-morris/229/3442347


229, London W1W 5PN.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6OkR6hN1HY


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7DRSzRAj2U

Booker T. Jones at Koko, Camden, London.

Dates: Friday, April 17, 2026 - Saturday, April 18, 2026

More details

We have received the following press release regarding these events;


As leader of the legendary Booker T. & The MG’s, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, GRAMMY lifetime achievement award recipient Booker T. Jones is arguably the most famous Hammond B3 player in History.

 

 

Working alongside Otis Redding, Albert King and more at Stax Records, Booker T. Jones has also worked with Willie Nelson, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Bill Withers and countless others.

 


Do not miss this chance to catch one of the finest musicians of all time as part of the Ace Records 50th Anniversary Concerts Series.

 

Tickets here;
https://agmp.seetickets.com/tour/booker-t-jones

Jammin Juan Jazz Market Place at in Juan-les-Pins, France.

Dates: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 - Friday, October 31, 2025

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

Guest contributor Colin May has supplied the following information regarding this event;


The programme has been released for the 8th edition of Jammin Juan, the jazz market place that takes place in Juan-les-Pins from the 29th to 31st of October. The event was started to support emerging artists by bringing them together with programmers from festivals and clubs, and the media. This year 21 groups that have been selected from the many that applied will play either a showcase or a concert.


For details of who is playing and a link to registrations please see https://jammin.jazzajuan.com/en/

Bryan Corbetts Instrumental Groove Unit at Shrewsbury Jazz Network, The Hive Music & Media Centre, Shrewsbury.

Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026

Featuring: Bryan Corbett

More details

From;
https://events.hiveonline.org.uk/


Bryan Corbetts Instrumental Groove Unit
Jan
10
Sat
19:00
Bryan Corbetts Instrumental Groove Unit
Tickets from £12
Saturday 10th January
NEW JAZZ START TIME - Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start
£25/£12 U22
Seated gig
Renowned Birmingham based trumpeter and flugelhorn player Bryan Corbett presents his new Instrumental Groove Unit featuring Paul Deats (Fender Rhodes & keyboards), Luke Harris (drums) and Wayne Matthews (basses)
This exciting new project introduces original material and a repertoire with emphasis on the ‘pocket’ of groove and freedom of improvisation.
The Bomb……Courtney Pine

 

The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TE

 

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

01743 234970

James Allsopp Group at Shrewsbury Jazz Network, The Hive Music & Media Centre, Shrewsbury.

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

More details

From;
https://events.hiveonline.org.uk/

James Allsopp Group
Nov
15
Sat
19:00
James Allsopp Group
Tickets from £12
Saturday 15th November
NEW JAZZ START TIME - Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start.
£25/£12 U22
Seated gig
James Allsopp (tenor saxophone and mellotron) returns to SJN at the Hive with a new and exciting project featuring some of London’s most in demand musicians. Chris Batchelor (trumpet), Tom Herbert (electric bass), Zands Duggan (percussion) and Dave Storey (drums).
The band is on tour to promote their new album “Stars and Sand”. Expect deep grooves inspired in equal parts by traditional North African music, Soul Jazz and Berlin in the 70s. This is joyous, life affirming music. Deceptively simple, deeply melodic and with a healthy dose of the other worldly.

The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TE

 

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

01743 234970

 

Lenore Raphael Quartet at Guildford Jazz, University of Surrey Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey.

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025

Featuring: Lenore Raphael & Friends

More details

Mick Thomas of Guildford Jazz has forwarded the following information regarding this event;


Lenore Raphael
Thursday 23 October
Internationally renowned jazz pianist and Steinway artist Lenore Raphael plays tribute to two great jazz masters: pianist Oscar Peterson and alto saxophonist Sonny Stitt, famously recorded on the 1959 album “Sonny Stitt Sits in with the Oscar Peterson Trio”. This special performance also features Glen Manby (alto sax), Marianne Windham (bass) and Matt Home (drums).
8pm
University of Surrey
Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH
Visit http://www.guildfordjazz.org.uk to find out more and to book

 

Nick Smart Quintet at Guildford Jazz, Guildford Pavilion, Guildford, Surrey.

Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

More details

Mick Thomas has forwarded the following information regarding this event;


Nick Smart Quintet
Wednesday 15 October
Nick Smart, Head of Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music and an internationally renowned trumpeter and musical director, presents a concert to celebrate in words and music the life of legendary trumpeter and composer Kenny Wheeler. Also featuring Emma Rawicz (Winner of Jazz Newcomer of the Year 2022) on tenor saxophone, and renowned guitarist John Parricelli.
8pm
Guildford Pavilion
Woodbridge Road GU1 4RP
Visit http://www.guildfordjazz.org.uk to find out more and to book

Orchestra Mambo International -A Celebration of Celia Cruz at Cadogan Hall, London.

Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025

More details

We have received the following press release regarding this event;


CELIA CRUZ all-star celebration in London.
A Celebration of Celia Cruz
Cadogan Hall, London. Tuesday 21 October 2025

 


Celia Cruz (1925–2003) is a global Latin music icon and one of salsa’s most legendary voices. With over 50 albums, multiple Grammy awards, and timeless hits like ‘La Vida es un Carnaval’ and ‘Quimbara’, Celia Cruz captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful voice, magnetic stage presence, and signature cry, “¡Azúcar!”.

 


After recent London shows celebrating Tito Puente’s centenary (2023) and the 60th anniversary of New York Latin music label Fania Records (2024), AGMP honour another Latin music legend this autumn with a special show celebrating the 100th anniversary of Cuban-born singer, salsa legend, and Latin American icon “La Reina” Celia Cruz.

 


The top mambo/salsa ensemble, Orchestra Mambo International, will be playing the music of Celia Cruz, from 1960s classics to her salsa anthems of the 1970s, and some of her later catalogue from the 1990s. They have invited three of London’s finest salsa and Cuban music vocalists to join them onstage. They are Juanita Euka (London Afrobeat Collective), Yuri Moreno (Sarabanda) and Nana Clara Aldrin Quaye (Timba Britanica), three top singers well known within the London/UK salsa and Cuban music scene.

 


Orchestra Mambo International open the night, playing salsa/mambo classics alongside their original music, including their singles, and previewing new music from their forthcoming debut album.

 

Tickets here;
https://www.seetickets.com/event/a-celebration-of-celia-cruz/cadogan-hall/3411591

 

Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace
London SW1X 9DQ
Box Office: 020 7730 4500
http://www.cadoganhall.com

Kodo at Royal Festival Hall, London.

Dates: Friday, March 06, 2026 - Saturday, March 07, 2026

More details

Serious have forwarded the following information;


Fri 6 & Sat 7 March, Royal Festival Hall
KODO

 

Don’t miss your chance to explore the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum, the taiko, and experience the soul-stirring rhythm of life first hand with KODO as they debut a brand new show across two night’s at the Royal Festival Hall.

 

Tickets and further information here;
https://serious.org.uk/events/kodo

 

Southbank Centre / Royal Festival Hall,
Belvedere Road
SE1 8XX
https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/

 

 

Mabel Matiz at Royal Festival Hall, London.

Date: Friday, February 13, 2026

More details

Serious have provided the following information regarding this event;


Friday 13 February, Royal Festival Hall
Mabel Matiz

 

Turkish musician, singer-songwriter and producer Mabel Matiz offers an impressive blended sound of maqam music, Anatolian folk melodies with synth, and urban pop. Don’t miss his exciting headline show at the Southbank’s Royal Festival Hall for 2026.

 

Tickets and further information here;
https://serious.org.uk/events/mabel-matiz

 


Fri 13 February 2026
Stage time / 7:30pm
Doors / 7:00pm

 

Location
Southbank Centre / Royal Festival Hall,
Belvedere Road
SE1 8XX
Visit Website
https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/


Tickets

£30 - £60 + booking fee

Yasmine Hamdan at , EartH (Theatre),  Hackney, London.

Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026

More details

Serious have provided the following information regarding this event;


Thursday 12 February, EartH (Theatre)
Yasmine Hamdan

One of the most groundbreaking musicians in the Middle East, Lebanese singer-songwriter Yasmine Hamdan returns to London for 2026 with a headline show at EartH and her new album I remember I forget, set to be released on 19 September.

 

Tickets and further information here;
https://serious.org.uk/events/yasmine-hamdan

 


Thu 12 February 2026
Stage time / 8:00pm
Doors / 7:30pm

 

Location
EartH (Theatre),
11-17 Stoke Newington Road
N16 8BH
Visit Website
https://earthackney.co.uk/


Tickets
£25 + booking fee

Aynur at The Barbican Centre, London.

Date: Thursday, April 02, 2026

Venue

Barbican Centre

Silk Street,
London.
EC2Y 8DS

More details

Serious have forwarded the following information regarding this event;


Thursday 2 April 2026, Barbican
Aynur

 

One of the most prominent Kurdish singers of our times, Aynur, is back to perform at London’s Barbican for 2026!

 


Since her last performance at the EFG London Jazz Festival in 2023, Aynur released her acclaimed album Rabe (meaning ‘stand-up’ or ‘rise-up’ in Kurdish), which secured the number one position on the Transglobal World Music Chart last year, and is described by Songlines Magazine as “one of her strongest albums”.

 


Over the past 25 years, she has created a timeless musical language, combining the treasures of Kurdish traditions with modern arrangements that connect generations and cultures. Don’t miss your chance to see this multi award winning cultural icon in the UK in 2026.


Tickets and further information here;
https://serious.org.uk/events/aynur-3

The Bad Plus with Chris Potter and Craig Taborn at The Barbican Centre, London.

Date: Monday, March 30, 2026

Venue

Barbican Centre

Silk Street,
London.
EC2Y 8DS

More details

Serious have forwarded the following information regarding this event;


Monday 30 March, Barbican
The Bad Plus Chris Potter and Craig Taborn

 

Witness The Bad Plus with Reid Anderson, Dave King, Chris Potter, plus Craig Taborn live at the Barbican as they celebrate the enduring legacy of Keith Jarrett, one of the most visionary improvisers in jazz history.


Tickets plus further information at;
https://serious.org.uk/events/the-bad-plus-chris-potter-craig-taborn

The Midnite Follies ‘Louis and the Duke in London 1932-33’ at Cadogan Hall, London.

Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;


Louis and the Duke in London 1932-33
Wednesday 22 October, 7.30pm

 

In 1932, Louis Armstrong created a sensation when he appeared at the London Palladium. A year later Duke Ellington’s Famous Orchestra became the talk of the town when they topped the bill at the same venue performing such classics as Bugle Call Rag, Black and Tan Fantasy and Mood Indigo.

 

The Midnite Follies recreate Duke Ellington’s Famous Orchestra in all its majesty with Enrico Tomasso taking the role of Louis. The show, presented by MC Kerry Shale, also includes a number of variety acts which intersperse the music (Duke was 14th on the bill after an evening of juggling, tumbling, magic and novelty items).

 

Video here;
https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-jazz-repertory-company-presents-louis-and-the-duke-the-midnite-follies-orchestra/

 

Tickets and further information here;
https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/the-jazz-repertory-company-presents-louis-and-the-duke-the-midnite-follies-orchestra/

 


Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace
London SW1X 9DQ
Box Office: 020 7730 4500

Swing Into Christmas with the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra, matinee and evening shows at Cadogan Hall, London.

Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;


Swing into Christmas
with the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra
Sunday 21 December, 1pm & 6pm


Celebrate the festive season in style with the vocalists and instrumentalists of the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra, as they Swing Into Christmas, recreating the sounds of Nat ‘King’ Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday and perform iconic Christmas songs as well as many fantastic new song selections for the 2025 show – all performed in authentic big-band-with-strings style!
ENCORE & series discounts available.

 

Tickets and further information here;

 

Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace
London SW1X 9DQ
Box Office: 020 7730 4500
https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/swing-into-christmas-with-the-down-for-the-count-swing-orchestra-2025

Chris Cobbson Quartet - From Dixie to Smooth: The History of Jazz Guitar at Black Mountain Jazz, The Melville Centre, Abergavenny.

Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025

Featuring: Chris Santo Cobbson

More details

From;
https://www.blackmountainjazz.co.uk/event-details/chris-cobbson-quartet-from-dixie-to-smooth-the-history-of-jazz-guitar


Chris Cobbson Quartet - From Dixie to Smooth: The History of Jazz Guitar
Sun 26 Oct |  The Melville Theatre

 

Time & Location
26 Oct 2025, 20:00 – 22:00
The Melville Theatre, 4 Pen-Y-Pound, Abergavenny NP7 5UD, UK

 

About the event


Chris ‘Santo’ Cobbson is one of the most exciting and in-demand guitarists in the UK. He has performed with Osibisa, Courtney Pine, The JBs (Maceo Parker, Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley), Monty Alexander, Andy Sheppard, Clifford Jarvis, Jean Toussaint, the Ronnie Scott’s Big Band, Sheila Ferguson, S.E. Rogie, Gasper Lawal, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Jim Mullen, Ray Gelato, David Newton, Omar, Curtis Stigers, Imelda May, the Ebony Steel Band, Jay Rayner, and many other artists across a wide range of musical genres. He is also a prolific composer and arranger.

 


In this captivating project, Chris traces the history of jazz guitar, from its early roots in Africa to the present day. With a masterful command of guitar styles from every jazz era, he delivers a performance rich in historical insight, musicality, and humour - sure to engage and entertain any audience.

 

“Swinging”-James Moody


“Wonderful musician, beautiful music”- Russell Malone


“Sweet textures”- Music Republic Magazine


“Intriguing voicings”- Sounds of Surprise


“Beautiful fluid guitar grooves”- Courtney Pine


“Impressive variety of musical styles”- the Jazz Mann


“Wonderful guitar solo”- the Funk and Soul Review

 

Chris Cobbson (guitar)
Andrew Hooley (saxophone and clarinet)
Paul Jefferies (acoustic and electric bass)
Mike Cypher (drums)

 

Tickets;
Price
From £9.25 to £18.50

 

Standard
£18.50


Friends of BMJ
£16.50

 

Under 18’s
£9.25

Nigel Price Organ Trio at Kidderminster Jazz Club, St. Ambrose Parish Centre, Kidderminster, Worcs.

Date: Friday, November 07, 2025

Featuring: Nigel Price Organ Trio

More details

From;
https://www.kidderminsterjazzclub.co.uk/2025-2026-season-shows


Kidderminster Jazz Club
Fri, Nov 7
Doors 7:00 PM
Performance begins 7.30 PM
Tickets £15.00

 

The Nigel Price Organ Trio, nominated for the 2021 Parliamentary Jazz Award for ‘Best ensemble’ (they won in 2010) and winners of the 2016 British Jazz Award for ‘Best Small Group’ will be playing selections from their vast back catalogue as well as the recently released and critically acclaimed album ‘It’s On!’

 

Nigel is known for his clear, no nonsense, driving approach to jazz guitar and has steadily become one of the UK’s foremost exponents of the instrument.

 

Ross Stanley is not only one of the greatest ever UK musicians, he also plays a real B3 Hammond Organ, often with 2 Leslie speakers.

 

Joel Barford is the man of the moment and has been causing a stir across the UK and further afield with his incredible drumming ability.

 

Together they form perhaps the most hard hitting, dynamic and exciting jazz groups on the scene today.

 

Band:
Nigel Price - Guitar
Ross Stanley - Hammond Organ
Joel Barford - Drums

 

Venue Address
St Ambrose’s Parish Centre
Leswell St, Kidderminster DY10 1RP
Bring Your Own Bottle/Drinks

Jon Lloyd Quartet at Pizza Express Live, The Pheasantry, London.

Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Featuring: Jon Lloyd’s European Quartet

More details

From;
https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/whats-on/jon-lloyd-quartet

Jon Lloyd Quartet
The European Sound

 


The Pheasantry (Chelsea)
This UK group are riding high on their million-plus streaming album “Earth Songs”. Featuring tenor and soprano saxophonist Lloyd, virtuoso pianist John Law and the young and gifted rhythm section of drummer Alex Goodyear and bassist Ashley John-Long, they play beautiful, melodic and powerful ECM-style jazz.
£18.00


21 October 2025 6:30pm 8:00pm The Pheasantry (Chelsea)
Available £18.00

 


Full Biography


“We play great European Contemporary Jazz. The music is both sensitive and exuberant, melodic yet harmonically exciting, and has a persuasive way of reaching an audience which some of the current complex jazz performers have perhaps lost sight of. Notable recent concerts have included Charleville Action Jazz in France, 606 club and PizzaExpress in London, Birmingham Jazz, Fleece Jazz, The Wiltshire Music Centre and Swanage Jazz Festival. Renowned Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen is also a fan!”


The quartet features musicians prominent on the UK jazz scene. Jon Lloyd been part of the UK jazz and improvised music scene for several decades (Jon Lloyd Quartet with Paul Rogers, Mark Sanders, John Law; groups featuring Phil Wachsmann, Marcio Mattos, Stan Adler, Paul Clarvis, Tom Farmer, Asaf Sirkis). The highly experienced virtuoso John Law (Congregation, Re-Creations, Art of Sound Trio with Yuri Golubev, Asaf Sirkis) is on piano, the superbly versatile Ashley John-Long ( Yetii, John Law’s Congregation, Charlotte Keeffe Quartet, Nigel Price) is on double bass and young, gifted Alex Goodyear (Yetii, Simon Spillett, Re-Creations, Jake McMurchie) is on drums.

 

Band Lineup;
Jon Lloyd (tenor & soprano saxophones)
John Law (piano)
Alex Goodyear (drums)
Ashley John-Long (bass)

 

His tunes are steeped in the ECM aesthetic, and he and long-time collaborator John Law on piano make it sound like the only music you ever want to hear.”
Jon Turney, London Jazz News

 

The Pheasantry
152 Kings Road, London SW3 4UT
020 3798 9192

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/tC5SoqwYM9bNQr2Z/


https://www.jonlloydmusic.com


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Lloyd_(musician)

 

Jon Lloyd Quartet at The Lighthouse, Poole, Dorset.

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025

Featuring: Jon Lloyd’s European Quartet

More details

From;
https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/studio-jazz-jon-lloyd-quartet/


Studio Jazz: Jon Lloyd Quartet
Fri 17 Oct 2025
Ticket price:
From: £20
Running time:
2 hrs 15 mins (incl interval)
Fri 17 Oct
19:45

 

This UK based group presents vibrant European Contemporary Jazz, played by a quartet of superb musicians.

 

Local jazz hero Jon Lloyd has enjoyed a remarkable creative, critical and popular resurgence with this superb ECM/European-influenced quartet. This atmospheric music is popular with jazz and non-jazz audiences alike, and the quartet’s album “Earth Songs”, on the prestigious Ubuntu label, received over a million streams in only ten months. Leader, composer and saxophonist Jon has been part of the UK jazz and creative music scene for several decades (groups with Mark Sanders, Paul Rogers, Phil Wachsmann, Tom Farmer, Asaf Sirkis), and has now turned his attention to European contemporary jazz, writing vibrant, melodic and emotionally engaging compositions. The quartet comprises the virtuosic John Law (Congregation, Art of Sound Trio with Asaf Sirkis and Yuri Golubev, Re-Creations) on piano, Nick Pini (Iain Ballamy Quartet, Laura Marling) on double bass and Alex Goodyear (Yetii, Re-Creations, Simon Spillett) on drums. The band has received critical acclaim for their beautiful music.

 

Jon Lloyd – soprano , tenor saxophone
John Law – piano
Alex Goodyear – drums
Nick Pini – double bass

 

“Lloyd’s tunes are steeped in the ECM aesthetic, and he and long-time collaborator John Law on piano make it sound like the only music you ever want to hear.”
Jon Turney, Swanage Jazz Festival concert review, July 2023

 

“The interplay between the quartet members is magical, instinctive… creating music of often startling beauty.”
  Peter Vacher, Jazzwise magazine, March 2024

 

” An accomplished album characterised by emotion and beauty… offering inventive textures, dynamics shifts and a touch of magic.”
  Neil Duggan, All About Jazz, 2025

 


01202 280000
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

Lighthouse
Arts and Entertainment
21 Kingland Road
Poole
Dorset BH15 1UG

 


Phone Ticket Sales:
Mon: 10am – 5pm / Tue-Sat: 10am – 8pm
Bookings can be made online 24/7
Counter Bookings:
Tue-Sat: 10am – 8pm

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/tC5SoqwYM9bNQr2Z/


https://www.jonlloydmusic.com


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Lloyd_(musician)

 

N-Ex-T presents Sean Noonan, Matthew Bourne & Michael Bardon at Hafan Yr Afon, Newtown, Powys.

Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025

More details

From;
https://www.hafanyrafon.com/event-details/n-ex-t-sean-noonan-matthew-bourne-michael-bardon


N-Ex-T: Sean Noonan, Matthew Bourne & Michael Bardon
Wed 10 Dec |  Newtown


The project features Sean Noonan on drums and vocals, the award-winning pianist Matthew Bourne, and double bassist Michael Bardon, forming a trio with undeniable chemistry throughout the album.

 

Time & Location
10 Dec 2025, 19:00 – 22:00
Newtown, Hafan Yr Afon, Car Park, Back Ln, Newtown SY16 2NH.

 

About the event;


A series of experimental music evenings where sound knows no boundaries and creativity has no limits.


A space for sonic adventurers, risk-takers, and the curious, N-Ex-T brings together improvisers, noise-makers, and unconventional artists to explore new territories in sound.


Whether you’re into free jazz, ambient textures, electronic explorations, or raw, unfiltered improvisation, this is a night where the unexpected thrives.

 

This month we are very excited to bring Sean Noonan, Matthew Bourne & Michael Bardon…

 

THE NOONAN TRIO
Sean Noonan (Vocals and Drums)
Matthew Bourne (Keyboards)
Mick Bardon (Double Bass)

 

Maverick science meets its match with The Noonan Trio’s first album, Inherit a Memory. The combo explores the outer boundaries of musical radicalism, speculatively blending new music, free improvisation, and rhythmic storytelling.

 

The Noonan Trio features Sean Noonan on drums and vocals, Matthew Bourne, awarded “Jazz Innovation” at the BBC Radio Jazz Awards and hailed as “the future sound of jazz” and an “unpredictable pianist,”, and double bassist Michael Bardon (Zappanation Rock Opera), forming a trio with undeniable chemistry throughout the album.

 

Sean Noonan is a celebrated N.Y. speaking drummer and composer based in London whose innovative music defies categorization. As a “rhythmic storyteller,” he crafts imaginative narratives akin to modern-day sonic griots, seamlessly blending ancient traditions of wandering minstrels with contemporary musical forms.

 

Modern Drummer Magazine highlights Noonan’s independent spirit: “Independence might be the ruling concept of this drummer-leader’s career. It defines a common relationship not only among his hands, feet, and voice, but between his art and almost everything else in drumming.”

 

Noonan’s rhythmic storytelling evolved through collaborations with artists such as Marc Ribot, Marni Nixon (legendary Hollywood songstress), Malcolm Mooney (singer from CAN), Jamaaladeen Tacuma (bassist for Ornette Coleman), Irish American folk singer Susan McKeown, Malian Griot Abdoulaye Diabaté and the London Symphony Orchestra. These cross-genre compositions explore the ensemble as an extension of a drummer’s limbs, orchestrating rhythmic language derived from the drum kit.

 

Doors 7PM
Starts 7:30PM


Help us plan well ahead and book early. There is 0% ticket fee.

Baka Beyond at Hafan Yr Afon, Newtown, Powys.

Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025

More details

From;
https://www.hafanyrafon.com/event-details/baka-beyond


Baka Beyond
Sat 22 Nov |  Newtown
Bath based Baka Beyond blend African and Celtic music into an electrifying mix that’s got everyone dancing! Their music isn’t just about beats; it’s about bridging cultures and spreading joy.


Time & Location
22 Nov 2025, 20:00 – 22:30
Newtown, Hafan Yr Afon, Car Park, Back Ln, Newtown SY16 2NH

 

About the event
Please Note this is a standing event, however, there will be chairs around the sides of Hafan for a bit of a rest

 

 

Bath based Baka Beyond blend African and Celtic music into an electrifying mix that’s got everyone dancing! Their music isn’t just about beats; it’s about bridging cultures and spreading joy.
Inspired by the Baka Pygmies of Cameroon, Baka Beyond doesn’t just play their music – they live it.


Martin Cradick and Su Hart, the brains behind the band, were so moved by the Baka’s spirit during their first visit to the Cameroon rainforest that they knew they had to share it with the world. Their album “Spirit of the Forest” catapulted them to global fame, but they’ve stayed true to their roots. To ensure the Baka people benefit from their music, they set up the charity “Global Music Exchange” and still visit the same Baka extended family to ensure that they continue to benefit.

 

From humble beginnings to a multicultural phenomenon, Baka Beyond have travelled the world with stage shows are a testament to the power of music to unite us all. With band members hailing from across the globe, each bringing their own unique flair, Baka Beyond honours the Baka philosophy: “everyone is to be listened to.”

 

The current touring unit brings the Spirit of the Forest to Hafan Yr Afon. Martin Cradick (guitar), Su Hart (vocals) and drummer Clyde Kramer have all spent time living and playing music with the Baka Pygmies in their rainforest home. Scott (percussion) brings the rhythms and colour of his native Sierra Leone into the mix, while all these elements are grounded by the solid Congolese grooves of Kibisingo (bass) who toured with Kanda Bongo Man for many years. The lineup is completed by Bella Linley (vocals) and fiddle prodigy, Ben Moneypenny bringing a Celtic flair

 

Join the celebration and let the music take you on a journey around the world!


Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/bakabeyond


Website: https://bakabeyond.net

Nearly Dan at The Jazz Cafe, Camden Town, London.

Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;


Nearly Dan are the Spirit & Sound of Steely Dan.

 


Less tribute and more homage, Nearly Dan are saviour to the growing legions of Dan fans, desperate to hear the meticulously crafted grooves and allusive lyrical style of Donald Fagen & Walter Becker. Nearly Dan’s approach is faithful, though not reverential, and relaxed but as tight as their namesakes.

 


It’s been over 40 years since the release of the first Steely Dan album Can’t buy a Thrill, featuring the hits Do It Again and Reelin’ In The Years.

 


The 9-piece Nearly Dan promise all the Steely Dan favourites in a two hour­ plus show, featuring tracks from the groove of Countdown to Ecstasy to the super cool of celebrated albums The Royal Scam, Aja, Gaucho plus Donald Fagen’s solo masterpiece The Nightfly.


https://www.seetickets.com/tour/nearly-dan-perform-steely-dan

Merope + M.Haiux at Sy Gigs, Unitarian Church, Shrewsbury.

Date: Saturday, December 06, 2025

More details

Chris Taylor of Sy ; Gigs writes;


Event 8.0 - December 6th @ The Unitarian
Merope + M.Haiux


Securing this booking is a real personal milestone. Since beginning the SY Gigs seasons, I’ve been hoping to host Merope.

Merope’s roots lie deep in the soil of Lithuania’s folk tradition, brought vividly to life by Indrė Jurgelevičiūtė’s ethereal vocals and kanklės (a traditional Lithuanian string instrument). These are interwoven with the ornate, exploratory guitar and electronics of Belgian multi-instrumentalist Bert Cools. Together, they create an intimate sound world, a celestial, contemporary reimagining of ancient Baltic music.
https://stroomtv.bandcamp.com/album/v-jula


Support on the night comes from M.Haiux, the solo project of Liverpool-based guitarist Matthew McPartlan. With minimalistic finger-picked guitar, M.Haiux crafts melodic soundscapes steeped in emotional depth and quiet power.
https://mhaiux.bandcamp.com/music


This will be a beautiful and immersive evening. There a number of early bird tickets at 2024 prices available now.


Tickets;
https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Shrewsbury/Shrewsbury-Unitarian-Church/Merope/41223526/


Saturday 6th December 2025
Shrewsbury Unitarian Church in Shrewsbury
6:30pm til 10:15pm (Performance starts 7:30pm)

Eddie Parker’s Airborn at Music Spoken Here, The Marr’s Bar, Worcester.

Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025

More details

Dave Fuller, instigator of Music Spoken Here writes;


Eddie Parker’s Airborn will be coming to Worcester in December to play our last show of 2025!
Along with Iain Ballamy (Apr 2024) and Mark Lockheart (coming up in 2026), this will leave only 18 more members of the legendary Loose Tubes ensemble (who I’ve only seen once, at their reunion gig in 2014 at Ronnie Scotts) to appear on our stage!
Life goals!

 

Featuring Eddie Parker (flute, keyboards) Rob Luft (guitar) , Jay Davis (drums) and Dave Manington (bass).

 

Original music ranging from mysterious further reaches of tonality to funky grooves and beautiful ballads, with influences from Schoenberg to Santana
Airborn began life as “a posh covers band”, playing music by Kenny Wheeler, John Taylor, John McLaughlin and Keith Jarrett. Pretty soon, former Loose Tubes flautist Eddie Parker began to write original music for the combination and the Airborn Suite emerged. The music ranges from the mysterious further reaches of tonality to funky grooves to beautiful ballads, with influences from Schoenberg to Santana.
The band features former Music Spoken Here featured artist Rob Luft on guitar, Dave Manington on bass and Jay Davis on drums.

 

 

http://www.musicspokenhere.club


Venue;
The Marrs Bar
12 Pierpoint Street
Worcester,
Worcestershire
WR1 1TA

 

TICKETS
Music Spoken Here is proud to offer exceptional live music experiences in Worcester at a price affordable to you. Our fortnightly events at The Marr’s Bar are ticketless, just show up on the night and pay what you can afford on the door.
The suggested contribution for this event is £15.
You can find out more about our admission and membership options at A New Approach
https://musicspokenhere.club/a-new-approach/

Allexa Nava at Music Spoken Here, The Marr’s Bar, Worcester.

Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025

Featuring: Allexa Nava

More details

From;
https://musicspokenhere.club/event/allexa-nava/


Allexa Nava
November 27 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm

 


Fiery saxophonist, flautist and composer from Peru making her mark on the UK scene.


I first saw London-based Peruvian saxophonist, flautist and composer Allexa Nava when she performed with the all-female Latin band Colectiva at the Brick Lane Jazz Festival in 2024. She has since been forging her solo career with the release of her debut EP ‘No Language’ in February this year, appearing on the Future Jazz Showcase program at The Jazz Cafe in London in April and plenty of other live performances in the UK and abroad. She has also been a fixture performing in the band for the “Paradise Under The Stars” Cuban experience show in London and is a regular performing and recording buddy of the young trumpeter Poppy Daniels.

 

Allexa will be performing with her quartet featuring Emile Hinton on keys, Jai Patel on trombone and Cassius Cobbson on drums.

 

TICKETS
Music Spoken Here is proud to offer exceptional live music experiences in Worcester at a price affordable to you. Our fortnightly events at The Marr’s Bar are ticketless, just show up on the night and pay what you can afford on the door.
The suggested contribution for this event is £15.
You can find out more about our admission and membership options at A New Approach
https://musicspokenhere.club/a-new-approach/

 

 


Venue;
The Marrs Bar
12 Pierpoint Street
Worcester,
Worcestershire
WR1 1TA

Rosie Frater-Taylor at Music Spoken Here, The Marr’s Bar, Worcester.

Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025

More details

From;
https://musicspokenhere.club/event/replay-session-5-rosie-frater-taylor/

Re:play Session 5 | Rosie Frater-Taylor
November 13 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm

 

An electrifying force in contemporary British jazz weaves rock, alt-pop, neo-soul, new-school jazz, and folk into her singular sound.


Making her third appearance at The Marr’s Bar, virtuoso guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Rosie Frater-Taylor returns for the final session in our Re:play series featuring artists who performed for us when we were just getting started. Rosie’s trio played the final gig of our first year on 22nd December 2022. She since returned with Steve Taylor’s Fusion Phew in May last year.


Rosie wrote, recorded, produced and released her debut album ‘On My Mind’ in 2018, comprising eight original songs with her playing guitar, ukulele, bass and singing with her dad Steve Taylor on drums. That was followed up by ‘Bloom’ in 2021 that included covers of Stevie Nicks’ Dreams (which has received over 2m streams) and Crazy by Seal.


Her third album ‘Featherweight’, released last year, draws on the legacy of luminaries such as Joni Mitchell, Pat Metheny and Steely Dan, while incorporating modern, rock-tinged influences like John Mayer, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Madison Cunningham. Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page lauded her exceptional “connection with the guitar” following her performance at the Gibson Garage launch in February last year.


Rosie will be performing in her regular trio with Dave Edwards on bass and Tom Potter (2016 Young Drummer of the Year).

 

 

TICKETS
Music Spoken Here is proud to offer exceptional live music experiences in Worcester at a price affordable to you. Our fortnightly events at The Marr’s Bar are ticketless, just show up on the night and pay what you can afford on the door.
The suggested contribution for this event is £15.
You can find out more about our admission and membership options at A New Approach
https://musicspokenhere.club/a-new-approach/



Venue;
The Marrs Bar
12 Pierpoint Street
Worcester,
Worcestershire
WR1 1TA

Resolution 88 at Music Spoken Here, The Marr’s Bar, Worcester.

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025

More details

From;
https://musicspokenhere.club/event/replay-session-4-resolution-88/


Re:play Session 4 | Resolution 88
October 23 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm

 


Original tunes steeped in 70s jazz-funk of Herbie Hancock featuring lashings of Fender Rhodes


Delighted to welcome Resolution 88 back to The Marr’s Bar for the fourth session in our Re:play series featuring five select bands and artists that played in our 2022/23 season when we were just getting started.

 

Resolution 88 have established themselves as one of the UK’s leading exponents of funk jazz. Their music fuses the sound of the modern London jazz scene with the inspirational greats of the 70’s such as Herbie Hancock’s Head Hunters and the classic Mizell Brothers productions on Blue Note and is synonymous with the beautiful sound of the Fender Rhodes.

 

The lineup features bandleader Tom O’Grady on keys and sees the return of Tom Smith on sax (Tom was a last minute dep when Tristan Banks played for us in April 2023). The lineup is completed with Tiago Coimbra (bass), Oli Blake (percussion) and Ric Elsworth (drums).



TICKETS
Music Spoken Here is proud to offer exceptional live music experiences in Worcester at a price affordable to you. Our fortnightly events at The Marr’s Bar are ticketless, just show up on the night and pay what you can afford on the door.
The suggested contribution for this event is £15.
You can find out more about our admission and membership options at A New Approach
https://musicspokenhere.club/a-new-approach/

 

Venue;
The Marrs Bar
12 Pierpoint Street
Worcester,
Worcestershire
WR1 1TA

Emily Masser Quartet at Cheltenham Jazz Club, The Irving Studio,Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, Glos.

Date: Monday, October 27, 2025

Featuring: Emily Masser Quartet

More details

From;
https://www.cheltenhamjazz.co.uk/

THE EMILY MASSER QUARTET
WHEN: 8.00 pm, Monday 27 October 2025
WHERE: The Irving Studio,Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
Tickets: £20.00

 

Emily Masser – Vocals
Matyas Gayer – Piano
James Owston - Bass
Steve Brown – Drums

 

Rising star Emily Masser is an astonishing vocalist. She first sang at Cheltenham Jazz Club in January 2024 as a member of the The Clark Tracy Quintet, with the quintet’s debut album, “Introducing Emily Masser”, showcasing her arrangements and vocals. She will be performing tonight with her own quartet. Featuring a mix of modern twists on jazz standards and Emily’s vocal approach to vocalese and bebop.

 

Tickets available from the Everyman Theatre Box Office 01242 572573 or http://www.everymantheatre.org.uk


https://emilymasser.co.uk/

Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival 2026, Moseley Park, Birmingham,

Dates: Friday, July 10, 2026 - Sunday, July 12, 2026

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival
10th – 12th July 2026. Moseley Park, Birmingham.
https://mostlyjazz.co.uk/

Fugue and Groove Jazz Trio at Fentham Hall Jazz Club, Marsh Lane, Solihull.

Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;


Tuesday 17th March
Evening
Fentham Hall Jazz Club, Marsh Lane, Solihull, B92 0AH

Boo Hewerdine & Reg Meuross Duo plus Deborah Rose at Red Lion Folk Club, King’s Heath, Birmingham.

Date: Wednesday, November 05, 2025

More details

From;
https://www.redlionfolkclub.uk/


Nov 5th
Boo Hewerdine & Reg Meuross
Plus Deborah Rose
£17

 

Experience an unforgettable evening with Boo Hewerdine and Reg Meuross as they embark on a co-headline tour that promises to captivate audiences with their exceptional musical talents. Boo Hewerdine, renowned for his work with The Bible and collaborations with artists like Eddi Reader, is celebrated for his poignant lyrics and unforgettable melodies. Reg Meuross, acclaimed for his evocative songs and masterful storytelling, has a rich discography that has earned him both critical praise and a devoted following.

 

The Red Lion,
Vicarage Road
King’s Heath,
Birmingham B14 7LY.


Wednesday 7.45 pm. Doors open 7.15 pm.
Finish around 10.30 pm.

Janette Mason – ReWired at Jazz at Progress, Progress Theatre, Reading, Berkshire.

Date: Friday, December 05, 2025

Featuring: Janette Mason

More details

From;
From;
https://www.jazzinreading.com/jazz/jazz-at-progress/?future=true

Jazz at Progress | Janette Mason – ReWired | Tickets on sale soon
Friday 5 December 2025 | Progress Theatre, Reading | 7: 30pm | £20.00 (£18.00 concessions, £10 under 16) plus maximum 5% booking fee.


Janette Mason keyboard
Tom Mason bass
Eric Ford drums
Janette Mason – ReWired


‘A substantial triumph for Janette Mason as she breathes new jazz life into this well chosen selection of tunes. Her arrangements are intelligent, imaginative and sophisticated.’ Ian Mann (The Jazzmann) ****


Janette Mason is a jazz pianist, a composer for film and TV, an arranger and producer of all genres from jazz to soul to pop, and a dedicated and heartfelt musical communicator. Over the course of a thirty-year career she has quietly but emphatically made her presence felt, delighting audiences with her skills in all kinds of settings, from tiny jazz clubs to international film and TV projects.


Whether leading her own trio, playing sessions with Oasis, Pulp, or Seal, working with legendary producer Tony Visconti, launching her latest project AYRA in collaboration with vocal legend Juliet Roberts, teaching jazz at Bradfield College or fulfilling her role as Artist in Residence at Twickenham Theatre, Janette always stays true to her core values – a commitment to musical excellence, combined with a generous, giving sensibility that reaches out to audiences and ensures that the message in the music is always there to be heard.


Janette says that her direct influences as a keyboard player were Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea. Her own playing on her latest album, ‘ReWired’ has been described as ‘a triumph of elegant tones and passionate swing’. It took her six months to tie down the rights to the eight songs she reinterprets: ‘Cars’ (Gary Numan), ‘John, I’m Only Dancing’ (David Bowie), ‘Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered’ (Rodgers and Hart), ‘Good 4 U’ (Olivia Rodrigo), ‘The Man with the Child in His Eyes’ (Kate Bush), ‘Eleanor Rigby’ (Beatles), ‘Lullaby of Birdland’ (George Shearing) and ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ (Noel Gallagher).

 

Janette will be joined by:


Tom Mason, one of the most versatile double bassists and bass guitarists on the UK music scene.  His résumé of recordings, performances and tours boasts artists such as Lizz Wright, Mark Ronson and Jamie Cullum. Tom has also been long-term member of award-winning pianist Robert Mitchell’s Panacea.


Eric Ford on drums, has performed across the globe and played on around sixty albums. He has worked with musicians as diverse as Ronnie Laws, Marc Almond, Clare Teal, The London Jazz Orchestra and Jason Rebello. He will be familiar to Progress audiences for his performances with the acclaimed contemporary jazz trio Partikel, the Scott Willcox Big Band and Chris Biscoe’s celebration of Mike Westbrook


‘My career has come full circle,’ Janette explained in a recent interview. ‘I am now working on and playing music I listened to and was influenced by as a teenager. Sometimes I can’t believe that has happened. I have reached a point in life where I just feel happy. That’s where I am at and If audiences enjoy even a small percentage of it, and it takes them somewhere else, that will be wonderful.’


Full details of the album ‘Rewired ‘are available here.
https://propermusic.com/products/janettemason-rewired

 

Progress Theatre
progress theatre - jazz in reading
http://www.progresstheatre.co.uk | The Mount, Off Christchurch Road, Reading RG1 5HL
Bar at all gigs from 7:00pm. Drinks may be taken into the auditorium during performances.
Progress Theatre is a self-governing, self-funding theatre group founded in 1947, maintained by volunteers. The Theatre itself is an intimate 95-seat venue. It is the oldest operating theatre in Reading and has a fully licensed bar. There is wheelchair access to the Theatre with a space for disabled patrons. In 2011 Sir Kenneth Branagh became the Patron to Progress Theatre.

The Freddie Gavita Quartet in Homage to Freddie Hubbard at Jazz at Progress, Progress Theatre, Reading, Berkshire.

Date: Friday, November 07, 2025

Featuring: Freddie Gavita

More details

From;
https://www.jazzinreading.com/jazz/jazz-at-progress/?future=true


Jazz at Progress | The Freddie Gavita Quartet in Homage to Freddie Hubbard | Tickets on sale soon
Friday 7 November 2025 | Progress Theatre, Reading | 7: 30pm | £20.00 (£18.00 concessions, £10 under 16) plus maximum 5% booking fee.


Freddie Gavita trumpet
Tom Cawley keys
Daniel Casimir bass
Mez Clough drums


The Freddie Gavita Quartet in Homage to Freddie Hubbard
Quite a line up to perform music of one of the finest trumpeters in jazz, Freddie Hubbard. He came of age as a soloist in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers from 1961 to 1965. Ten albums for Blue Note and featured on several classic recorded albums with Oliver Nelson, John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, to name but a few! Hubbard died in 2008 and deserves to be remembered as being among the jazz greats.
We are therefore delighted to host this gig with wonderful musicians led by 2017 British Jazz Award “Best Trumpeter” Freddie Gavita, who has long been an admirer of Hubbard and will add to our knowledge of his legacy.
Apart from Daniel Casimir, the three other members of the quartet are new to Jazz In Reading. However, there was a livestream quartet performance by Guildford Jazz in Covid afflicted February 2021, a review of which by Trevor Bannister is on our website.
Here is a quote from the review “The spellbinding quality of Freddie’s individual voice was immediately obvious in the opening bars of his own composition ‘Yearning’; understated, flawlessly executed, beautifully articulated and warm in tone. He allows the music space to breathe and to grow in its own way”.  Freddie is a regular member of the house band at Ronnie Scott’s, apart from performing nationwide in various formats.

 

Tom Cawley (1998 Young Musician of the Year) is a regular in the quartet and a senior member of the UK’s jazz establishment being a composer, arranger, band leader and professor of Jazz piano at the Royal Academy of Music. He has released several acclaimed albums with his “Tom Cawley’s Curios” band.

 

Daniel Casimir (2021 Instrumentalist Of The Year in the Jazz FM Award) was bassist with Jean Toussaint for a memorable gig at Progress December 2018 – the “Brother Raymond Tour.” Since then, Dan has hit the heights and won awards for his music and playing. Formed his own big band and continues to creatively push the boundaries in jazz.


Finally, drummer and multi-instrumentalist, Mez Clough, has toured and performed with numerous hugely well-known artists from various genres in the music industry. He is also the regular percussionist for Madness.


We believe that an exciting evening of jazz awaits. Please come and enjoy it with us.


Carlos Varela and guest Diana Fuentes at New Jersey Performing Arts Centre (NJPAC), Newark, New Jersey, USA.

Date: Friday, November 21, 2025

More details

We have received the following press release regarding this event;


Just Announced - Tix On Sale for Cuban Luminaries Carlos Varela and Diana Fuentes in Concert in Newark, Nov 21

 

Announcing Cuban Musical Sensations, Carlos Varela and Diana Fuentes, to Perform at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Nov 21

 

NJPAC
One Center Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
http://www.njpac.org


FRI 11.21 @ 7:30 p.m. CARLOS VARELA with special guest DIANA FUENTES
Carlos Varela – vocals + guitar
Diana Fuentes - vocals


Known as the “Poet of Havana”, the immensely popular Cuban singer-songwriter Carlos Varela has dedicated his 30-year music career to expressing “the problems of my people.” His poetic lyrics speak to the promise and pain of Cuba across generations, with complex emotion and powerful imagery. His message has been banned and censored by Cuban authorities, but his songs, like 2000’s “Una Palabra,” continue to resonate around the world. As Carlos explains: “Words can transform. They can reach your soul and your heart. They can shake your bones. They can change your life, and that can’t be lost.”


Special guest Diana Fuentes is a Cuban singer-songwriter known for her sparkling voice and her fusion of pop, R&B and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. She began as a vocalist in Síntesis and Carlos Varela’s band, earning Latin GRAMMY® nominations. She was the first Cuban female artist signed to Sony Music Latin since Celia Cruz, earning two Gold Records and one Platinum Record.


This performance is part of the TD Jazz Series and Dodge Poetry, and receives additional support from the Gia Maione Prima Foundation.

 

About NJPAC
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States.  It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey — where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day.  As New Jersey’s anchor cultural institution, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the State’s and the world’s best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city.  Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts.  NJPAC has attracted more than 11 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.  Visit http://www.njpac.org for more information.

 


Sponsorship
About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®
For the 14th consecutive year, TD Bank is the title sponsor of all jazz programming during NJPAC’s season, including free community performances and educational events, as well as mainstage concerts showcasing jazz superstars. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S. by assets, providing over 10 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,100 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Auto Finance, a division of TD Bank, N.A., offers vehicle financing and dealer commercial services. TD Bank and its subsidiaries also offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J.
To learn more, visit http://www.td.com/us. Find TD Bank on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/TDBank_US/
TD Bank is a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, a top 10 North American bank. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD”. To learn more, visit http://www.td.com/us.

Lichfield Jazz Big Band Christmas Special at St. Annes Church, Burntwood, Lichfield, Staffs,

Date: Friday, December 19, 2025

More details

23/06/2025
Nick Dewhurst has forwarded the following information regarding this event;


It might be a bit too early to be thinking about Christmas…or is it?


Well - it’s now under 6 months until the “world-famous” Lichfield Jazz Big Band Christmas Special gig happens in 2025, and I wanted to let you know about an EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ticket that I’m running on my website for the next month!


Here’s what you need to know….


Friday 19th December 2025
The Lichfield Jazz Big Band play their legendary Christmas Big Band show exclusively in the stunning venue which is St Anne’s Church in Burntwood.
Featuring 16 of the finest Jazz musicians from across the Midlands, the LJBB will play arrangements of Christmas & festive tunes like you’ve never heard before!
Doors will open at 7pm, and the show will run from 7.45-9.45pm with a short interval.  There will be light refreshments available from the church. 


Tickets for the concert will cost £15, and will be available from my website as well as on the door, however, between now and the 23rd of July, there will be an early bird discounted ticket, costing £13.  You can purchase these tickets here: http://www.nickdewhurst.com/box-office


So - as is always the case with this gig, get your tickets early as it always sells really well!


If you’ve any questions about the gig, please send me an email & I’ll be happy to help.


Thanks all - and back to the summer now! 


All the very best,
Nick


Nick Dewhurst Music
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
http://www.nickdewhurst.com

Colosseum / Soft Machine double bill at Cadogan Hall, London.

Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;


Progressive Jazz Rock Legends COLOSSEUM + SOFT MACHINE

 


Colosseum came to fame in 1969 when the band led by legendary drummer Jon Hiseman released its debut album Those Who Are About To Die Salute You. Best selling studio albums followed, notably Valentyne Suite (1969) and The Daughter of Time is Truth (1970). Changes in personnel saw the arrival of the soulful Chris Farlowe, famed for his Sixties chart hit Out Of Time and Clem Clempson, the young blues guitar virtuoso and vocalist and bass player Mark Clarke. However, the group broke up in 1971 and the musicians went their separate ways.

 

 

Named after the William S. Burroughs novel The Soft Machine, the Canterbury-scene legends Soft Machine were formed by Daevid Allen, Kevin Ayers, Mike Ratledge, & Robert Wyatt in 1966. Soft Machine shared the stage with the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Pink Floyd, The Velvet Underground, Frank Zappa and more. A series of incredible albums were released before the band split in 1978.

 

https://www.seetickets.com/event/colosseum-soft-machine/cadogan-hall/3291562

 

Cadogan Hall, London SW1X 9DQ
Thursday 27 November 2025 at 18:00.
Performing
Colosseum Soft Machine

 

Other Voices Festival, various venues, Cardigan, Wales.

Dates: Thursday, October 30, 2025 - Sunday, November 02, 2025

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

12/06/2025

We have received the following press release;

 

First Wave of Music Trail Acts Revealed for Other Voices Cardigan 2025


Advance ticket price of £40 ends 30th June
30 October – 1 November 2025
Live & Online from West Wales
Wristbands are now just £40, rising to £65 from 1st July


 

Other Voices Cardigan returns to West Wales this autumn, bringing another brilliant weekend of music, story and song to venues throughout the historic town of Cardigan.
This year’s Trail spans more than ten unique venues across town - from pubs and chapels, newly repurposed spaces and many returning favourites - promising yet another unforgettable weekend of live music and buzzing energy. Today, the first wave of artists for the 2025 Music Trail is revealed - a selection of artists spanning genres and sounds from Ireland and Wales.

 


With many more to be announced, the first wave of artists announced includes:

 


Baby Brave / Bruna Garcia / Curtisy / Daithí / Danielle Lewis / David Murphy / Ellie O’Neill / God Knows / Gwen Siôn / Joshua Burnside / Kidsmoke / Makeshift Art Bar / Molly Palmer / Morn / Qbanaa / Roís / Salamay / Séamus & Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta / Siula /  Still Blue / Taff Rapids / Talulah / Tessio / The Factory Set / Tokomololo / Tramp / Wrkhouse

 


Plus changes to St Mary’s Church Entry for 2025, and First Church Acts to be Announced Soon!

 


As always, St Mary’s Church will host a series of one-of-a-kind, intimate headline performances broadcast live to the world for free via the Other Voices YouTube channel, and streamed to a cinema screen in Mwldan so everyone can share in the experience.


New for 2025, all festival wristband holders will have the opportunity to attend St Mary’s Church performances on a first-come, first-served basis. Each artist will have a designated slot, with the Church cleared between sets to give as many people as possible the chance to attend. No separate tickets are needed - just join the queue for the artists you’d like to see and experience the magic inside St Mary’s.

 

 

The Clebran sessions return for 2025, with powerful conversations, thought-provoking interviews and fresh ideas that explore the issues shaping our world today. The full Clebran programme will be revealed soon - keep an eye out.

 

And following the success of last year, Clebran on the Trail also returns, bringing intimate conversations with this year’s performers to venues across town.



Advance wristbands are available now for just £40, granting access to all Music Trail performances, Clebran sessions and Church performances (subject to capacity). From 1st July, the price will rise to £65. Get yours now at othervoices.ie and join us for another wonderful weekend in Cardigan!

 

Philip King, founder of Other Voices, says:
“We always look forward to bringing Other Voices to Aberteifi/Cardigan and our 2025 programme will highlight the abundant and diverse range of brilliant new music that is flowing out of Ireland and Wales today. This year’s Clebran series of trilingual conversations will look at big picture issues through the lens of the local, with a perspective that reflects the shared as well as the many distinct identities in Ireland and Wales that we celebrate here through our languages and music. With our partners at Mwldan and Triongl, we are grateful for the opportunity to play our part in deepening and strengthening our Ireland-Wales connections as envisaged by our two Governments in the Ireland-Wales Shared Statement and Joint Action Plan 2021-25. We look forward to seeing Other Voices/Lleisiau Eraill continuing to grow and flourish in the coming years.”

 

 

Dilwyn Davies, CEO of Mwldan, says:
“We’re utterly delighted to be able to bring the fifth physical edition of Other Voices to Aberteifi in 2025. Year on year, we’ve seen fantastic growth in audience numbers as the word has spread about what a special festival experience this is. We’re ready to welcome audiences and artists from Ireland, Wales and elsewhere to our gorgeous small town on the westerly edge of Wales to create and share some unforgettable magic. We’re also deeply indebted to our funders for supporting this fantastic event.”


Other Voices Cardigan is produced by South Wind Blows in partnership with Mwldan and Triongl, with support from the Welsh Government, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Ceredigion County Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and BBC Cymru Wales. Other Voices Cardigan will be filmed for future television broadcast on BBC Cymru Wales and RTÉ, and on BBC iPlayer and RTÉ Player.

 

Stay tuned for more acts and programme details coming soon.

 



http://www.othervoices.ie

 


Other Voices
Other Voices started as a one-off music event in a small church in Dingle, a small fishing village in the west of Ireland and over the last 23 years the idea has grown. Other Voices is now an established fixture in the musical calendar – a ‘must attend’ event for performers and audiences alike. It has led to the creation of an international music TV series and, in turn, a global cultural movement celebrating local stories on an international scale. Other Voices has travelled to London, Belfast, New York, Austin, Texas and Berlin.

 

Mwldan
Mwldan is an independent Arts Centre and cinema based in Cardigan. The venue presents a multi-artform live programme and screens around 3000 films and live broadcasts annually. A major producing venue, Mwldan is behind international collaborations such as Catrin Finch and Aoife Ní Bhriain. In 2017 Mwldan started the record label bendigedig in partnership with ARC Music Productions Ltd, operating a 360-degree model of artist management, agenting, producing, releasing, PR and marketing. A not-for-profit registered charity and social enterprise, the organisation has an annual turnover of £1.7 million (pre-Covid) and employs a staff team of 25.
http://www.mwldan.co.uk | @TheatrMwldan

 


Triongl
Triongl is a TV and Film production company established in 2017 by Nora Ostler and Alec Spiteri and joined by Gethin Scourfield in 2018. All three are experienced producers with a track record of producing high quality, award-winning content. They will be documenting ‘Other Voices/Lleisiau Eraill’ for an hour’s special edition for later broadcast on S4C and RTÉ.
http://www.triongl.cymru | @triongl_tv

Keyon Harrold at 229, London.

Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025

More details

We have received the following press release regarding this event;


Direct from the USA, KEYON HARROLD

 


“Keyon Harrold is the future of the trumpet”
Wynton Marsalis

 


Award-winning trumpeter, vocalist, songwriter, and producer Keyon Harrold announces an exclusive London concert promoting his GRAMMY nominated album ‘Foreverland’ which guest appearances from Laura Mvula, Malaya, Common, Robert Glasper & PJ Morton.

 


Keyon Harrold first came into the International spotlight for his work as the trumpet voice behind the GRAMMY winning Don Cheadle film ‘Miles Ahead’, and his critically acclaimed album, ‘The Mugician’, (Sony Legacy/Mass Appeal). As a bandleader, he has created a compelling new statement with a riveting mix of jazz, Afrobeat, soul, spoken word, & hip-hop.


Keyon Harrold has collaborated with Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, Beyonce, Rihanna, Eminem, Maxwell, Anthony Hamilton, Keith Richards, and Jeff Beck.

 

Tickets;
https://www.seetickets.com/event/keyon-harrold/229/3402557


Tuesday 21 October 2025 at 19:00.


229,
229 Great Portland Street,
London W1W 5PN

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipFtGz0_dAg


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqKsAdpYh64

 

Stella Cole at Saffron Hall, Saffron Walden.

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;


Saturday 15 November, Saffron Hall


Stella Cole
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Stella Cole — the dazzling vocalist breathing new life into the Great American Songbook with vintage charm, modern flair, and show-stopping style.


Tickets here;
https://serious.org.uk/events/stella-cole-2

 

SAFFRON WALDEN Saffron Hall,
Audley End Road
CB11 4UH

K-Music Festival 2025, various venues, London.

Dates: Wednesday, October 01, 2025 - Thursday, November 20, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;

1 October - 20 November 2025

 

K-Music Festival 2025


From 1 Oct to 20 Nov, the K-Music Festival returns with its most ambitious line-up, celebrating the richness and innovation of Korean music like never before! Explore bold boundary-pushing sounds, from powerful post-rock and experimental jazz to immersive ritual performances and world-premiere orchestral works. ⁠

 

Further information and tickets here;
https://serious.org.uk/k-music-2025

EFG London Jazz Festival 2025, various venues, London.

Dates: Friday, November 14, 2025 - Sunday, November 23, 2025

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

26/03/2025

 

We have received the following press release;

 

SERIOUS
Announce First Names For
EFG LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL 2025
Including Tanita Tikaram, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Tune-Yards, Makaya McCraven and Hiromi
14-23 November 2025


Now entering its 33rd year, the global celebration of music, EFG London Jazz Festival, is announcing the first names for its 2025 edition, which takes place from 14-23 November. For 10 days and nights musicians from all over the world will come together in London to perform boundary-pushing music that showcases jazz and its influence across genres and cultures.



Jazz transcends borders, blending various musical traditions around the world and bringing together diverse communities through the shared language of music. EFG London Jazz Festival has always embraced collaborations between musicians from all over the globe with jazz and its surrounding genres’ openness to diversity, creativity and unity, while continuing to evolve and inspire musicians and audiences worldwide.


Grammy and Tony Award-winning Jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater is bringing her WE EXIST! show to the Barbican on Saturday, 15 November. Bridgewater has had a glittering four-decade career reimagining jazz classics, ascending to the upper echelon of vocalists, uniquely spinning standards and taking intrepid leaps of faith.

 

When she was just 18 years old, Tanita Tikaram achieved worldwide recognition, selling over 4 million of her debut album, ‘Ancient Heart’, defying previous female music stereotypes, and defining her in the eyes of music history. She returns for the first time in 8 years to make a rare performance at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on Saturday, 15 November.


Following the announcement of their new album Better Dreaming, Tune-Yards, the music project of Merrill Garbus and Nate Brenner, are performing at the EFG London Jazz Festival on 22 November at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall. Known for their vibrant fusion of indie pop, Afrobeat and experimental loops, Tune-Yards gained widespread acclaim with w h o k i l l in 2011, which featured the breakout hit “Bizness” and won the Village Voice Pazz & Jop critics’ poll. Tune-Yards’ music is characterised by layered vocals, polyrhythmic beats, and socially conscious lyrics, tackling themes of race, privilege, and politics.


Over more than 20 years as a recording artist, the jazz piano phenomenon Hiromi has shifted seamlessly from one spellbinding project to the next. In the process, she’s earned a reputation as one of the most explosive live performers in jazz history and a global ambassador for the art form. She performs on Friday, 21 November at the Barbican, which follows her 2023 performance at the same venue for the festival for which The Arts Desk enthused: “as breathtaking for its energy as for its brilliant versatility” in their 5-star review.

 


A midweek highlight will see the return of Makaya McCraven to the festival following his Sold Out show at the Barbican in 2023, which the Financial Times said was “like being immersed in a recording session in which each song was a master take”. This year, the prodigiously talented drummer and composer takes over KOKO in Camden on Wednesday, 19 November.

 

At the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on Saturday, 15 November is acclaimed Grammy Award-winning mandolinist, singer, songwriter, and composer, Chris Thile. A multifaceted musical talent, described by The Guardian as “that rare being: an all-round musician,” and hailed by NPR as a “genre-defying musical genius,” Thile is a founding member of the highly influential string bands Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek, and has collaborated with countless luminaries from Yo-Yo Ma to Fiona Apple to Brad Mehldau.

 

The following night at Cadogan Hall, Kurt Elling and The Yellowjackets Celebrate Weather Report. Known for his singular combination of robust swing and poetic insight, the two-time Grammy winner brings his one-of-a-kind brand of contemporary lyricism and vocal ingenuity to jazz. This celebration of Weather Report, one of jazz’s great supergroups, will reimagine the fusion band’s iconic songs in addition to new arrangements inspired by their constellation of musicians.

 

Closing the first weekend on Sunday, 16 November at Village Underground is American Neo Soul star Bilal, who returns to the spotlight following the success of his two album releases in 2024. His latest, Adjust Brightness, is a giant step forward, as Bilal merges his organic, soulful roots with experimental electronic influences inspired by artists like Aphex Twin and Stereolab. Fans can expect an immersive sonic experience that defies genre conventions, as Bilal continues to evolve and refine his unique style.


Trombonist, singer and composer Rita Payés is one of the standout emerging talents of the Sant Andreu Jazz Band, the nucleus from which some of the most promising young musicians on the jazz scene in Spain have emerged in recent years. She performs at the EFG London Jazz Festival for the first time at Union Chapel on Wednesday, 19 November.



At the Union Chapel on Thursday, 20 November is pianist and composer Fergus McCreadie whose music is a unique blend of jazz and Scottish folk inspired by his country’s sublime landscapes. McCreadie’s music captures the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide, with an appeal that extends far beyond the constraints of genre. Also performing that evening is trumpeter and synthesist Laura Jurd whose unique approach to the trumpet is celebrated in the work that she creates. Laura’s love of folk traditions can often be heard in her music, alongside a background in classical composition, taking twists and turns that both invite surprise and evoke the inevitable.

 

Following their Sold Out show at last year’s EFG London Jazz Festival, GeeJay return with their strong, soulful and emotionally-charged songs to Islington Assembly Hall on Thursday, 20 November. Expect vintage jazzy chords and groovy rhythms, with saxophone adding a further element to the melodic mix.

 

The festival will once again launch at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall with Jazz Voice, the glittering opening gala featuring star vocalists reimagining timeless songs for the specially-created EFG London Jazz Festival Orchestra and guest conductor. Taking place on Friday, 14 November, this year’s all-star names will be revealed soon.



EFG London Jazz Festival is a place to explore music and to celebrate the legacy and the future of an inspiring musical universe.



EFG London Jazz Festival Director, Pelin Opcin, said:
“The EFG London Jazz Festival 2025 is all about celebrating global talent, with incredible artists from the UK and around the world performing in venues across London this November. We’re excited to announce the first artists in this year’s lineup, from emerging musicians to iconic performers. As ever, the Festival will feature never-before-seen performances, including one-off collaborations and new commissions. A special thank you to the Festival’s title sponsor, EFG Private Bank, for their continued support; our shared values of innovation, collaboration and diversity are so important to the ongoing success of the Festival. We can’t wait to welcome audiences back in November to experience the unforgettable magic of live music.”

 

Serious would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of their partners, particularly the extended support of title sponsor EFG, which helps to support the breadth and diversity of the festival. The EFG London Jazz Festival is made possible thanks to the support of many key sponsors and funders, including Arts Council England, Serious Trust, PRSF, BBC Radio 3, Champagne Thienot, Jazzwise Magazine and Jazz FM UK.



EFG London Jazz Festival Shows

 

14 Nov - Jazz Voice - Royal Festival Hall

 

15 Nov - We Exist! The Dee Dee Bridgewater Quartet - Barbican

 

15 Nov - Tanita Tikaram - Royal Festival Hall

 

15 Nov - Chris Thile - Queen Elizabeth Hall

 

15 Nov - Kurt Elling and The Yellowjackets Celebrate Weather Report - Cadogan Hall

 

16 Nov - Bilal - Village Underground

 

19 Nov - Makaya McCraven - KOKO

 

19 Nov - Rita Payés - Union Chapel

 

20 Nov - Fergus McCreadie + Laura Jurd - Union Chapel

 

20 Nov - GeeJay - Islington Assembly Hall

 

21 Nov - Hiromi’s Sonicwonder - Barbican

 

22 Nov - Tune-Yards - Royal Festival Hall

 

Praise for 2024 edition

 

“beautifully curated” - The Guardian, ★★★★★

 

“The incredible musical jamboree of the EFG London Jazz Festival is our yearly reminder that the jazz scene has never been more various” - The Telegraph, ★★★★★



“exceptional” - The Times, ★★★★



“November can be a month to hunker down for the onset of winter and its weather, and where better to do that than in one of the myriad venues across the capital” - The Arts Desk, ★★★★



“there’s a noticeable buzz amongst the crowd amassing” - Clash

 


Serious is one of the UK’s leading producers of live jazz, international and new music through concerts, festivals, tours, digital shows, talent development schemes, learning and participation programmes, and bespoke events for all.
https://serious.org.uk/



EFG International is a global private banking group offering private banking and asset management services and is headquartered in Zurich. EFG International’s group of private banking businesses operates in around 40 locations worldwide. Its registered shares (EFGN) are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.
https://www.efginternational.com/uk

 

Remi Harris, ‘Man of the World ; The Music of Peter Green’, at The Regal, Tenbury Wells, Worcs.

Date: Saturday, November 01, 2025

Featuring: Remi Harris

More details

From;
https://www.regaltenbury.co.uk/events/man-of-the-world-the-music-of-peter-green-1

Man of the World: The Music of Peter Green
Saturday 1 November 2025
7:30 pm 9:30 pm
Regal Tenbury Trust
49 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells, Worcs. , WR15 8AE

 

Celebrating the life and music of Peter Green, founder of the original Fleetwood Mac. Guitarist Remi Harris will be joined by vocalist Dave Small, bassist Tom Moore and Nicky Waters on drums to perform music from throughout Peter Green’s career. Including such classics as Man Of The World, Black Magic Woman, Need Your Love So Bad, Albatross and The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown).


“A highly enjoyable show that featured some much loved material from the ‘Golden Era’ of the first edition of Fleetwood Mac, alongside some less familiar gems from the Bluesbreakers’ catalogue… The standard of the playing was excellent throughout” thejazzmann.com


“this was a band that brought vivid life to the songs and instrumentals written and performed by Peter Green… The songs were treated with proper respect, but each of the musicians played things with taste and accuracy” Lichfield Live

 

 

Bath Jazz Weekend 2026 at Widcombe Social Club, Bath.

Dates: Friday, January 09, 2026 - Sunday, January 11, 2026

Featuring: Various Artists

More details

Bath Jazz Weekend - on the ever shifting first full weekend of January - will happen next year on Friday 9, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January 2026.  Make sure you put it in your diary now!

Curved Air at The Forge, Camden, London.

Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025

More details

We have received the following information regarding this event;

British Progressive Rock Group CURVED AIR

 

Curved Air are a pioneering English progressive rock group formed in 1970 by musicians from mixed artistic backgrounds, including classical, folk, and electronic sound. The resulting sound of the band was a mixture of progressive rock, folk rock, and fusion with classical elements.


Along with High Tide and East of Eden, Curved Air were one of the first rock bands after It’s a Beautiful Day, The Flock and The United States of America to feature a violin.


Curved Air released eight studio albums, the first three of which broke the UK Top 20, and had a hit single with Back Street Luv which reached #4 in the UK Singles Chart.


The Forge, Camden, London NW17NL
Thursday 13 November 2025 at 19:00

 

https://www.seetickets.com/event/curved-air/the-forge-camden/3225819