Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival 2026 -  first wave of artists announced.

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival has announced Fabio & Grooverider & The Outlook Orchestra, and Jalen Ngonda, as the first two headline acts for 2026. The event takes place in Moseley Park, Birmingham

We have received the following press release;

Mostly Jazz 2026 first wave of artists announced

Fabio & Grooverider and The Outlook Orchestra
Jalen Ngonda
Thee Sacred Souls
Gabriels (DJ set)
Annie & The Caldwells
Close Counters
Olive Jones

Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival
Friday 10 to Sunday 12 July 2025
Moseley Park, Birmingham.

Birmingham’s Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival have announced Fabio & Grooverider and The Outlook Orchestra, and Jalen Ngonda, as their first two headline acts for 2026 (Friday 10 to Sunday 12

July 2026).

Fabio & Grooverider are the undisputed godfathers of drum’n'bass. Through their own residencies, releases and award-winning radio shows, they’ve championed, developed and steered the genre for over 30 years. Back after a string of sell-out dates (including London’s Royal Albert Hall in the spring), their collaboration with The Outlook Orchestra (Friday) is an exuberant celebration of the history of drum’n'bass/ jungle, with a set of classic anthems like you’ve never heard them before.

Following an outstanding afternoon performance at 2025’s Mostly Jazz, American singer-songwriter Jalen Ngonda makes a much anticipated return to the festival – this time in a headline slot (Sunday). One of the most captivating performers on today’s soul scene, Jalen’s voice - equal parts raw feeling and elegance - exudes confidence and charm.

Also appearing on the final day are fellow Daptone artistes Thee Sacred Souls. Hailing from San Diego, the breakout trio mix the easy going grace of sweet ’60s soul with the grit and groove of early ’70s R&B.

Also joining Fabio & Grooverider and Jalen over the festival weekend are Mississippi gospel disco soul family band Annie & The Caldwells, whose recent debut album, Can’t Lose My (Soul) was welcomed with a raft of five and four-star reviews, and Ryan Hope, from hitmakers Gabriels, with a special DJ set.

Award-winning Australian electronic duo Close Counters, whose diverse sound sits at the crossroads of house, neo-soul, broken beat and disco, and singer-songwriter Olive Jones, who’ll be highlighting tracks from her debut album For Mary (out in March), also appear – with further acts to be revealed in the new year.

Taking place in the idyllic surroundings of Moseley Park, the annual three-day event is a short distance away from Birmingham’s city centre, yet a world away from city life. With sloping grounds, creating a natural amphitheatre in front of the beautiful lake, it hosts some of the best jazz, funk, soul and dance artists from across the UK and further afield.

John Fell, Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul’s Manager, said:
“We’re delighted to reveal two of our headliners for 2026’s festival. Fabio & Grooverider are D&B royalty, and their team-up with The Outlook Orchestra demonstrates their unwavering commitment to the genre, as well as their forward-thinking attitude, while Jalen Ngonda is one of the best soul voices there is. Up there with some of the ’60s greats, Jalen’s soulful performance in 2025 blew everyone away and we can’t wait to welcome him back in what’s shaping up to be his big break-through year.”

Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival runs from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 July 2026 at Moseley Park, Birmingham. Tickets on sale from Friday 19 December 2025, 10am. For full details, see: mostlyjazz.co.uk

Friday 10 to Sunday 12 July 2026
Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival
Moseley Park and Pool, 93b Alcester Road, Birmingham B13 8DD
Details / tickets: http://www.mostlyjazz.co.uk

TICKETS:
Tier 1: SOLD OUT
Tier 2 [ON SALE FRIDAY 19 DECEMBER 2025 10AM]: Adult Weekend £157.50; Adult Day: £56; Family Weekend £357; U18 Weekend £64; U18 Day£33. + Booking Fee
Payment plans on all orders with Kaboodle - split over 4 months.

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FRIDAY 10 JULY 2026
Fabio & Grooverider and The Outlook Orchestra
More acts to be revealed ...

SATURDAY 11 JULY 2026
(Headline act to be announced)
Annie & The Caldwells
Close Counters
More acts to be revealed ...

SUNDAY 12 JULY 2026
Jalen Ngonda
Thee Sacred Souls
More acts to be revealed ...
Plus Gabriels (DJ set) and Olive Jones, with more artists to be announced in the New Year.

ABOUT MOSTLY JAZZ FUNK AND SOUL FESTIVAL
Debuting in 2010, Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival is a diverse, vibrant festival, celebrating ground-breaking, innovative UK music alongside international trailblazers. Held in Moseley Park, a stunning 11-acre woodland glade in the heart of Moseley Village, the festival is just two miles from the centre of Birmingham, yet is a world away from city life. With sloping grounds, creating a natural amphitheatre in front of the beautiful lake, it’s the perfect setting for a festival. Each year Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul brings incredible artists, workshops, arts, crafts, and a selection of Birmingham’s most loved street food and drinks vendors to Moseley, for one epic party weekend.
Previous headliners include Ezra Collective, Maribou State, Chic feat. Nile Rodgers, Public Enemy, Gregory Porter, Chaka Khan, De La Soul, Bonobo, The Specials, The Wailers, Goldie, Fat Freddy’s Drop, KC and The Sunshine Band, Kool and The Gang, The Jacksons, Yussef Dayes, The Blackbyrds, and Leftfield.

606 Jazz Club, Chelsea, London - Programme for January 2026.

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Laura Thorne of the 606 Club has forwarded details of the Club's programme for January 2026, plus a short look at some the events due to take place in February. Fully detailed schedule attached.

Laura Thorne writes;

Hello all you connoisseurs of culture and lovers of live music – greetings from the 606 in Chelsea, known for presenting the best jazz, soul, Latin, groove, R&B & blues musicians in the UK bar none!

This mail provides information about our live performances from the 1st to the 31st of January 2026. Information about all of these events, along with photos, video clips etc are on the website now for your consumption: https://www.606club.co.uk/events/

I know, I am utterly gobsmacked too that we are sending this out so early given our usual habits, but the upcoming holiday break was a motivating factor! The Club is closed from the 24th to the 30th of December, open on the 31st for NYE and then closed on the 1st of January.

Finally let us take the opportunity to wish you and yours a Happy Christmas and all the best in the New Year!

606 CLUB – JANUARY 2026 GIG GUIDE

Thu 1st   8:00pm CLOSED – NEW YEARS DAY

Fri 2nd   9:00pm   LIANE CARROLL TRIO
The first artist ever to win two BBC Jazz Awards in the same year, for Best Vocalist and Best of Jazz, Liane Carroll is a dynamic performer whose amazing talent has been captivating audiences around the world. World-class, her powerful, blues-tinged voice combined with strong piano playing and exciting infectious material, not to mention a wicked sense of humour, make this a truly remarkable gig.
“Liane Carroll…seems in some magical way to be made out of music” The Observer  

Sat 3rd   9:00pm   DEREK NASH’ SAX APPEAL QUARTET
The multi-Award-winning saxophonist Derek Nash is perhaps best known as one of the featured saxophonists with the Jools Holland Band. An experienced musician of many years standing his muscular, fluent, modern jazz playing has been recognised with numerous awards, including being voted one of the top 5 saxophonists in the country. Tonight Derek is bringing his great, swinging, band to the Club so expect something really quite special.
“bravura display of contemporary saxophone” The Observer;
“breathtaking” Sunday Times;
“the music fizzes with energy” Observer
       

Sun 4th   1:30pm   SUNDAY LUNCH: ZOE FRANCIS FT JIM MULLEN
Zoe Francis started singing jazz while living and working in New York, soon becoming a regular fixture on the scene. Her first three albums showcasing her beautiful voice as well as her exquisite choice of material were all received with much praise, and today Zoe will be performing a mix of classic standards alongside material from her latest album, ‘Somewhere in the Night’. Zoe’s knack for capturing the nature of these songs brings them to life and elevates her performances to the exceptional. Also featuring iconic guitarist Jim Mullen (Morrissey/Mullen), Gareth Williams-piano, Calum Gourlay-bass and Steve Brown-drums.
“Great interpreter of the Great American Songbook” Jazz Journal;
“a classy, poised singer” London Jazz News

  Sun 4th   8:00pm   VANESSA HAYNES’ BIRTHDAY GIG
Vocalist Vanessa Haynes performs a mix of soul, R&B standards and originals with some jazz standards thrown in. With her powerful, cultured voice and commanding stage presence, she is quite stunning. Not surprisingly her talent was recognised by Van Morrison (with whose band she toured) but she is probably best known these days as one of the featured singers with the iconic soul/jazz band “Incognito”, having toured and recorded with them for more than ten years. Her fabulous band features some of the country’s finest “groove” players: Al Cherry-guitar, Tom O’Grady-keyboard, Tiago Coimbra-bass & Martyn Kaine-drums and as Vanessa will be celebrating her upcoming birthday tonight, she has added three brilliant singers and good friends to the lineup to provide backing vocals: Mary Pearce, Belle Erskine & Chloe Dure. Expect plenty of fun!
“Haynes is a polished and dazzling performer. Live music at its very best” Close-Up Culture;
“chic, sultry…stylish” Musician Magazine  

Mon 5th   8:00pm   GUILLE HILL
Since moving to London from Uruguay in 1997 Guille Hill (pronounced Gee-jay) has established himself as a first call guitarist across the musical spectrum. The list of artists that he has worked with is a testament to his creativity and skill, including Tom Jones, Jennifer Lopez and Airto Moreira. Tonight Guille will be featuring music from his latest album “Landing”, which he describes as “blending the rich traditions of South American music with hints of jazz, funk, and fusion. Drawing inspiration from the sounds of Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina the music explores intricate rhythms, evocative melodies and dynamic improvisation.”  Joining him will be some of the finest Latin players in the UK, Steve Lodder (Paul McCartney)-piano/keyboards, Andy Lafone-bass & Davide Giovannini-drums.
“Guillermo Hill…excellent” AllAboutJazz

Tue 6th   8:00pm   MATT HOLBORN QUARTET  
Jazz violinist Matt Holborn is a regular in comedian Bill Bailey’s live band, is a founding member of the London Django Collective, hosts the Jazz Violin Podcast, has performed regularly with Kansas Smitty’s and is jazz strings workshop leader with Tomorrow’s Warriors. Tonight, along with his terrific quartet, Fraser Urquhart-piano, Simon Read-bass and Joe Dessauer-drums Matt will be featuring music from his latest album “For Stuff”, dedicated to jazz violin legend Stuff Smith. The music lovingly showcases Stuff’s innovative approach to the violin alongside new work that pays homage to his sense of swing and energy plus choice repertoire from the Great American Songbook.
“A consummate performer… Holborn blew hot…marvellous” Bebop Spoken Here;
“delightful” Jazzwise

Wed 7th   8:00pm   JAY AZZOLINA FT RILEY STONE-LONERGAN
After studying with Pat Metheny US guitarist Jay Azzolina went on to tour and record through the 1980’s with iconic jazz fusion band Spyro Gyra. Following that, as a leading light of the New York scene, Jay included work with the likes of Jaco Pastorious, Chuck Mangione & Rickie Lee Jones whilst his own collaborations with his friends, saxophonist Michael Brecker and bassist John Patitucci produced some quite remarkable music. More recently his collaborations with saxophonist Chris Potter and organist Larry Goldings have been much lauded. Now resident in the UK, this is a rare opportunity to catch Jay’s playing which is, as one would expect, a masterclass of style and taste. Joined by upcoming, award-winning sax star Riley Stone-Lonergan the quartet will perform an exciting mix of Jay’s own compositions, material from his latest album “Present Tense” and some “reworked” standards.
“one of the finest and most talented guitarists on the planet.” Jazz Improv Magazine;
“Azzolina is the consummate performer” London Jazz News;
“Stone-Lonergan…blew great tenor…with a tone that could be lyrical or biting, tender or violent” Bebop Spoken Here

Thu 8th   8:00pm   JAMES PEARSON TRIO    
James Pearson’s powerful, swinging, playing has been heard in an astonishing variety of settings and his ‘musical portraits’ of pianists Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, Erroll Garner and Dudley Moore are legendary. The trio tonight features Jeremy Brown-bass & Matt Skelton-drums, recreating James’s very first piano trio from more than 30 years ago! You can expect to hear swinging rearrangements of jazz standards alongside a few original compositions, all fused together with brilliant anecdotes about life as a jazz pianist!
“outstanding…a joy to listen to” Guardian;
“dazzling” London Jazz News

Fri 9th     9:00pm   ERROL LINTON  
Born and raised in Brixton, singer and harmonica player Errol Linton got his first break 30 years ago when heard by a BBC producer busking and has been steadily building his reputation as a world-class blues talent ever since. He was nominated for ‘Best Blues Act’ in the 2019 Jazz FM Awards, featured alongside Big Bill Broonzy in BBC 2’s ‘Two Generations of the Blues’ and championed by radio presenters John Peel, Robert Elms, Paul Jones, & Cerys Matthews. Accompanied by his quintet this is home grown blues at its best.
“The finest blues and reggae harmonica player in Europe” BBC Radio 3;
“harmonica wizard” The Observer

Sat 10th   9:00pm   TONY KOFI & THE ORGANISATION CELEBRATE LOU DONALDSON
The multi-award-winning saxophonist Tony Kofi first came to prominence in the 1990’s with the likes of The Jazz Warriors and Courtney Pine. He was the first UK musician to be featured in the iconic US band the World Saxophone Quartet and his awards include the 2005 Parliamentary Jazz Award, BBC Radio 3 Album of the Year and the BBC Jazz Award. Returning to his first instrument, the alto sax, tonight Tony joins the “All Star” band The Organisation, which features Pete Whittaker (John Etheridge, The Filthy Six)-organ, Simon Fernsby (Alex Garnett, Dave O’Higgins)-guitar & Pete Cater (Tom Jones)-drums, described by BBC Music Magazine as “exciting, foot-tapping, expressive without neglecting jazz’s more cerebral pleasures”. Together they will be celebrating the late, great, alto sax legend Lou Donaldson whose roots in Bebop evolved into a popular association with the Soul Jazz movement. Performing tunes closely associated with Lou, Tony gained inspiration for this tribute after being invited to an open rehearsal by Lou himself.
“Kofi’s full-bodied sound…and committed attack carry the immediacy and impact of the established masters of the jazz saxophone” Financial Times;
“A killer band with real bite” Jazzwise

Sun 11th   1:30pm   SUNDAY LUNCH: RACHEL SUTTON
With a rich tone and sense of swing that is both moving and exciting, Rachel Sutton performs classics from The American Songbook, together with her beautiful original compositions which have been hailed as ‘a revelation’ by Jazz Views. Her latest album “A Million Conversations” has been received with considerable acclaim and she will be performing material from this album plus, as she puts it a “sneak preview of my new single due for release at the end of January”. Also featured this afternoon is her swinging rhythm section of Roland Perrin-piano, Curtis Ruiz-bass & Paul Robinson-drums.
“immaculate vocals and bursting-with-life stage presence…a must see” Cabaret Scenes

  Sun 11th         8:00pm           MEG LEE    
A soulful and versatile jazz & blues singer-songwriter, Meg Lee has graced stages alongside artists such as Rumer, Kat Eaton and Sarah Jane Morris. Bringing a contemporary edge to timeless classics Meg is also a fine songwriter, with her own material earning regional and national airplay. Her various recordings include her 2018 debut album “Meet Me” along with her follow up EP “Wintertime Thing” and her latest single, “Big Beautiful Beat”.  Known for her warm stage presence and natural charm, Meg’s style is a true mix of the old and the new and we are delighted to welcome her to the Club tonight. Also featuring the brilliant Brandon Allen (Kyle Eastwood, Eric Clapton)-sax. 
“A beautiful and captivating performer” Rumer

Mon 12th   8:00pm   REMEMBERING DILL KATZ – HIS BIRTHDAY GIG
Tonight we remember one of the great UK electric bass players, the brilliant Dill Katz. Dill started his career in the early 1960’s and through the 60’s and 70’s he was first call for a number of highly rated and often influential bands, including Pacific Eardrum, Nucleus, Barbara Thompson’s Paraphernalia & District Six. At the same time a regular on the studio scene, he could be found playing on sessions for a host of high-profile artists, including the iconic Dusty Sprongfield. By the 90’s he was playing with his own bands as well as teaching at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. A truly lovely man, his great passion was to support and encourage upcoming young musicians, a significant number of whom have since become highly respected players and who will be appearing at the Club this evening. His association with the 606 went back over 30 years, with his own bands but also as the long serving bass player with Club owner Steve Rubie’s Brazilian/Jazz band “Samara”. After becoming ill in late 2019 Dill retired from performing but maintained his contacts until his untimely death in June 2025. One of the most respected players of his generation, both as a musician and as a quiet, generous and caring individual Dill has established his place in the pantheon of great UK jazz musicians. For many years Dill celebrated his birthday, 12th January 1946, here at the Club and we felt it appropriate to mark this special day one more time. Tonight, along with the likes of John Etheridge-guitar, Dudley Phillips-bass, Sophie Alloway-drums and band members from Samara, Nic France-drums, Andy Lafone-bass, Neil Angilley-piano & Steve Rubie-flute/sax amongst many others, we will be honouring this wonderful musician with an evening of fun and eclectic music, just the way Dill would have liked it! “
Superior jazz-rock…led by ex-Nucleus…bassist Katz” Time Out

Tue 13th   8:00pm   DAN REINSTEIN      
American-born saxophonist Dan Reinstein first began playing at the old 606 Club when a medical student in the 1980’s. He returned to the US in the early 90s to become one of the world’s leading laser eye surgeons (he’s now Professor Reinstein). But when he returned to London, it was great to hear his fluent, classic hard-bop, muscular sax playing again and the rest, as they say, is history-Dan & his quartet have performed here for the last 23 years and still going!
“impressive hard-bop saxophonist” Time Out

Wed 14th   8:00pm   DULCIE MAY MORENO with Special Guest: STEVE FISHWICK
Influenced by the likes of Nina Simone, Billie Holiday & Sarah Vaughan singer Dulcie May Moreno is emerging as a versatile jazz artist with range and poise. Tonight she will be appearing at the Club with her quintet featuring Steve Fishwick-trumpet, whose fluent, melodic playing has been heard with a who’s who of jazz greats, including Anita O’ Day, Ron Carter, Peter Erskine & Cedar Walton.  Together they will perform a mix of her excellent jazz-influenced originals alongside, as she says “carefully curated classic standards by some of my greatest influences”.
“A class act” Bebop Spoken Here

Thu 15th   8:00pm   TRISH CLOWES  
Described as “one of the most agile and original jugglers of improv and…composition”, Award-winning saxophonist/composer Trish Clowes has proven herself to be an exciting, world-class, musician of real creativity and skill. With numerous critically acclaimed albums as leader to her name Trish is also a highly respected composer, with commissions from the likes of the BBC Concert Orchestra and the London Sinfonietta. Tonight Trish will be performing “a mix of music of my heroes Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, Eddie Harris, Antonio Carlos Jobim & Monk and there will be a few of my own in there too”. With Mike Outram-guitar, Ross Stanley-piano, Calum Gourlay-bass & Steve Brown-drums.
“Clowes…bristles with uncommon genius” JazzDaGama

Fri 16th   9:00pm   RUMBAND FT MICHAEL BAILEY & AMA LIA
Featuring an array of brilliant and highly experienced musicians from the likes of Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Greece, Dominica, Nigeria, Australia and the UK, Rumband is not named after the alcoholic beverage(!), it actually stands for “Rhythmic Underground Movement”, and rhythmic it certainly is! Led by singer Ama Lia and bassist Michael Bailey the band effortlessly deliver a compelling array of musical styles, from Groove & Latin to Blues & Soul. Collectively the band include work with the likes of Bob Marley, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, Pete Townsend, Chaka Khan, Lionel Richie & Beyonce and Ama Lia describes it as “a unique family of musicians with an immense wealth of experience, music and stories”.
“Ama Lia has a…rich and strong story telling sassy voice which commands…attention” Soul Survivors Magazine
 

Sat 17th   9:00pm   QUENTIN COLLINS QUARTET
For almost two decades Quentin Collins has had an enviable reputation as a lyrical and melodic trumpet player with a powerful sound and approach. His first album was received to great critical acclaim - “intensely impressive”, “brass virtuoso” - and he has continued to forge an impressive reputation on the UK scene ever since. He includes the likes of Jeff Beck, Omar, Prince and Roy Ayres on a lengthy and impressive cv, but these days is probably best known for his work with the internationally acclaimed Kyle Eastwood Band. Tonight Quentin will be bringing his “All Star” quartet to the Club featuring three musicians all of whom have one or more Awards to their name: Deschanel Gordon-piano, Daniel Casimir-bass and Shane Forbes-drums.
“Collins…impressively intense” Jazzwise; “
Collins…England’s top…trumpet master…breathtaking” HMV Magazine

Sun 18th   1:30pm   SUNDAY LUNCH: GREG DAVIS TRIO WITH SPECIAL GUEST VANESSA ROSE  
An engaging, melodic, sax player in the classic mainstream style, Greg Davis led the band ‘Henry’s Pencil’ which held the attendance record at the famous 100 Club in Oxford Street. A stalwart of the French Riviera (that’s Greg’s description, not ours!) he also performed at the Cannes Film Festival for over a decade. Today Greg will be appearing with Paul Eldridge-piano, Julian Bury-bass and Special Guest vocalist Vanessa Rose, “performing some of the marvellous known and lesser-known jazz standards”.
“Paul Eldridge…accomplished piano” Time Out

Sun 18th   8:00pm           MIM GREY
Mim Grey is a charismatic singer/songwriter in the pop/swing/country style.  A regular with Acid jazz legends The Brand New Heavies she has co-written tracks with Kylie Minogue and worked with the likes of Paul McCartney and Tom Jones.  Her wonderful Country-influenced songs are matched by her terrific, warm and soulful voice. With 3 highly acclaimed albums to her name and her music topping charts around the globe (including Nashville), Country Music in Britain said hers is ‘one of the finest voices in the world’. Tonight, alongside music from her previous recordings Mim and her band will also feature new songs from her upcoming album.
“sultry singer-songwriter” Maverick Magazine;
“my favourite singer” Sir Tom Jones;
“the most beautiful voice to come out of the UK in a very long time” Michael Ball

Mon 19th   8:00pm   BARRY GREEN TRIO
Barry Green is a wonderful modern jazz pianist whose fluent and melodic playing has made a significant impact on the UK jazz scene. His cv is vast, including work with the likes of Bobby Watson, Charles McPherson and Us3 as well as with his own trio. Joining Barry tonight will be the multi-Award-winning guitarist Colin Oxley (Stacey Kent) and iconic bassist Dave Green (Stan Tracey, Charlie Watts).
“Pianist Barry Green and bassist Dave Green…two of the best mainstream-to-bop musicians on the UK scene” Guardian;
“Colin Oxley…providing rich, subtle harmonies” Guardian

Tue 20th   8:00pm   ED BENTLEY’S AFRO-JAZZ EXPRESS
Ghanaian musician Ed Bentley has been resident in the UK since the early 70’s, carving an illustrious career on the international jazz scene as a fine pianist and organist. With 8 albums and regular work with high-profile artists (Percy Sledge, Hugh Masekela) to his name his trademark, swinging, organ-led music is the real deal. Tonight he brings to the Club his latest project “Afro-Jazz Express” performing music he describes as “Afro Cross Rhythms with Jazz improvisations & Blues influences”. Also featuring Jo Fooks-sax, Sam Dunn-guitar & Buster Birch-drums.
“Highly Recommended, best gig in town” Guardian

Wed 21st   8:00pm   ANNA PANZANELLI  
Anna Panzanelli is a London-based jazz singer, pianist, and songwriter hailing from Perugia, Italy who has appeared at numerous international events and festivals including the Umbria Jazz, Alchemika Jazz and Corte dei Miracoli, Milan. As a composer & vocalist, her original music blends jazz and soul, while her piano playing reflects both jazz and classical influences. Tonight, alongside material from her last album “Inchiostro”, Anna will be presenting her latest project, blending jazz, folk, soul and Italian songwriting, featuring material that Anna herself has composed and arranged. Combining jazz improvisation and dynamic musical interplay the band also features Jake Elkan-guitar, Ruggero Bonucci-bass & Filippo Galli-drums.
“[a] new star…self-confident and talented” Policorotv

Thu 22nd   8:00pm   NICK RAMM ENSEMBLE  
An established and respected pianist on the UK jazz scene Nick Ramm’s fluent and sophisticated playing has been heard with the likes of The Cinematic Orchestra, Mulatu Astatke, Matthew Herbert & Acoustic Ladyland. Tonight he brings to the Club his latest project, the Nick Ramm Ensemble, put together to feature Nick’s fresh compositions. The music for this all-acoustic line-up of piano trio augmented by tenor sax and trumpet draws from a wide palette of influences, from contemporary jazz & funk/groove to Brazilian, Cuban, and Ghanaian, although other styles, such as Afrobeat, hip-hop, Latin, spiritual jazz and free improvisation are also entwined. The band itself consist of Nick’s core trio: Tom Herbert-bass & Corrie Dick-drums augmented by two of the finest, award-winning horn players in the UK, Byron Wallen (George Benson, Chaka Khan)-trumpet & Pete Wareham (Acoustic Ladyland, Polar Bear)-sax/flute. A real super-group this and not to be missed!
“Ramm…hugely accomplished…excellent melodious themes” Jazzwise;
“Ramm…fluent and imaginative…exemplary” UKJazzNews;
“Wallen…one of the most innovative, exciting and original trumpet players alive” Jazzwise;
“Wareham…mind-blowing magnificence” The Times

Fri 23rd   9:00pm   SAMARA FT. FRANCESCA CONFORTINI
Tonight we present an evening celebrating the joyous, rhythms of classic Brazilian MPB with the outstanding Brazilian band “Samara”. Featuring the brilliant Brazilian-inspired vocalist Francesca Confortini alongside the powerful piano of Neil Angilley and the swinging flute of our “Gov’nor” Steve Rubie, the band take you on a road trip around Brazil, with music from the South, the North, the North East and beyond. Hear the stories behind some of Brazil’s classic songs and join the band as they perform an infectious blend of Brazilian Samba, Baião, jazz & Latin while everyone has a great time!
“Cracking Latin-jazz quintet…explores…[Brazilian]…classics in great rhythmic style” Time Out

Sat 24th   9:00pm   BINKER GOLDING
Saxophonist Binker Golding has a host of Awards to his name, including two Jazz FM awards, a Parliamentary Jazz Award and a MOBO Award for Best Jazz Act. Perhaps best known for the exciting duo “Binker & Moses” his fluent, creative playing has been heard in a wide variety of musical contexts and his albums have cemented his reputation as an important voice on the UK jazz scene. Tonight he makes a welcome return to the Club to “play some of my favourite jazz standards and traditional blues numbers” alongside Billy Adamson-guitar, Daniel Casimir-bass & Zoe Pascal-drums.
“Golding… considerable depth…fiery, intricate, and engaging” AllAboutJazz

Sun 25th   1:30pm   SUNDAY LUNCH: EARL OKIN “CELEBRATING 60 YEARS IN MUSIC”
Singer-songwriter, musician and comedian Earl Okin has been entertaining audiences worldwide with his unique brand of music and wit for six decades now. His repertoire of quirky humour, combined with first-rate playing of classic jazz and Bossa Nova mark him out as a unique talent. His CV includes touring with Paul McCartney, performing at the Edinburgh Fringe 500 times and working alongside such jazz legends as Adelaide Hall, Stéphane Grappelli and Dame Cleo Laine. An accomplished singer (also recognised for his unique ‘vocal trumpet’ solos), pianist & guitarist, today Earl will be joined by Paul Morgan-bass and Michele Drees-drums. Earl has been performing at the 606 since the 1970’s – he’s an absolute treasure!
“…relaxed and assured…his guitar and keyboard playing are a joy” The Times;
“Exceptional…an utter delight” The Scotsman;
“gently witty and beautifully timed” Guardian

Sun 25th   8:00pm                   JOY ROSE  
Although you may not recognize the name, there’s a very good chance you will recognize the remarkable voice, as Joy has been a featured performer with the likes of Sting and Jason Rebello (Jeff Beck) and is currently one of the vocalists with the iconic band Incognito. With her formidable vocal range and power she produces a set of material that she describes as “a fusion of jazz, soul and gospel”, which is just awesome (ask Sting!). Featuring some of the best groove players in the country, including Carl Hudson (Boy George)-keyboards & Michael Brown (Chaka Khan, Wayne Hernandez)-guitar this is seriously good music.
“When Joy Rose joined Sting for a duet she sang with such power and conviction that…she knocked the audience dead and got a standing ovation” The Current;
“Joy Rose…is simply breathtaking” SmoothJazzNow  

Mon 26th   8:00pm   CLEMENT REGERT’S GAB TRIO FT BEA ASURMENDI  
Tonight guitarist Clement Regert brings to the Club his latest project The GAB Trio, featuring drummer/percussionist/producer Steve Taylor on cajon and percussion and long-term Clement collaborator, the expat Italian Gianluca Corona also on guitar. With this charismatic two-guitar front line the trio perform what Clement describes as “a blend of Flamenco/Brazilian infused tunes and reworked pop numbers”. And watch out for their Special Guest, the rising star Basque singer Bea Asurmendi.
“Regert’s… guitar playing is always fluent and on the mark and the music he writes is irresistibly lively” Jazzwise        

Tue 27th   8:00pm   DAVID GORDON TRIO
Described by the Independent as “a richly gifted player with a sparkling style and boundless imagination”, pianist David Gordon’s one of the few professional musicians who is equally established in both the jazz and classical worlds. Along with Oli Hayhurst-bass and Tom Hooper-drums the Trio’s recording ‘Alexander Scriabin’s Ragtime Band’ was named MOJO’s Jazz CD of the Year” and subsequent projects, the album “Pachyderm” and their tribute to the 19th century French composer Gabriel Fauré were received with similar warmth & enthusiasm. In 2025 they released their first live album ‘In C’, which as the title states has as its central concept the fact the entire set is performed in the key of C! Tonight at this 606 show their first set will be taken from the record, while the second will be their tribute to the aforementioned composer Fauré, as well as J.S. Bach and Scriabin. A world class talent with a playful sense of humour, David’s performances are both intriguing and fun.
“A daring, uninterrupted journey of bold improvisation and deep musical connection. The album captures raw interplay, Baroque echoes, Latin grooves, and unexpected twists” Jazz Journal; “He doesn’t play many notes, but the notes that he does play are almost the selection of a genius” Jazz FM;
“one of our most brilliant pianists … festival organisers both classical and jazz should be grabbing these guys with both hands” London Jazz News

Wed 28th   8:00pm   SIMON WOOLF’S NEW MASTERS QUINTET FT DONOVAN HAFFNER
Lyrical and sophisticated, Simon Woolf is widely considered to be one of the most fluent and creative double bass players in Europe. A distinguished career spanning close on 5 decades has embraced associations with such US stars as Benny Golson, Harry Allen, Ralph Moore, Ruby Braff, George van Eps and Howard Alden along with collaborations with many of the UK’s leading musicians, . Tonight he brings his multi-generational band “New Masters” to the Club featuring some of the finest upcoming musicians in the country, Donovan Haffner-sax, James Davison-trumpet & Joe Edwards-drums alongside himself and Mark Edwards-piano. As well as familiar standards, tonight’s programme will feature a retrospective of tunes composed by Simon.
“Woolf…excellent…outstanding” Jazzwise

Thu 29th   8:00pm   **ALBUM LAUNCH** TOMASZ ZYRMONT
Polish-born pianist Tomasz Zyrmont’s creative, lyrical, playing has been heard widely across the UK, Europe, and the United States. A highly respected player on the international jazz scene, in 2025 he was awarded the honorary Badge Meritorious for Polish Culture for his contribution to promoting Polish culture abroad. Tonight he will be bringing his Quartet to the Club to launch his latest album, “London Manifest”, featuring Sean Khan-sax, Mirko Scarcia-bass & Laurie Lowe-drums. The music features eight original compositions that move from swing and groove to atmospheric ballads and contemporary rhythms. The compositions reflect Tomasz’s years in London, each one a personal artistic statement, combining to present a moving portrait of a city that continues to inspire him.
“London Manifest…is… a musical metaphor for…the sounds of the streets…Zyrmont captures this rhythm with precision and poetic sensitivity, creating a sonic portrait of urban energy and life in constant motion” Polska Plyta, Polska Muzyka

Fri 30th   9:00pm   EDGAR MACIAS “TRIBUTE TO BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB”
UK-based Venezuelan pianist Edgar Macias’s vast and impressive cv includes work with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, David Murray & Scott Hamilton and tonight he will be showcasing his tribute to the iconic Cuban band The Buena Vista Social Club. The band and the Grammy-winning album of the same name became a worldwide phenomenon, selling over eight million records. Featuring Chris Bowden-sax, Tom Hill-bass/vocals, Miles Levin-drums & Nestor Pedrales-percussion this project is Edgar’s “take” on that album, featuring his arrangements of all the classic tracks. If you like Latin music you will love this!
“Edgar Macias…played superbly throughout” Independent

Sat 31st   9:00pm   ALAN BARNES QUINTET: “WORKS OF ART”
Alan Barnes has been recognized as a virtuosic sax/clarinet player, composer, arranger and bandleader for over 40 years. The recipient of more than 30 British Jazz Awards, he has twice been named BBC Jazz Musician of the Year and includes work in the UK, Europe and the US with the likes of Michel Legrand, Jamie Cullum & Van Morrison. Tonight, featuring James Davison-trumpet, Robin Aspland-piano, Andrew Cleyndert-bass and Steve Brown-drums Alan brings his tribute to the brilliant US saxophonist Art Pepper to the Club. Over to Alan: “I put together this all-star band to celebrate the centenary of Art Pepper’s birth. Art’s playing was so…virtuosic and…beautiful…for me, that was how the alto sax should be played!”. Join Alan and the band as they play Art’s original, swinging, tunes alongside classic jazz standards plus some of Alan’s own, terrific compositions. Not to be missed!
“His stylistic range is quite phenomenal” Masters Of The Jazz Saxophone;
“Barnes plays…with so much passion and energy” Guardian

And a few dates in February 2026 to be aware of:
9th: The formidable saxophonist/composer Julian Arguelles (Loose Tubes) celebrates his birthday with an all-star quartet – Gwilym Simcock, Conor Chaplin & James Maddren – playing music from Julian’s upcoming new record “Echo Fields”
14th: Valentine’s night with Canadian vocalist, saxophonist & songwriter now based in London Sandra-Mae Lux performing songs from her superb recent album “Seasons in Jazz”
26th The fabulous, award-winning jazz vocalist Louise Balkwill releases her new album “Chatterbox” showcasing her signature vocalese

606 Club
90 Lots Road
Chelsea
London
SW10 0QD

https://www.606club.co.uk/

020 7352 5953

New jazz festival for Birmingham announced - Eastside Jazz Festival, 12 & 13 February 2026.

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC) is to host a brand new jazz festival for Birmingham taking place over two days, 12-13 Feb 2026, across the multi-venue building. Headliners include Chris Potter.

We have received the following press release;

Brand new jazz festival for Birmingham announced
EASTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL
12 & 13 February 2026

Headliners include Chris Potter, Pablo Held Trio, Rebecca Nash, BBC Big Band, Olie Brice with Rachel Musson.

Brings together international musicians, leading innovators, grassroots promoters TDE Promotions and Digbeth Jazz, and RBC’s graduates and students.

Takes place across Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s concert halls and purpose-built Eastside Jazz Club with wall-to-wall music in the foyers.

Roaming ticket gives access to all the events.

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC) is to host a brand new jazz festival for Birmingham taking place over two days, 12-13 February 2026, across the multi-venue building.

Eastside Jazz Festival will bring together internationally-renowned musicians with some of today’s most interesting and innovative talent, alongside grassroots promoters and exciting local and student musicians showcasing Birmingham’s thriving and creative jazz scene.

Among headline artists are the internationally-acclaimed US saxophonist Chris Potter with the Pablo Held Trio, a significant force on the contemporary European jazz scene, giving the first gig of their extensive 20th anniversary tour.  Pianist Rebecca Nash, whose career has soared in recent years, makes a prestige trio with Henrick Jensen and Dave Smith.  BBC Big Band, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading jazz orchestras, are given free rein for an evening which includes collaborations with RBC vocalists Julie Claire and Poppy Baker.  And the Olie Brice Quartet – masters of original music and free improvisation – includes Rachel Musson, current recipient of the prestigious Paul Hamlyn Composer award, on tenor sax.

Programming for Eastside Jazz Festival is being led by Jeremy Price (Head of Jazz at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire), along with Tony Dudley-Evans (TDE Promotions) and RBC’s Ed Puddick, Shanti Jayasinha, Nicholas Gebhardt and Libby Surplice.

Jeremy Price, Head of Jazz, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, said:
“The brand new Eastside Jazz Festival aims to celebrate Birmingham’s ever-growing and diverse jazz scene and strengthen the city’s position as a European centre for contemporary jazz.  It’s a two-day focus on year-round programming: alongside musicians of the highest calibre, and leading innovators in contemporary jazz, we’re also working with grassroots promoters Digbeth Jazz (named 2025 Parliamentary Awards’ Venue of the Year) and showcasing RBC’s own graduates and students.  Our courses at RBC are predicated on students sharing professional platforms with world class leading artists and this jazz festival embraces that exact same spirit. In this multi-venue event, we’ll be making full use of RBC’s Bradshaw and Recital Halls, purpose-built Eastside Jazz Club, and populating the foyers with wall-to-wall music.  And we’re introducing a roaming ticket so audiences can dip into the many and varied sessions to ensure an immersive festival experience.”

Graduates and current students of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire are a cornerstone of the Eastside Jazz Festival, cementing the legacy of the Jazz Department.  Trombonist and alumni Dave Sear – now a visiting tutor at RBC – plays with his quartet, while the Tony Levin Drum Prize, which commemorates the celebrated Midlands drummer, seeks out an exceptional student with US saxophonist Jean Toussaint and UK bassist Arnie Somogyi.  Big bands including Banda Brasiliera and RBC Jazz Orchestra are also involved.

Other highlights include pianist Ben Shankland (BBC Scotland Young Jazz Musician winner), RBC bassist Macy Wright & Indo Jazz, with more to be confirmed.

Eastside Jazz Festival is at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on 12-13 February 2026.  Tickets and details at http://www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts

Artists confirmed to date [as of December 2025]:

Thu 12 Feb
Chris Potter with Pablo Held Trio
Banda Brasiliera
RBC Jazz Orchestra play Miles Davis/Gil Evans Porgy and Bess Suite
Digbeth Jazz Presents
Ben Shankland & Poppy Baker

Fri 13 Feb
BBC Big Band
Rebecca Nash Trio with Henrick Jensen and Dave Smith
Olie Brice Quartet with Rachel Musson
Macy Wright & Indo Jazz
Birmingham Jazz Orchestra
Digbeth Jam

Tickets:
Two-day Festival Ticket: £40 advance (£45 on the door) | £25 students / over 60s
Day Ticket: £30 advance (£35 on the door) | £20 students /over 60s

Box Office http://www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts | 0121 331 5909

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, 200 Jennens Road, Birmingham, B4 7XR.

Black Mountain Jazz, Abergavenny, Programme for January, February and March 2026.

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Black Mountain Jazz has announced its headline concerts for the first quarter of 2026. Details attached.

From;
https://www.blackmountainjazz.co.uk/event-details/elijah-jeffery-eddie-gripper

Elijah Jeffery & Eddie Gripper
Sun 25 Jan |  The Melville Theatre
Time & Location
25 Jan 2026, 20:00 – 22:30
The Melville Theatre, 4 Pen-Y-Pound, Abergavenny NP7 5UD, UK
About the event
Black Mountain Jazz Club is delighted to welcome back two Cardiff-based musicians well known to BMJ audiences.
Vocalist–songwriter Elijah Jeffery and award-winning pianist Eddie Gripper join forces to present their acclaimed new CD (self-entitled, ‘Elijah Jeffery & Eddie Gripper’ ) currently on a UK wide tour, with a striking blend of original songs and a bold reimagining of Purcell’s 17th-century aria, praised for its imaginative, genre-defying approach.
Their live performance weaves together progressive pop, indie folk, and alternative jazz, taking audiences on a captivating musical journey. From the folk-inspired ‘Shifting Seasons’ to the introspective jazz ballad ‘Because of You’, the art-pop energy of ‘Close Your Eyes’ and a fresh take on ‘Dido’s Lament’, Elijah and Eddie showcase their flair for storytelling and innovative composition.
With a shared passion for pushing musical boundaries, their performance promises an intimate yet adventurous experience that resonates across genres, making this a must-see evening for lovers of inventive, genre-defying music.
Hampshire-born vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Elijah Jeffery brings influences ranging from the Great American Songbook to contemporary folk, whilst English pianist Eddie Gripper - hailed for his melodic charm and already compared with the greats - adds a distinctive blend of jazz, folk and modern classical colour.
“These are songs that convince both musically and lyrically, there is real musical and emotional intelligence at work here” - Ian Mann,  TheJazzMann
“Both halves of the duo excel on this recording, both in their quality and restraint, but it is their joint passion for song writing that shines brightest.”  - Neil Duggan,  All About Jazz
Tickets
Ticket type
General Admission
Price
From £9.00 to £18.00
Standard
£18.00
Friends of BMJ
£16.00
Under 18’s
£9.00

Yetii: ’ Inner World’s ’ Album Tour
Sun 22 Feb |  The Melville Theatre
Time & Location
22 Feb 2026, 20:00 – 22:30
The Melville Theatre, 5 Pen-Y-Pound, Abergavenny NP7 5UD, UK
About the event
We welcome Yetii to Black Mountain Jazz for this very special one-off gig as part of their UK ‘Inner Worlds’ Album Tour.
Yetii released their debut album ‘Live at The Greenbank’ to widespread critical acclaim and have since played at jazz clubs, festivals and arts centres across the UK, as well as supporting ‘The Bad Plus’ on their recent UK Tour.
The trio play original compositions combining flowing melodies with expansive group improvisations, interlocking grooves and evolving soundscapes.
The band have built their following with a sold-out monthly residency in Bristol, including collaborations with Iain Ballamy, Ant Law and Arun Ghosh.
Alex Veitch – piano
Ashley John Long - double bass
Alex Goodyear - drums
“a performance that both enthralled and delighted the audience ★★★★★”- Ian Mann,  The JazzMann
“Impossible to ignore”  - Jazzwise
“a trio of fluent and wildly inventive improvisers” UK Jazz News
Video Link -  https://youtu.be/rSRrT5kb8ZM
Tickets
Ticket type
General Admission
Price
From £9.75 to £19.50
Standard
£19.50
Friends of BMJ
£17.50
Under 18’s
£9.75

Brass Band Bychan
Sun 29 Mar |  The Melville Theatre
Time & Location
29 Mar 2026, 20:00 – 23:00
The Melville Theatre, 4 Pen-Y-Pound, Abergavenny NP7 5UD, UK
About the event
Black Mountain Jazz Club welcomes Brass Band Bychan to Abergavenny this March for an unforgettable night of bold brass, deep groove and high-energy creativity.
Hailing from Wales’ vibrant jazz scene, Brass Band Bychan brings together four outstanding musicians all familiar to us here at BMJ:
Gareth Roberts (trombone),
Gethin Liddington (trumpet),
Alistair Stewart (sousaphone)
and Mark O’Connor (drums).
Led by award-winning composer Gareth Roberts, the band is renowned for its powerful blend of jazz, funk and street-band swagger - delivering a sound that is both rhythmically infectious and richly melodic.
Their live performances are full of personality - tight horn lines, driving sousaphone bass and irresistible drum grooves combine to create a small ensemble with a truly big presence.
Join us at Black Mountain Jazz Club for a night that promises joyous original music, fearless improvisation and the unique energy only a powerhouse brass group can deliver.
Tickets
Ticket type
General Admission
Price
From £9.50 to £19.00
Standard
£19.00
Friends of BMJ’s
£17.00
Under 18’s
£9.50

Jazz at Progress, Progress Theatre, Reading, Berkshire - Programme for January to July 2026.

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Jazz at Progress has announced its programme for January to July 2026. Events take place at the Progress Theatre, Reading. Fully detailed schedule attached.

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

Jazz at Progress | The Alex Hitchcock Quartet
Friday 2 January 2026 | Progress Theatre, Reading | 7: 30pm | £20.00 (£18.00 concessions, £10 under 16) plus maximum 5% booking fee
Alex Hitchcock - tenor sax
Will Barry piano
Joe Downard bass
Luke McCarthy drums
‘Ridiculous technique and harmonic proficiency combined with progressive creativity that sees him leading the charge in terms of new jazz music being created in the UK’ – Linley Hamilton, BBC Jazz World
Since his first gig as leader for us at Progress in 2017, Alex Hitchcock is now regarded as one of the UK’s most virtuosic jazz musicians. This will be his third appearance for us, last in 2022. Every gig has been a roaring success. Over the past year or so, Alex has been resident in New York honing his already impressive skills as composer, leader and playing a wide spectrum of jazz. He is also touring extensively in Europe, UK and the USA at major venues and festivals. A busy man!
Will Barry is a regular in the quartet appearing with Alex at Progress in 2017 and also in 2022 with saxophonist Tom Smith and Empirical last February 2025. Once a “young gun” Will is now a much in demand pianist for many fine bands.
Joe Downard is the bedrock of the quartet with perfect accompaniment and solo skills to match. Now a composer and band leader in his own right, Joe has appeared at every gig at Progress with Alex.
Luke McCarthy is new to us, still studying at the Royal Academy of Music and rapidly building a reputation as a drummer going places.
So, bring in the New Year with your first jazz gig of 2026. We guarantee it’ll be a corker.

Jazz at Progress | Josephine Davies’ Satori Quartet
Friday 30 January 2026 | Progress Theatre, Reading | 7: 30pm | £20.00 (£18.00 concessions, £10 under 16) plus maximum 5% booking fee.
Josephine Davies tenor & soprano saxophones
Alcyona Mick piano
Dave Whitford bass
Jay Davies drums
Winner of the 2019 Parliamentary Award ‘Jazz Instrumentalist of the year’, Josephine Davies is a saxophonist, composer and bandleader at the forefront of the UK contemporary music scene. She has four album releases on Whirlwind Recordings with her trio/quartet Satori, and is known for her melodic focus, versatility and unique style as an instrumentalist.
Now becoming equally known as a composer, her unique sound is a blend of jazz, folk and classical music, creating an intensely dynamic sound infused with the Nordic quality of her Shetland roots.
Josephine was resident composer and tenor player for the London Jazz Orchestra from 2012-2018, leaving at that time to form her own 17 piece orchestra, The Enso Ensemble. She was chosen to be one of the South Coast Radar Jazz Composers in 2020 and commissioned at that time by NYJO to write a piece for their album ‘She Said’, featuring music solely by female composers.
Returning to the studio for the much-anticipated 4th album from her band Satori, Josephine Davies has composed an exquisite album of pieces inspired by her Nordic roots in the Shetland Islands. The superb partnership of bassist Dave Whitford and drummer Jay Davies once again creates the perfect bedrock for Josephine’s sinuous saxophone lines. Joining the original trio to become the current quartet is the innovative pianist Alcyona Mick.
The intricate compositions, coupled with the thrilling interplay between these four musicians, evokes the interconnection of Shetland sea, land, sky, and ever-present wind. At times stark and unsettling, and at times light and joyous, their latest album “Weatherwards” is a unique and magical offering from one of the UK’s most dynamic ensembles.
“Satori is among the most engaging young bands on the British scene… Cerebral, nuanced and reflective.” All About Jazz
“Davies weaves a continuous thread of shifting feelings through the set.” London Jazz News
“The powerful combination of fearless free improvisation and melodic empathy from these gifted players creates a powerful and timely statement.” Jazz in Europe
“A terrifying level of proficiency with an insatiable appetite for improvisation.” Rhein Main Magazine

Jazz at Progress | Ben Crosland’s All Star Band Play the Ray Davies Song Book
Friday 20 February 2026 | Progress Theatre, Reading | 7: 30pm | £20.00 (£18.00 concessions, £10 under 16) plus maximum 5% booking fee.
Theo Travis reeds | Ben Crosland bass | Steve Lodder keyboards |  | John Etheridge guitar | Buster Birch drums
Those of us who were growing up at the time of the swinging 60s need no introduction to the music of The Kinks. However, for those not acquainted, the band’s website will tell you all you need to know. Not that the band and leader, composer Ray Davies, stopped developing and influencing rock and popular music in the 60s. Far from it.
Whether Ray ever thought that his tunes would one day be performed and rearranged as jazz band material is possibly unknown, but he has approved in writing Ben Crosland’s and his musician’s treatment of his compositions. See here
Ben was commissioned by Marsden jazz festival in 2014 to write arrangements of Ray Davies tunes, which duly done and performed, in 2015, resulted in an album “The Ray Davies Songbook” followed in 2018 by Volume 2.
Reviewers rated the results highly…
“…the album swings consistently…with this sharp, cogent collection, a dedicated follower of Ray Davies has made him a well-respected jazz composer too.” – The Times
“…a lot of affection, a lot of respect for those unforgettable melodies and a whole lotta damn fine playing…these well respected men have done Mr. Davies proud” – Jazzwise
Whilst the line up has changed from the albums, Ben, John Etheridge and Steve Lodder remain, and with the addition of Theo Travis form the since well-honed core of the band. They have performed many times over several years and never fail to hit the spot.
Just read this review of the band in January 2025 at Fleece Jazz.
Theo Travis and John Etheridge play together in Soft Machine. So, although a different genre, they express a close musical wavelength in Ben’s band. John has been described by the great Pat Metheny as “one of the best guitarists”. Theo is fantastically busy musician, composer, arranger-you name musical tasks and he does it. Two wonderful versatile musicians who have both appeared at Progress and it will be good to have them back.
Ben Crosland has been immersed in Jazz since the 1980s and played with anyone who is anyone on in the UK scene. This is apart from running his own bands, doing jazz promotions and of course arranging, composing. For unknown reasons this his first appearance at Progress.
Buster Birch is again a much in demand musician, composer, arranger, author, educator and much more. He was last with us with Steve Waterman.  An unknown fact; he created his own critically acclaimed show which features the Buster Birch jazz quartet playing live to the screening of different classic Buster Keaton silent movies, for which he has arranged and scored over 4hrs of music to sync. In 2023 it won the Audience Award at The Chichester International Film Festival.
Please join us for another fine night of the music we love.

Jazz at Progress | Small Blue
Friday 27 March 2026 | Progress Theatre, Reading | 7: 30pm | £20.00 (£18.00 concessions, £10 under 16) plus maximum 5% booking fee.
Martin Pyne drums / composition
David Beebee piano
Marianne Windham double bass
Percussionist, composer and improviser Martin Pyne, when not working with contemporary dance or as a silent film accompanist, performs solo sets, leads bands, and collaborates with a range of musicians and other artists.
Formed in 2023, the jazz trio Small Blue is a result of just such a collaboration, with David Beebee on piano, and Marianne Windham on double bass.
Small Blue is a piano trio in the classic modern jazz tradition, featuring material including straight ahead swinging tunes and beautiful ballads , as well as African inspired grooves – but always with a twist.
Martin says that most of the tunes he composes have a back story, often being inspired by novels or poems he’s read, movies or art he’s seen, or places he’s visited.
The result is music that is intimate but ranges far and wide in tempo and mood – by turns lyrical, atmospheric, groovy, and mischievous – and takes in heartfelt ballads, mysterious grooves, evocative atmospheres and melodic swing along the way.
The trio’s second album, Furrow, has – like their debut album, The Stealthy Moon – been received with enthusiastic critical acclaim…
“Superb contemporary jazz” – Jazz Views
“Small Blue might be led by a drummer but this is one of the best ‘piano trio’ albums that I’ve heard in a long time” – THE JAZZMANN
“… high grade Bill Evans Trio territory … each track has its own picture, each track turns its own curve, put all together and Small Blue have themselves a minor masterpiece.” – Steve Day
“Pyne has written twelve exceptional compositions for the new group that immediately gives the trio an identity and repertoire that marks them out as rather something special … a composer of rare talent” – Jazz Views
“In terms of percussion improvisation, try to imagine something that runs from the Zen sound-painting of Frank Perry to the light swing of Billy Higgins. There’s nothing loud, nothing showy, nothing esoteric. Just a delight in the deft touch of a stick, a mallet, a finger or a wire brush on metal, skin or wood, and in the process of transforming sound into a sense of movement.” – Richard Williams, The Blue Moment
Sample the music here: https://tinyurl.com/ua6p5ndm

Jazz at Progress | Matt Skelton presents The Blackhawk Quintet: Celebrating Shelly Manne | Tickets on sale soon
Friday 3 July 2026|  Progress Theatre, Reading | 7: 30pm | £20.00 (£18.00 concessions, £10 under 16) plus maximum 5% booking fee.
James Davison trumpet
Mark Crooks tenor saxophone
Leon Greening piano
Conor Chaplin bass
Matt Skelton drums
This will be a night of ‘cool jazz’ and a tribute to multi-poll winning drummer, Shelley Manne, one of the greats of the West Coast scene of the 1950s An extraordinary and selfless artist, Shelley (1920-1984) – band leader, Contemporary Jazz record label house musician, studio orchestra drummer for countless films and television and owner of ‘Shelley’s Manne Hole’ jazz club – has left an immense legacy of collaborations and recordings, which have enriched the lexicon of jazz percussion with virtuosic alacrity.
This project, masterminded by Matt Skelton, celebrates Shelley’s Quintet – Joe Gordon, trumpet; Richie Kamuca, tenor sax; Victor Felman, piano; Monty Budwig, bass and Shelley Manne, drums – and their particular contribution to the Manne canon, inspired by a clutch of golden performances, captured live at the Blackhawk Jazz club in San Francisco between September 22-24,1959.
Tonight’s ‘stellar’ line-up has been hand-picked for the way they connect with, and are inspired by their corresponding original artists. They will aim to express the band’s own originality and collective inspiration with the Manne Blackhawk quintet as their DNA framework.
Matt Skelton’s Blackhawk Quintet has taken the UK jazz club scene by storm and by the time they make their Progress appearance will have completed a lengthy tour of Scandinavia.
You can expect the fireworks to be flying tonight!
‘An evening of pure jazz joy. Thank you Matt for giving us the opportunity to hear and be part of this important and uplifting music. Jazz night’s don’t come any better than this. We are still smiling.’ – Watermill Jazz Club – Dorking

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.

Presto Music Jazz Awards 2025.

Monday, December 15, 2025

Specialist jazz and classical retailers Presto Music, based in Royal Leamington Spa, have announced their jazz award winners for 2025. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Presto Music Awards 2025

British specialist names the year’s best classical and jazz recordings, sheet music, books and more, in a celebration of musical creativity.

Royal Leamington Spa, UK
Presto Music, the leading specialist in classical and jazz music, is proud to reveal the winners of its 2025 Awards, celebrating the year’s best recordings, books, sheet music and more. Chosen from a longlist of more than 150 Finalists, the Awards celebrate the extraordinary breadth and vitality of music-making today.

“Our 2025 Presto Music Award winners made us listen afresh to core repertoire, told absorbing stories or made compelling cases for music that was new to all of us. They exemplify the curiosity, openness and artistic excellence that we at Presto champion every year,” said Presto Music CEO, Chris O’Reilly.

Jazz Awards

In 2025, jazz thrived globally with celebrations like Oscar Peterson’s centenary, the return of the Jazz FM Awards, and numerous concerts and festivals highlighting the very best of the genre. This year, artists have continued to champion what lies at the heart of jazz: its traditions, its diversity, and its commitment to transforming what has come before into something creative and new. Presto Music’s Top 5 Jazz Recordings showcase unexpected instrumentation, rich collaborations, and innovative cross-genre explorations, each one shaped by countless hours spent in rehearsal rooms, studios, and on stages around the world.

O’Reilly said:
“We are thrilled to showcase performances by world-renowned artists including Sir Simon Rattle and Brad Mehldau, alongside some of today’s most exciting rising talents such as Héloïse Werner and Theon Cross. Their recordings remind us how dynamic, diverse and forward-looking the musical landscape has become.”

Jazz Recording of the Year Awards

• Sema4 - ARQ
“Alison Rayner is an artist who has sustained the highest level of artistry and creativity throughout her career, becoming a staple of the British jazz scene. Her latest album
SEMA4 captures a range of genres whilst keeping this signature flair, and acts as an outstanding example of the magic that can come from a live recording.”

• After The Last Sky - Anouar Brahem
“Brahem over the past few decades has been acknowledged as one of the foremost innovators of the oud. After The Last Sky bridges traditions and transcends borders,
expanding the instrument’s expressive range whilst preserving its profound cultural resonance.”

• Affirmations - Live at Blue Note New York - Theon Cross
“With the tuba considered an unlikely candidate for the genre, Cross continues to be one of the most imaginative and boundary-pushing voices, and his latest album captures his innovative spirit and visionary outlook on what jazz can be.”

• Ride Into the Sun - Brad Mehldau
“Mehldau is a pianist that’s renowned for blending jazz tradition with classical sensibility, his latest project paying tribute to the late singer-songwriter Eliot Smith. The result is a sublime demonstration of what it means to reinterpret and reinvent, without losing sight of the original work.”

• Thrive - Fabienne Ambuehl
“In a seamless blend of jazz, lyricism, and folk, Fabienne Ambuehl brings poetry to life and crafts soundscapes that transport listeners into a magical world filled with warmth, imagination, and emotional truth. Thrive speaks to broader themes of nature, belonging, and identity, merging storytelling with deeply personal musical imagery.”

Jazz Special Awards

• Newcomer in Jazz 2025 - Olivia Cuttill
“Olivia Cuttill is a young artist who has made a remarkable impression this year: someone whose talent, creativity, and dedication signals a bright future in the years ahead. Her new album is inspired by family connection, soulful blues, and the spirit of New Orleans, featuring her distinctive trumpet sound.”

• Jazz Organisation of the Year – ECN Music
“Over the last three years ECN Music has exemplified what true dedication to the jazz community looks like. Offering bespoke, highly personalised support to every artist they work with, this organisation not only empowers musicians to retain ownership of their music and provides them with meaningful media opportunities, but also delivers expert guidance in global distribution, promotional strategy, project management, and album design.
After the sad passing of Martin Hummel and the closure of the Ubuntu Music label mid- year, the musicians and artists formerly associated with the label have retained a vital platform through which to share their work through the support of ECN Music, and their commitment to the Brubeck Living Legacy Prize has ensured not only the programme’s remarkable success, but its continued growth into next year. This organisation’s contribution to the jazz community has been truly exceptional, making them unquestionably deserving of the highest recognition.”

• Best Jazz Archive/Reissue - Verve: The Moment Of Truth: Ella At The Coliseum
“This is a rare and radiant window into Ella Fitzgerald at her peak during a live concert, featuring tracks that have never been recorded elsewhere. With a voice full of warmth and purity, and an improvisational genius that delighted audiences, there’s no doubt that what we hear is a legitimate treasure.”

Buy, stream and save on the winners
All the winners are available now from Presto Music. Until 21st January 2026, customers can save up to 30% on the finalists, in CD, Vinyl, Blu-ray or Download format.
The winning recordings can also be enjoyed – the majority in high-resolution quality – via Presto’s streaming service. Now available in 46 countries worldwide, the Presto Music streaming service has a Fair Play Initiative, ensuring artists receive payment per second of music streamed, rather than the typical pay-per-track model.

With roots stretching back almost 40 years, Presto Music has evolved from a specialist retailer into a trusted global platform for recorded music, scores, and expert insight. The company continues to champion artistry, scholarship, and discovery in classical and jazz music.

About Presto Music
Based in Royal Leamington Spa in the UK, Presto Music is the UK’s leading destination for classical and jazz recordings - whether via its streaming service or online and in-store sales of CDs, DVDs, high- quality downloads and vinyl. It also offers sheet music, music books and musical instruments. Founded in 1986 as a small high street shop, the Presto Music website was started in 2001 and has grown into one of the most significant online retailers for music products in the world, focusing on enriching the lives of music lovers and musicians of all ages, backgrounds and abilities by championing a passion for music.

http://www.prestomusic.com

Presto Music
23–25 Regent Grove
Leamington Spa
CV32 4NN

+44 (0)1926 886883

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

Jazz in the West Midlands - December 15th - 21st 2025.

Monday, December 15, 2025

A roundup of jazz, funk & soul gigs to check out this week in the West Midlands area. Listings supplied by Dave Fuller of Music Spoken Here, Worcester.

The Week Ahead

A roundup of jazz, funk, blues and soul gigs to check out this week in the West Midlands area.

Monday 15

Free Lunchtime Jazz
Eastside Jazz Club, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, 200 Jennens Road, B4 7XR

The Rat Pack at Christmas
Symphony Hall, Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA





Tuesday 16

Red Lemons
The Jam House, 3-5 St Pauls Square, Birmingham B3 1QU



The Diddy Sweg Big Band presents A Diddy Sweg Christmas Carol
The Hare & Hounds, High Street, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7JZ





Wednesday 17

Bedford Street Christmas Special with The Groovellas
Bedford Street Bar, 4 Bedford Street, Leamington Spa CV32 5DY



Upstairs at Cherry Reds: TIDE
Cherry Red’s, 88-92 John Bright Street, Birmingham B1 1BN



Sutton Coldfield Trad Jazz Club: Christmas Party with Sheila Fawkes Café Orchestra
Boldmere Sports & Social Club, 323 Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield B73 5HQ



Steamin’ Jazz Club: Katya Gorrie Quartet
The Steam & Whistle, 247 Gloucester Rd, Cheltenham GL51 8NW



Fugue and Groove
The Blue Piano, 24-26 Harborne Rd, Birmingham, B15 3AA



The Yolanda Penn Trio
Queens Arms, 150 Newhall Street, Birmingham B3 1RY



Red Lemons
The Jam House, 3-5 St Pauls Square, Birmingham B3 1QU



Henry Newman Jazz Experience
The Trumpet, 58 High Street, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 0EP





Thursday 18

Mark Lockheart & John Parricelli
Wolverhampton Arts Centre, Dunkley Street, Wolverhampton WV1 4AN



Smokin Ade Wakelin Band
The Station, 7 High Street, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7BB



Liam Byrne / Bryan Corbett
Alsager Golf & Country Club, Audley Rd, Alsager Stoke-on-Trent ST7 2UR



Detroit Soul Collective
The Jam House, 3-5 St Pauls Square, Birmingham B3 1QU



The Sharmanaires Big Band ft Garry Rutter
Knowle Royal British Legion, 1611 Warwick Rd, Knowle, Solihull B93 9LU



Friday 19

Christmas All Stars Jazz In The Box with Nigel Price, Vasilis Xenopoulos, Freddie Gavita & Dave Sear
Unit 5 Fargo Village Far Gosford Street, Coventry CV1 5ED



B:Music Free Jazz Fridays: The Notebenders
Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space, Symphony Hall, Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA



King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys
Huntingdon Hall, CrownGate, Worcester WR1 3LD



Lichfield Jazz Big Band Christmas Special
St Anne’s Church, Church Street, Burntwood WS7 3QR



Art Themen with the Tim Amann Trio
The Trumpet, 58 High Street, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 0EP



Blues @ Temperance: Mississippi McDonald Christmas Show
Temperance, 33 Bath St, Leamington Spa CV31 3AF



Detroit Soul Collective
The Jam House, 3-5 St Pauls Square, Birmingham B3 1QU



Jazz Solstice with Aidan Thorne & Will Barnes
St Swithun’s Church, Church Street, Worcester, WR1 2RH







Saturday 20

Blues @ Temperance: Giles Robson Christmas Special
Temperance, 33 Bath St, Leamington Spa CV31 3AF



Detroit Soul Collective
The Jam House, 3-5 St Pauls Square, Birmingham B3 1QU



Blues Club: Bedrock Bullets
The Hare & Hounds, High Street, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7JZ



Downstairs at The Grand *
The Grand Hotel, 1 Church Street, Birmingham B3 2FE







Sunday 21

Jazz at Copper Beech: House Band + Guest
Copper Beech Brewery & Taproom, 6-8 Britannia Road, Worcester WR1 3BQ



Coventry Jazzamatazz: Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz Giants
Ansty Club, Grove Road, Coventry CV7 9JD



Fat Chops Big Band ft Jeff Hooper
Fentham Hall, Marsh Lane, Hampton-in-Arden B92 0AH



Steve King Big Band Christmas Spectacular
Benjamins, 4 Birmingham Street, Halesowen B63 3HN



Bill Hayes Jazz Experience
The Trumpet, 58 High Street, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 0EP



Blues @ Temperance: Chantel McGregor - stripped back Xmas special
Temperance, 33 Bath St, Leamington Spa CV31 3AF





* Indicates known regular event but no lineup published by the promoter at time of writing. Click the link for latest details.

Have a great week!
Dave Fuller
Instigator, Music Spoken Here
http://www.musicspkenhere.club

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio - 2025 year-end Radio Playlist.

Monday, December 15, 2025

In his two end of year shows Peter will play music from twenty one albums that have appealed to his own personal musical taste. Listings attached.

Peter Slavid writes;

Hi folks,

2025 has not been a good year for me personally. My house was flooded and we had to move into temporary accommodation for several months, and more recently I fractured my patella – now slowly recovering! However, through most of that my radio show has kept going!

During the year, up to the end of November, I played tracks from 294 albums (and received quite a few more!). Almost all came from independent labels. However I’m aware that there was still lots of music that I never got to hear.

Inevitably the largest single contribution came from the UK with 22%, down from 29% last year. A good spread across continental Europe with the noticeable exception of Spain and Portugal where I clearly need more contacts.

In my two “end of year” shows I’m playing 21 albums that have particularly appealed, for whatever reason, to my personal, rather quirky taste. This is NOT a “best of year” list, just an “end of year” list playing in alphabetical order. But I do really like all of them.

They will be playing on the Radio on Dec 14/28 and Jan 7/14

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 HayesFM – West London Community Radio Sunday 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk (Scotland) Sundays 7pm

Camp radio (France) http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 7pm

Both parts are available now at http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Also later today as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Apple, Amazon, Deezer and other podcast sites.

Do get in touch if you want more information about any of the albums. If you are one of the people who sends me music - please keep it coming. If you are a listener – a big thank you, and do let me know what you think of the show.

Have a great holiday and here’s to a happy trauma-free and musical 2026
Peter

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Part One

Anders Filipsen Trio
Dark and Plenty of Sun
Aldebar Nights of Mangos
ILK

Bliss Quintet
Ida
Live at Nattjazz `24
Jazzland

Chrome Hill
Walk With Me
En Route
Clean Feed

Cosmic Ear
Brown Rice
Traces
We Jazz Records

Daniel Erdmann’s Organic Soulfood
Hello Myself
Into the Sweet Unknown
BMC

Hélène Labarrière
Jane
Puzzle
Jazzdor

Joachim Kuhn
Hunting
Échappée
Intakt

Johnny Richards & Dave King
Sleepless in Settle
The New Awkward
False Door

KOVÁSZ
Moldavian Funk
Fermentum
BMC

Louis Sclavis
Madras Song
India
Yolk

Makiko Hirabayashi Weavers
Up River
Gifts
enja/yellowbird

Part 2

Marcin Masecki
Bemsha Swing
Monk
BMC

Michel Fernandez Quintet
Global Warning
Live au Hot Club de Lyon
Atypeek Music

Potsa Lotsa XL
Palmate
Amoeba’s Dance
Trouble In The East

Robert Mitchell
I Greet The Universe (With All Your Person)
Little Black Book
Whirlwind

Rosa Ensemble
Muzak/Muzak3/Stalker
Oddments
Cuneiform

Seb Rochford
People Say Stuff, Don’t Be Disheartened
Finding Ways
Edition

Sergio Armaroli Giancarlo Schiaffini
Spirits Rejoice
Deconstructing Ayler in the Universe
Dodicilune

Spinifex
Sack and Ash (part)
Maxximus
Trytone Records

Stéphane Kerecki
The People United
Liberation Songs
Self Two Music

Vincent Meissner
Palma Amore
Eigengrau
ACT

Shrewsbury Jazz Network announce programme for January, February and March 2026.

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Shrewsbury Jazz Network has announced its programme for the first three months of 2026. Events take place at The Hive Music & Media Centre, Shrewsbury. Fully detailed schedule attached.

PROGRAMME – January to March 2026
* Saturdays at 7pm. Performance area opens 6:30pm.

Bryan Corbett’s Instrumental Groove Unit
Jan 10 £25/£12 U22
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

Alicia Gardener-Trejo Quartet
Feb 7 £25/£12 U22
As part of a tour showcasing her debut album ‘Home/Lands’ Alicia Gardner-Trejo (baritone sax, flute, bass flute) brings her exciting quartet to SJN at the Hive. Featuring the individual voices of Andrew Woodhead (piano), Brodie Laird-Jarvie (double bass) and Jonathan Silk (drums) their music plays with the sonic possibilities of low woodwinds & double bass,  with fresh ideas of melody & bassline responsibilities. With strong influences from the world of jazz and folk, ‘Home/Lands’ features intricately crafted melodies and strong improvisations.
‘A very engaging piece with attractive melodies and strong solos.’ Tony Dudley Evans
* Please note that this gig will be presented as a single set performance starting at 8.00 and ending around 9.30.

Mark Lockheart Shapeshifter Trio
Mar 14 £25/£12 U22
Shapeshifter is a new trio featuring three very special creative voices of the UK jazz scene: Mark Lockheart (saxes, bass clarinet & electronics), Huw V Williams (bass) &
Jay Davis (drums & percussion). The star- studded musical CV of these musicians is far too extensive to list here. Creating a unique sonic experience, the trio shifts moment to moment, gracefully and spontaneously stitching together sound landscapes and grooves. The three members share the writing credits alongside a few carefully chosen works by Bill Frisell, Joe Henderson and Paul Motian.

The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TE

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

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

01743 234970

EFG London Jazz Festival wins “Festival Of The Year” at The LIVE Awards 2025.

Friday, December 12, 2025

EFG London Jazz Festival has been honoured with the prestigious Festival of the Year award at The LIVE Awards 2025, held on 10 December 2025 at Troxy in East London. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

EFG London Jazz Festival wins “Festival Of The Year” at The LIVE Awards 2025

EFG London Jazz Festival has been honoured with the prestigious Festival of the Year award at The LIVE Awards 2025, held this week (10 December) at Troxy in East London. The ceremony, organised in association with Skiddle, brought together more than 500 leading figures from across the UK’s live music sector, including promoters, venues, agents, festivals, and artist managers.

This year’s award recognises the EFG London Jazz Festival for its broad and large scale programme, and innovative, inclusive and community-centred approach, particularly in response to rising living costs. The Festival placed accessibility at its core, delivering extensive free and family-friendly programming at the Southbank Centre’s Clore Ballroom and the Barbican across both weekends. Its dedicated venue and pop-up hub, The Jazz Social, offered free events, low-cost tickets priced at £15 and under, and set-aside allocations for low-income audiences, while also supporting sustainability through self-operated ticketing and revenue generated from on-site food, drink and merchandise. A Community Tickets Scheme further widened access by providing £5 tickets to community organisations, and large-scale workshops encouraged active participation from people with little or no musical experience, strengthening the Festival’s role as a gateway to jazz for all.

The 2025 edition marks 20 years of the Festival’s renowned Take Five talent development programme, celebrated with a special Barbican event featuring distinguished alumni. This year also saw artist in residence aja monet curate cross-disciplinary programmes at the Barbican, blending spoken word, music and community dialogue, while the Festival hosted the Aga Khan Music Awards in London for the first time, broadening its international reach and deepening cultural exchange. Together, these initiatives demonstrate the Festival’s commitment to balancing accessibility with sustainability, while championing jazz as an evolving, community-connecting art form and reinforcing the EFG London Jazz Festival’s identity as a forward-thinking, globally engaged event.

EFG London Jazz Festival director Pelin Opcin says of the award:
“We’re deeply honoured that the EFG London Jazz Festival has been named Live Music UK’s Festival of the Year.
In our 33rd year, this recognition from the wider industry means a tremendous amount. This award celebrates our long-standing commitment to jazz and beyond—creative music in all its forms, the artists who make it, the communities we serve, and the partner presenters who help bring it to life. London’s jazz scene is a powerful force which enables UK Jazz’s global impact. We are truly thrilled to play a part in this.
From our sold-out large scale shows, to our special projects and our new music commissions, from club shows to reach-out programmes where we span over to 23 boroughs in London, this award is a testament to EFG London Jazz Festival’s dedication to visionary programming and collaboration.
This achievement would not have been possible without the wonderful artists who took part, our partners, sponsors, venues, club programmers, audiences and, of course, the hard-working and devoted Serious team. We also extend our thanks to EFG International and Arts Council England for their continuous support, to enable these visions”

Hosted by comedian Tom Ward, the event celebrated excellence across the live industry, with 15 awards presented throughout the evening. Winners were selected by a panel of industry experts, alongside notable honourees such as Communion ONE, ROAM, Solo Agency, LIDO Festival, Gigantic Tickets and Black Lives in Music.

Gaby Cartwright, head of partnerships at LIVE, praised this year’s celebrations:
“The LIVE Awards were a fantastic celebration of the people who make this industry what it is. We continued to build on ideas introduced in previous years, including our vegan-first menu, and expanded our commitment to inclusivity with a dedicated no- and low-alcohol bar in partnership with Club Soda, plus a calm space for anyone who needed a breather. Huge congratulations to all of this year’s winners, and a big thank you to all our sponsors, we can’t wait to come back even bigger in 2026.”

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

Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts, New York City, announces the Winter 2026 season of its free POP-UP CONCERTS, January, February, March 2026.

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Miller Theatre’s hour-long, musician-curated Pop-Up Concerts—free, informal, and intimate—bring the audience right onto the stage. 2026 Winter programme attached.

We have received the following press release;

Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts
announces the winter season of
POP-UP CONCERTS
Free “happy hour” concerts with the audience onstage

Tuesday, January 27
Trinket Ensemble

Tuesday, February 17
Chico Pinheiro, guitar

Tuesday, March 3
Amy Williams, piano
Morton Feldman’s “Triadic Memories”

Free admission • Doors at 5:30PM, music at 6PM
at Miller Theatre (2960 Broadway at 116th Street)

Pop-Up Concerts
Onstage seating is first-come, first-served.
Concerts start at 6PM and doors open at 5:30PM.

Miller Theatre’s hour-long, musician-curated Pop-Up Concerts—free, informal, and intimate—bring the audience right onto the stage, inches from virtuoso performers who share not only their music but the stories behind it. The unique setting “feels closer to a loft party than a formal concert” (ODEA). One loyal audience member calls it “the greatest hour of culture in New York.”

“Some concerts are better shorter. That’s the premise behind this intimate happy-hour pop-up series, in which audience members can fortify themselves with a drink,
sit onstage with the musicians, and listen…”
— New York Magazine

“Even after the weekend’s over, if you’re craving world-class music, you can hear some for free at neighborhood gem The Miller Theater at Columbia University.”
— West Side Rag

“Miller’s superb series of short and perpetually satisfying Pop-Up concerts.”
– The New York Times

Tuesday, January 27
Trinket Ensemble
Alice Teyssier, flute; Modney, violin;
Daniel Lippel, guitar; Michael Nicolas, cello
Experience the debut of Trinket Ensemble—a vibrant new voice in the contemporary chamber music scene—uniting four acclaimed artists whose long history of performing together in other ensembles has forged a collaborative musical synergy. Renowned individually for their adventurous approach to new music, they bring together their shared artistry in a program featuring two world premieres.
Program:
Rick Burkhardt new work (2025) world premiere
Modney new work (2025) world premiere
Wang Lu Trinket (2013)
Beatriz de Dia (arr. Trinket) A chantar m’ér de ço qu’eu non volria

Tuesday, February 17
Chico Pinheiro, guitar
Brazilian-born guitarist and composer Chico Pinheiro—hailed by Jazz Weekly as “one of the most important and celebrated guitarists today”—captivated Miller audiences last season in his unforgettable duo performance with vocalist Luciana Souza. Now, for his Pop-Up Concerts series debut, he returns with an intimate set that blends Brazilian classics, jazz standards, and his own striking original compositions.

Tuesday, March 3
Amy Williams, piano
Morton Feldman’s “Triadic Memories”
Morton Feldman’s Triadic Memories (1981) is a 75-minute exploration of slowly evolving repetition, where exact repeats, minute variations, and subtle harmonic shifts invite deep, meditative listening. Pianist and composer Amy Williams first encountered Feldman’s music in childhood and has spent nearly three decades performing, studying, and recording his work. In honor of the 100th anniversary of his birth, Williams draws upon her extensive relationship with his music to bring rare depth and insight to this monumental solo composition.
Program:
Morton Feldman Triadic Memories (1981) for piano

About the Artists

Trinket Ensemble
Trinket is a brand new band whose members have played together for over a decade. Made up of new music luminaries Dan Lippel (guitars), Modney (violin), Michael Nicolas (cello), and Alice Teyssier (voice and flutes), the ensemble began over a series of lunch outings at various New York City diners. At first, simply to talk shop about the new music scene, it slowly developed into the idea of forming an ensemble, then quickly expanded into discussing programming and commissioning ideas, and ultimately resulting in full-blown performance-seeking behavior. Trinket is a name that suggests joy and play, containing the elements of both the ephemeral and meaningful, and it is in this spirit that we have joined together as a group, for the pleasure of making music with one another.

Chico Pinheiro, guitar
http://www.chicopinheiro.com
Chico Pinheiro is an acclaimed Brazilian guitarist, composer, and arranger known for his distinctive blend of Brazilian music, classical, and jazz. Born in São Paulo, he began playing guitar at age 6 and started working professionally as a session musician by 14, and released his debut album Meia Noite Meio Dia (Sony, 2003) to wide critical praise, followed by Chico Pinheiro (2005), NOVA (2007) with Anthony Wilson, and There’s a Storm Inside (2010), which featured Dianne Reeves and Bob Mintzer and earned multiple Latin jazz awards, including Best Brazilian Jazz Album and Best Latin Jazz Composition for “Mamulengo.” He has been named “Rising Star Guitarist” multiple times in DownBeat Magazine’s Critics Poll. Pinheiro was nominated consecutively for the Grammy Award in the Best Latin Jazz Album category in 2020 and 2021, the latter for his album City of Dreams. His 2024 release Two Brothers (with Romero Lubambo) was nominated for the Prêmio da Música Brasileira—often referred to as the Brazilian Grammy. Alongside his main projects as leader, Pinheiro has collaborated widely with artists across jazz, classical, and Brazilian music, including Brad Mehldau, Dianne Reeves, Kurt Elling, Dave Grusin, Herbie Hancock, Brian Blade, Ron Carter, Chris Potter, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Ivan Lins, Rosa Passos, João Donato, and Luciana Souza.

Amy Williams
http://www.amywilliamsmusic.com
Amy Williams is a composer of music that is “simultaneously demanding, rewarding and fascinating” (Buffalo News), “fresh, daring and incisive” (Fanfare), and “curious and playful” (The New York Times). Her work has been featured at major contemporary music festivals and venues including the Lucerne Festival, Tanglewood Festival of Contemporary Music, Time:Spans, and the Gaudeamus Festival, and has been performed by leading contemporary music soloists and ensembles such as Ursula Oppens, Tony Arnold, Robert Black, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the JACK Quartet, Ensemble Musikfabrik, Wet Ink, Talujon, the International Contemporary Ensemble, and H2 Saxophone Quartet. Her music appears on the Albany, Parma, VDM (Italy), Blue Griffin, Centaur, and New Ariel labels. Williams’s honors include a Howard Foundation Fellowship from Brown University, Guggenheim Fellowship, Fromm Music Foundation Commission, Koussevitsky Music Foundation Commission, Fulbright Scholars Fellowship, 2022 MacDowell Fellowship, 2024 Arts and Letters Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the 2024 Henri Lazarof International Commission Prize from Brandeis University. She holds a Ph.D. in composition from the University at Buffalo, is Professor of Composition at the University of Pittsburgh, and serves as Artistic Director of the New Music on the Point Festival in Vermont.

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 Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, the Howard Gilman Foundation, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, and the Howard and Sarah D. Solomon Foundation.

An opportunity for young people.

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Bath Jazz Weekend and All Of The Above (AOTA) are trialling a new project aimed at encouraging young people to become the next generation of music promoters. Details attached.

From Nod Knowles of Bath Jazz Weekend and AOTA;

An opportunity for young people

Is this an opportunity for a young person that you know?

Bath Jazz Weekend and All Of The Above (AOTA) are trialling a new project aimed at encouraging young people to become the next generation of music promoters (to replace old geezers like me when I am too old to hold a microphone any more!)

We are offering 4 places for young people to come and enjoy the full Bath Jazz Weekend for free – and to volunteer to help with the event a little each day. They’ll get meals provided by us.  They will also have the opportunity to connect with the people on our (very experienced) crew doing the various jobs – PA, stage, management, artist liaison, lighting, box office and (me) programming/marketing etc.

If those people are interested in the idea of promoting gigs (not necessarily jazz, but music of any kind of their choice) they can join me and the crew members in February & March 2026 in 2 workshop days where we will explore with them the details and practical realities of all of the areas of promoting – from programming, marketing and important financial aspects to the technicalities of sound, lights, staging etc.

Then there are two more opportunities:  to work with me and the crew on the next AOTA gig on Saturday 28 February and to plan and present their own first gig(s), with help and advisory support from me, including help to apply for funding to underwrite the risk of one or more gigs.

The venue for all this of course is Widcombe Social Club, Bath, where the Jazz Weekend and AOTA gigs are held.  The venue will also host the workshops and offer the venue for a first new gig that these people might promote there.

Can I ask you to put this out to anyone you know (over the age of 18) who might be interested – and get people to reply to me by email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ?  Also – I’ve put this call out music interests at Bath College, Bath and Bath Spa Universities.

The 4 free places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, depending on availability and on a few simple questions from me to assess their level of interest.

Thanks for reading and hope to see you soon.

Nod
Nod Knowles for AOTA and Bath Jazz Weekend.

Billy Marrows Band - new album and UK tour dates.

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Guitarist & composer Billy Marrows will release his new quartet album "Dancing On Bentwood Chairs" on February 13th 2026 with UK live dates to follow.

We have received the following press release;

Billy Marrows presents the first full-length album with the Billy Marrows Band, Dancing On Bentwood Chairs, out 13 February 2026.

Billy Marrows Band’s vibrantly melodic and expressive music explores the relationship between improvisation and composition, drawing on influences from Weather Report to Henry Threadgill.

Musical themes weave across the album, with inspiration from Mikhail Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita. The album title comes from an artwork by Marrows’ father, Timothy Morrison, who also created the cover art.

Recorded in December 2021, the album was temporarily put on hold by Billy’s Parliamentary Jazz Awards Album of the Year-shortlisted debut, the Penelope charity album, and subsequent Grande Família releases. Marrows describes this album as “a record I’m still deeply proud of, and a band I’m really excited to be playing with again”
.

The first single The Cock-Eared Optimist is out now.

Website
https://www.billymarrows.com/

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

Billy Marrows Band:
Billy Marrows guitar/baritone guitar
Chris Williams alto sax
Huw V Williams double bass
Jay Davis drums
All compositions by Billy Marrows

Track Listing:
1.The Cock-Eared Optimist
2. Woland Blues
3. Intro to Dancing On Bentwood Chairs
4. Dancing On Bentwood Chairs
5. The Protagonist
6. Anthem for W.O. - Part 1
7. Anthem for W.O. - Part 2
8. Woland Returns
9. Speedwell
10. Intro to Capel Fawnog
11. Capel Fawnog
12. Great Ball at Satan’s

Album Release Tour:
19 February 2026 - Album Launch, Vortex Jazz Club, London
25 March 2026 - Matt & Phreds, Manchester
26 March 2026 - City Screen Basement Bar, York
6 June 2026 - The Bear Club, Luton

Billy Marrows Band announces album Dancing On Bentwood Chairs, out 13 February 2026.

Inventive, groovy, and lyrical, the Billy Marrows Band present their first album, Dancing On Bentwood Chairs.

Following his Parliamentary Jazz Awards Album of the Year-shortlisted debut Penelope and subsequent Grande Família releases, Billy Marrows reassembles his quartet
for this long-awaited release: Chris Williams (alto sax), Huw V Williams (double bass), Jay Davis (drums), and Marrows on standard and baritone guitars.

Their vibrantly melodic and expressive music explores the relationship between improvisation and composition, with influences including Weather Report, Henry Threadgill,
and Darcy James Argue. Musical themes weave across the album, a Blooper loop pedal is put to compositional use, and inspiration is drawn from Mikhail Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita. The album title comes from an artwork by Marrows’ father, Timothy Morrison, who also created the cover art.

“Marrows plays with such lyrical melodicism…you can’t help but be seduced into his charmed world” ★★★★ Jazzwise (Grande Família Sextet EP review)

“An exhilaratingly original sound, at once intimate and expansive”
★★★★ Editor’s Choice JAZZWISE
(Penelope album)

“A triumph…with his Grande Família project,
Marrows has created a spectacular new ensemble”
Jazz Views
(Penelope album)

“Melodic and distinctive…
an album of inventive and contemporary chamber-jazz”
★★★★ All About Jazz
(Penelope album)

The first single The Cock-Eared Optimist is out now, with a video available here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baRTBX9E3RY

Recorded in December 2021 following a run of gigs, the album was temporarily put on hold by the Penelope charity album and Grande Família project. Marrows describes this release as “a record I’m still deeply proud of, with band I’m really excited to be playing with again”.

The band recently performed to a full house at Jazz in Kentish Town during the EFG London Jazz Festival 2025 and will continue their UK release tour in 2026, including an album launch at the Vortex Jazz Club on 19 February and dates in Manchester, York and Luton. Full tour details are available at http://www.billymarrows.com/upcoming-gigs.

Dancing On Bentwood Chairs is released on 13 February 2026.

https://www.instagram.com/billymarrowsmusic/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvBMW7-powtiBgigwBIW0aw

The Green Note, Camden Town, London - Newsletter 10/12/2025.

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

The Green Note has forwarded its latest newsletter with details of forthcoming musical events and special 20th Anniversary merch.

December Highlights;

Hello Green Note Music Lovers,

Our limited edition of special 20th Anniversary merch has now arrived! Thank you to everyone who has placed pre-orders. We will be dispatching these by the end of this week. If you’d like to be part of the first batch it’s not too late - place your orders today! This is a wonderful Christmas present for the music lover in your life (it can also be combined with Green Note gift vouchers - please email us for details). Orders can be placed at our Green Note online shop - from T-shirts and hoodies to mugs, tea towels, posters and more, it’s a lovely way to mark the milestone and support the venue at the same time. These items are only being made once - when they’re gone, they’re gone - so grab your favourites early! 
NB. Postage is currently only set for UK delivery - if you’re based out of the UK please email us for options.

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS…

December’s highlights (excluding those already sold out!) include the uplifting and dynamic LONDON BLUEGRASS BAND (Sat 13th Dec), bringing their tight harmonies, rapid-fire picking and infectious energy for a night guaranteed to get feet tapping. We’re also thrilled to welcome back the hugely talented GYPSY DREAMERS (Fri 19th Dec), blending gypsy jazz, folk, Latin and world influences into a warm, soulful sound perfect for a winter evening. Ormella will be presenting a special Christmas edition of her popular monthly night FOLK RISING (Tues 16th Dec) - get ready for a joyful, heart-warming night of music. Fans of Sufjan Stevens won’t want to miss the SUFJAN STEVENS CHRISTMAS SINGALONG (Weds 17th Dec), an afternoon of Klezmer, Balkan and Gypsy music with BOW & BELLOWS (Sat 20th Dec), and just before the holidays, don’t miss the ever-popular CADILLAC KINGS (Sat 20th Dec), serving up their signature mix of jump blues, rock ’n’ roll and vintage rhythm & blues - always a crowd-pleasing, high-spirited show!

This is just a selection of the many incredible artists who will be gracing our Green Note stage(s) in the coming weeks, so please do check out our EVENTS PAGE for the full listings. 

And if you can’t decide what to book for, check out our SPOTIFY PLAYLIST for a taster of what’s coming up in December!
December 2025 Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0WEEShyqs52EzoBJd2eyAC?si=673b0a06e9e64a12&nd=1&dlsi=b5bd64bf6b0b4f79

Hope to see you soon!
Lots of love,
Immy & Risa xx

COMING UP IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS…

The Dave Giles & Danny Gruff Christmas Party
Wed 10th December
Two talented UK artists invite you to celebrate Christmas with them!

Azu Yeché
Wed 10th December
THE BASEMENT BAR
Subtle African influences to create a form of contemporary soul that is immediate, uplifting and vivid in its story telling

Rachel Croft
Wed 10th December
THE WATER RATS
“An emotive and uncompromising alternative artist at the top of her game.” — Atwood Magazine

Benjamin Yellowitz & Jodie Howl - Single Launch
Thu 11th December
Queer singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based in London, crafting a unique blend of raw folk lyricism and soulful grooves

Spottiswoode’s Christmas Spectacular!
Thu 11th December
THE BASEMENT BAR
A Christmas double set featuring singalongs, tasteless stunts and excessive amounts of good cheer!
**SOLD OUT**

Patch & The Giant
Fri 12th December
‘Tucked somewhere between the music of Balkan enthusiasts Beirut and the rustic elegance of modern DIY folk’  - KLOF

Camille Rose and her Trio
Fri 12th December
THE BASEMENT BAR
Described as “the love-child of Ella Fitzgerald and Amy Winehouse” Camille + her trio will be presenting a selection of favourite tunes from the American songbook, with a sprinkling of festive spirit for this December show!
**SOLD OUT**

Matinée Show: Clementine Lovell + Daria Kulesh
Sat 13th December
An exceptional double bill featuring two outstanding folk singer songwriters

The London Bluegrass Band
Sat 13th December
A collective, dedicated to showcasing and fostering the bluegrass scene in the capital!

Blue Lou’s Revue Christmas Special!
Sat 13th December
THE BASEMENT BAR
An intimate evening of Christmas blues, perfect for friends and lovers to relax over drinks and enjoy London’s most authentic blues revue playing Christmas blues!

Matinée show: Phil Beer
Sun 14th December
The multi-instrumental half of the west countryʼs award winning acoustic duo, Show of Hands.
**SOLD OUT**

“Have Yourself a Country Little Christmas” with Savannah Gardner & Friends
Sun 14th December
Step out of the cold & crisp winter night for an intimate evening with lots of laughs, honky tonk, love and joy. Merry Christmas!
**SOLD OUT**

Jennifer Lee Ridley
Sun 14th December
THE BASEMENT BAR
Emotive songstress passionately uses influences of a Romantic folk nature to create poignant and touching music

Dave Malkin & Louis Campbell + Moya Sweeney & Archie Churchill-Moss
Mon 15th December
FolkAndRoots present a folky double bill featuring acclaimed guitar duo and revered accordion duo

Elanor Moss
Mon 15th December
THE BASEMENT BAR
An intimate evening of songs and conversation
**SOLD OUT**

Folk Rising: Christmas Special with Ormella
Tue 16th December
Celebrate the season with warmth, music, and community in this heartwarming Christmas special

Joe Webb Trio
Tue 16th December
THE BASEMENT BAR
With a performance CV that includes collaborations with Wynton Marsalis, Jamie Cullum and Jools Holland, Joe is now making a name for himself as a band leader and as one of the UK’s most captivating young pianists
**SOLD OUT**

Maya Caskie & the Bards
Wed 17th December
Female vocal quartet, a couple of guitars and a box full of percussion knickknacks… Stories about bell-ringers, runaway brides and ghosts residing secretly in the homes of musicians…

Sufjan Stevens Singalong
Wed 17th December
THE BASEMENT BAR
Come together with Sufjan Stevens fans from across London to sing songs from Sufjan’s extensive and fabulous Christmas back catalogue!

Christmas Show: Paul Mosley + Jack Harris + Special Guest… Moses
Thu 18th December
New Roots presents a very special Christmas triple bill! Paul Mosley (‘what a voice’ Jools Holland), Jack Harris (‘a priest of song’ Anais Mitchell) & indie folk band Moses (4 stars NME/ Q/ Select)

Sam Browse
Thu 18th December
THE BASEMENT BAR
Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist performing folk and protest songs

Gypsy Dreamers
Fri 19th December
“dynamic hybrid jazz-meets-classical project that explores tango, bossa nova, pop, jazz and world sounds via violin, cello and percussion.” – Time Out

Christmastime with Lucy, Georgia and Leo
Fri 19th December
THE BASEMENT BAR
Special double bill featuring 2 rising star jazz singers
**SOLD OUT**

Matinée Show:
Bow & Bellows
Sat 20th December
Compelling arrangements of Klezmer, Balkan and Gypsy music

The Cadillac Kings
Sat 20th December
“A wonderfully tight blues, roots and swing outfit - even better they’re home grown!” - The Times Newspaper, London

The TJ Johnson Trio
Sat 20th December
THE BASEMENT BAR
A trail from the Smokey Jazz dives of New Orleans through the foot tapping Honky Tonks of Texas to the Gin-soaked Speakeasies of New York

Open-mic hosted by Rob Thom
Sun 21st December
Well-established, relaxed and friendly open mic…



Green Note, 106 Parkway, London, NW1 7AN

http://www.greennote.co.uk

2026 Buxton International Festival Jazz Weekend - first wave of artists announced.

Tuesday, December 09, 2025

Buxton International Festival (9-26 July 2026) has announced that its 2026 ‘Jazz Weekender’ ticket (9-12 July) will go on sale on Monday, 15 December 2025 at 10am. Performers include Laura Jurd,.

We have received the following press release;

BUXTON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL’S 2026 ‘JAZZ WEEKENDER’ TICKET GOES ON SALE ON MONDAY 15 DECEMBER

Buxton International Festival (9-26 July 2026) is delighted to announce that its 2026 ‘Jazz Weekender’ ticket (9-12 July) will go on sale on Monday, 15 December at
10am.

The 2026 Jazz Weekender, featuring artists including Laura Jurd, Tony Kofi & Denys Baptiste, Arun Gosh and the Andrew McCormack Trio, offers audiences the chance to immerse themselves in an entire weekend of live music in Buxton. The £195 ticket provides access to 12 gigs across the festival’s opening weekend (9-12 July inclusive), 11 of them in the festival’s dedicated jazz venue, The Palace Hotel, and one gig in Buxton Opera House. Day passes are also available from £30.

The festival’s new Jazz Director, Wesley Stephenson, commented:
“Jazz Weekender is all about bringing people right up close to the music. Twelve gigs across one weekend, intimate spaces and some of the UK’s most exciting musicians
coming together. It’s a brilliant way to discover new sounds, revisit the classics and feel the real energy of live jazz.”

The Jazz Weekender boasts an impressive line-up of artists who boast Mercury, MOBO, BBC and British Jazz awards between them including:
Laura Jurd (Rites and Revelations)
Tony Kofi and Denys Baptiste Quintet (Legacy: Coltrane and Cannonball)
Arun Ghosh Quintet
Andrew McCormack Trio
Zoë Gilby with Andy Champion (The Music of Duke Ellington)
Josephine Davies Satori Quartet with special guest Alcyona Mick
Noa Levy, Alan Barnes and the Paul Edis Trio (Portrait in Evans)
Alina Bzhezhinska HipHarpCollective
Fraser Fifield Secret Path Trio
More artists to be announced.

BOX OFFICE
Booking opens on Monday 15 December at 10am. Tel: 01298 72190

http://www.buxtonfestival.co.uk

Video - the 2025 Highlights Video: View
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUn2tTWTNJI

Jazz Weekender programme: View here.
https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/whats-on/jazz-weekender

Cheltenham Jazz Club - Programme for January, February and March 2026.

Tuesday, December 09, 2025

Cheltenham Jazz Club has announced its programme for the first three months of 2026. Performers include saxophonists Sam Braysher and Alex Hitchcock & pianist Hans Koller. Fully detailed listings att.

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

Cheltenham Jazz Club are pleased to open the first quarter of our 2026 season with three new and exiting bands where you can again experience and listen to live jazz.
Thank you to everyone who have supported us and the musicians at our previous gigs in 2025 and the preceding 40+ years.

FORTHCOMING GIGS

THE SAM BRAYSHER QUARTET
WHEN: 8.00 pm, Monday 19 January 2026
WHERE: The Irving Studio, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
Tickets: £20.00
Sam Braysher – Alto Saxophone, Matyas Gayer – Piano,Tom Farmer – Bass, Steve Brown - Drums
Sam Braysher, is a London-based alto saxophonist, who has received widespread critical acclaim for his three albums to date. His warm tone and consonant and inquisitive approach to harmony is attracting growing attention on the British jazz scene.Accompanying is an all-star rhythm section, comprising Hungarian pianist Matyas Gayer (Eddie Henderson, Jim Rotondi), MOBO award-winning bassist Tom Farmer (EMPIRICAL, Joe Stilgoe) and ultra swinging drummer Steve Brown (Barry Harris, Scott Hamilton).Sam’s latest album explores the work of Kurt Weill, a fascinating composer who lies at the intersection of European classical music, jazz, opera and American musical theatre. Expect to hear classic songs and hidden gems from the Weill catalogue, as well as music by adjacent American Broadway composers like Rodgers & Hammerstein, Gershwin and Harold Arlen.
“I can’t think of another alto saxophonist with a sound quite like Sam Braysher’s” **** Dave Gelly, The Observer
Click here for the Sam Braysher Website https://sambraysher.com/
Tickets available from the Everyman Theatre Box Office 01242 572573 or http://www.everymantheatre.org.uk

THE ALEX HITCHCOCK QUARTET
WHEN: 8.00 pm, Monday 23 February 2026
WHERE: The Irving Studio, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
Tickets: £20.00
Alex Hitchcock – Saxophone, Will Barry – Piano, Joe Downard - Bass, Luke McCarthy – Drums
London-born Alex Hitchcock is an instantly recognisable improviser and a leading international voice on the saxophone. An Ivor Novello-nominated composer, his innovative collaborations highlight his reputation as a catalyst for boundary-pushing musical encounters. He lives in London, UK and regularly performs at jazz clubs, concert halls and festivals in the and throughout Europe, leading groups at Umbria Jazz Festival, Love Supreme Festival, and Ronnie Scott’s also performing at North Sea Jazz Festival, Jazz à Vienne and Glastonbury Festival amongst many others.
“Already a big presence on the British scene as an astonishingly quick thinking virtuoso.” - Jazzwise
Click here for the Alex Hitchcock website https://www.alexhitchcock.co.uk/
Tickets available from the Everyman Theatre Box Office 01242 572573 or http://www.everymantheatre.org.uk

THE HANS KOLLER “MONK”  QUARTET
WHEN: 8.00 pm, Monday 23rd March 2026
WHERE: The Victory Club Ballroom, Burlington House, Lypiatt Road, Cheltenham.
Tickets: CJ Members £19.00, non members £22.00
Hans Koller – Piano, Tony Kofi – Saxophones, Calum Gourlay – Bass, Noah Ojumu – Drums  
Well-established pianist/composer Hans Koller is a highly respected musician on the UK jazz scene. With over 16 critically acclaimed albums his sparkling cv includes work with a host of high-profile international artists, including the likes of Bill Frisell, Steve Swallow, Bob Brookmeyer, Mike Gibbs and Kenny Wheeler. Tonight Hans joins forces with the multiple Award-winning saxophonist Tony Kofi (World Saxophone Quartet, The Jazz Warriors, Gary Cosby’s Nu Troop) to perform music celebrating the great US pianist/composer Thelonious Monk. Along with these two master musicians, the bassist/composer/arranger Calum Gourlay, widely considered to be one of the leading bass players of his generation, and the amazing young drummer Noah Ojumu will complete this superb quartet.  The band will explore some of the lesser known Monk tunes, and will offer their fresh take on this iconic music.
Tickets available on the door or online at http://www.ticketsource.co.uk

Tomorrow’s Warriors x Fontana announce Career Mentoring Scheme.

Monday, December 08, 2025

Tomorrow’s Warriors today announced a new partnership with Fontana (Universal Music UK) to deliver an innovative Career Mentoring Scheme to 12 emerging Warrior musicians. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Tomorrow’s Warriors x Fontana announce Career Mentoring Scheme

(8th December, 2025) Award-winning talent development organisation, creative producer and charity Tomorrow’s Warriors today announced a new partnership with Fontana (Universal Music UK) to deliver an innovative Career Mentoring Scheme to 12 emerging Warrior musicians.

This marks the third round of the initiative, which previously ran in partnership with Decca Records. Recently revived as a label championing jazz, folk, blues and soul, Fontana now takes the lead in delivering the scheme with Tomorrow’s Warriors.

The year-long programme will provide vital one-to-one mentoring to Black, global majority and female musicians on the Tomorrow’s Warriors Emerging Artist Programme. This year’s cohort includes Alex Ho (piano), Christ-Stephane Boizi (trombone), David Kayode (tenor sax), Donovan Haffner (alto sax), Emily Tran (piano/Composition), Genevieve Namazzi (double bass), Kezia Pollendine (piano), Ky Osborne (piano), Mali Sheard (alto sax), Miranda Radford (drums), Nathan Dawkins (electric/double bass) and Shanise Hall (trumpet).

Each Warrior musician is paired with a member of staff from across Fontana’s departments - including A&R, Marketing, Commercial & Streaming and Digital - receiving tailored support, monthly one to one sessions and group sessions in Marketing, A&R and Digital and more, to help them navigate and progress within the industry.

Fontana hosted a launch event at its Kings Cross headquarters on 27th November, where the mentees met their mentors and celebrated the start of the new partnership.

Tomorrow’s Warriors has been a springboard for many of today’s most exciting artists - including BRIT Award and Mercury Prize winners EZRA Collective. Alongside mentoring, the Tomorrow’s Warriors Emerging Artist Programme offers performance opportunities, specialist training, traineeships, talks, masterclasses and bursaries. Over the past 30 years, Tomorrow’s Warriors has supported more than 15,000 young people, providing between 1,000–5,000 hours of free jazz training to each participant.

Dr Gary Crosby OBE, Co-founder & Artistic Director, Tomorrow’s Warriors said;
“Partnering with Fontana to deliver the next round of our Career Mentoring Scheme is an incredibly exciting step for Tomorrow’s Warriors. Fontana’s renewed focus on jazz, folk, blues and soul aligns beautifully with our mission to nurture the next generation of diverse talent. For over three decades we’ve committed to providing young Black, Global Majority and female musicians with the space, support and skills they need to thrive, and this scheme deepens that commitment. Connecting our Emerging Artists with the expertise and generosity of mentors at Fontana will be transformational for their professional journeys.”

Tom Lewis, President, Fontana, said;
“We’re so proud of our longstanding and incredibly rewarding relationship with Tomorrow’s Warriors and it’s brilliant to meet this year’s mentorship participants. We always learn so much and are constantly impressed with the talent, ambition and self-determination that we see in the Warriors; and the sense of community, support and encouragement in which they grow and thrive.  It is easy to see why Tomorrow’s Warriors has unearthed and nurtured such an incredible line-up of stars in recent years. It has played a pivotal role in making the UK such a global beacon for jazz.”

Tomorrow’s Warriors musician and former mentee Kianja Harvey-Elliot (vocalist) said;
“The scheme arrived at exactly the right moment in my development and helped me understand the business side of music. I built a relationship with my mentor who was, and still is a pillar of consistent support and guidance. Whenever I had specific questions about a certain department she put me in touch with different members of the team and she helped me zone in on the kind of clarity I need to present a project to a label.  Tomorrow’s Warriors always believes in you, and the mentoring programme strengthens that belief by connecting us with people who can help turn our ideas into opportunities.”

Tomorrow’s Warriors musician and former mentee Grifton Forbes-Amos (trumpeter) said;
“Being part of the mentoring scheme has enabled me to take the next step in my career. My mentor aided me in recording my first EP, as well as taking the next steps to then releasing it. They also helped me understand the importance of some aspects of the industry, such as PRS and PPL. My mentor helped to make connections to people like mixing engineers, helping me in marketing myself and much more. Having direct access to someone inside a major label helped demystify the industry and gave me the knowledge to navigate my career with purpose.

About Tomorrow’s Warriors:  Tomorrow’s Warriors is a pioneering talent development organisation, creative producer, learning and training provider, charity and consultancy specialising in jazz. Founded in 1991 by Queen’s Medal for Music recipient Dr Gary Crosby OBE and Janine Irons OBE, TW helps aspiring young artists from diverse backgrounds discover their magic and achieve creative ambitions. Since inception, Tomorrow’s Warriors has reached over 15,000 young people aged 11-25 through its unique Talent Development Programme, providing each musician with between 1,000-5,000 hours of free jazz training and development. Tomorrow’s Warriors nurtures nascent talent and builds engaged, culturally diverse audiences, providing a crucial development platform for emerging artists, many of whom are blazing a trail across the international music scene – including BRIT Award and Mercury Prize winners EZRA Collective, as well as Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia, Cassie Kinoshi, Sheila Maurice-Gray, Binker Golding, Shabaka Hutchings and Sons of Kemet, CHERISE, ESKA, Denys Baptiste, Soweto Kinch, Zara McFarlane and many more. Tomorrow’s Warriors is a Resident Organisation of the Southbank Centre, where it hosts its Young Artist Development Programme, comprising of learning and participation, artist development and professional performances. The Emerging Artist Programme delivers mentoring, performance opportunities, training, traineeships, talks, masterclasses, and bursaries to support artists into professional careers, many securing paid, often high-profile, opportunities across a broad spectrum of the industry.  Tomorrow’s Warriors is proud to be a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England and an organisation within the PRS Foundation Talent Development Network. Tomorrow’s Warriors is also the home of Nu Civilisation Orchestra. Tomorrow’s Warriors is pivotal in elevating UK jazz, valued by its alumni and respected by funding partners for the impact delivered through its pipeline for outstanding, diverse talent.  https://tomorrowswarriors.org/ Tomorrow’s Warriors is a not for profit company and a Registered Charity No 1153613. Give today to Tomorrow’s Warriors at https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/13423

About Fontana: Fontana is part of Universal Music Group UK – the UK’s leading music company. It is the UK home of jazz, folk, blues, alternative and soul music. Founded over 70 years ago, Fontana played a pivotal role in recorded jazz history. Legendary musicians who released under the logo include Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck and Art Blakey, as well as icons of British jazz such as Tubby Hayes, Cleo Laine and Ronnie Scott. From 1960s releases by Jimmy Page, Elton John’s first band Bluesology and an early incarnation of The Who, then called The High Numbers, to success in the 80s and 90s with acts such as The Fall and Tears for Fears, Fontana is indelibly associated with the early identification and development of unique talent. It was relaunched in the UK in 2025, continuing its ethos of experimentation and discovery. Fontana’s current roster includes internationally-acclaimed artists Jacob Collier, AURORA, Jordan Rakei, Melody Gardot, Victor Ray, The Teskey Brothers, dodie and Jeff Goldblum.

Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 -  winners unveiled.

Monday, December 08, 2025

Last night saw the winners of the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 honoured at a ceremony in Glasgow. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene last night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.

Hosted by the acclaimed musician Seonaid Aitken, the event at The Savings Bank showcased the exceptional contributions of Scotland’s jazz vocalists, instrumentalists and pioneers.

This year’s ceremony included a poignant tribute to the late pianist Brian Kellock, who passed away in May. Singer and actress Suzanne Bonnar led the tribute and announced the renaming of the Best Instrumentalist Award as the Brian Kellock Best Instrumentalist Award in his honour.

Last year’s winner of the accolade, Fergus McCreadie, also performed a moving piece dedicated to Kellock’s memory.

The inaugural Grassroots Promoter Award was also handed out, recognising independent promoters who play an important part in nurturing emerging jazz talent.

Winners of the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 are:

Rising Star Award, sponsored by Musicians’ Union
Pippa Blundell

The Fionna Duncan Best Vocalist Award, sponsored by Whighams Jazz Club
Rachel Lightbody

The Brian Kellock Best Instrumentalist Award, sponsored by ESP Music Rentals
Colin Steele

Grassroots Promoter Award, sponsored by Rightsbridge
LayLow, Glasgow

Best Album Award, sponsored by EmuBands
Matt Carmichael - Dancing with Embers

Best Band Award, sponsored by S.M. Lighting (Scotland) Ltd
corto.alto

Critics’ Choice Award, sponsored by Inhouse Event Productions
Norman&Corrie

Known as a boundary breaker and the future of jazz, Mercury Prize-nominated corto.alto rounded off a sensational year with their Best Band Award. Experimental jazz folk duo Norman&Corrie - Norman Wilmore and Corrie Dick - were named Critics’ Choice following the release of their debut album, Twa Double Doubles.

A multi-award-winning vocalist, Rachel Lightbody, continues to be a sought-after collaborator, recording and performing with everyone from her vocal trio Little Acres and neo-jazz band Mama Terra, to Kris Drever and Tom McGuire and the Brassholes.

Scottish saxophonist Matt Carmichael’s third album Dancing with Embers captured hearts with its sincerity, joyfulness and unique style, winning him Best Album.

Trumpeter Colin Steele picked up Best Instrumentist after the release of his quartet’s tribute to legendary Glasgow band The Blue Nile, while this year’s Rising Star was rightfully taken by singer-songwriter Pippa Blundell, having already received recognition by the Scottish Album of the Year Awards in their Sound of Young Scotland nominations across 2023 and 2024

LayLow, which is hosted at Glasgow’s Rum Shack, was recognised for affirming itself as a home for live jazz in the city, showcasing the very best new artists for growing audiences.

The evening was filled with exceptional music, including performances from Matt Carmichael and Roan Anderson, the newly crowned BBC Radio Scotland Young Jazz Musician 2025.

Jill Rodger, Director of Glasgow Jazz Festival and Producer of the Scottish Jazz Awards, said:
“Scottish jazz is making waves around the world and it’s only right we celebrate the very best of our scene on home soil. This year’s awards have once again highlighted the sheer passion, ingenuity and excitement within the Scottish jazz scene. It’s a genuine privilege to celebrate these outstanding artists whose expression and creativity connect with so many. We were especially honoured to pay tribute to the immense contribution of Brian Kellock, a true giant of Scottish jazz, whose legacy will continue to inspire musicians for generations to come. It was a joy to feel the energy and camaraderie in the room as the country’s most beloved jazz musicians and industry contributors gathered together. I can’t wait to see what everyone achieves over the next year.”

Clare Hewitt, Music Officer at Creative Scotland said:
“The winners of the 2025 Scottish Jazz Awards exemplify the vibrancy and vitality of the country’s jazz scene and show how it is connecting deeply with audiences. This is music that is nourished by the legacy of artists who are no longer with us, and by a spirit of inventiveness that is open to the sounds that surround us today to make something new out of them. The Scottish Jazz Awards celebrate not just the artists and promoters honoured tonight, but the whole Scottish jazz community who support and nurture their peers and their music.”

The Scottish Jazz Award winners were selected by the public from a shortlist of over 25 musicians, acts, individuals and organisations which was compiled by a nominating panel of industry experts.

The Scottish Jazz Awards are produced as an independent event by the organisers of Glasgow Jazz Festival and supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland. Visit http://www.jazzfest.co.uk/awards

Nominating Panel for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025

Alan & Carolyn Bonnyman Second Line Records

Collaborative UK Jazz News

Don Sharples Aberdeen Jazz Festival

Fiona Alexander Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

Fiona Shephard Freelance Music Journalist

Gerard Mehigan Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

Grace Black Langtoun Jazz Festival

Graeme Knox Whighams Jazz Club

Jill Rodger Glasgow Jazz Festival

Jim Gilchrist The Scotsman

Joe Rattary Freelance Promoter

John Youngs Jazz Scotland

Keith MacRae Jazz Scotland

Richy Muirhead Scottish Alternative Music Awards

Ros Rigby Jazz Promotion Network

Sushil Dade BBC Radio Scotland

Thomas Mackie & Calum Cunneen Regular Music

Plus last year’s category winners

Creative Scotland is the public body that supports culture and creativity across all parts of Scotland, distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow Creative Scotland on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Glasgow Jazz Festival was founded in 1987, when Glasgow was bidding to become the European City of Culture for 1990. The city had studied the competition and worked out that all major cities in Europe had a jazz festival. If they had one, then so should Glasgow. From the very beginning, Glasgow Jazz Festival brought some of the biggest names of jazz to the City – 1987’s programme included singer Sarah Vaughan, Chick Corea, Taj Mahal, Benny Carter and Carol Kidd. Other top headliners include Miles Davis (during the European City of Culture year 1990), Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Guy, Michael Brecker and Tony Bennett. Follow @GlasgowJazzFest on social media for further information.

Guildford Jazz events - January 2026.

Thursday, December 04, 2025

Mick Thomas has forwarded details of forthcoming events at Guildford Jazz. Performers include Leon Greening, Art Themen and Dennis Rollins. Fully detailed schedule attached.

Mick Thomas writes;

Guildford Jazz Events January 2026

Leon Greening Trio
Mon 12 Jan from 2.00pm to 3.00pm (lunch available from 12 to 2pm) at The Guildford Institute, Ward St, Guildford GU1 4LH
For this first performance of the Guildford Jazz New Year programme, we are delighted to welcome pianist Leon Greening, an exciting and hugely popular performer at jazz clubs around the UK. With his hard swinging style, inspired by the likes of Bud Powell, Wynton Kelly and Bobby Timmons, Leon epitomises the very best on the UK Jazz scene today. Joining Leon will be the UK’s premier jazz drummer Steve Brown, and Guildford Jazz anchor Marianne Windham on bass.
For more details of the event and to book tickets visit https://www.guildfordjazz.org.uk

Art Themen Organ Trio
Thurs 15 Jan from 20.00 to 22.15 (doors open 19.00) at the Guildford Pavilion, Woodbridge Rd, Guildford GU1 4RP
A previous winner of the tenor sax category in the British Jazz Awards, recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Worshipful Company of Musicians, saxophonist Art Themen is a true living legend of the British jazz scene. Described by THE OBSERVER as “One of the tiny handful of undeniably perfect jazz musicians”, he remains as brilliant and inimitable as ever. For this first Pavilion concert of 2026 Art’s trio, which features organist Pete Whittaker and drummer George Double, will be joined by Marianne Windham on bass.
For more details of the event and to book tickets visit https://www.guildfordjazz.org.uk

Dennis Rollins Velocity Trio
Fri 30 Jan from 20.00 to 22.15 (doors open 19.00) at The Stoke Hotel, 103 Stoke Rd, Guildford GU1 4JN
Join multi-award-winning trombonist Dennis Rollins for an evening with his simmering jazz funk trio, featuring Hammond organ virtuoso Ross Stanley and Joel Barford on drums, playing a brilliant marriage of refined contemporary jazz arrangements and smokin’ grooves or, as the BBC Music Magazine has expressed it: “This group produces genuine fireworks”. Dennis is a previous winner of the BBC Jazz Best Band Award, the Parliamentary Jazz Education Award, and the Ronnie Scott’s Best Trombone
Award. For more details of the event and to book tickets visit https://www.guildfordjazz.org.uk

Swansea Jazz Club - Programme for December 2025.

Monday, December 01, 2025

Swansea Jazz Club has announced its programme for December 2025. Events take place at various city venues. Schedule attached.

We have received the following information;

Swansea Jazz Club begins a new chapter in its long history this December with Two Shows at Swansea Grand Theatre
In 2026 the Club will be presenting Monthly events at the Grand, alongside the weekly shows Swigg Swansea & The Observatory

Coming up in December…

WEDNESDAY Dec 3rd, 8pm
JAZZ JAM @The Swigg
FREE ENTRY!
Sponsored by Martin Hunt - Independent Financial Advisor
Our final gig at the Swigg this year is NEXT WEDENSDAY!
We return on January 14th with the next Jazz Jam!

FRIDAY Dec 5th, 7pm
SWING INTO CHRISTMAS SHOW @St. Peter’s Church
(LAST FEW TICKETS REMAINING)

WEDNESDAY Dec 10th, 8pm
‘A Christmas Story’ Jazz Suite
Arts Wing @Grand Theatre
Swansea Jazz Club debut performance at the Grand Theatre
(BOOK NOW)

SUNDAY Dec 14th, 7pm
Christmas Jazz & Dine
@Langland’s Brasserie
(SOLD OUT)

WEDNESDAY Dec 17th, 8pm
Power of Gower Big Band
Swansea Jazz Club Christmas Party Arts Wing @Grand Theatre
(BOOK NOW)
Sponsored by Big Band Stands
We round of the 76th year of the UK’s longest running weekly Jazz Club, Est 1949, with the high octane Power of Gower Big Band

WEDNESDAY Dec 31st, 7pm
New Years Eve Party
DC Party & Dance Band @The Observatory
(LESS THAN 10 tickets left!)

MEMBERSHIP / PATRONS /SPONSORSHIP 2026 NOW OPEN!
We are looking for sponsors for our events at the Grand Theatre
Please get in touch if you are able to sponsor!

Please visit the website for full information & BOOK TICKETS
https://www.swanseajazzland.co.uk/

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 30/11/2025.

Monday, December 01, 2025

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 30/11/2025, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from Nov 30th 2025

This is my final new-releases playlist of the year. New releases that have come in over the last week and into December will be looked at for inclusion in January.  Meanwhile my next shows will round up some of my personal favourites from 2025.

Julius Gawlik
You Wish
Its All In Your Head
Unit

Deadeye
Rue_Ballu
In Orbit
BMC

Rasmus Oppenhagen Krogh
Sooner or Later
Pillars
April Records

J.A.M
Milo’s Flight Home
She Looks Up At The Trees
Bandcamp

Max Nagl Quintett
Karroh
Phasolny
Rude Noises

Jure Pukl
Collectivity
Analog AI
Unit

DOX
Nebula
Drowned Circuits
Efpi

James Allsop
Stars & Sand
Stars & Sand
Vibe Collide Records

Alex Ventling
Trondheim 2
Wavemakers
Particular

Morgenthaler, Röllin & Ruben
Insect
Alarmstufe Rot
Unit

Ulysse Loup Large Ensemble
Hysteìrique
0°W
Unit

Jacopo Fagioli
avoid thoughts of power and domination
Dialogue
Aut Records

Steve Lodder
onto the water
2 sorts of 3
Sleeve Records

Bonus tracks not on radio - only on http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz and on Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast

Jérémie Lucchese
Tempête
Essais pour l’Imaginaire
Fresh sound new talent

Luca Mannutza Quintet
Black Comedy
Circles
A.MA

Gabbro
Luna
Groundspeed
Gabbro Records

divr
Made of Dreams
Live At Cully Jazz
WeJazz

European Modern Jazz on the radio.

At any time:
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 7pm onward

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Apple, Amazon, Deezer and other podcast sites.

Music Spoken Here, Worcester - Programme for January and February 2026.

Thursday, November 27, 2025

Music Spoken Here has announced its first three events of 2026. Performances take place at The Marr's Bar, Worcester. Fully detailed schedule attached.

From;
https://musicspokenhere.club/event/davide-giovanninis-minas-project/
January 8, 2026 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Davide Giovannini’s Minas Project
The Marr’s Bar 12 Pierpoint Street, Worcester, Worcestershire, United Kingdom
High energy, original Brazilian jazz in a tribute to Minas Gerais, the home of Toninho Horta, Milton Nascimento, Beto Guedes and Lo Borges
We are really excited to be kicking off 2026 with this delightful musical journey to the south-east Brazilian state of Minas Gerais from drummer, vocalist and composer Davide Giovannini, returning to The Marr’s Bar with his own band after performing to a full house with TRYPL in January 2025.
Giovannini has worked with artists including Steve Winwood, Lisa Stansfield, Paul McCartney, Björk and Roy Ayers, but it was his time in Brazil with guitarist Toninho Horta that inspired the Minas Project – a collection of original compositions that reflect the spirit of Minas’ music, with beautiful melodies that float on a rich harmonic bed, spiced up by dynamic solos that enrich the tunes with fire and emotions.
The all-star lineup also sees the return to the Music Spoken Here stage for saxophonist Paul Booth (appeared with TRYPL in 2025 and HOOP in 2024), pianist Neil Angilley (Steve Taylor’s Fusion Phew, 2024) and bassist Davide Mantovani (Tristan Banks Quartet, 2023). Completing the lineup and appearing for the first time with us is guitarist Guille Hill.

From;
https://musicspokenhere.club/event/detroitwich-funk-machine/
January 22, 2026 @ 7:30 am - 10:00 pm
Detroitwich Funk Machine
The Marr’s Bar 12 Pierpoint Street, Worcester, Worcestershire, United Kingdom
The music of James Brown, Tower of Power, Herbie Hancock, The Brecker Brothers, Blood Sweat and Tears, Kenny Garrett and more brought to life by an amazing 9-piece local band.
Co-led by Droitwich-based Californian bassist Tom Clarke-Hill and saxophonist Andy Shillingford from Stourbridge, Detroitwich Funk Machine have raided the archives of 70s and 80s funk, jazz-funk and fusion to deliver an outstanding and entertaining show featuring the music of James Brown, Tower of Power, Herbie Hancock, The Brecker Brothers, Blood Sweat and Tears, Kenny Garrett, Mike Stern and many more.
Tom Clarke-Hill features on vocals, bass and entertaining banter while Andy Shillingford heads up the top-shelf West Midlands horn section that sees the return of saxophonist Chris Bowden and trombonist Dave Sear who both appeared in April 2025 (Chris with his Hypnos Files band and Dave with The Boom Yeh), along with saxophonist Pelham Wood and trumpeter Alex Astbury (of the Digbeth Jazz team). On the polyphonics are Tom Morgan (guitar) and Arran Shanghavi (keys), with Andy Brotherton completing the lineup on drums.
If you enjoyed Hoop (Nov 2023), FNUK (Jan 2024), Steve Taylor’s Fusion Phew (May 2024), Impossible Conversations (Feb 2025) or The Boom Yeh (Apr 2025), you are going to love Detroitwich Funk Machine!

From;
https://musicspokenhere.club/event/ankora/
February 12, 2026 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Ankora
The Marr’s Bar 12 Pierpoint Street, Worcester, Worcestershire, United Kingdom
8-piece ensemble featuring the future stars of British jazz
Eight ambitious young musicians that met through Tomorrow’s Warriors – a London-based artist development organisation – were selected to perform as the Tomorrow’s Warriors Frontline ensemble, under the direction and tutelage of drummer, composer and educator Romarna Campbell.
Ankora is the exciting new step the ensemble are taking to launch into the London jazz scene. The name is derived from the Latin word for ‘anchor’ (anchora): a symbol of groundedness, hope and a connection to roots. These connotations are expressed through their repertoire of both originals and covers of powerful jazz tunes. The name links to an alternative meaning in Italian, ‘again’, marking the momentum of their rebirth as they continue their musical and artistic journey.
The band, whose average age is just 20, features 2024 BBC Young Jazz Musician finalist Klara Devlin on trumpet and drummer Miranda Radford, who both appeared on our stage when Miranda brought her quartet up in February 2025. Mali Sheard (sax), Keira Chakraborty (flute), Hannah Clifton (trumpet), Tami Adebanjo (guitar) Kezia Abouma (piano) and Holly Reinhardt (bass) complete the line-up of exceptional young players at the start of promising careers in the British jazz scene.
The band’s influences include the legacies of Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson and Wayne Shorter, while branching out to the more contemporary mastery of Esperanza Spalding, Geri Allen, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts and Kenny Kirkland. The ensemble takes inspiration from the spark and power of these jazz legends, compositionally and in their playing.
Collectively, the members of ‘Ankora’ have already made their mark on the jazz scene through performances at venues such as Love Supreme Jazz Festival, We Out Here, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Dizzy’s Jazz Club (NYC), The Vortex, Brick Lane Jazz Festival and The Jazz Café. Ready for more, the unique, powerful voice of the ensemble is excited to embrace the wonder and diversity of today’s jazz scene.

TICKETS
Admission for these events is complimentary for Music Spoken Here Club Members.
Non-members are welcome – just show up and pay £15 cash or card on the door.
You can find out more about our admission and membership options at A New Approach
https://musicspokenhere.club/a-new-approach/

Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music, London- Spring 2026.

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

The RAM has announced its spring season of events and performances, including an array of jazz performances. Details attached.

We have received the following press release;

Today, we announced our spring season of events and performances, including an array of jazz performances. This is hot off the heels of the Academy Jazz Orchestra’s Grammy nomination.
https://www.ram.ac.uk/news/academy-students-receive-grammy-nomination

I have included some jazz highlights below;

Wednesday 4 Feb at 7.30pm: The Academy Jazz Orchestra with Leon Foster Thomas
The Academy welcomes Leon Foster Thomas for this debut performance of his brand-new arrangements for jazz orchestra. A gifted jazz musician and steel pan virtuoso from Trinidad and Tobago, Leon blends Caribbean music with the harmonic and improvisational complexities of jazz to create a lively and eclectic mix.
This concert features the premieres of some of Leon’s classic works scaled up for large ensemble, based on his research into the roots, rhythms and reach of Anglophone and Francophone Caribbean jazz.

Wednesday 11- Thursday 12 February: Academy Jazz Festival
This year sees the now well-established Academy Jazz Festival celebrate its 12th year. This intensive week of projects has become a highlight of the academic year, with students working alongside guest artists who lead small ensembles in performances of their own music. Each concert showcases the music of three guest bandleaders. This year, we look forward to the first appearances from two British rising stars of the international jazz scene, saxophonist Alice Leggett and recent graduate and trumpeter Alexandra Ridout, as well as saxophonist Binker Golding. Piano legends and Academy alums Gwilym Simcock and Kit Downes return, and iconic saxophonist Julian Argüelles makes his debut at the festival.

Sunday 8 March at 7.30pm at the Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room: Academy Jazz Orchestra with Laura Jurd
Following the success of creative tour de force Laura Jurd’s latest album, Rites & Revelations, the Academy Jazz Orchestra invites her to illuminate her folk meets jazz world. Expect ritualistic drones, intricate fiddle tunes and cathartic improvisations in what promises to be a breathtaking example of big band music in the 21st century. Performed by the Jazz Department’s rising stars, this concert also features special guest and long-time collaborator Corrie Dick.

You can read more about our spring season here;
https://www.ram.ac.uk/news/royal-academy-of-music-announces-spring-2026-performances

Kate Kortum Wins 2025 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has announced Kate Kortum as the winner of the 14th annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Kate Kortum Wins the 14th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition as part of NJPAC’s TD James Moody Jazz Festival

As part of NJPAC’s TD James Moody Jazz Festival, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) today announced Kate Kortum as the winner of the 14th annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Hosted by WBGO Radio’s Gary Walker, yesterday’s “The SASSY Awards” presented the Top Five Finalists on the iconic NJPAC stage in front of a live audience and a distinguished panel of judges: TONY-nominated singer/lyricist Ann Hampton Callaway, GRAMMY®-nominated trumpeter Jon Faddis, GRAMMY®-nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon, GRAMMY® Award-winning bassist and Artistic Advisor for Jazz Programming at NJPAC Christian McBride, and founding member of The Manhattan Transfer and co-host of WBGO Radio’s Singers Unlimited, vocalist Janis Siegel.

Pulled from almost 200+ entrants from 27 different countries, these gifted young singers represented the next generation of great jazz vocalists. Ultimately, it was Kate Kortum who received the top honor and a $5,000 cash award. Kortum is originally from Houston, Texas, and currently resides in Harlem of New York City. She wowed the judges singing the famous blues song “Easy Come, Easy Go Blues,” a raw and timeless ballad “You’ve Been There” by David Ashley Trent, and “What a Little Moonlight Can Do,” a song that Sarah Vaughan performed and recorded.

Hailed for her warm, distinctive sound that seamlessly blends the blues, bebop and Broadway, Kortum issued her debut album Good Woman (2023) to critical and streaming acclaim, surpassing 3.5 million streams for its imaginative reworkings of jazz standards from a female perspective. Her sophomore release Wild Woman (2025) followed, continuing her fresh, story-driven approach to bebop, blues and The Great American Songbook. A graduate of the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and the Juilliard School, Kortum has appeared at Mezzrow, SXSW, Birdland, Blue Note and Dizzy’s, collaborating with Peter Bernstein, Emmet Cohen, Bryan Carter, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

The Second Place honor and $1,500 prize went to Emma Smith (London, England). Third Place and a prize of $500 was awarded to Julia Moscardini (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Rounding out the Top Five was Diamond Princess Franklin (Philadelphia, PA) and Candace Jones (Hollywood, FL).

About The SASSY Awards
The Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, also known as “The SASSY Awards”, is open to singers over the age of 18, of all genders and nationalities, from anywhere in the world, and not signed by a major label. Entrants are judged on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, and ability to swing. What has become one of the top annual vocal competitions in jazz, The SASSY Awards 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. Past winners include Cyrille Aimée, Jazzmeia Horn, Ashleigh Smith, Arianna Neikrug, Deelee Dubé, Quiana Lynell, Laurin Talese, Samara Joy (GRAMMY® Award winner for Best New Artist 2023), Gabrielle Cavassa and Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim, G. Thomas Allen, Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso, Tyreek McDole, and April May Webb.
The competition recalls the humble beginnings of legendary jazz singer/NEA Jazz Master Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990) who, back in 1942, was a Newark teenager and winner of an amateur singing contest at the Apollo Theater. That memorable night helped launch the lifework of one of the most successful, influential jazz vocalists in the history of American music. NJPAC has a long history of preserving and celebrating Sarah Vaughan’s music and impact. In 1999, NJPAC officially proclaimed the street in front of it as “Sarah Vaughan Way.”

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®       
For the 14th consecutive year, NJPAC’s TD James Moody Festival is sponsored by TD Bank, which has supported the event since its inauguration, ensuring that the event annually includes 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.

About NJPAC
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, N.J., is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. 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 served more than 10 million visitors (including over 1.9 million students and families) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.

606 Jazz Club, Chelsea, London - Programme for December 2025.

Monday, November 24, 2025

Laura Thorne of the 606 has forwarded details of the Club's live music programme for December 2025, including its New Year's Eve event. Fully detailed schedule attached.

Laura Thorne writes;

Hello all you connoisseurs of culture and lovers of live music – greetings from the 606 in Chelsea, known for presenting the best jazz, soul, Latin, groove, R&B & blues musicians in the UK bar none.

This mail provides information about our live performances from the 1st to the 31st of December. Details, along with photos, video clips etc are on the website now for your consumption: https://www.606club.co.uk/events/

And a couple dates in January 2026 to be aware of:
7th: US guitarist Jay Azzolina (Spyro Gyra) plays music from his new album “Present Tense”
12th: Remembering the late legendary bassist Dill Katz (Ian Carr’s “Nucleus”, Barbara Thompson’s band “Paraphernalia”, Afro/Jazz band “District Six”)

Mon 1st   8:00pm   DINO BAPTISTE
Best known here at the Club as the pianist/singer with the iconic Blues singer Dana Gillespie, Dino’s influences include the likes of Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis and Louis Prima. A busy and successful musician he includes work with the likes of Donald Fagen, Leo Sayer and Jeff Beck and his debut CD “Two Timing Lover” was received with considerable acclaim. It is music from this album plus as Dino puts it “an exclusive selection of old hits from my idols Ray Charles and Nat King Cole” that he will be performing tonight.
“Dino Baptiste…impressive…among the best of the…British blues keyboard players” Blues on Stage  

Tue 2nd   8:00pm   HANS MATHISEN QUARTET  
One of Norway’s leading jazz guitarists Hans’s 2005 album, “Quiet Songs” received the Spellemannprisen, Norway’s equivalent of the Grammy Awards, and his beautifully conceived 2014 album “The Island” has become an International critical and audience favourite. A consummate musician Hans’ melodic yet sophisticated style draws inspiration from a mix of American post-bop and the contemporary European “ECM record label” sound and approach. Tonight he will be leading his own superb quartet, featuring the excellent Jamie Safir (Emma Smith, Ian Shaw)-piano, master musician Yuri Goloubev (Ralph Towner, Gwilym Simcock)-bass & the internationally acclaimed Asaf Sirkis (John Abercrombie, Tim Garland)-drums.
“Mathisen…exquisite original melodies, exquisite interplay and exquisite solos” JazziNorge;
“Safir plays with wonderful judgment, delicacy and alertness” UK Jazz News;
“Goloubev…astonishing playing…a great jazz bassist” Libertà;
“Sirkis…one of the world’s premier drummers” All About Jazz

Wed 3rd   8:00pm   **ALBUM LAUNCH** MINA AGOSSI
Born in France to French and West African parents, singer & composer Mina Agossi is a captivating performer with a unique style and delivery. She first came to attention in 1995 when she co-produced an album of original tunes entitled “Voice & Bass” and after working with the likes of iconic US saxophonist Archie Shepp and pianist Ahmad Jamal, in 2001 she produced her first live album, “E-Z Pass to Brooklyn”. Named ‘Best Newcomer’ at the 2005 Adami Awards, Mina subsequently appeared at numerous festivals and clubs around the world. Her latest album ‘Dynamic’ is a tribute to the renowned US jazz vocalist Dinah Washington. Washington became one of the most popular and versatile singers of the 1950’s, finding success in jazz and popular music alike, amassing dozens of hits before her tragic death at the age of 39. Mina will be joined by her collaborator of more than 20 years, the wonderful Eric Jacot-bass alongside the highly regarded Jérémy Bruger-piano & the album’s producer Marc Charrière (Peter Gabriel)-keyboards. A truly distinctive and innovative artist Mina never ceases to surprise!
“Agossi…exquisite” Le Monde;
“You will find, sensuality…seduction…and the goal not to imitate anyone” Telerama;
“Her sensual voice is…the energy of the band.” Jazz New;
“effortless and beguiling” BBC;
“The Bjork of jazz!” Manchester Evening News

Thu 4th   8:00pm     MIKE LINDUP TRIO
A founding member of pop/funk band Level 42, singer/keyboardist/songwriter Mike Lindup has had a staggeringly successful career. His remarkable achievements as part of Level 42 include 13 albums with worldwide sales of over 15 million, top ten singles and an incredible array of live dates at prestigious venues worldwide. Mike is also a respected solo artist with four studio albums showcasing his talents as a composer and performer, while his collaborations with musical icons such as Eric Clapton further cement his position as a world-class musician. Tonight Mike brings to the Club his exciting new band, the Mike Lindup Trio, that celebrates the timeless jazz trio format of keys, bass and drums, but with Mike’s own, unique, take on it. Joining Mike will be two extraordinary musicians: the internationally acclaimed Yolanda Charles MBE (Hans Zimmer, Paul Weller, BB King)-bass and the superb John Sam-drums. Mike hasn’t played here at the Club leading his own band for some years now so we are excited to welcome him back!
“Mike Lindup…amazing…first-rate performance…musicianship is brilliant” AllMusic

Fri 5th     9:00pm   BEVERLEY SKEETE’S BIRTHDAY GIG  
Beverley Skeete’s career in the music industry is the stuff that dreams are made of. A first call singer for numerous high-profile artists including Robbie Williams, Tina Turner and Elton John she was also a pivotal member of ex-Rolling Stones’ bassist Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings. Her talent and versatility have put her in a class that few can equal. Tonight Bev will be celebrating her birthday with us here at the Club, so expect plenty of fun as well as some great music! And helping her celebrate will be her Special Guests: Frankie Connolly-gtr/vcls & Marizia Pyzer-Skeete & Sam Scott-vocals.
“Skeete…came into her own with a perfectly paced version of James Brown’s ‘It’s a Man’s Man’s World’” LondonJazz News

Sat 6th     9:00pm   ALEX HITCHCOCK
A two-time Ivor Novello award-nominated saxophonist and composer now splitting his time between London and New York, Alex Hitchcock’s impact on the jazz scene becomes more impressive with each passing year. Since emerging as leader he’s released four solo albums to critical acclaim, with the Guardian calling him a “virtuoso” while BBC Jazz World hailed him as “leading the charge…of new jazz music being created in the UK.” His work has been featured on the BBC, France Musique, WDR, Jazz FM, Worldwide FM and in premier publications such as Downbeat, MOJO, Jazzwise and Uncut. For this show Alex has put together a superb quartet, including longtime collaborator and BBC “Young Jazz Musician of the Year” pianist Deschanel Gordon along with two other exciting players at the top of their game, Will Sach-bass & Luke McCarthy-drums to play music by US composers of the 20th century including Duke Ellington, Geri Allen & Thelonious Monk. World class!
“Hitchcock…a fantastic talent…undoubtedly one of the stars of the future” Jazz FM;
“Hitchcock…a sax virtuoso” Jazzwise;
“Gordon…a…player of immense stature with a seemingly unending stream of ideas…simply jaw dropping” Sussex Jazz Magazine
     

Sun 7th   1:30pm   SUNDAY LUNCH:  GARETH LOCKRANE BIG BAND
One of the finest jazz flautists in Europe, named “Rising Star on Flute” in the prestigious Downbeat Critics Poll (USA), this afternoon Gareth will be fronting his amazing 18-piece Big Band. Performing his brilliant arrangements of a mix of originals and the odd classic jazz standard (many of which are featured on their album, “Fistfight at the Barndance”), the ensemble inevitably attracts a host of high-profile award-winning players, today including Julian Siegel; James Copus; Ivo Neame; Mike Outram, Ian Thomas & Pat Levett.
“The band plays a roof-lifting mix of fresh grooves…and blistering…solos from some of the country’s finest musicians” Jazz FM;
“brilliant” Observer                        

Sun 7th   8:00pm   THE WONDER OF STEVIE FT NOEL MCCALLA & DEREK NASH
Well, this is pretty special, two of the UK’s finest musicians, saxophonist Derek Nash (Jools Holland) and singer Noel McCalla (Manfred Mann), come together to celebrate the music of one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time, Stevie Wonder. Accompanying these two remarkable musicians will be their stellar band, including Tim Cansfield (Bee Gees)-guitar. Unique and powerful.
“Nash…breathtaking” Sunday Times;
“McCalla…spine tingling” Guardian

Mon 8th   8:00pm   JIM MULLEN W. SPECIAL GUEST: ROBERTO GATTO
A multi-award winner, including a special Honorary Parliamentary Jazz Award in 2017, Jim Mullen is widely regarded as one of the finest jazz guitarists in Europe. Originally from Glasgow he made his name playing with a number of seminal bands through the 70’s and 80’s including The Average White Band and his own highly acclaimed jazz/funk band “Morrissey-Mullen”. A prized sideman as well as leader Jim also includes work with the likes of Mose Allison, Jimmy Witherspoon & Claire Martin. He just celebrated his 80th (!) birthday here at the Club and we are delighted to welcome him back, featuring tonight his special guest and friend, whom he first worked with back in the 1980’s, the iconic Italian drummer Roberto Gatto. An internationally recognised musician with an extraordinary CV Roberto has worked with many of the finest jazz musicians in the world, including Chet Baker, Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Wheeler, Peter Bernstein & the Brecker Brothers as well as leading his own award-winning projects. For this show two of the finest UK musicians, Gareth Williams-piano and Jeremy Brown-bass will be completing the quartet for what is guaranteed to be a night of inspired playing and much fun!
“One of the great Jazz guitarists working today” Jazzwise;
“World-Class” Guardian;
“Gatto has had a remarkable career spanning more than half a century…an inexhaustible personality, [he] has written essential pages in the story of…music” UK Jazz News
                   

       
Tue 9th   8:00pm   DAN REINSTEIN: CELEBRATING 23 YEARS AT THE 606    
American-born saxophonist Dan Reinstein first began playing at the old 606 Club when a medical student in the 1980’s. He returned to the US in the early 90s to become one of the world’s leading laser eye surgeons (he’s now Professor Reinstein). But when he returned to London, it was great to hear his fluent, classic hard-bop, muscular sax playing again and the rest, as they say, is history. Dan & his quintet have now been performing here at the Club for the last 23 years - still making great music! “impressive hard-bop saxophonist” Time Out

Wed 10th   8:00pm       HANNAH BRINE
Inspired by a mix of classic jazz vocalists and iconic 70’s artists such as Carole King, for her debut 606 show this evening singer/songwriter Hannah Brine will be featuring music from her latest album ‘Blue Sky Now” plus an engaging mix of jazz standards and Christmas classics. With a background as an award-winning Choir Director and Conductor and a session singer working with Disney, Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC and more, Hannah’s new record is already achieving airplay on BBC Radio London and Jazz London Radio as well as receiving numerous enthusiastic reviews along the way (“That voice, just wonderful” BBC Introducing). Produced by guitarist Jamie McCredie and featuring string arrangements by pianist Paul Edis, both of whom are performing with Hannah this evening, the band is completed by Nick Walsh-bass and Billy Pod-drums.  Over to Hannah: “the album’s timeless themes of growth and change, life and loss are expressed in both lush ballads and lively jazz anthems”. Sounds quite special!
“Serene, velvety vocals” Jazz Journal;
“Brine’s effortless voice is smoothly in control throughout” Jazzwise

Thu 11th   8:00pm         NEIL ANGILLEY TRIO  
Neil Angilley is a brilliant pianist, equally at home playing jazz, Latin or classical. An original member of Grammy-nominated “Down To The Bone” he has appeared on the main stage at Glastonbury with Dame Shirley Bassey and performed with Vanessa-Mae, Maceo Parker and Lionel Richie. Tonight, along with Davide Mantovani-bass and Davide Giovannini-drums, he will be performing songs from his four albums in a fusion of Latin, jazz and funk with a touch of flavours from the East.
“Inventive” Observer;
“spectacular” Blues & Soul Magazine
 

Fri 12th   9:00pm   CLOSED FOR PRIVATE EVENT

Sat 13th   9:00pm   LEX CAMERON  
First call singer/keyboardist for a host of high-profile names Lex Cameron includes work as MD for the iconic UK soul artist Omar and the legendary singer/composer Leon Ware on a vast cv. With his 4-and-a-half octave vocal range, charismatic delivery and impressive musicianship he can be relied upon to give an electric performance. And watch out for his Special Guest, the wonderful singer Donna Gardier. Groove at its very best.
“Lex Cameron…quality old school soul” UK Vibe

Sun 14th   1:30pm   SUNDAY LUNCH: 606 GOSPEL GROUP CHRISTMAS
Under the auspices of bass player/guitarist Andre Gabriel we present our very own gospel ensemble, the “606 Gospel Group”. This is a great group comprising a four-piece band accompanying a five-voice gospel choir. The choir is drawn from a pool of some of the finest gospel singers on the scene and has been featured in the London Jazz Festival as well as on BBC Radio 4 and BBC World Service. And with Christmas just around the corner the group tell us they have “planned a special holiday repertoire, singing traditional carols with a “twist” along with some audience participation”. Now that sounds awesome - not to be missed! This is always a fun and uplifting gig and highly recommended. And don’t forget this is our family day so children are more than welcome.
“Uplifting gospel sounds” Time Out  

Sun 14th   8:00pm   **606 SPECIAL**: HAMISH STUART & THE HAMISH HORNS
Probably best known for his work as the original lead singer/guitarist with The Average White Band, Hamish Stuart has had an illustrious career as both songwriter and performer. He has worked with the likes of Diana Ross, George Benson and Chaka Khan (for whom he wrote the No. 1 chart hit ‘Whatcha Gonna Do For Me’) culminating in six years with Paul McCartney. A regular member of Ringo Starr’s All Star band Hamish’s shows are always a special occasion. Tonight he will be appearing with his powerhouse 10-piece band: Jim Watson & Ross Stanley-keyboards; Adam Phillips-guitar; Steve Pearce-bass & Ian Thomas-drums, plus the 4-piece HS Horns.
“We love Stuart, the funky…singer/guitarist… still playing a superior blend of soul and jazz …while his voice has that unique smoky soul allure.” Time Out        

Mon 15th     8:00pm   EDGAR MACIAS BAND – TRIBUTE TO BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB
UK-based Venezuelan pianist Edgar Macias is a sought-after pianist in a variety of styles, from jazz to salsa. His vast and impressive cv includes work with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, David Murray & Scott Hamilton and tonight he will be showcasing his tribute to the iconic Cuban band The Buena Vista Social Club. The band and the Grammy-winning album of the same name became a worldwide phenomenon, selling over eight million records. Featuring Chris Bowden-sax, John Porter-bass, Miles Levin-drums & Nestor Pedrales-percussion this project is Edgar’s “take” on that album, featuring his arrangements of all the classic tracks. If you like Latin music you will love this!
“Edgar Macias…played superbly throughout” Independent

Tue 16th   8:00pm   PHIL MULFORD’S THUNDERTHUMBS
Join us to celebrate the great Soul and Funk songs with “Thunderthumbs”, the 10-piece band inspired by the great US bass player Louis Johnson led by bassist Phil Mulford. The set runs from Louis’ time with Billy Preston through to his own band The Brothers Johnson and the Quincy Jones hits on which he played. The gig features 3 brilliant singers, Gina Foster (Swing Out Sister), Debbie Bracknell (Shakatak) & Simon Foster (Flying Pickets), a deeply grooving rhythm section and powerhouse horns.
“Gina Foster…incredibly talented and versatile vocalist” Visit London;
“Take Stevie Wonder, Joe Cocker, that dude from The Commitments…roll them up into one and you get something resembling the virtuosity that Simon Foster shows” RARB.org  

Wed 17th   8:00pm     MO PLEASURE  
One of the great multi-instrumentalists of his generation bass player/pianist/trumpeter Morris “Mo” Pleasure has been at the forefront of US popular music for more than 30 years. He began his professional career with Ray Charles before moving to work with the likes of Natalie Cole, Dianne Reeves and Chaka Khan. In 1994 he became musical director for the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire, then toured with Janet Jackson, was on the ill-fated Michael Jackson tour and most recently MD’d for Bette Midler. Tonight’s line-up also features the wonderful vocalist Kedma.
“Pleasure proves that jazz can still be made which is smooth yet textured…varied and interesting… Superb” Soul Express

Thu 18th   8:00pm   LIZZIE DEANE  
With her deeply soulful voice, warm persona and infectious performance style, groove singer Lizzie Deane’s voice has been described as a “powerful, show-stopping instrument”. Perhaps best known here at the Six for her work with Dave Lewis & “1Up” she’s also been heard with acclaimed artists including Mica Paris & Carleen Anderson. Tonight she brings her fabulous ‘Soul Inspirations’ band to the Club showcasing ‘all her favourite songs’.
“Hugely talented … singer… incredible!” Cross Rhythms

Fri 19th   9:00pm   THE COALMINERS   FT. TOMMY HARE & SPECIAL GUEST: POLLY GIBBONS
With their dedication to what they to refer to as “Swamp Soul” this brilliant 7-piece band, with their unique mixture of New Orleans Groove and Funk, bring the rhythm and soul of the deep south (that’s Louisiana, not Brighton…) alive. Featuring vocalists Tommy Hare & Special Guest: Polly Gibbons, drummer Pat Levett (Jon Cleary), pianist Paddy Milner (Tom Jones), guitarist Rob Updegraaf, saxophonist/singer Ben Somers (Dr John, Seal) and bassist Spencer Brown this highly impressive line-up are guaranteed to raise the roof!
“totally blows me away…perfect” BBC Radio 2;
“Tommy Hare…just oozes charisma.” GetWestLondon;
“Riotous” Jazz FM  

Sat 20th   9:00pm   THE COALMINERS   FT. PADDY MILNER & SPECIAL GUEST: POLLY GIBBONS
The band of drummer Pat Levett (Jon Cleary), guitarist Rob Updegraaf, saxophonist/singer Ben Somers (Dr John, Seal) and bassist Spencer Brown are back again this evening (see Friday 19th) with what they like to refer to as “Swamp Soul”, their unique mixture of New Orleans Groove and Funk, bringing the rhythm and soul of the deep south (that’s Louisiana, not Brighton…) to the Club. But tonight, to keep things interesting, there’s a bit of a “change up” with the brilliant pianist/singer from the Tom Jones band Paddy Milner taking the spotlight alongside one of the UK’s leading jazz and contemporary blues singers Polly Gibbons. This is a unique lineup for this band and not to be missed - guaranteed to keep raising the roof!
“totally blows me away…perfect” BBC Radio 2;
“Riotous” Jazz FM;
“Milner…The best…in Europe…” Blues Access, USA;
“Polly Gibbons is unmistakably a class act, getting classier fast.” Guardian    

Sun 21st   1:30pm   SUNDAY LUNCH: CLOSED

Sun 21st 8:00pm       WAYNE HERNANDEZ  
Wayne Hernandez is one of those fantastic singers who has been using his considerable talents to make others sound good. He includes work with Tina Turner, Kool and the Gang and Gorillaz and more recently the Kingdom Choir, who took the world by storm performing at the wedding of Harry and Meghan. He describes his music as “…a living fusion of music styles from the Black music scene”. A brilliant set of powerful groove music from an impressive band of hand-picked musicians that defines the word “soul”.
“...it was clear that Wayne had a very special talent, his voice, it was simply breathtaking” Livemusic.fm

Mon 22nd   8:00pm   LILY DIOR – “A VERY ELLA CHRISTMAS”
“She can belt out a song, dramatize a lyric, swing hard and earthy, flirt, sing a tender song - Lily can tell a story” ABC. In an extensive and highly respected career London-based Lily Dior is recognized as one of Australia’s foremost vocalists. A versatile performer tonight Lily will be showcasing the jazzier side of her repertoire with her show, especially curated for this 606 Club date, “A Very Ella Christmas” inspired by one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time, the iconic Ella Fitzgerald. The repertoire will be drawn from Ella’s 1960 classic “Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas” and will feature the brilliant Gareth Williams-piano, Geoff Gascoyne-bass & Alfonso Vitale-drums.  With the spotlight on Lily’s characteristically powerful and charismatic vocals, this promises to be a great way to get into the jazz-inspired Christmas spirit!
“sassy, soulful, passionate and strong.” Rhythms Magazine;
“irresistibly sultry, yearning tone” Jazzwise

Tue 23rd   8:00pm   606 CLUB’S “LAST NIGHT BEFORE XMAS” 
This is the last show for us before we close for the holidays, and we traditionally put on a fun night to see the year out. The band is Club boss Steve Rubie’s group Samara, a five-piece Jazz/Latin/Groove band featuring vocalist Carolina Lelis and pianist Neil Angilley performing a mix of lively Brazilian music and then some Groove/Soul in the second half of the show. The whole night has a fluid feel with a variety of our regular musicians and singers coming down to say hi and maybe perform a number or two in the break before we take some tables out for a bit of a dance at the end (yes, dancing at the 606 Club)! A great way to see in Christmas!
“Cracking Latin-jazz quintet led by 606 proprietor Steve” Time Out          
 

Wed 24th – Tue 30th:        CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY

Wed 31st           NEW YEAR’S EVE
The legendary 606 New Year’s Eve Extravaganza looks set to be as funky as ever! With a collective of seven world class musicians performing an infectious blend of dance-inducing R&B & Latin/Jazz - and our exclusive NYE 606 Club menu - this is guaranteed to be a spectacular night! Along with the house band, this year Jacqui Hicks, one of the featured singers from the iconic band Shakatak, whose powerful, soulful, vocals have been heard with the cream of the Jazz, Soul, R&B and Pop world including the likes of Matt Bianco and more, will be joining us as special guest to celebrate New Year’s in fine style. The band will play music for dancing from 11:00pm-2:00am so come ready to party!
“Jacqui Hicks is…one of the most soulful singers in Britain” MU Magazine
We are also pleased to be featuring in our earlier, dinner music set from 8:00pm one of the finest pianists currently working on the international jazz scene, the wonderful Neil Angilley (US3, Vanessa-Mae, Maceo Parker, Lionel Richie…).
“Neil Angilley…nothing short of spectacular” Blues & Soul

JANUARY:

Thu 1st:        CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY

Fri 2nd:    8:00pm   LIANE CARROLL
The first artist ever to win two BBC Jazz Awards in the same year, for Best Vocalist and Best of Jazz, Liane Carroll is a dynamic performer whose amazing talent has been captivating audiences around the world. World-class, her powerful, blues-tinged voice combined with strong piano playing and exciting infectious material, not to mention a wicked sense of humour, make this a truly remarkable gig and the perfect way to start the New Year.
“Liane Carroll…seems in some magical way to be made out of music” The Observer    

The 606 is closed for our period of annual hibernation from Wednesday 24th until Tuesday 30th. We are also closed on New Year’s Day but open again as usual from Friday the 2nd onward.

606 Club
90 Lots Road
Chelsea
London
SW10 0QD

https://www.606club.co.uk/

020 7352 5953

Warren James - December 2025 newsletter.

Monday, November 24, 2025

Guitarist & vocalist Warren James has forwarded his latest newsletter giving details of live performances in November & December 2025 with a variety of line-ups, including the Jake Leg Jug Band.

The Jake Leg Jug Band & Warren James Newsletter

This is our combined newsletter for The Jake Leg Jug Band and for Warren James.

We are delighted to announce some WARM NEWS that will get us through the chilly winter months - but - we will all be returning to the Bude Jazz Festival in 2026.

It will be the 10th year for The Jake Leg Jug Band at Bude Jazz Festival, and it will be Warren James’ 5th year, so that is something nice to celebrate and be very proud of.

DATES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR

NOVEMBER 2025

Tues 25 – Datchet, Village Hall – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 2pm

DECEMBER 2025

Wed 3 – Bristol, Old Duke – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 9pm

Thur 4 – Swindon, The Beehive – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8:30pm

Sat 6 – Louth, Louth Jazz Club – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers @ 7:30pm

Tues 9 – Leeds, Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm

Sat 13 – Bristol, The Old Duke – Warren James & His Hit Parade Heroes @ 9pm

Sun 14 – Uttoxeter, The Vaults – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 4pm

Mon 15 – Shipston on Stour, The Thirst Edition – Warren James & His Hit Parade Heroes

Sun 21 – Birmingham, SNOBS – Warren James & His Hit Parade Heroes – @ 6:30pm

Sun 28 – Solihull, Broomfields Hall and RBL - Jazzamatazz – Warren James sings The Johnny Cash Songbook @ 12:30pm

Wed 31 - Uttoxeter, The Vaults - Warren James will guest with Mike Owen’s Band - 3pm to 6pm

Wed 31 – Coventry, Ansty Club – Warren James & His Hit Parade Heroes – 9:30pm to 12:30pm

https://www.thejakelegjugband.com/

https://warrenjamesguitar.com/

https://www.budejazzfestival.info/

Line-Up announced for 2026 Gilmore International Piano Festival, April 30th-May 10th 2026.

Sunday, November 23, 2025

The Gilmore has announced details of the 2026 Irving S. Gilmore International Piano Festival taking place Thursday, April 30 to Sunday, May 10, 2026, across multiple venues in Southwest Michigan.

We have received the following press release;

Just announced - Line-Up for 2026 Gilmore International Piano Festival, Apr 30-May 10th.

THE 2026 IRVING S. GILMORE INTERNATIONAL PIANO FESTIVAL—NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST GATHERING OF KEYBOARD ARTISTS—BRIDGES CLASSICAL AND JAZZ WORLDS IN A GROUNDBREAKING CELEBRATION OF PIANO ARTISTRY, APRIL 30-MAY 10

Sullivan Fortner, winner of The Gilmore’s 2026 Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award, opens and closes the Festival

A Homecoming Moment: Joshua Bell and Shai Wosner Celebrate the Stulberg Competition’s 50th Anniversary in a Special Pre-Festival Recital

2024 Gilmore Artist Alexandre Kantorow’s first Festival appearance

Duo collaboration by Brad Mehldau and 2010 Gilmore Artist Kirill Gerstein

World premieres of Gilmore commissions include American Sputnik,  a monodrama co-commissioned by The Gilmore and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, as well as a new work for Eighth Blackbird by Clarice Assad

U.S. premiere of The Kalamazoo Flow by Anders Hillborg performed by Alexandre Kantorow

2010 Gilmore Artist Kirill Gerstein Plays and Conducts Three of Beethoven’s Piano Concertos

Gilmore Festival Fellows Return for a 10-Day Immersive Residency Fostering the Next Generation of Pianists

KALAMAZOO, MI — The Gilmore has announced details of the 2026 Irving S. Gilmore International Piano Festival taking place Thursday, April 30 to Sunday, May 10, 2026, across multiple venues in Southwest Michigan. Drawing thousands of fans to the Kalamazoo region, this year’s Festival showcases the world’s preeminent classical and jazz pianists and artists in 75+ events including a world premiere monodrama, exclusive artist collaborations, Gilmore commissioned works, and family-friendly performances as well as master classes, film screenings, and more. Scroll down for a complete schedule of festival events.

“The Gilmore Piano Festival has established itself as a highlight for music fans. Over 11 days, thousands of patrons from around the world will transform Kalamazoo into a vibrant hub of creativity, culture and connection. For over 30 years, our Festival has brought together incredible artists, emerging talents, and enthusiastic audiences. Building on this success, as well as the Gilmore Artist Awards and this year’s inaugural Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Awards, we’re excited to begin this exciting chapter shifting from a biennial Festival to an annual one that presents the top pianists of both classical and jazz music.”
- Pierre van der Westhuizen, Executive & Artistic Director

The 2026 Gilmore International Piano Festival bridges classical tradition, contemporary innovation, and the evolving landscape of jazz. Anchored by world premieres, interdisciplinary collaborations, and the inaugural Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Awards, the Festival celebrates the piano as a catalyst for creative exchange across genres, generations, and cultures. Its programming highlights both legacy and discovery—pairing iconic artists such as Joshua Bell, Brad Mehldau, Kirill Gerstein, and Alexandre Kantorow with rising classical and jazz talents, while commissioning new works that reflect the piano’s vibrant role in today’s musical ecosystem. With performances spanning historic concert halls, intimate clubs, family offerings, and community spaces across Southwest Michigan, the 2026 Festival envisions the piano not merely as an instrument, but as a unifying force that transforms the region into a dynamic hub of artistic exploration, storytelling, and shared human experience.

The 2026 Festival coincides with the naming of The Gilmore’s first-ever Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Awardee, Sullivan Fortner, as well as the Bell Young Jazz Artist Award recipients Esteban Castro and Tyler Bullock — all scheduled to perform at the 2026 Gilmore Piano Festival. Mirroring the Gilmore Artist Award for classical pianists, the Jazz Artist Awards were bestowed on jazz pianists selected by an anonymous committee. Since its founding in 1989, the Festival has taken place at venues in Kalamazoo and across West Michigan, a region characterized by rolling countryside—filled with orchards, wineries, art galleries, and farmers markets—and the natural beauty of nearby Lake Michigan. Building on the success of its 30-year history, the biennial Festival shifts to an annual one for the first time in 2026. The Gilmore is allowing more space for creativity, more audience goers and a plethora of multi-genre artists.

2026 GILMORE PIANO FESTIVAL ARTISTS
Aaron Diehl · Aaron Goldberg · Alexandre Kantorow · Ali Jackson · Allison Miller · Ambrose Akinmusire · Andrew Rathburn · Armando Gola · ARTEMIS · Bill Charlap · Bob Mervak · Brad Mehldau · Cameron Carpenter · CeciléMcLorin Salvant · Charlotte Hu · Christian Sands · Chuco Valdés · Cyrus Chestnut · Daniela Liebman · Eighth Blackbird · Elliott Wuu · Esteban Castro · Horacio El Negro Hernandez · Ingrid Jensen · Inon Barnatan · Jackson Symphony Orchestra · Janice Carissa · Joseph Lattanzi · Joshua Bell · Julian Kuerti · Justin Snyder · Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra · Kandace Springs · Kayvon Gordon · Keith Hall · Kent Philharmonic Orchestra · Kirill Gerstein · Lara Downes · Libor Ondras · Lisa Kaplan · Lori Sims · Marc-André Hamelin · Matthew Aubin · Matthew Natalie Tenenbaum · Nicole Glover · Nicole Zuraitis · Noriko Ueda · Omer Avital · Raquel González · Renee Rosnes · Richard Goode · Roberto Vizcaino Jr. · Sara Davis Buechner · Sean Hickey · Shai Wosner · Southwest Michigan Symphony · Stanislav Khristenko · Stewart Goodyear · Sullivan Fortner · Timo Andres · Tyler Bullock · Tyrone Allen · Vicki Chow · Yes! Trio

THE GILMORE’S LEGACY OF COMMISSIONING NEW WORKS

The Gilmore has a distinguished history of commissioning new works, continuing its mission to support the creation and performance of new music for the piano. Over the years, the Gilmore Piano Festival has become known for its commitment to expanding the repertoire through significant commissions from renowned composers. The Gilmore has commissioned, on its own and via Gilmore Artists and Gilmore Young Artists Award funds, more than 40 new works from composers including Matthew Aucoin, Michael Brown, Elliott Carter, Christopher Cerrone, Michael Gordon, Stephen Hough, Oliver Knussen, Brad Mehldau, Nico Muhly, Frederick Rzewski, and Tyshawn Sorey, among many others.

The commissioned works of the 2026 Gilmore Piano Festival include the U.S. premiere of The Kalamazoo Flow, a new work by leading Swedish composer Anders Hillborg, which Alexandre Kantorow commissioned through his 2024 Gilmore Artist Award (world premiere scheduled for January 2026 at Le Piano Symphonique Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland). The contemporary music ensemble Eighth Blackbird premieres a new work written by Clarice Assad whose music is deeply rooted in the early, folkloric rhythms of Brazil.

Co-commissioned with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, The Gilmore is thrilled to present the world premiere of American Sputnik, a one-act monodrama for baritone, piano and an orchestral ensemble by composer Evan Mack and Pulitzer Prize-winning librettist Mark Campbell. American pianist Van Cliburn instantly shot to superstardom after winning the inaugural International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow at the height of the Cold War. Exploring the impact of Cliburn’s historic win on his own life and on global culture, American Sputnik features baritone Joseph Lattanzi and Cleveland International Piano Competition-winning pianist Stanislav Khristenko dually portraying the role of Cliburn, joined by the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra under Music Director Julian Kuerti.

THE GILMORE FESTIVAL FELLOWS PROGRAM

The Gilmore Festival Fellows program, a career-advancement initiative for both classical and jazz pianists aged 18 or older, continues during this year’s festival. The immersive program blends the festival experience with a curriculum designed to develop the diverse skills—artistic, business, and personal—needed to build a successful career as a pianist. The 12 Festival Fellows take part in workshops and career coaching sessions focused on the business side of an artistic career and the personal and interpersonal challenges of life as a concert pianist.

This year’s Fellowship is a 10-day residency from May 1-10, 2026, including a May 8th public performance by select Classical Fellows. Jazz Fellows will perform on May 1-2 and 7-8 at the Crawlspace Theater. This season’s residency is overseen by Artist Teachers: Sara Davis Buechner, Bill Charlap, Stewart Goodyear, Marc-André Hamelin, Charlotte Hu, Renee Rosnes, and Lori Sims.

Festival artists share their talents and wisdom with Festival Fellows, who perform and learn from their teachers at Gilmore Festival master classes. The general public is invited to witness the creative process in action and gain insight into the dedication required to become an exceptional pianist. All master classes are free and open to the public. Scroll down for a complete schedule of classes. Visit Gilmore.org/education to learn more.

The Gilmore Festival Fellows program is made possible through the generous support of the Art Mentor Foundation Lucerne.

2026 GILMORE PIANO FESTIVAL LINE-UP
When: April 30 – May 10, 2026

Where: The 2026 Gilmore Piano Festival will unfold across more than a dozen venues throughout Southwest Michigan, from historic theaters and concert halls to intimate clubs, churches, and community spaces. This wide variety of locations activates the region as a network of stages, offering audiences exceptional musical experiences in settings of every scale and underscoring the Festival’s commitment to bringing world-class music to the broader community.

Tickets: Donor presale access begins November 20 at 10:00 a.m. ET for supporters who contribute $100 or more, with all tickets going on sale to everyone on January 29, 2026. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.thegilmore.org.

PRE-FESTIVAL EVENTS

CLASSICAL | SOLO RECITAL | SPECIAL EVENT
SAT 4.18 at 7:30 p.m. | Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor
Presented in collaboration with the University Musical Society
THE COMPLETE PHILIP GLASS PIANO ETUDES
Timo Andres | Inon Barnatan | Janice Carissa, 2022 Gilmore Young Artist | Vicky Chow | Aaron Diehl | Lara Downes | Lisa Kaplan | Daniela Liebman | Christian Sands | Justin Snyder
This distinctive concert offering of all 20 of Glass’s etudes features 10 pianists onstage, each offering a unique musical tribute to this masterful composer.

CLASSICAL | CHAMBER MUSIC | SPECIAL EVENT
FRI 4.24 at 7:30 p.m. | Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo
JOSHUA BELL
Joshua Bell, violin | Shai Wosner, piano
F. SCHUBERT             Violin Sonata in A Major, D. 574 (“Grand Duo”)
E. GRIEG                 Violin Sonata No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 45
S. PROKOFIEV           Violin Sonata No. 2 in D Major, Op. 94

CLASSICAL | CONCERTO
SAT 4.25 at 7:30 p.m. | Harold Sheffer Music Hall, Potter Center, Jackson
JACKSON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WITH 2022 GILMORE YOUNG ARTIST JANICE CARRISA
Matthew Aubin, conductor | Janice Carissa, 2022 Gilmore Young Artist, piano
J. BRAHMS /arr. V. LEIDIG.          Academic Festival Overture
R. SCHUMANN                       Concerto for Piano in A Minor, Op.54
W.A MOZART                         Requiem, K.626 (Süssmayr)
OPENING NIGHT
THU 4.30 at 6:00 p.m. | Kalamazoo Institute of Arts & Parish Theater, Kalamazoo

SULLIVAN FORTNER SOLO GAME
The 2026 Gilmore International Piano Festival opens on April 30, 2025, aka International Jazz Day, with a rare solo performance by 2026 Larry J. Bell Artist Award Recipient Sullivan Fortner. Fresh off receiving the inaugural Bell Artist Award, Fortner revisits the spirit of his GRAMMY®-nominated album Solo Game — a kaleidoscopic journey across acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes, Hammond B-3 organ, and other keyboards. Blending jazz, gospel, and modern improvisation, Fortner moves fluidly between soulful lyricism and bold harmonic exploration, revealing why he’s regarded as one of today’s most imaginative and expressive voices in jazz.
CLASSICAL | MONODRAMA | CONCERTO | includes WORLD PREMIERE

FRI 5.01 at 7:00 p.m. | Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo
FROM CLIBURN TO KANTOROW: A CELEBRATION OF TCHAIKOVSKY
Julian Kuerti, conductor | Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
Joseph Lattanzi, baritone | Stanislav Khristenko, piano
Alexandre Kantorow, 2024 Gilmore Artist, piano
The concert will feature the World Premiere of a new one-act monodrama by American composer Evan Mack and Pulitzer-prize winning librettist Mark Campbell, exploring the impact of Van Cliburn’s historic win on his own life and on global culture. Co-commissioned by The Gilmore and Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, American Sputnikfeatures baritone Joseph Lattanzi and Cleveland International Piano Competition-winning pianist Stanislav Khristenko dually portraying the role of Cliburn, joined by the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra under Music Director Julian Kuerti. Also on the program is 2024 Gilmore Artist Alexandre Kantorow — who followed in Cliburn’s footsteps as a winner of the Tchaikovsky Competition — joining the KSO to perform Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 2, one of the concertos that helped Kantorow earn his victory at the competition.
EVAN MACK /libst. MARK CAMPBELL   American Sputnik, WORLD PREMIERE
P. TCHAIKOVSKY                         Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major, Op. 44
FAMILY CONCERT/FILM

SAT 5.02 at 2:00 p.m. | Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo
RIGHT IN THE EYE
Right in the Eye combines 12 short silent films by pioneering French filmmaker Georges Méliès — containing many special effects — with musical virtuosity, lighting design, and more. Three musicians perform on over 50 different instruments, including rare and unique ones, live onstage alongside the films, in a one-of-a-kind production ideal for children ages five and up.

JAZZ
SAT 5.02 at 4:00 + 7:00 p.m. | Bell’s Eccentric Café, Kalamazoo
CYRUS CHESTNUT TRIO
A gifted and innovative jazz pianist, Cyrus Chestnut possesses a soulful style that fuses gospel, classical music, and straight-ahead jazz. With two musical parents who were involved in the church, it was only natural that gospel music would become a major influence on Chestnut’s musical development, showing him not only how to be a better player but also how to connect with audiences. His original compositions are the heart of his latest album, Rhythm, Melody, and Harmony, on which he demonstrates his signature blend of rhythmic precision, emotive expression, and improvisational mastery.

CLASSICAL | SOLO RECITAL | includes U.S. PREMIERE
SAT 5.02 at 8:00 p.m. | Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo
ALEXANDRE KANTOROW, 2024 GILMORE ARTIST
The day after performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, 2024 Gilmore Artist Alexandre Kantorow returns to give a solo recital. Kantorow will present the U.S. premiere of a new work by leading Swedish composer Anders Hillborg, which Kantorow commissioned through his Gilmore Artist Award; he will premiere the work at the Le Piano Symphonique Festival in Lucerne in January 2026.
J.S. BACH /arr. LISZT       Variations on Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen S. 180.
N. MEDTNER                 Sonata in F Minor, Op. 5
F. CHOPIN                   Prelude in C-sharp Minor, Op. 45
A. SCRIABIN                 Sonata No. 10, Op. 70
L.v. BEETHOVEN             Sonata No. 32 in C Minor Op. 111
ANDERS HILLBORG         The Kalamazoo Flow, U.S. PREMIERE, commissioned by The Gilmore

FAMILY CONCERT
SUN 5.03 at 12:30 p.m., First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo
BABY GRANDS WITH HEITZIG AND JONES
This Baby Grands will feature The Gilmore’s very own Kory Heitzig on organ, with Dr. Garrett Jones narrating, presenting Rex: The King of Instruments written by Daniel Burton. This lively piece introduces the pipe organ through an energetic blend of organ music and narration. This will be followed by the OrgelKids workshop, an engaging, hands-on experience where kids collaborate to assemble a real working organ. This event is a family-friendly, interactive way to introduce kids to the organ.
Free and open to children of all ages.

CLASSICAL | SOLO RECITAL
SUN 5.03 at 2:00 p.m. | First United Methodist of Kalamazoo
CAMERON CARPENTER
In a rare organ performance for The Gilmore, Cameron Carpenter demonstrates the versatility and dramatic power of his chosen instrument. Committed to expanding the repertoire for the organ, Carpenter composes original music and also creates his own virtuosic arrangements of iconic works of classical music, including J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Carpenter is the first-ever organist to be nominated for a GRAMMY® Award for a solo album (for his debut album Revolutionary), and has transfixed audiences worldwide with his dazzling technique and larger-than-life style.
J.S. BACH/arr. CAMERON CARPENTER Goldberg Variations BWV 988
J.S. BACH Prelude and Fugue in E-flat Major, BWV 552 (“St. Anne”)
M. MUSSORGSKY/arr. CAMERON CARPENTER Pictures At An Exhibition

CLASSICAL | SOLO RECITAL
SUN 5.03 at 7:30 p.m. | Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, Kalamazoo
RICHARD GOODE
Pianist Richard Goode is internationally renowned for his interpretations of Classical and Romantic music. His 10-disc recording of Beethoven’s complete piano sonatas remains a benchmark in the industry. Goode returns to The Gilmore to perform two cornerstones of the repertoire: Beethoven’s monumental Diabelli Variations and Schubert’s heartrending Sonata in B-flat Major, his final composition for solo piano.
L.v. BEETHOVEN           Thirty-Three Variations on a Waltz by Diabelli, Op. 120
F. SCHUBERT               Sonata in B-flat Major, D. 960
CLASSICAL | SOLO RECITAL

MON 5.04 at 2:00 p.m. | Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, Kalamazoo
STEWART GOODYEAR
Canadian pianist Stewart Goodyear is renowned for his large, dramatic sound, elegant technique, and omnivorous approach to keyboard music. Goodyear has attracted particular attention for his Beethoven “Sonatathons,” a term he coined to describe his epic performances of Beethoven’s complete piano sonatas in one day.
L.v. BEETHOVEN             Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31, No. 2 (“Tempest”)
STEWART GOODYEAR     Rhapsody
L.v. BEETHOVEN             Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 (“Moonlight”)
STEWART GOODYEAR       Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso
L.v. BEETHOVEN             Andante favori, WoO 57
                                Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 (“Appassionata”)

Jazz + Classical | DUO PIANO RECITAL
MON 5.04 at 7:30 p.m. | Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, Kalamazoo
BRAD MEHLDAU & KIRILL GERSTEIN IN DIALOGUE
Grammy Award–winning pianist and composer Brad Mehldau has long bridged musical worlds, shaping modern jazz with performances that blend intellect, emotion, and structure. 2010 Gilmore Artist Kirill Gerstein, equally at home in classical and jazz traditions, is celebrated for his dynamic artistry and curiosity, connecting diverse musical voices with insight and imagination. Their collaboration grew from a shared fascination with the space between composition and improvisation.

JAZZ
TUE 5.05 at 12:00 p.m. | Kalamazoo Civic Theater
ESTEBAN CASTRO TRIO | 2026 BELL YOUNG JAZZ ARTIST
Esteban Castro began playing piano at age four and at 13, became the youngest-ever First Prize Winner at the Montreux Jazz Piano Solo Competition. Now 20, Castro is already an in-demand bandleader and sideman. At The Gilmore, Castro and their trio will perform a mix of standards and Castro’s own award-winning compositions.

JAZZ
TUE 5.05 at 12:00 p.m. | Kool Family Community Center, Battle Creek
TYLER BULLOCK TRIO | 2026 BELL YOUNG JAZZ ARTIST
The regular pianist for the Roy Hargrove Big Band, and with collaborations with Samara Joy, Sean Jones, and Dee Dee Bridgewater already under his belt, Tyler Bullock is one of the most promising pianists of his generation. His original compositions for his trio and other configurations combine the lineage of jazz with his own fresh perspective.

CLASSICAL | CHAMBER MUSIC | includes WORLD PREMIERE
TUE 5.05 at 2:00 p.m. | Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU
EIGHTH BLACKBIRD
Four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning contemporary music sextet Eighth Blackbird is, according to The Chicago Tribune, “one of the smartest, most dynamic ensembles on the planet.” They perform Four Organs and Piano Phase, two seminal 20th-century works by pioneering American minimalist composer Steve Reich in his 90th birthday year, as well as the World Premiere of a new work written for them by Clarice Assad, commissioned by The Gilmore. A composer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, Assad creatively fuses elements of classical, jazz, and Brazilian music for a sound that’s completely her own.
ARI SUSSMAN               to no end
CLARICE ASSAD             WORLD PREMIERE, commissioned by The Gilmore
STEVE REICH               Piano Phase
                                Four Organs
NICO MUHLY                 Doublespeak

JAZZ
TUE 5.05 at 5:00 + 8:00 p.m. | D. Terry Williams Theatre, WMU
KANDACE SPRINGS
Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, jazz pianist and singer Kandace Springs’s natural gifts for lyricism and soulfulness have propelled her to some of the world’s biggest stages. She has performed alongside Prince, Sting and Jack White, Norah Jones, Roy Hargrove, and more, and has released acclaimed albums of acoustic-based jazz. Her Gilmore set will include arrangements from her latest recording, Lady in Satin, a loving tribute to Billie Holiday and her 1958 record of the same name, with Springs on both keys and vocals, joined by her all-female trio.

JAZZ
WED 5.06 at 12:00 p.m. | Kool Family Community Center, Battle Creek
ESTEBAN CASTRO TRIO | 2026 BELL YOUNG JAZZ ARTIST
See May 5 for event description.

JAZZ
WED 5.06 at 12:00 p.m. | Kalamazoo Civic Theater
TYLER BULLOCK TRIO | 2026 BELL YOUNG JAZZ ARTIST
See May 5 for event description.

CLASSICAL | SOLO RECITAL
WED 5.06 at 2:00 p.m.  | Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, Kalamazoo
LORI SIMS
A pillar of the Kalamazoo musical community, Lori Sims returns to The Gilmore for a recital on piano and harpsichord, demonstrating how the harpsichord and Baroque musical forms can be updated and reworked in a modern context. Opening with J.S. Bach’s Partita for keyboard No. 6, Sims then jumps to works by two of the 20th century’s most important composers, György Ligeti and Sofia Gubaidulina, who both fused traditional Baroque forms—the Passacaglia and the Chaconne—with their distinctly modern musical languages.
J.S. BACH                 Partita No. 6 in D Minor BWV 830
G. LIGETI                 Passacaglia Ungherese
                            Hungarian Rock
                            Etudes, Book I, No. 5 “Arc-en-Ciel”
S. GUBAIDULINA         Chaconne
CLASSICAL | CONCERTO

WED 5.06 at 7:30 p.m. | Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo
KIRILL GERSTEIN & KALAMAZOO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WITH BEETHOVEN’S PIANO CONCERTOS
Already respected for his solo piano interpretations, 2010 Gilmore Artist Kirill Gerstein unveils another facet of his musical life for Festival audiences: his role as conductor. In one evening with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Gerstein both plays and conducts three of Beethoven’s beloved Piano Concertos. Beethoven himself frequently performed his own concertos while conducting from the keyboard, and Gerstein will offer Gilmore festival attendeesthe opportunity to experience these masterworks in much the same way that audiences would have in Beethoven’s day.
L.v. BEETHOVEN       Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15
                          Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37
                          Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58

JAZZ
THU 5.07 at 12:00 p.m. | Kalamazoo Civic Theatre
NICOLE ZURAITIS
A vocalist, pianist, songwriter, and arranger who originally trained in classical voice and opera, Nicole Zuraitis offers powerful interpretations of jazz, pop, and anything else she sets her mind to. How Love Begins, her album co-produced with Christian McBride, won Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 2024 GRAMMY® Awards, making her the first artist to win this award for an album entirely made up of original compositions and arrangements. Zuraitis leads a band of powerhouse artists, using her arrangements to showcase their considerable talents in the best possible light.

CLASSICAL | VOICE AND PIANO
THU 5.07 at 2:00 p.m. | Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, Kalamazoo
CHOPIN AND VIARDOT: A DIALOGUE
Charlotte Hu, piano
Raquel González, soprano
Pauline Viardot was an accomplished pianist who studied with Franz Liszt, a world-renowned mezzo-soprano, and a talented composer, yet her name is largely unknown today. In their collaborative recital, pianist Charlotte Hu and soprano Raquel González re-introduce Viardot to her rightful place alongside the greatest of Romantic composers, notably her friend and colleague Frédéric Chopin. Their program spans solo piano works by both Chopin and Viardot, Viardot’s piano-and-voice arrangements of Chopin’s mazurkas — which Chopin himself advised on and was pleased with — and some of Viardot’s own original songs for soprano and piano.
F. CHOPIN               Polonaise-Fantasie, Op. 61                            
                            Mazurka in E Major, Op. 63, No. 3
                            Mazurka in F-sharp Minor, Op. 59, No. 3
                            Mazurka in C Major, Op. 33, No. 3
P. VIARDOT/F. CHOPIN Mazurka Op. 50, No. 2 “Seize ans!”
                            Mazurka Op. 33, No. 2 “Aime-moir”
                            Mazurka Op. 6, No. 1 “Plainte d’amour”
                            Mazurka Op. 7, No. 1 “Coquette”
                            Mazurka Op. 68, No. 2 “L’Oiselet”
                            Mazurkas Op. 7, No. 3 and Op. 7, No. 2 “Faible cœur!”
P. VIARDOT               Mazurka
                            Deux airs de ballet
                            Serenade
F. CHOPIN               Barcarolle in F-sharp Major, Op. 60
P. VIARDOT               Original Songs for Soprano and Piano

JAZZ | DUO PIANO
THU 5.07 at 5:00 + 8:00 p.m. | D. Terry Williams Theatre, WMU, Kalamazoo
BILL CHARLAP & RENEE ROSNES
Two of today’s preeminent jazz pianists, Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes have played together in a two-piano setting since the release of their 2010 Blue Note album Double Portrait, a set of duets that traverse their shared musical touchstones. Downbeat declared that “the counterpoint and compatibility are so perfectly balanced, the selections and arrangements so handsome, that Double Portrait is a prize.” On stage, the husband-and-wife duo share their interpretations of jazz standards, Great American Songbook and Broadway tunes, and their own original compositions, inspired by their work together.

JAZZ
THU 5.07 at 7:30 p.m. | Kool Family Community Center, Battle Creek
YES! TRIO featuring ALI JACKSON, AARON GOLDBERG, AND OMER AVITAL
United by three decades of friendship and a reverence for straight-ahead jazz and swing, the members of Yes! Trio are all superstar musicians in their own right. Ali Jackson has played with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra since 2005. Omer Avital synthesizes American jazz, Israeli, and other Arab styles into something new and vital. And Aaron Goldberg leads his own trio and tours with the Joshua Redman Quartet.

JAZZ
FRI 5.08 at 12:00 p.m. | Kalamazoo Civic Theatre
YES! TRIO featuring ALI JACKSON, AARON GOLDBERG, AND OMER AVITAL
See May 7 for event description.

CLASSICAL | SOLO RECITAL
FRI 5.08 at 2:00 p.m. | Cori Terry Theatre, Epic Center, Kalamazoo
GILMORE FESTIVAL FELLOWS SHOWCASE RECITAL
The Gilmore presents top-notch talents of some of this year’s class of Gilmore Festival Fellows, hand selected by The Gilmore’s artistic leadership. Today’s successful artists need to know much more than the music. The Festival Fellows program helps young artists better navigate the industry through mentorships, master classes, Festival performances, workshops, and networking with their peers.

JAZZ
FRI 5.08 at 7:30 p.m. | Kool Family Community Center, Battle Creek
NICOLE ZURAITIS
See May 7 for event description.

JAZZ
FRI 5.08 at 7:30 p.m. | Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, Kalamazoo
ARTEMIS
Equally beloved by audiences and critics alike, ARTEMIS conjures a powerful collective voice from its five members. Originally assembled by pianist and musical director Renee Rosnes, the all-female group is distinguished not only by the star power of its individual members, but also by its multi-national and intergenerational lineup. ARTEMIS features Renee Rosnes (piano/Fender Rhodes), Ingrid Jensen (trumpet), Nicole Glover (tenor saxophone), Noriko Ueda (bass), and Allison Miller (drums). At The Gilmore, ARTEMIS will perform tunes from their three acclaimed Blue Note albums, featuring a vibrant mix of original compositions by all five band members as well as Rosnes’s arrangements of pieces by Wayne Shorter, Burt Bacharach, and more.

CLASSICAL | CONCERTO
FRI 5.08 at 7:30 p.m. | St. Cecilia Music Center, Grand Rapids
KENT PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Pianist Elliott Wuu, 2018 Gilmore Young Artist, returns to Michigan to perform Grieg’s Piano Concerto with the Kent Philharmonic Orchestra, Libor Ondras conducting.
B. SMETANA                 Dance of Comedians
E. GRIEG                     Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16
A. DVOŘÁK                 Slavonic Dances, Op. 46
CLASSICAL | SOLO RECITAL | THEATRICAL

SAT 5.09 at 1:00 p.m. | Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, Kalamazoo
SARA DAVIS BUECHNER “OF PIGS AND PIANOS”
When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, a young Sara Davis Buechner declared: “A piano player and a pig farmer.” Decades later, the first of those has decidedly come true. Of Pigs and Pianos is Buechner’s one-woman show, recounting Sara Davis Buechner’s life story through dramatic narration, musical performances, and projected visuals. As one of the first transgender women in the industry to transition mid-career, Buechner encountered overwhelming obstacles, and faced them with courage and integrity. The New York Times gave the premiere performance a rave review; Buechner herself calls it “one of the most significant artistic works of my life.” [CONTENT WARNING: Of Pigs and Pianos contains strong adult content and language. Recommended for audiences 16 and older.]

CLASSICAL | SOLO RECITAL
SAT 5.09 at 4:00 p.m. | Stetson Chapel, Kalamazoo College
MARC ANDRÉ-HAMELIN
Marc-André Hamelin, “a performer of near-superhuman technical prowess” according to The New York Times, is revered worldwide for his thoughtful interpretations and utter mastery of the most challenging works in the piano repertoire. His Gilmore recital opens with Haydn’s Piano Sonata in D Major, followed by Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 3, an early work dedicated to Haydn. The second half is devoted to Russian piano works, with short pieces by Nikolai Medtner, a younger contemporary of Scriabin and Rachmaninoff, as well as Rachmaninoff’s moody and intense Piano Sonata No. 2.
F. HAYDN                     Sonata in D Major, Hob. XVI:37
Lv. BEETHOVEN             Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op. 2
N. MEDTNER                 Improvisation in B-flat Minor, Op. 31, No. 1
                              Danza festiva, Op. 38, No. 3
S. RACHMANINOFF         Étude-Tableau in E-flat Minor, Op. 39, No. 5
                              Sonata No. 2 in B-flat Minor, Op. 36 (1931 version)
CLASSICAL | SOLO RECITAL

SAT 5.09 at 7:00 p.m. | Peace Lutheran Church, South Haven
ELLIOTT WUU, 2010 GILMORE YOUNG ARTIST
As part of the South Haven Performance Series, Elliott Wuu gives a solo recital for audiences in South Haven, featuring piano sonatas by Beethoven and Liszt, Debussy’s Suite Bergamasque, and Liszt’s Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude.
C. DEBUSSY                 Suite Bergamasque, L. 75
L.v. BEETHOVEN           Sonata Op. 31, No. 3 (“The Hunt”)
F. LISZT                     Bénédiction de Dieu dans la Solitude
                              from Harmonies poétiques et religieuses. S. 173/3
S. RACHMANINOFF         Sonata No. 2, Op. 36

JAZZ
SAT 5.09 at 7:30 p.m. | Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo
CHUCHO VALDÉS ROYAL QUARTET
For over six decades, NEA Jazz Master Chucho Valdés has defined Afro-Cuban jazz through his work as a pianist, composer, and bandleader. A winner of multiple GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® Awards, Valdés also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and has been inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame. His Royal Quartet features virtuosos from the next generation of Afro-Cuban jazz: Horacio El Negro Hernandez (drums), Armando Gola (bass), and Roberto Vizcaino Jr. (congas). They will pay homage to Chick Corea, Mozart, American blues, Cuban folksongs, and more, all with their signature sense of joy and creativity.

CLASSICAL | CONCERTO
SAT 5.09 at 7:30 p.m. | Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
Matthew Aubin, conductor
Winner of the 2016 Cleveland International Piano Competition and featured at The Gilmore’s premiere of American Sputnik, Ukrainian pianist Stanislav Khristenko performs Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Minor with the Southwest Michigan Symphony.
P. TCHAIKOVSKY           Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Minor, Op. 23

JAZZ | FESTIVAL FINALE
TUE 5.10 at 4:00 p.m. | Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo
FINALE: SULLIVAN FORTNER TRIO featuring CÉCILE MCLORIN SALVANT & AMBROSE AKINMUSIRE
The 2026 Gilmore International Piano Festival concludes with an exclusive performance created especially for this occasion, uniting three of today’s most visionary artists. Sullivan Fortner, recent recipient of The Gilmore’s inaugural Larry J. Bell Artist Award, leads his trio alongside GRAMMY® Award–winning vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant and acclaimed trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, whose distinctive sound and compositional depth have earned him international recognition. Joined by Tyrone Allen (bass) and Kayvon Gordon (drums), they will explore new musical terrain where improvisation, storytelling, and collective imagination meet in a singular finale that promises to be both intimate and transcendent.

SPECIAL EVENTS

FILM +
TUE 4.28: MURRAY PERAHIA: NOT OF THIS WORLD
WED 4.29: PIANOFORTE
THU 4.30: OSCAR PETERSON: BLACK + WHITE
FRI 5.01: VAN CLIBURN: CONCERT PIANIST. FILM BY PETER ROSEN.
All showtimes at 12:00 p.m., Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Stryker Theatre

CONNECT WITH FILM SERIES
During this year’s Festival, the music comes to the silver screen with afternoon film screenings at the Stryker Theatre. Movies are free to the public. Tickets are made available at 10:00 a.m. on the day of each screening at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum or its website http://www.kalamazoomuseum.org.

JAZZ +
WED 4.29 + FRI-SAT 5.01-2 + FRI-SAT 5.07-8 | Crawlspace Comedy Theatre, Kalamazoo
GILMORE AFTER DARK
Throughout this year’s Festival, the music continues long into the night with Gilmore After Dark events at venues around Kalamazoo. Grab a drink or a bite to eat and enjoy performances by exciting jazz and classical artists, including this year’s talented class of Gilmore Jazz Fellows. It kickstarts April 29 with pianist, vocalist and songwriter Bob Mervak. On May 1-2, saxophonist Andrew Rathbun will host the Jazz Festival Fellows, followed by drummer Keith Hall on May 7-8.

FESTIVAL FELLOWS EVENTS +
FRI 5.01 at 2:00 p.m. A CONVERSATION WITH SEAN HICKEY, Kalamazoo Public Library, Central Library
SUN 5.03 at 10:00 a.m. STEWART GOODYEAR, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU
TUE 5.05 at 10:00 a.m. LORI SIMS, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU
WED 5.06 at 10:00 a.m. CHARLOTTE HU, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU
WED 5.06 at 4:00 p.m. BILL CHARLAP + RENEE ROSNES, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU
FRI 5.08 at 10:00 a.m. SARA DAVIS BUECHNER, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU
SUN 5.10 at 10:00 a.m. MARC-ANDRÉ HAMELIN, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

MASTER CLASSES
Festival artists share their talents and wisdom with Festival Fellows, who perform and learn from their teachers at Gilmore Festival master classes. Audiences may witness the creative process in action and gain insight into the dedication required to become an exceptional pianist. All master classes are free and open to the public.

CLASSICAL
WED 5.20 at 6:00 p.m. MEIJER GARDENS X GILMORE, Utopia Room at Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids
NATALIE TENENBAUM, piano
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and The Gilmore Piano Festival are collaborating on a special evening of entertainment amidst the beauty of the CHIHULY exhibition at Meijer Gardens.

All performances, programs, and performance dates and times are subject to change.

ABOUT THE GILMORE    
Created in 1989 to honor the legacy of businessman and philanthropist Irving S. Gilmore, The Gilmore is the premier institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to commissioning, presenting and awarding extraordinary piano artistry. The Gilmore has presented 16 piano festivals, commissioned over 40 new works for piano, and awarded over $3 million as part of its internationally renowned Gilmore Artists Award for both classical and jazz pianists.
Based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, The Gilmore hosts its annual (previously biennial) Gilmore Piano Festival April 30-May 10, 2026, and continues to impact the lives of thousands of area children and adults through its year-round community engagement and music education programs including summer camps, music therapy, and much more.

Programme announced for 55th International Jazz Week Burghausen, Germany, March 17-22, 2026.

Friday, November 21, 2025

The programme for the 55th Burghausen International Jazz Week from March 17 to 22, 2026, has been finalised. Advance ticket sales start: November 26, 2025. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Press release: 55th International Jazz Week Burghausen, March 17-22, 2026, Advance ticket sales start: November 26, 2025

The excitement is spreading: The program for the 55th Burghausen International Jazz Week from March 17 to 22, 2026, has been finalized and promises musical highlights! To mark this small anniversary edition, IG Jazz Burghausen is presenting a week full of diverse concert experiences, from international stars to promising new discoveries.

Following the traditional winners’ concert of the 16th European Young Artists’ Jazz Award, the Mike Stern Band feat. Leni Stern, Gabor Bolla, Noam Tanzer & Juan Chiavassa will open the main concerts in the Wackerhalle. Another highlight is the renowned German drummer Wolfgang Haffner. With his All Star Celebration, he celebrates his 50th stage anniversary and invites not only his long-time musical companions Simon Oslender (keys) and Thomas Stieger (bass), but also singer Viktoria Tolstoy, trombonist Nils Landgren, and DJ Shantel.

Also part of the lineup is trumpeter Theo Croker, who will be presenting his Miles Davis Centennial Blue Moods: Miles in the Golden Hour project. Multiple Grammy winner Cory Henry and his band The Funk Apostles will be providing a heavy dose of musical energy, as will the experimental collective Sonic Interventions, which was awarded this year’s German Jazz Prize for Newcomer of the Year. Lovers of avant-garde sounds will get their money’s worth with the duo Stian Westerhus & Maja S. K. Ratkje in the historic Ankersaal in the center of Burghausen’s old town.

The traditional Blues Saturday returns to its authentic roots and brings two outstanding masters of the genre to Burghausen with Paul Lamb & The King Snakes and Ronnie Baker Brooks.

The festival program is complemented by other impressive acts. These include Turkish saxophonist Korhan Futacı, the New York jazz collective Irreversible Entanglements, and London-based bassist, singer, and composer Amy Gadiaga.

Promoting young talent remains a key concern. In addition to the closing Sunday, which is traditionally reserved for newcomers and will be performed by Ayé, INUI, and the Jakob Bänsch Quintet in 2026, the Shuteen Erdenebaatar Trio will take over the nightly jazz cellar concerts. And, of course, the Burghausen Old Town will once again be transformed into an atmospheric musical promenade on Saturday after the main concerts with the Jazznight during the 55th International Jazz Week.

The complete program can be found here;
https://www.b-jazz.com/jazzwoche-burghausen-2026/

Advance ticket sales begin on November 26, 2025, and if you want to stay up to date on everything related to Jazz Week, the newsletter offers all the information and news first hand. You can register directly here.
https://www.b-jazz.com/newsletter/

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 16/11/2025.

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 16/11/2025, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio playlist from Nov 16th 2025.

Henri Texier
Samba Loca
Healing Songs
Label Bleu

Stéphane Kerecki
The People United
Liberation Songs
Self Two Music

Roberto Ottaviano
Spinosa Lacrimae
Dark Sides
Dodicilune

Tell No Lies
Tzoridi
Mantica
Aut Records

Spinifex
Sack and Ash (part)
Maxximus
Trytone Records

Tineke Postma
TP4
Voya
Clap your Hands

Omrum
Paul’s idea
Bringer of Light
Hobby Horse

Nikola Bankov
ElevenEleven
Everwanted
Bandcamp

Fernando Brox
Naná Burukú (Salutation)
What We Don’t See
Fresh Sounds

Stargazers
Second Day
Stargazers
Night Dreamer

Scandinavian Art Ensemble with Tomasz Stańko
3rd for eruption
The Copenhagen Session Vol. 2
April Records

Levitation Orchestra
Premedetatio Malorum
Sanctuary
5dB Records

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time:
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 7pm onward

Later as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Apple, Amazon, Deezer and other podcast sites.

MILES at Southwark Playhouse, Borough, London 4 February – 7 March 2026.

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Written and directed by Oliver Kaderbhai, MILES. is a fusion of live jazz and theatre exploring the life, legend and legacy of Miles Davis and is performed by Jay Phelps. Press release attached.

We have received the following;

Following an acclaimed sell-out run at Summerhall Arts this year at Edinburgh Fringe, MILES. transfers to Southwark Playhouse Borough from 4 February – 7 March 2026.

Written and directed by Oliver Kaderbhai, MILES. is a fusion of live jazz and theatre exploring the life, legend and legacy of Miles Davis. Performed by Jay Phelps—the acclaimed trumpeter and DJ known for his work with Wynton Marsalis, Shabaka Hutchings, Amy Winehouse and Wizkid—and Benjamin Akintuyosi, the production delves into the creative chaos behind Kind of Blue, the best-selling jazz album of all time. The dynamic two-hander moves through time and influence to examine Davis’s artistic evolution and impact, inspired by Davis’ autobiography, extensive research, and archival recordings.

PRESS RELEASE

:DELIRIUM: and Lauren Reed Productions presents:
MILES.
A fusion of live jazz and theatre explores the life, legend, and legacy of Miles Davis  
Written and directed by Oliver Kaderbhai 

Southwark Playhouse Borough, 4 February – 7 March 2026
PRESS NIGHT: Monday 9th February, 7.30pm

“This hypnotic play…works superbly”
★★★★
The Times
(on MILES. at Summerhall Arts 2025) 

http://www.milesdavisplay.com

http://www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/miles/ 

Delving into the creative chaos behind Kind of Blue, the best-selling jazz album of all time, MILES. is a dynamic two-hander blending live jazz and multi-rolling performance to explore the life and legacy of Miles Davis. Led by acclaimed trumpeter Jay Phelps (Wynton Marsalis, Shabaka Hutchings, Amy Winehouse, Wizkid) with Benjamin Akintuyosi, the duo embodies a shifting cast of characters—including Davis himself—as the production moves fluidly through time, memory, and influence. Inspired by Davis’ autobiography, extensive research, and archival recordings, MILES. captures the sound, pressure, and innovation of an artist who redefined modern music. The result is a hypnotic, smoke-laced fever dream: an exploration of addiction, reinvention, and the explosive cost of genius. The London transfer follows an acclaimed sell-out run at Summerhall Arts at Edinburgh Fringe 2025.

Writer and director Oliver Kaderbhai said,
“Bringing Miles’ story to Southwark Playhouse Borough 100 years after his birth feels like the perfect place to explore the legacy of a complex man whose music transcends time, place and race whilst being rooted in all of those things. The Playhouse sits neatly between the beating heart of London’s contemporary jazz scene in Peckham and the storied history of haunts like Ronnie Scotts in Soho and the 606 in Chelsea. Miles’s album, ‘Kind of Blue’ resonates with a contemporary audience as much, if not more than it did when it was released in 1959. He created something extraordinary in a time of deep civil division and personal turmoil, and, somehow, that felt hopeful to me.”

Oliver Kaderbhai is a writer, director, producer, and the founder of theatre company :DELIRIUM:. Directing credits include
MILES. (Edinburgh Fringe 2025), Clybourne Park (Park Theatre), Striking 12 (Union Theatre), Songs of Abdulkarim (59 Productions, Kuwait), One Minute (The Vaults),
Peter Pan (co-directed, Chichester Festival Theatre), and Go To Your God Like A Soldier (Old Vic Tunnels). He has also worked as Associate, Resident or Assistant Director on major productions including Hamilton (UK tour), Jesus Christ Superstar and Running Wild (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre).

Jay Phelps
is a London based trumpeter and DJ who has performed with some of the world’s top artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Shabaka Hutchings, Amy Winehouse and Wizkid. With an instantly recognisable warm and projecting trumpet tone, Phelps is a household name on the international Jazz scene with worldwide streams exceeding 500k. Canadian born Phelps has had a career spanning over 20 years and his charismatic energy has lead him to radio presenting for Jazz FM and Worldwide FM, as well as creating the Youtube documentary series Ear to the Ground. Jay has also created SoulEndvr, his own music casting agency for TV, Film and advertising (featured on Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO and BBC). This summer Phelps released The Now, his seventh album as a leader with Apple Music subsidiary label Platoon. Jay made his acting debut at Edinburgh Fringe this year with the world premiere of MILES. at Summerhall Arts.

Southwark Playhouse is a registered charity that delivers a year-round programme of entertaining and enriching work. Southwark Playhouse operates two separate venues ‘Southwark Playhouse Borough’ and its newest theatre ‘Southwark Playhouse Elephant’ which opened in January 2023. Southwark Playhouse has always prided itself in telling stories and inspiring the next generation of storytellers and theatre makers, where support for the community has been rooted at the core of the organisation.

Running Time: 90 mins | Suitable for ages 14+ 

Company information 

Director and writer
Oliver Kaderbhai

Original concept
Jay Phelps 

Set and costume designer
Ellie Wintour

Lighting designer
Alex Lewer
           
       
    

Sound designer
Will Tonna

Projection designer Colin J Smith
 

Cast 

Miles, Elwood Buchanan -Benjamin Akintuyosi  

Jay, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Miles’s Father - Jay Phelps 

Listings information
4 February – 7 March 2026
Southwark Playhouse Borough, The Little
77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD
Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Tues & Sat 3pm | £28 Standard | £22.50 Concession
4 - 7 February | £16 Previews

http://www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/miles
| 020 7407 0234

How To Get To Borough Venue: The nearest stations are Elephant & Castle and Borough

Weirdshire, Hereford - Programme for December 2025.

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Promoters Weirdshire have announced their live music programme for December 2025. Events take place at The Left Bank Village, Hereford.

Weirdshire have provided the following information;

First up will be our old friends Diamond Family Archive. Centring on the song writing, singing and guitar playing of reclusive artist and musician Laurence Collyer from Totnes (or at least he may be… biographical details are sketchy!). Diamond Family Archive played one of the most memorable Weirdshire events on a summer’s evening in the middle of the on-off lockdown times in 2021.
Working as a duo of Laurence and Peter Collis (on drums, percussion, effects, keyboards and melodeon). They create a mesmeric live-show from drums and acoustic guitars, lots of FX pedals, keyboards set to drone, tape delay, loops and bellows, bows, toys and broken cymbals. Diamond Family Archive craft music which holds echoes of post-rock, traditional folk, spiritual soul music, psychedelic rock and lo-fi…haunting, fragile, sublime lo-fi melancholia, atmospheric, lazy grace…. Strange and tender songs; personal and pastoral themes; mixed with sleepy-eyed awe creating intense, spectral folk with a distinctly British sound.
This show will be at the Speakeasy Bar, in the Left Bank Village, Thursday 4th December.
Tickets;
https://wegottickets.com/event/678831/
Here’s a taster;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PJ7YYM9UWo&feature=youtu.be

Then, a mere 4 days later, (MONDAY 8TH DECEMBER) we will be at the Speakeasy again for the legendary Sean Noonan Trio. Sean is a speaking drummer, composer, and rhythmic storyteller: his music defies categorisarion. His live shows are startling, inspiring and absolutely unique, bridging punk-jazz, modern orchestral composition (he recorded his own concerto with the London Symphony Orchestra), creating genre-defying soundscapes. His collaborations read like a who’s who of adventurous music: Marc Ribot, Malcolm Mooney (CAN), Jamaladeen Tacuma (Ornette Coleman), Abdoulaye Diabate, Ligeti Quartet amongst many others.
The trio includes another legend: the multi-award winning Matthew Bourne on keys. Another multiple collaborator, Matt has worked with Marc Ribot, Paul Dunmall, Annette Peacock, John Zorn, Pete Wareham, Barre Phillips and Tony Bevan amongst many others. His solo albums have been released on the Leaf label to great acclaim (Leftfield Album of the Year award by the Sunday Times).
And on double bass, Michael Bardon - hugely respected, and a regular at some of the top venues and festivals throughout the UK and Europe including Sant’anna Arresi Jazz Festival (Sardinia), Haldern Pop Festival (Germany), Experimenta Festival, (Bari, Italy) Locomotive Jazz Fest (Italy), Cafe Oto, Jazz Od Nowa Fest (Poland), Manchester Jazz Festival, The Vortex, Club Integral (London).
Genuinely an incredible line up of top class musicians.
Support is from local Prog-Rock, Ambient, Jazz-infused free improvising collective Taverner’s Teapot.
Tickets;
https://wegottickets.com/event/669465/
And to whet your appetite - here’s the trio doing their thing earlier this year at The Vortex, in North London:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Rv8_fpIDXg

A Winter Solstice Evening - with acclaimed double bassist Aidan Thorne and guitarist Will Barnes, presenting an intimate evening of jazz infused with the spirit of the winter solstice. Paying homage to the great guitar double bass duos like Joe Pass + NHOP and Pat Metheny + Charlie Haden.
Thursday December 18th, in the Garden Room, at the Left Bank Village.
Expect a repertoire that shifts gracefully between evocative arrangements of traditional solstice tunes, original compositions, and all with a touch of festive cheer.
Aidan Thorne is best known as the leader of the Cardiff based quintet Duski, whose two albums “Duski” (2016) and “Make a Wish” (2020) received great acclaim. Weirdshire audiences will also be very aware of the lovely acoustic duo work Aidan has been doing with Toby Hay.
Will Barnes has performed with the likes of Gary Potter, Frank Vignola, Dan Cassidy, Alan Barnes and John Etheridge. Having toured extensively with Classical/Jazz crossover group “Gypsy Fire” Will has performed sell-out shows at some of the UK’s top theatres, clubs and festivals including Ronnie Scott’s, 606 Club, Royal Albert Hall, Brecon Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival and the International Gypsy Guitar Festival. Will also regularly performs throughout Europe, both with his own ensembles and as a sought-after session guitarist.
This promises to be just the thing to set us up for the solstice!
Tickets;
https://wegottickets.com/event/682946/
Here’s a little bit of Aidan and Will in a quartet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl7E7tYx9dU

https://weirdshire.com/

HEREFORD: The Left Bank Village
Bridge St
Hereford
HR4 9DG

http://www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk/contact

! 01432353552

King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys to celebrate 40th Anniversary in 2026.

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

The jump, jive and swing band King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys are preparing to celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2026. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release from Big Bear Music;

40th anniversary celebrations planned for King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys in 2026

King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, one of the world’s greatest jump, jive and swing bands, are preparing to celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2026.

The rocking band launched in a milk bar in the Black Country town of Darlaston in 1986 and today still features original members King Pleasure (vocals and baritone saxophone) and Bullmoose ‘K’ Shirley (guitar).

Jim Simpson of Big Bear Music, who has managed the band from the beginning, explained how his team were now busily planning an “exciting year of celebrations”.

Mr Simpson said: “What an amazing accomplishment that King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys will have spent 40 consecutive years on the road!

“What started at a milk bar in Darlaston quickly grew to be lauded by some as the world’s greatest jump, jive and swing band. They’re an institution, with more than 7,000 performances in 21 countries under their belt.

“They’ve opened shows for the likes of B.B. King, Cab Calloway and His Orchestra, Ray Charles, and toured with the real Blues Brothers Band – the one from the movie. They’ve appeared at festivals, in concerts and at clubs throughout the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Russia and the USA.

“They’ve recorded 14 albums, 11 with Big Bear Records, plus they’ve performed for 75 radio broadcasts and more than 70 TV appearances, including, somewhat bizarrely, five episodes of Teletubbies.

“They really are the Kings of Swing, and 40 years deserves what will be an exciting year of celebrations throughout 2026.”

King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys have won many plaudits, but perhaps the most quoted is Paul Jones, original lead singer and harmonicist of rock band Manfred Mann, who described them on his BBC Radio 2 The Blues Show as “the hardest act to follow since the parting of The Red Sea”.

The band will be performing a series of special gigs in 2026, some featuring reunions with original band members. They will also headline the Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival next summer, for what will be the 15th time.

They are scheduled to be performing in Germany, Denmark and Italy, and UK gigs are already booked for Lichfield, Didcot, Bury, Hornsea, Sheffield, Eastleigh, Tenbury, London, Newbury and Halifax. Big Bear Music is also now consulting with top Midland venues to secure the best place to arrange the band’s main UK celebratory gig.

And to mark the 40th anniversary, Big Bear Records is also planning to re-issue Blues and Rythym Volume 1, an album where King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys perform a dozen songs with star guests. These include Americans Charles Brown, Gene ‘The Mighty Flea’ Conners and Howard McCrary, as well as Val Wiseman, considered by many to be the UK’s finest ever female jazz singer.

As well as King Pleasure and Bullmoose ‘K’ Shirley, the band’s line up today includes Boysey Battrum (alto and tenor saxophones), Mighty Matt Foundling (piano and organ), Shark Van Schtoop (double bass), and Gary ‘The Enforcer’ Barber (drums).

Previous band members include Dean Bam Bam Beresford (1987-2001), Dixie Prince (1986-87), Slap Happy Al Gare (1987-2000), Lisa Sugar Lee (1987-90), Piano Man Skan (1987-91), P Popps Martin (1986-2001), Ivory Dan McCormack (1992-2001), Big Al Nicholls (1993-94), Mart Winning (1995-97), Mike Burney (1997), Cootie Alexander (1987-96), Jumpin Jonny Boston (1994-95), Julian Webster Greaves (1997-99), Ray Butcher (1996), Mally Baxter (1996-2001), Dave Wilkes (2001-08) and Steve Tromans (2001-06).

Big Bear Music Group has been based in Birmingham since 1968. Its operations include Big Bear Records, probably the UK’s longest established independent record company, which is at the forefront of jazz, swing and blues, with more than 100 album releases.

Since 1985, Big Bear Music has organised the annual Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival, Europe’s biggest free admission jazz party every July, bringing international bands to venues across the West Midlands. Big Bear Music also operates Henry’s Blueshouse, Birmingham’s home of the blues since 1968, with weekly gigs at Snobs Bar on Broad Street. Henry’s Blueshouse blog and weekly Bluesletter features interesting stories, music and video from the past, present and future of blues.

Big Bear Music is also an agency for live artists, booking a wide variety of acts for public events and private functions. It represents touring bands including King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys, Tipitina and Lady Sings The Blues.

Since 1987, Big Bear Music has published The Jazz Rag, a bi-monthly, nationally-distributed magazine of news, reviews and features on the rich history of global jazz. The magazine was winner of the 2023 Parliamentary Jazz Award for Best UK Jazz Publication.

Big Bear Music has a rich photography archive stretching back to the early 1960s, featuring some of the most illustrious names in rock and roll, jazz and blues.

Sparks & Visions Jazz Festival, Regensburg, Germany - 2026 line-up announced.

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

The international jazz festival Sparks & Visions, founded by Anastasia Wolkenstein, will take place from 23–25 January 2026 with eight concerts at the historic Theater Regensburg. Press release att.

We have received the following press release;

International Jazz Festival Sparks & Visions (23–25 January 2026) – a young festival with impact

The International Jazz Festival Sparks & Visions has quickly become a fixture in the European festival landscape. Founded three years ago by Anastasia Wolkenstein, the festival in Regensburg combines a programme of exceptional artistic quality with a unique atmosphere in the classical three-tier theatre of the UNESCO World Heritage city.

What began as a bold experiment has evolved into a platform that attracts renowned artists as well as exciting new voices in jazz. Sparks & Visions stands for discoveries beyond the mainstream and a curatorial signature that inspires and surprises. The programme spans from poetic chamber music and folkloric colours to energetic avant-garde sounds, broadening the perspective on the diversity of music we call jazz.

The very first edition was nominated for the German Jazz Prize in the category Festival of the Year—an early sign of the festival’s radiance. Since the premiere, Bayerischer Rundfunk has accompanied the festival and will also record all concerts in 2026 for later broadcast on BR-Klassik.

A key element of Sparks & Visions is its venue: the historic Theater Regensburg, with its horseshoe architecture and excellent acoustics, creates an intimacy between performers and audience that turns each concert into an intense experience.

The stage design by artist Karl Iaro, with its suspended glass mobiles, has become the visual signature of the festival. It highlights the aesthetic dimension of Sparks & Visions and reinforces the core idea of presenting jazz in a coherent, inspiring setting—as an open, vibrant and accessible art form.

In this spirit, the festival creates a space that invites both dedicated jazz listeners and curious first-timers to engage with sound and encounter.

From 23 to 25 January 2026, curator Anastasia Wolkenstein—once again in collaboration with Theater Regensburg—presents eight concerts featuring outstanding musicians from twelve countries. Carefully considered dramaturgy and balance shape a weekend that offers stylistic and instrumental breadth within a cohesive whole. This year, the festival also looks across the Atlantic for the first time—with a performance by three-time GRAMMY-nominated American harpist Brandee Younger and her trio.

Thus, Sparks & Visions confirms its place in Regensburg’s cultural calendar and beyond—inviting shared discoveries and letting musical visions shine.

Friday, 23 January 2026

Leïla Martial & Valentin Ceccaldi (FR)
With their duo Fil, vocalist Leïla Martial and cellist Valentin Ceccaldi open the festival with a radically poetic journey between improvisation, chanson and contemporary expression. Their programme Le Jardin des Délices fuses fragile quietness and expressive energy into an intense dialogue between voice and instrument—dissolving boundaries and turning attentive listening into an adventure.

Nitai Hershkovits (IL)
Israeli pianist Nitai Hershkovits, known for his work with Avishai Cohen and Oded Tzur, presents his ECM solo programme Call On The Old Wise—a quiet masterpiece between jazz and classical lyricism. With refined harmony and touching calm, he turns the piano into a resonant space for intuition and depth—music that sets silence in motion.

Marius Neset Quintet (NO/SE/UK/IR)
Norwegian saxophonist Marius Neset stands for breathtaking energy, technical brilliance and compositional scope. With his European all-star quintet he brings Cabaret to the stage—a theatrical sound spectacle balancing precision and wildness, uniting virtuosity and emotion.

Saturday, 24 January 2026

Zsófia Boros & Björn Meyer (HU/SE)
A night of quiet tones: guitarist Zsófia Boros and bassist Björn Meyer—both on ECM—meet in a finely woven dialogue of folk, minimal music and jazz. Two solo sets and a shared improvisation merge into a meditative conversation on resonance, proximity and the art of listening.

Makiko Hirabayashi “Weavers” (JP/DK)
With her ensemble Weavers, Japanese-Danish pianist Makiko Hirabayashi interlaces baroque motifs by George Frideric Handel with contemporary jazz. The result is a transparent fabric of sound and emotion—poetic, structured and deeply moving, a quiet glow between past and present.

Reuben James (UK)
Singer, pianist and songwriter Reuben James brings funk, jazz and soul to the stage with disarming joie de vivre. A former musical partner of Sam Smith and a leading figure of the new UK soul generation, he stands for groove, charisma and musical intelligence—an energised finale to the festival’s Saturday.

Sunday, 25 January 2026

Velvet Revolution & Jelena Kuljić (DE/UK/RS)
For the festival matinee, Daniel Erdmann’s Velvet Revolution and Jelena Kuljić join forces for an intimate project between jazz, chamber music and song. Their re-readings of The Velvet Underground unfold a quiet intensity where melancholy, beauty and poetic rebellion meet.

Brandee Younger Trio (US)
With Brandee Younger, a three-time GRAMMY-nominated harpist and composer, a US artist appears on the Sparks & Visions stage for the first time. She brings the harp into a modern, groove-driven context between jazz, soul and spirit—powerful, elegant and luminous.

The International Jazz Festival Sparks & Visions is presented by a non-profit limited company (gUG) with Anastasia Wolkenstein as managing director and festival curator, supported by the City of Regensburg and several sponsors. Wolkenstein has worked in the music industry for 17 years as an agent for acclaimed, award-winning artists in contemporary jazz, has served twice on the main jury of the German Jazz Prize, and was artistic director of the international festival Jazz&TheCity in Salzburg in 2023 and 2024.

Tickets
Day tickets and festival passes in five categories are available from Monday, 10 November 2025 from Theater Regensburg (box office and online).
Programme information: http://www.sparks-and-visions.com

Bath Jazz Weekend 2026 - Line-up announced.

Friday, November 07, 2025

The fiull line-up has been announced for the sixth annual Bath Jazz Weekend which will take place at Widcombe Social Club from 9th - 11th January 2026. Details attached.

We have received the following information;

IT’S HERE - Bath Jazz Weekend

YES - IT’S HERE!
The Bath Jazz Weekend 2026 website is now live - with full details about the programme - also see below -
and tickets for the whole Weekend, individual days or individual sessions are now on sale through Tickets Candy and also from Bath Box Office (online, in person or by phone) or online from Eventbrite. 
https://ticketscandy.com/e/bath-jazz-weekend-2026-12901
https://bathboxoffice.org.uk/whats-on
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bath-jazz-weekend-2026-tickets

The unmistakable, long awaited, uniquely co-operative and utterly diverse three days and ten sessions of jazz (plus another fascinating jazz-related film) are the perfect New Year gift.  At just the right time of year (after all the fuss of Xmas and Hogmanay is over but before work and life start again in earnest) and in the intimate setting of Widcombe Social Club (with bar and grub available throughout) the 6th annual Bath Jazz Weekend has tickets available for the whole weekend, individual days or individual sessions - and discounts for WSC members and Under 25s.
Check programme and prices HERE.
https://www.bathjazzweekend.com/

Details, updates and contact the Weekend via
http://www.bathjazzweekend.com
http://www.facebook.com/AllOfTheAboveMusic
http://www.widcombesocialclub.co.uk

Weekend, single day and single session tickets available online from
Tickets Candy
or from https://alloftheabovemusic.eventbrite.com
Or in person, by phone 01225 463362 or online
https://bathboxoffice.org.uk/whats-on

Bath Jazz Weekend is simply unique, maybe in the whole UK, as an event that presents three days of the highest quality music -  on the earliest weekend of the New Year!
The 6th Bath Jazz Weekend (Friday 9 to Sunday 11 January 2026) features a remarkable line up of bands of international standing.
See the entire line up in detail below.
Tickets are available now from
Tickets Candy
Eventbrite online
Bath Box Office online
or by phone on 01225 463362 & in-person at Bath Box Office
  Get tickets for the whole Weekend, single days or single sessions
+ discounts for WSC members
+ Under 11s go free…
or visit the Bath Jazz Weekend 2026 website

From;
https://www.bathjazzweekend.com/programme

Friday 09/01/26
Doors Open 5pm - Programme Begins 6:15pm

Film: ALL NIGHT LONG (1962, DIR. Basil Dearden)
Featuring Patrick McGoohan, Richard Attenborough, Charles Mingus, Dave Brubeck, Tubby Hayes & Johnny Dankworth
Shakespeare’s Othello is transposed to the 1960s world of the Soho jazz scene in a daring yet sensitive and socially conscious staging of an inter-racial marriage, unusually augmented with performances by jazz legends like Dave Brubeck and Charles Mingus, and a superb cast including Richard Attenborough and an unforgettable Patrick McGoohan as the scheming drummer.

JON LLOYD QUARTET
Jon Lloyd/John Law/Nick Pini/Alex Goodyear
Saxophonist and composer Jon Lloyd is a long-time member of the UK’s first division of contemporary jazz and improvisation, with a current quartet whose recent recordings and ECM-style aesthetic have gathered increasingly appreciative attention from audiences and critics alike.

RAPH CLARKSON’S EQUAL SPIRITS
Xolani Mbatha/Raph Clarkson/Chris Batchelor/Phil Merriman/Riaan Vosloo/Yuval Wetzler
Equal Spirits playing.jpg
Led by composer/arranger/multi-instrumentalist Raph Clarkson, Equal Spirits is a joyous a collaboration between South African and British artists, featuring music from their debut album ‘Wise and Waiting’ which celebrates the profound and beautiful contribution made by South African musicians to jazz and improvised music in their long European exile.

Saturday Afternoon 10/01/26
Doors Open 12 Midday - Programme Begins 1:30pm

OLIE BRICE QUARTET: ALL IT WAS
Olie Brice/ Rachel Musson/Alexander Hawkins/Will Glaser
Featuring three of bassist Brice’s closest (and most notably in-demand) colleagues the quartet play music from their debut album ‘All It Was’ combining powerful freedom and exploration with memorable melodies, driving swing and emotional intensity, all heralded by critic Richard Williams as ’The work of a truly extraordinary quartet….one of the records of the year’.

ALISON RAYNER QUINTET: ARQ
Alison Rayner/ Buster Birch/Deirdre Cartwright/Diane McLoughlin/Steve Lodder
The much-lauded, award-winning, eclectic quintet ARQ, led by bassist and composer Alison Rayner with her pioneering colleagues guitarist Deidre Cartwright and saxophonist Diane McLouglin, celebrate more than a decade of their uniquely crafted sound drawing on jazz, folk, pop and Latin influences.

Saturday Evening 10/01/26
Programme Begins 6:45pm

ROBERT MITCHELL
Solo piano
Robert MItchell piano playing from the back.jpg
Polymath Mitchell – composer, pianist, band leader, professor and poet – whose quintet True Think has electrified previous Bath Jazz Weekend programmes on a record three annual occasions – synthesises his remarkable breadth of experience into the ultimate musical crucible of a solo performance for the 2026 Weekend.

LOUIS SCLAVIS & BRUNO DUCRET
Duo
Maestro amongst maestri, giant of French and European jazz, ECM alumnus and incomparable genius of clarinet, bass clarinet and soprano saxophone Louis Sclavis honours a long-standing Bath friendship in this unique visit together with cellist Ducret whose musical lineage aligns perfectly with Sclavis and the finest European traditions.  Incroyable - un privilège unique pour le Bath Jazz Weekend.

NICK MALCOLM & OUT FRONT
Nick Malcolm/Jason Yarde/Jake McMurchie/Olie Brice/Dave Smith
Trumpeter and composer Nick Malcolm presents music from Buried Webs, the 2025 debut album from his quintet Out Front, a collection of original compositions in a musical world rich in interplay, abstraction, and deep emotion captured by some of our most distinctive improvisers.

Sunday Afternoon 11/01/26
Doors Open 12 Midday - Programme Begins 1:00pm

REBECCA NASH & ALEX MERRITT
Duo
Pianist Rebecca Nash and saxophonist Alex Merrit weave influences from the ethereal harmonies of John Taylor, the vivid colours of Messiaen, and the shimmering textures of Debussy, exploring the interplay of light and shadow, tension and release, a love of the spontaneous, alongside an appreciation for composition, silence and space.

ELLIOT GALVIN: THE RUIN
Elliot Galvin/Mandhira de Saram/Ruth Goller/Corrie Dick
The Ruin marks a new departure for trailblazing pianist and composer Elliot Galvin, focussing on music from his eponymous album inspired by personal memories, flowing freely between serpentine piano and modular synth lines, ephemeral vocalisations, groove-heavy percussion and intricate improvisations from a quartet of inimitable British jazz alumni.

EMILY TRAN QUINTET
Emily Tran/Mali Sheard/Holly Reinhardt/Joe Steyn/Christ-Stéphane Boizi
The London scene fostered by Tomorrow’s Warriors provides this year’s programme with yet another inspirational next generation band led by pianist and composer Emily Tran and including saxophonist Mali Sheard who made a lasting impact on our audience in 2024.  The 2026 Bath Jazz Weekend ends once again with an enticing view of future jazz horizons!

Widcombe Social Club
Widcombe Hill
Bath, BA2 6AA

Barbican announces Abel Selaocoe’s Mohopolo/Ancestral Memory Weekend - Thursday 23 April to Sunday 26 April 2026.

Wednesday, November 05, 2025

South African cellist, vocalist and composer Abel Selaocoe returns to his roots for a specially curated Barbican weekend in April 2026, a celebration of South African music, ancestry and connection.

We have received the following press release;

Barbican announces Abel Selaocoe’s Mohopolo/Ancestral Memory Weekend: a celebration of South African music, ancestry and connection.

South African cellist, vocalist and composer Abel Selaocoe returns to his roots for a specially curated Barbican weekend in April 2026. The Mohopolo/Ancestral Memory Weekend brings together artists from his homeland of South Africa in a powerful act of remembrance and celebration of shared history through music and will be a highlight of the Barbican’s Spring 2026 season.

Running from Thursday 23 April to Sunday 26 April 2026, and joined by Mbuso Khosa, Nduduzo Makhathini, Gontse Makhene, BCUC, Toya Delazy, Mthuthuzeli November and DJ SNO, Selaocoe traces the journeys of the Bantu people – exploring collective histories of community, resilience and resistance. Through music, movement and storytelling, the weekend reflects on the sonic legacies of the Anglo-Zulu War at Isandlwana, songs of rain, love and rebellion from the apartheid era, and the ancestral rhythms that continue to offer healing and hope today.

Showcasing the depth and diversity of South Africa’s musical landscape, the weekend-long event spans traditional Zulu music, Afro-psychedelic future pop, Afrorave, amapiano and contemporary jazz. Across the weekend, audiences are invited to experience exclusive performances, new collaborations and premieres that honour both heritage and innovation in South African music. In addition, rhythm workshops linked to the music that audiences will hear throughout the weekend will be announced at a later date.

Music is the ceremony of remembering.
To be a musician is to make peace with your own shapeshifting,
to fraternize with your fluidity, and in so doing, trace echoes of the self back through time.
Improvisation is not merely play, it is pilgrimage. A surrender.
A sacred getting-lost so that something ancient might be found.
                                                                – Anonymous

Mohopolo/ Ancestral Memory Weekend events:

Tracing the Echoes (Thu 23 Apr, Milton Court, 7.30pm)
BCUC / Toya Delazy / DJ SNO (Sat 25 Apr, Barbican Hall, 7.30pm)
Simunye (We Are One) ClubStage with DJ SNO (Sat 25 Apr, Level G, 9.45pm)
Sithunyiwe / We Have Been Sent (Sun 26 Apr, Barbican Hall, 7pm)

More details about each of the events in the Mohopolo/Ancestral Memory weekend can be found below:

Tracing the Echoes 
Abel Selaocoe & Friends 
Thursday 23 April 2026, 7.30pm
Milton Court Concert Hall
Tickets from £25 plus booking fee
In the opening concert of his Mohopolo/Ancestral Memory Weekend, South African cellist, composer and vocalist Abel Selaocoe brings together a remarkable group of collaborators for an intimate evening exploring ancestral connection through music.
Tracing the Echoes unites Selaocoe with legendary Zulu musician Mbuso Khosa, celebrated pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, and percussionist Gontse Makhene to share songs and stories drawn from their respective tribal traditions. Together, they trace musical lineages that move between the sacred and the spontaneous, where improvisation, ritual and memory intertwine.
Part of Mohopolo/Ancestral Memory Weekend, curated by Abel Selaocoe
Produced by the Barbican

BCUC / Toya Delazy / DJ SNO
Saturday 25 April 2026, 7.30pm
Barbican Hall
Tickets from £20 plus booking fee
South African artists BCUC (Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness) and Toya Delazy join forces for a powerful collaboration as part of Abel Selaocoe’s Mohopolo/Ancestral Memory Weekend. Blending heavy electronic and traditional beats, their performance channels ancestral energy through a fusion of punk-rock, psychedelia, hip-hop and African rhythms.
In this special event, they create a sound that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in history – a reflection on the lives, struggles and spiritual resilience of communities whose stories are often unheard. Drawing inspiration from the spirit world of their ancestors, the performance celebrates Africa not as a continent defined by scarcity, but one rich in tradition, ritual and belief.
Part of Mohopolo/Ancestral Memory weekend, curated by Abel Selaocoe 
Produced by the Barbican

Simunye (We are one)
Saturday 25 April 2026, 9.45pm
Barbican ClubStage, Level -1
Free
“Jiva kuze kuse / Dance till the sun comes up!”
Following the concert, audiences are invited to continue the celebration with Simunye (We Are One) – a late-night ClubStage led by South African DJ SNO. Expect an exhilarating journey through South African jams across time and space, driven by SNO’s unshakable spirit of joy and movement. Nothing stands still on her dance floor.
Hailing from the township of Bophelong, SNO (Selina Nongaliphe Oliphant) sees music as a beacon of strength and hope for the marginalised — a vision rooted in her formative years growing up under apartheid. A genuine innovator in musical curation, she brings together the rhythms of jazz, funk, and Amapiano to create a space of togetherness, energy and freedom.
Part of Mohopolo/Ancestral Memory weekend, curated by Abel Selaocoe 
Produced by the Barbican

Sithunyiwe / We Have Been Sent
Abel Selaocoe & Friends 
Sunday 26 April 2026, 7pm
Barbican Hall
Tickets from £25 plus booking fee
A brand-new multidisciplinary performance commissioned by the Barbican closes Abel Selaocoe’s Mohopolo/Ancestral Memory Weekend, bringing together music, dance and storytelling in an expression of ancestral connection and collective spirit.
Sithunyiwe – “we have been sent” – means we have been sent by our ancestors to invigorate the spirit of those that are around us. Selaocoe describes this new project as following ‘a child-like surrender to the instincts of our bodies and how we hear’. Created by acclaimed choreographer and dancer Mthuthuzeli November (Ballet Black, Royal Ballet, Stormzy, The Chemical Brothers), this new dance work channels the deep spirituality of South African traditions through the body.
Music is created and performed by Mbuso Khosa, Abel Selaocoe and Nduduzo Makhathini, joined by the Bantu Ensemble, led by Rakhi Singh, and joined by Gontse Makhene, Sidiki Dembélé and friends. 
Together they craft a spontaneous, immersive performance that seeks to heal, educate and unite – a celebration of togetherness and renewal.
Part of Mohopolo/Ancestral Memory weekend, curated by Abel Selaocoe
Commissioned and produced by the Barbican

About the Barbican
The Barbican is a catalyst for creativity, sparking possibilities for artists, audiences, and communities. We showcase the most exciting art from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries to entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in.
We are an international arts and events centre rooted firmly in our own neighbourhood, collaborating with local communities and putting the City of London on the map as a destination for everybody. Central to our purpose is supporting emerging talent and shaping opportunities that will accelerate the next generation of creatives.
As a not-for-profit, we rely on the generosity of individuals and organisations, including our principal funder the City of London Corporation. Every ticket purchased, donation made, and pound earned supports our arts and learning programme and enables the widest possible range of people to experience the joy of the arts.
Opened in 1982, the Barbican is a unique and audacious building, recognised globally as an architectural icon. As well as our theatres, galleries, concert halls and cinemas, we have a large conservatory with over 1,500 species of plants and trees, a library, conference facilities, public and community spaces, restaurants, bars, and a picturesque lakeside oasis.
We’re proud to be the home of the London Symphony Orchestra, our Resident Orchestra, and a London base for the Royal Shakespeare Company. We regularly co-commission, produce and showcase the work of our Artistic Associates the Academy of Ancient Music, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Boy Blue, Darbar Arts, Culture and Heritage Trust, and Serious, who produce the EFG London Jazz Festival, alongside other associates and partners including Doc’n Roll Film Festival, London Palestine Film Festival, and Trafalgar Theatre Productions.
For more information, visit our website or connect with us on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | LinkedIn

https://www.barbican.org.uk/

The Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, Greater London, EC2Y 8DS.

Brick Lane Jazz Festival announce second wave of artists for 2026 edition. 24th - 26th April 2026.

Tuesday, November 04, 2025

Brick Lane Jazz Festival has announced the second wave of artists for their fifth birthday edition, including the Tomorrow’s Warriors and Jazz re:freshed stage line-ups. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Brick Lane Jazz Festival announce second wave of artists for 2026 edition | Inc. Nidia & Valentina, Richard Spaven, Resolution 88, Sam Wise, Maddy Coombs, Ria Moran + more | 24th - 26th April

Brick Lane Jazz Festival announces the second wave of artists for their fifth birthday edition, including the Tomorrow’s Warriors and Jazz re:freshed stage lineups.

24th – 26th April 2026 | Early bird tickets start from just £29.95 | Payment Plans from just £11 per month

New names announced:
Aby Coulibaly, Bibi Tanga & The Selenites, Haseeb Iqbal , KAU, Kyla Kilzer & Max Noir, Nídia & Valentina, Oliver Night, Ria Moran, Sam Wise, ZENA, Tru Thoughts Records
+ on the Jazz re:freshed Stage: Benji “chief” Appiah, Christ-Stephane Boizi, Eliane Correa, Kinzogianna, Kyra, Maddy Coombs, MADELEINE, Marlon The Pannist, Resolution 88, Richard Spaven
+ on the Tomorrow’s Warriors Stage: A Grime Supreme, Bad Influence, BXL X LDN, Interplay III, C-Sé Quartet, Genevieve Namazzi Quartet, Kassa GJ Quartet, Kianja, Poppy Helmer & Friends, Steppin’ Over, Tomorrow’s Warriors Frontline, Tomorrow’s Warriors Youth Ensemble

Full line-up A-Z:
A Grime Supreme • Aby Coulibaly • Alexander Flood • Alici • Amanda Whiting • Arjuna Oakes • Bad Influence • Benji “chief” Appiah • Bibi Tanga & The Selenites • Brian Jackson • BXL X LDN Interplay III • Charlie Stacey • Christ-Stephane Boizi • C-Sé Quartet • daoud • Eliane Correa • Footshooter (Live) • Gabriele Poso (Live) • Genevieve Namazzi Quartet • Haseeb Iqbal • IAMNOBODI • Kassa GJ Quartet • KAU • Kianja • Kivnzogianna • Knats • Kwame Yeboah • Kyla Kilzer & Max Noir • Kyra • Leif Kaner-Lidström • Levitation Orchestra • Maddy Coombs • MADELEINE • Marlon The Pannist • Meron T • Nídia & Valentina • Oliver Night • Poppy Helmer & Friends • Resolution 88 • Ria Moran • Richard Spaven • Robert Luis • Rhys Baker • Ruby Rushton • Saiming • Sam Wise • SHOLTO & Finn Rees • Steppin’ Over • TABLE • Tia Gordon • Tomorrow’s Warriors • ZENA • + many more TBA

Today, Brick Lane Jazz Festival announces the second 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, 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 saw 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 included the announcement of the festivals first headliner, jazz-funk legend and Gil Scott-Heron collaborator, Brian Jackson. Today’s announcement sees the festival adding the likes of Nídia & Valentina (made up of critically acclaimed DJ/producer Nidia and venerated percussionist Valentina Magaletti), alternative soul singer Ria Moran, London rapper Sam Wise, global afro-poet Bibi Tanga & The Selenites, Tru Thoughts DJ and producer Oliver Night, and many more to the line-up.

In keeping with the festival’s ethos of championing the most exciting new talent, this second wave sees the festival announce 2026 will once again see them partner with Jazz re:freshed and Tomorrow’s Warriors, both vital community organisations that nurture emerging talent in UK jazz. Each organisation will once again have it’s own stage, and will feature performances from the likes of rising tenor saxophonist Maddy Coombs, jazz-funk luminaries Resolution 88, emerging nu-jazz / UK soul artist MADELEINE, lauded percussionist Richard Spaven, the much-hyped quartet from multi-instrumentalist Genevieve Namazzi, flautist Poppy Helmer & Friends, and many more.

The full line-up so far is as follows:

Brian Jackson
A Grime Supreme • Aby Coulibaly • Alexander Flood • Alici • Amanda Whiting • Arjuna Oakes • Bad Influence • Benji “chief” Appiah • Bibi Tanga & The Selenites • BXL X LDN Interplay III • Charlie Stacey • Christ-Stephane Boizi • C-Sé Quartet • daoud • Eliane Correa • Footshooter (Live) • Gabriele Poso (Live) • Genevieve Namazzi Quartet • Haseeb Iqbal • IAMNOBODI • Kassa GJ Quartet • KAU • Kianja • Kivnzogianna • Knats • Kwame Yeboah • Kyla Kilzer & Max Noir • Kyra • Leif Kaner-Lidström • Levitation Orchestra • Maddy Coombs • MADELEINE • Marlon The Pannist • Meron T • Nídia & Valentina • Oliver Night • Poppy Helmer & Friends • Resolution 88 • Ria Moran • Richard Spaven • Robert Luis • Rhys Baker • Ruby Rushton • Saiming • Sam Wise • SHOLTO & Finn Rees • Steppin’ Over • TABLE • Tia Gordon • Tomorrow’s Warriors • ZENA • + many more TBA

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

As always, those without tickets can also enjoy free-entry spaces throughout the site, including special live performances at The Nord Zone, The Brick Lane Tap Room, the Main Bar at 93 Feet East, and Cafe 1001.

https://www.bricklanejazzfestival.com/

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 02/11/2025.

Monday, November 03, 2025

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 02/11/2025, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from Nov 2 2025

Emma Rawicz
Marshmallow Tree
Inkyra
ACT

Robert Mitchell
Jimi @ Granada
Little Black Book
Whirlwind

Seb Rochford
People Say Stuff, Don’t Be Disheartened
Finding Ways
Edition

Camille Bertault
Choro da portina
Voz e Vocês
Sunnyside

Omasta
Cornerstone
Jazz Report from the Hood
Astigmatic

ROKC
How to prioritize differently
How to prioritize differently
Unit Records

Trio Ivoire
2. Wüstenmaus
Resurrection
Intuition

Johan Lindström Septett
Saxophone Moritat
Humankind
Moserobie

Adam Forkelid
Dream No. 2 – Unfold
Dreams
self

Duboule/Tavelli/Oester
Isobar
Isobar
Unit Records

Gert-Jan Dreessen
AGGF
Angle of Incidence
Hypnote

Chaerin Im
We are not a Sampler
aïe aïe (EP)
Bandcamp

Tino Tracanna Panorchestra
Ap-To
Tino Tracanna Panorchestra
UR Records

Csaba Palotai
Ombrelle
Soulbread
BMC

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time:
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly;

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 7pm onward

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Apple, Amazon, Deezer and other podcast sites.

PAKT - US live dates, December 2025.

Saturday, November 01, 2025

PAKT featuring Percy Jones, Alex Skolnick, Kenny Grohowski, Tim Motzer is doing a short run of shows in December, close to their home base in NYC and Philadelphia. Schedule attached.

We have received the following information;

PAKT TOUR DATES

PAKT featuring Percy Jones, Alex Skolnick, Kenny Grohowski, Tim Motzer is doing a short run of shows in December, close to their home base in NYC and Philadelphia

We are looking forward to a few amazing shows, and seeing out there. Playing some new venues and one of our faves the Sellersville theater. Grab tickets from venue websites! See you soon!

December 16 - Vienna, VA (Jammin’ Java)
December 17 - Sellersville, PA (Sellersville Theatre)
December 18 - Elkton, MD (Elkton Music Hall)
December 19 - Highstown, NJ (Randy Now’s Man Cave)

More shows in 2026!

Jazz at The Lescar, Sheffield - November 2025 - January 2026.

Friday, October 31, 2025

Jez Matthews has forwarded details of the forthcoming regular jazz events at The Lescar Hotel, Sheffield during November and December 2025 and January 2026.

Jez Matthews writes;

A quick update about who we’ve got coming up at The Lescar in November and December. We’re super-excited about these, in particular this time there’s a real mix of international artists and musicians with strong connections to Sheffield.

Our last gig this year is the Sloth Racket 10th Anniversary gig on 17th December, but we’ve got some really amazing gigs coming up in early 2026 too.

We’ve had a brilliant year, with a lot of sell-out gigs, wonderful audiences, and of course the music has been fantastic.

5th Nov / ARCHE
A dynamic international trio bringing together guitarist Steve Saunders (Xhosa Cole, Paul Dunmall) with Berlin-based saxophonist Asger Nissen and legendary New York jazz drummer Jeff Williams. Thoughtful, intense exploratory music and original compositions bringing together influences from the classical world including Pierre Boulez, Elliott Carter, Morton Feldman and Milton Babbitt, whilst drawing on jazz and improvised music and the open expansive music of Paul Motian. ARCHE have performed at venues from Birmingham Symphony Hall to Donau115 in Berlin.

12th Nov / No gig!
We’re having a week off!

19th November / basic surfaces + Ruth Webber (solo set)
basic surfaces is a brand new collaborative line up; new music from five musicians with strong links to the Sheffield music scene, and a renewal of long standing musical friendships, with Manon McCoy (harp/electronics), Hannah Brady (sax/clarinet), Jez Matthews (piano), Seth Bennett (bass), and Will Shaw (drums). With subtle yet wide open melodies, the music played by this new line-up will venture in new spontaneous directions, with a common thread of exploration, and delicate yet occasionally fierce interactions.
Following the launch of her debut EP ‘Songs for my Father’ in April 2024, Sheffield-based Ruth Webber takes her solo project in a new direction, extending her saxophone sound with pedals to create improvised soundscapes and dreamworlds, with nods to the great musicians who have inspired her. Ruth is one of the city’s most original new voices. 

26th November / Happenstance
Contemporary jazz from a brilliant new European quartet featuring Zdeněk Tománek (tenor/soprano saxophone), Noé Sécula (piano), Tommy Fuller (bass), and Lluís Pérez-Villegas (drums). Freedom, risk taking and trust lie at the heart of their music, and a love for the music of Wayne Shorter and The Beatles; original music sits alongside distinctive takes on jazz standards, and a robust lyricism, contemplative melodies, driving grooves, with a compelling sense of the unexpected.

3rd Dec / Lucas Walters Trio
From Nottingham an exciting new voice in UK jazz and fusion, pianist Lucas Walters is influenced by the likes of McCoy Tyner, Ahmad Jamal, Stevie Wonder Robert Glasper, Ashley Henry and Yussef Dayes. Driving music blending rich jazz harmonies with upbeat tempos; cinematic with emotional depth, contemporary, yet rooted in tradition. A BBC Young Jazz Musician semi-finalist Lucas has worked with musicians including Tony Kofi, Gary Reader, and Benjamin Luhis, and his trio includes Jack Benjamin (bass) and Jamie Sykes (drums).

10th December Manon McCoy + John Pope + Will Shaw
A brand new collaboration of three inspiring improvising musicians creating new paths and sounds on the Northern scene, this gig follows a duo performance at Cobalt Studios in Newcastle by Manon McCoy (balo, Alice Brookes, Emergence) on harp/electronics, and John Pope (Archipelago) on bass, they’re joined by Will Shaw (balo, Life Aquatic Band, Emergence) on drums. String preparations and hand made objects, live electronics as extensions of acoustic instruments; engrossing and playful music from three energising presences.

17th Dec / Sloth Racket 10th Anniversary Tour
Sloth Racket are led by baritone saxophonist Cath Roberts (Quadraceratops, Favourite Animals), with Anton Hunter (Beats & Pieces Big Band, Article XI) on guitar, Sam Andreae (Trio Riot) on tenor sax, Seth Bennett (Metamorphic) on bass, Johnny Hunter (Nat Birchall, Revival Room) on drums. Fiery free jazz, sparse, minimal improv, deep grooves and big riffs, they formed in 2015 and have played across the UK including appearances at London and Lancaster Jazz Festivals. A powerful band with a strong Sheffield connection.

Coming up in January 2026:

7th January / Stuart McCallum / Richard Spaven

14th January / Home/Lands

21st January / lvdf

28th January / Robert Mitchell’s Little Black Book

http://www.jazzatthelescar.com

The Lescar, 303 Sharrow Vale Rd, Sheffield, United Kingdom

0114 236 7570

SMOKE Jazz Club, New York City - Programme for December 2025.

Thursday, October 30, 2025

SMOKE Jazz Club has announced its schedule for December 2025 & early January 2026. Shows include Chief Adjuah, the 13th annual Coltrane Festival, New Year's Eve with Jazzmeia Horn.

We have received the following press release;

Just Announced - Smoke Jazz Club December Shows include 13th annual Coltrane Festival, New Year’s Eve with Jazzmeia Horn, and More

SMOKE Jazz Club Announces December 2025 Lineup Including the 13th Annual Coltrane Festival, New Year’s Eve Celebration with Jazzmeia Horn, and More

Chief Adjuah (Dec 5-7)

Coltrane Festival: Melissa Aldana, Walter Smith III & George Garzone Sextet
(Dec 10-14)

Coltrane Festival: Ravi Coltrane Quartet (Dec 17-21)

Coltrane Festival: Eddie Henderson with Vincent Herring Quintet featuring George Cables (Dec 24-25)

Coltrane Festival: Steve Turre with Vincent Herring Quintet featuring George Cables (Dec 26-27)

Coltrane Festival: Steve Davis with Vincent Herring Quintet featuring Eric Scott Reed (Dec 28)

Coltrane Festival: Sarah Hanahan with Vincent Herring Quintet featuring Eric Scott Reed (Dec 29-30)

New Year’s Eve: Jazzmeia Horn & SMOKE Jazz Club All-Stars (Dec 31)

Coltrane Festival: Eric Alexander and Vincent Herring Quintet featuring special guest Eric Scott Reed (Jan 1-4)

NEW YORK, NY — Hailed as the “#1 Jazz Club in New York City (SecretNYC),” SMOKE Jazz Club today announced its exciting December 2025 line-up featuring the annual Coltrane Festival – one of the musical highlights of the holiday season. Over the course of four weeks (Dec 10 – Jan 4), some of today’s top jazz artists join forces to celebrate the life and musical legacy of the great saxophonist and composer John Coltrane. SMOKE’s 13th annual Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2026” features Ravi Coltrane making an encore appearance at the festival dedicated to his father. Other Festival artists include Vincent Herring, Melissa Aldana, Eric Alexander, Eric Scott Reed, George Cables, Eddie Henderson, and more. NAACP Image Award-winning vocalist Jazzmeia Horn rings in 2026 with a special New Year’s Eve Celebration (Dec 31). For the complete and most updated December schedule, please visit http://www.smokejazz.com. As always, all Friday night concerts are livestreamed!

December 2025 Concert Schedule (subject to change):

Fri-Sun Dec 5-7 CHIEF ADJUAH (formerly Christian Scott) SMOKE debut
Chief Adjuah – trumpet, flugelhorn & Adjuah Bow
Morgan Guerrin – piano, keyboard, saxophone, EWI & percussion
Ryoma Takenaga – bass
Brian Richburg – drums
“jazz’s young style God” – JazzTimes
Trumpeter Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott) makes his highly anticipated SMOKE debut. A sonic architect, trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, designer of innovative technologies and musical instruments, Adjuah is “ushering in a new era of jazz,” says NPR. He is also the heir to a rich heritage and a member of an extended family central to New Orleans music and culture. He is the grandson of Louisiana luminary and legend, the late Big Chief Donald Harrison Sr., founder of the Guardians Institute and Grand Griot, Herreast Harrison. And is the nephew of jazz innovator and NEA Jazz Master saxophonist, Big Chief Donald Harrison Jr. Adjuah (and his twin brother Kiel) joined his grandfather’s Guardians of the Flame banner in 1989 at the age of five.
Since 2002, Adjuah has released 12 critically acclaimed studio recordings, three live albums, and one greatest hits collection. Around the globe, fans and critics alike herald Adjuah’s live performance prowess. Notable highlights include a sold-out Carnegie Hall concert and NPR’s Jazz Night in America global broadcast. He has received numerous Grammy nominations and has collaborated with artists such as Prince, Thom Yorke, McCoy Tyner, Marcus Miller, Eddie Palmieri, and Mos Def, among many others. A progenitor of Stretch music, a jazz-rooted, genre blind musical form that attempts to “stretch” jazz’s rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic conventions to encompass multiple musical forms, languages, and cultures, Adjuah is one of the artists leading jazz in the 21st century.

Wed-Sun Dec 10-14 COLTRANE FESTIVAL: MELISSA ALDANA, WALTER SMITH III & GEORGE GARZONE SEXTET
Melissa Aldana – tenor saxophone
Walter Smith III – tenor saxophone
George Garzone – tenor saxophone
Glenn Zaleski – piano
Linda May Han Oh – bass
Bill Stewart – drums
“Few can play John Coltrane’s music with such verve. I don’t believe that anyone has dissected, analyzed, and understands Coltrane’s music with the broad scope and finite level of Garzone.” – All About Jazz
Smoke’s 13th Annual Coltrane Festival, Countdown 2026, opens with an incredible all-star sextet featuring three (!) great tenor saxophone masters: Melissa Aldana, Walter Smith III, and the legendary George Garzone. This tenor trio will be joined by the equally impressive rhythm section of pianist Glenn Zaleski, bassist Linda May Han Oh, and drummer Bill Stewart.
Aldana, who assembled this sextet, originally from Chile, is one of the new stars in jazz who embodies “a new sense of possibility and direction in jazz,” according to The Washington Post. Since arriving in New York from Boston in 2009, she won the 2013 Monk Competition and numerous accolades for her music. The New York Times calls her “one of the more exciting young tenor saxophonists today.” Since his debut nearly two decades ago, Walter Smith II has become a cornerstone of the jazz scene, contributing to legendary groups such as Roy Haynes’s Fountain of Youth Band, the Terence Blanchard Quintet, Eric Harland’s Voyager, and the Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet, as well as collaborations with Jason Moran, Christian McBride, Gerald Clayton, and the Sean Jones Quintet, among many others.
Both Aldana and Smith, as well as legions of saxophonists, count George Garzone as a primary influence, mentor, and teacher. A mainstay of the Boston scene for over half a century, Garzone has performed with his legendary trio, The Fringe, since 1972. Michael Brecker said, “I’m not the master of the saxophone, George Garzone is.” Coincidentally (cosmically?), Garzone and Coltrane also share a September 23rd birthday.

Wed-Sun Dec 17-21 COLTRANE FESTIVAL: RAVI COLTRANE QUARTET
“A worthy heir to his father, jazz legend John Coltrane.” – The Telegraph (UK)
Critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated saxophonist and composer Ravi Coltrane makes a highly anticipated encore appearance to elevate again the festival dedicated to his father. An artist whose career occupies a singular niche in modern jazz, Ravi Coltrane has established a sound and concepts that stand undeniably on their own, extending far beyond the shadow of his iconic name. Over a twenty-plus-year career, Coltrane has worked as a sideman to many and recorded noteworthy albums for himself and others, including McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, Terence Blanchard, Geri Allen, and many more. All About Jazz reviewed his group, saying, “The band is dynamite. Coltrane mainly played tenor, on which his sound is massive but softer-edged and less biting than that of his father.” The New York Times adds, “There are few saxophonists in jazz today as silvery and deft as Ravi Coltrane.”

Wed-Thu Dec 24-25 COLTRANE FESTIVAL: EDDIE HENDERSON with VINCENT HERRING QUINTET featuring GEORGE CABLES
Vincent Herring – alto saxophone
George Cables – piano
Eddie Henderson – trumpet (Dec 24-25)
John Webber – bass
Willie Jones III – drums
“Henderson’s progressive, assured, and imaginative improvisations roll out in a glorious sun-splashed tone… he seems to dance through his solos, balancing his quick clockwork technique with bursts of bluesy soul.” – Chicago Reader
Trumpet legend Eddie Henderson joins the Vincent Herring Quintet for two nights only. The New York Times says Henderson’s “deft feel and plush sound made him a central figure in the worlds of jazz-funk and hard-bop in the 1970s. The Chicago Reader adds, “His progressive, assured, and imaginative improvisations roll out in a glorious sun-splashed tone… he seems to dance through his solos, balancing his quick clockwork technique with bursts of bluesy soul.” The eternally youthful Henderson has proven again that he is still making some of the most important music of his career into his 80s.
Vincent Herring, one of the great alto saxophonists, is at the helm of his Quintet paying tribute to the great John Coltrane. NYC Jazz Record raves: “Vincent Herring has firmly established himself as one of his generation’s masters.”Joining them as special guest pianist all week long is the beloved George Cables. All About Jazz writes, “Anyone who is serious about jazz will tell you that George Cables belongs in the pantheon of the greatest jazz pianists.”

Fri-Sat Dec 26-27 COLTRANE FESTIVAL: STEVE TURRE with VINCENT HERRING QUINTET featuring GEORGE CABLES
Vincent Herring – alto saxophone
George Cables – piano
Steve Turre – trombone
John Webber – bass
Willie Jones III – drums
“Steve Turre…perhaps the leading trombonist of this generation.” – Rolling Stone
Master trombonist and seashell innovator Steve Turre joins the Vincent Herring Quintet for two nights only. His storied career includes work alongside music legends Ray Charles, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and Woody Shaw. He has consistently won both the Readers’ and Critics’ polls in JazzTimes, Downbeat, and Jazziz for “Best Trombone” and “Best Miscellaneous Instrumentalist (shells).” He is a versatile master and a true jazz original. Downbeat says, “Few artists ‘own’ their instrument to the degree that trombonist Steve Turre does. Whether playing the music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, performing as a member of the Saturday Night Live house band, or with one of his own groups, his voice is distinctive and memorable.”
Vincent Herring, one of the great alto saxophonists, is at the helm of his Quintet paying tribute to the great John Coltrane. NYC Jazz Record raves: “Vincent Herring has firmly established himself as one of his generation’s masters.”Joining them as special guest pianist all week long is the beloved George Cables. All About Jazz writes, “Anyone who is serious about jazz will tell you that George Cables belongs in the pantheon of the greatest jazz pianists.”

Sun Dec 28 COLTRANE FESTIVAL: STEVE DAVIS with VINCENT HERRING QUINTET featuring ERIC SCOTT REED
Vincent Herring – alto saxophone
Eric Scott Reed – piano
Steve Davis – trombone
David Wong – bass
Carl Allen – drums
“Davis thoughtfully balances modernism, lyricism, and drive—as a writer and a player.” - DownBeat
Steve Davis joins the stellar group for one night only. A major jazz trombonist since he joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers in 1990,” according to The New York City Jazz Record, Davis has also been a SMOKE Jazz Club favorite for many years. “He has established himself as one of the most accomplished and lyrical improvisers on his instrument as well as a prolific composer,” says JazzTimes.
Vincent Herring, one of the great alto saxophonists, is at the helm of his Quintet paying tribute to the great John Coltrane. NYC Jazz Record raves: “Vincent Herring has firmly established himself as one of his generation’s masters.”Joining them as special guest pianist all week long is Eric Scott Reed. All About Jazz notes that Reed has “fully established himself at the forefront of jazz pianists.” A child prodigy who honed his craft in his father’s storefront Baptist Church, Reed has been a key figure in jazz for over three decades. “Eric Scott Reed…one of those tremendously gifted players.” (DownBeat)

Mon-Tue Dec 29-30 COLTRANE FESTIVAL: SARAH HANAHAN with
VINCENT HERRING QUINTET featuring ERIC SCOTT REED
Vincent Herring – alto saxophone
Eric Scott Reed – piano
Sarah Hanahan – alto saxophone
David Wong – bass
Carl Allen – drums
“While she’s comfortable building phrases within the language of Charlie Parker, Hanahan is also confident exploring along the outer edges of the music.”- WBGO Radio
Alto saxophone phenom Sarah Hanahan is a special guest for two nights. Hanahan is a fiery soloist and one of the most exciting young players to arrive in New York City in years. Vincent Herring, one of the great alto saxophonists, is at the helm of his Quintet paying tribute to the great John Coltrane. NYC Jazz Record raves: “Vincent Herring has firmly established himself as one of his generation’s masters.”Joining them as special guest pianist all week long is Eric Scott Reed. All About Jazz notes that Reed has “fully established himself at the forefront of jazz pianists.” A child prodigy who honed his craft in his father’s storefront Baptist Church, Reed has been a key figure in jazz for over three decades. “Eric Scott Reed…one of those tremendously gifted players.” (DownBeat)

Wed Dec 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE: JAZZMEIA HORN & SMOKE JAZZ CLUB ALL-STARS
Jazzmeia Horn – vocals
Vincent Herring – alto saxophone
Cyrus Chestnut – piano
Johnathan Blake – drums
SMOKE’s New Year’s Eve Celebration is a perennial highlight of the year-end Coltrane Festival. This year features an encore performance by popular demand of the acclaimed vocalist Jazzmeia Horn with the SMOKE Jazz All-Stars, featuring alto saxophonist Vincent Herring, pianist Cyrus Chestnut, and drummer Johnathan Blake. It is a group guaranteed to deliver the best festive, swinging New Year’s Eve Celebration anywhere, accompanied by a special four-course, prix-fixe menu.
Billboard reports that Horn is “undoubtedly among the jazz world’s most exciting young vocalists.” Herring, Chestnut, and Blake are reunited from Herring’s celebrated 2021 album Preaching to the Choir, which NPR’s Fresh Air said: “is aimed at folks who like their jazz with a dollop of swing, rhythm, and blues feeling, music steeped in the African American vernacular and played by a soloist with swagger.”
Two Seatings:
7:00 p.m. includes a four-course holiday dinner and one show ($250 + tax & tip)
9:30 p.m. includes a four-course holiday dinner, two shows, midnight celebration with prosecco champagne toast, hats & noise makers ($350 plus tax & tip)

Wed-Sun Jan 1-4 COLTRANE FESTIVAL: ERIC ALEXANDER & VINCENT HERRING QUINTET featuring special guest ERIC SCOTT REED
Vincent Herring – alto saxophone
Eric Alexander – tenor saxophone
Eric Scott Reed – piano
Peter Washington – bass
Johnathan Blake– drums
“Herring fuses instrumental mastery with equal and unified parts of jazz’s holy trinity of heart, mind, and soul.” – WNPR Radio
“Eric Alexander can play the tenor saxophone—never doubt that. He has the chops, power, and passion that make him one of the most blazingly bad-assed saxophonists of his generation.” – DownBeat
Vincent Herring and Eric Alexander—two of the greatest saxophonists around—on alto and tenor respectively, close out SMOKE’s 13th annual Coltrane Festival, Countdown 2026, as only they could, with the help of special guest pianist Eric Scott Reed and two of the very best in bassist Peter Washington and drummer Johnathan Blake.
Alexander and Herring released a new album Split Decision (SMOKE Sessions Records) to rave reviews. Jazz Weeklycalled it “a knockout!” Paris Move, “a high-caliber classic,” and JazzWise, a “tour de force.” When these two virtuosos meet, the sparks fly, and the temperature rises. It’s been 20 years since they first went head-to-head on record for 2005’s The Battle: Live at Smoke. Both were already acclaimed among the powerhouse reedmen of their generation, and they have only garnered more acclaim in the two decades since. All About Jazz says, “For those who long for the time when hard bop reigned supreme… here’s a sure cure for any lament that those days are lost and gone forever.”

About SMOKE
Located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side at the junction of Broadway and 106th Street (aka Duke Ellington Boulevard), Smoke Jazz Club is one of New York City’s premier live music venues. Renowned for offering top-notch programming of accessible, timeless jazz featuring legendary performers, modern masters, and rising stars, Smoke stands apart with its candlelit dining room, stellar acoustics, and classic American cuisine. Founded in 1999, SMOKE also boasts a GRAMMY-nominated label, Smoke Sessions Records, and a celebrated streaming concert series, Smoke Screens. For everything else, visit http://www.smokejazz.com.

Ticketing + Information:
When: Wednesday-Sunday @ 7:00 p.m. + 9:00 p.m. and additional 10:30 p.m. (Fri & Sat only). Doors open at 5:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted).
Where: SMOKE Jazz Club, 2751 Broadway (between 105/106th Streets), New York, NY, Train: 1 to 103rd Street.
Tickets: In-Person $25+. Livestream $15 (Fri only). For more information and to make reservations, please visit http://www.smokejazz.com.

Legendary Bass Played by Newark Native Scott LaFaro Loaned to New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) for 2025 TD James Moody Jazz Festival and 2026 Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass.

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

An iconic Prescott double bass constructed in the early 1800s, once owned by Scott LaFaro, has been loaned to NJPAC. Today’s leading bassists perform will on it at the James Moody Jazz Festival.

We have received the following press release;

Legendary Bass Played by Newark Native Scott LaFaro Loaned to New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) for 2025 TD James Moody Jazz Festival and 2026 Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass

Ben Williams (Nov 9), Max Gerl (Nov 13), Christian McBride (Nov 22), and Gregory Jones (Nov 23) will all play the famous instrument at the festival.

An iconic Prescott double bass constructed in the early 1800s, once owned by jazz great Scott LaFaro, has been loaned to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) by the International Society of Bassists, marking a significant moment in the preservation and celebration of jazz history. LaFaro (1936-1961) was a native son of Newark, New Jersey. This rare instrument was central to LaFaro’s groundbreaking work with the Bill Evans Trio in the early 1960s. NJPAC will give audiences a rare opportunity to hear this instrument when today’s leading bassists perform on it as part of the 2025 TD James Moody Jazz Festival: Ben Williams with Stanley Clarke (Nov 9), Max Gerl with Arturo Sandoval (Nov 13), and Christian McBride with his Big Band (Nov 22) - with more to be announced. 

The bass will also be available for young instrumentalists to play as part of NJPAC’s Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass, directed by Peter Dominguez, in the summer of 2026.  This will give emerging bassists attending the institute the opportunity to play not only one of the world’s great instruments, but also one of great significance in the history of jazz.

“Scott LaFaro transformed the way we think about the bass — from a supporting voice to an equal partner in musical conversation,” said David Rodriguez, Executive Producer of NJPAC and a bass player himself. “Having his Prescott bass here on site is not only an honor but a profound reminder of his artistic vision and the power of innovation. What a gift to us all!”

Crafted by the renowned 19th-century American luthier Abraham Prescott, the instrument became synonymous with LaFaro’s revolutionary approach to the bass. His lyrical phrasing, virtuosic technique, and deep musical interplay helped redefine the instrument’s role in modern jazz. The Prescott bass, restored and carefully maintained, stands as both a historical artifact and a testament to LaFaro’s enduring influence on the art of jazz.

“For bassists everywhere, Scott LaFaro’s unique sound and incredible musicianship have been a deep source of inspiration. It’s both humbling and exhilarating to be in direct contact with his instrument,” says Christian McBride, multi-Grammy Award-winning bassist and NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor.

The Journey of the Scott LaFaro Bass

After LaFaro’s death in a car crash in 1961, Scott’s badly damaged bass was restored by Luthier Barrie Kolstein, who later chose April 14, 2014, which would have been the Scott LaFaro’s 78th birthday, to announce his gift of Scotty’s double bass to the International Society of Bassists (SB). The ISB makes the Scott LaFaro Bass available for recordings and performances by ISB members and other gifted musicians, extending LaFaro’s remarkable legacy.

“We all have a shared responsibility for carrying tradition forward. By sharing LaFaro’s bass publicly, we are bridging generations and ensuring that the instrument’s voice continues to resonate,” says Madeleine Crouch, General Manager of the International Society of Bassists. “Playing an instrument once held by the great Scott LaFaro allows today’s musicians to literally touch and feel the lineage of sound, technique, and artistry. The ISB is delighted to help provide this opportunity to audiences and artists to deepen their understanding and respect for music history.”

The Scott LaFaro Bass has most recently been in residence at Finlay + Gage Musical Instruments in Maplewood, New Jersey. Its presence at NJPAC underscores the ongoing importance of preserving instruments that shaped the course of American music. “Finlay + Gage are committed to keeping us all connected to Scott LaFaro, the man behind the groundbreaking sound,” explains Sam Finlay, Co-Founder of Finlay + Gage Musical Instruments. “We are thrilled to assist the International Society of Bassists in sharing Scotty’s bass with NJPAC in LaFaro’s hometown of Newark, New Jersey, while allowing new generations to connect with the legacy of one of jazz’s most influential bassists.”

2025 TD James Moody Jazz Festival takes place at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (One Center Street, Newark, NJ) from November 8-23, 2025. Tickets + Info: Contact NJPAC at 1.888.GO.NJPAC/1.888.466.5722 or visit NJPAC.org/jazz.

About Scott LaFaro
Born in Newark, NJ, Scott Lafaro (1936-1961) was a pioneering jazz bassist who, in less than a decade of performing, became one of the 20th century’s most influential jazz musicians. His work with the Bill Evans Trio from 1959 to 1961 set new standards for musical interplay, tone, and improvisation. His landmark recordings—especially the legendary Sunday at the Village Vanguard sessions—are still considered groundbreaking. He worked with Chet Baker, Ornette Coleman, Stan Kenton, Cal Tjader and Benny Goodman. LaFaro, then only 25 years old, was in discussions with Miles Davis about joining him in the studio, when he perished in a car accident in 1961. LaFaro is still mentioned today in hushed tones of reverence; his truncated career’s outsized influence on generations of bassists remains profound.

About International Society of Bassists  
The International Society of Bassists was founded by the world-renowned virtuoso Gary Karr in 1967. With nearly 2,500 members in over 40 countries, the ISB publishes a triannual magazine, Bass World, with an eclectic mix of articles about soloists, jazz and orchestral players, early music, pedagogy, international personalities and orchestras and reviews of new print music and recordings, plus monthly e-newsletters and communications. Every two years the ISB holds an international convention at a host university. Bassists of all ages and abilities come to enjoy a full week of workshops, masterclasses, recitals and lectures, and to shop in the exhibit hall. The ISB is a worldwide forum for double bassists to learn and share.

About Finlay + Gage Musical Instruments          
David Gage founded David Gage String Instrument Repair in 1978. That shop specialized in the sale, restoration, and repair of upright basses, cellos, violas, and violins with a client roster that ranged from great orchestral musicians to jazz, rock ‘n roll, country, and world music performers. Today, Finlay + Gage continues with the same spirit of the old shop —professional-level service for every player— while also inviting customers who play fretted instruments. They serve professionals, students, and amateurs, and pride themselves on the care and attention they give each player and their instrument. Their focus is on maximizing the sound potential of the instrument and the playing requirements of the individual musician. Currently, they operate two stores, one in New York City and the other in Maplewood, New Jersey. They offer world-class repair, rentals and an unparalleled assortment of instruments for sale.

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 12.7 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.

Kidderminster Jazz Club - shows announced for 2026.

Saturday, October 25, 2025

Kidderminster Jazz Club has announced three shows for 2026 with performances by The Inscape Jazz Quartet, the Zoe Gilby Trio and Yetii. Details attached.

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

Kidderminster Jazz Club
Fri, Feb 6, 2026 @ 7:00PM
£15.00
“The Inscape Jazz Quartet”
Performance description:
“The Inscape Jazz Quartet is a newly formed jazz combo that presents a captivating set of original music inspired by the poetry of Gerard Manly Hopkins and his concept of “Inscape” (the unique essence of things). Lyrical, thoughtful and poetic is the order of the day, they also include well loved standards to lend some familiar sounds for the listener. This Quartet brings together some of the UKs most exciting talent to create an ensemble that offers both soulful and fresh sounds.”
Band Members
Nathan Hayward - Piano
Nick Wilshire - Saxophone
Marcus Penrose - Double Bass
Simon Whiting - Drums

Kidderminster Jazz Club
Fri, Mar 6, 2026 @ 7:00PM
£15.00
Zoë Gilby is a vocalist and songwriter, making a stunning impression on the music scene today. Her compelling original compositions are written with double bassist husband Andy Champion. A powerful collection of songs with a strong narrative. Supported by guitarist Mark Williams they deliver a commanding mix of musical sophistication and dramatic edge. An engaging repertoire of story telling and atmosphere, her stockpile of music also includes an adventurous blend of contemporary composers from Kate Bush to Pink Floyd and the sensitive treatment of jazz standards, completes this particular “story-book” Touring the UK and internationally, she continues to perform at prominent jazz festivals and venues.
“A mix of intelligent original songs and innovative arrangements of tunes by both jazz and pop composers. It’s the quality of the original songs that make this jazz vocal album stand out from the pack.” - Ian Mann, The Jazzmann
Band
Vocals – Zoe Gilby
Guitar – Mark Williams
Double Bass – Andy Champion

Kidderminster Jazz Club
Fri, May 1, 2026 @ 7:00PM
£15.00
We welcome “Yetii” to Kidderminster Jazz Club for this very special one-off gig as part of their UK “Inner Worlds” Album Tour. Yetii released their debut album “Live at The Greenbank” to widespread critical acclaim and have since played at jazz clubs, festivals and arts centres across the UK as well as supporting “The Bad Plus” on their recent UK Tour.
The trio play original compositions combining flowing melodies with expansive group improvisations, interlocking grooves and evolving soundscapes. The band have built their following with a sold-out monthly residency in Bristol including collaborations with Iain Ballamy, Ant Law, and Arun Ghosh, and look forward to their biggest tour to date in support of this release! For fans of EST, The Bad Plus, and Fergus McCreadie.
“a performance that both enthralled and delighted the audience ★★★★★” The Jazz Mann
The Band
Alex Veitch - piano
Ashley John Long - double bass
Alex Goodyear - drums

St Ambrose’s Parish Centre
Leswell St,
Kidderminster DY10 1RP.

Bring Your Own Bottle/Drinks

Tortoise - new album and US and European tour dates 2025/26.

Friday, October 24, 2025

Tortoise will release their new album "Touch" on 24th October 2025. They will be touring extensively in the US & Europe from October 2025 to April 2026, including dates in London, Bristol & Leeds.

We have received the following press release;

Tortoise Release New Album Touch — Out Now via International Anthem / Nonesuch

TORTOISE RELEASE NEW ALBUM TOUCH ON LP / CD / DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

SERIES OF SPECIAL SHOWS THIS AUTUMN, INCLUDING BARBICAN, LONDON, BRISTOL, LEEDS, PLUS US + EU TOUR DATES IN 20

Artist: Tortoise
Album: Touch
Formats: Vinyl, CD, Digital Download
Label: International Anthem x Nonesuch Records

PRAISE FOR TORTOISE & TOUCH

“A sense of playful hybridity runs through Touch — from the sci-fi spaghetti western soundscaping of ‘Vexations’ to the pulsating man-machine techno of ‘Elka.’”
The Guardian

“These songs are full to bursting with sounds and ideas, suggesting a kind of wide-eyed maximalism, as though nothing is off limits except silence.”
UNCUT

“For Touch, they’ve regrouped for another subtle advance in their evolution.”
SPIN

“To listen closely is to uncover minute surprises, which, with patience, expand in depth and scope: what if the anodyne black lacquered walnut table top harbours intricate patterns, cryptic siguls, a djinn? Such figurative treasures abound on Touch.”
The Wire

“The wait, rewarded”
MOJO

“With references to a demanding work by a love-sick and hurt Erik Satie, a submarine volcano in the Pacific and the heaviest element in the periodic table, there’s prompted doses of science, geography and the avant-garde made human with emotional pulls and swept gestures that could be called romantic.”
Monolith Cocktail

“Touch is a display of perpetually unpredictable, beautiful, and vital music, for which Tortoise remains the standard bearer.”
Aquarium Drunkard

“It sounds more than anything like they’re simply having fun playing music together again after a decade, and that feeling is infectious.”
Treble

“There’s a careful sequencing to the record that one can only appreciate listening to it in its entirety. Let it take you places.”
Glide Magazine

Today, Tortoise — the iconic ensemble that “reset the stage for what might fit within indie rock” (MOJO) — release Touch, the first new album from the groundbreaking group since 2016, via International Anthem and Nonesuch Records on LP, CD, and digital download (available on streaming services on November 11). The band also shares a video for third streaming single and album standout “A Title Comes” by Nespy5euro.

Listen to & watch “A Title Comes” here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BFiC-KJ8pU

With Touch, the Tortoise band members — Dan Bitney, John Herndon, Douglas McCombs, John McEntire, and Jeff Parker — harness their collectivist songwriting approach, a slightly anarchistic but resolutely egalitarian process where ideas triumph over ego towards an abstracted muscularity. While there are still excursions into the dusky, elegantly gnarled jazz ambience that flourished on landmark works like Millions Now Living Will Never Die and TNT, Touch is perhaps most remarkable for Tortoise’s unapologetic embrace of grand gesture. Aerodynamically re-engineered Krautrock, hand-cranked techno rave-ups, and pointillist desert guitar panoramas are all imbued with Tortoise’s now-signature internal logic — equally alluring and confounding, a puzzle to be savored rather than solved.

The stylistic diversity is also a reflection of the band’s current operating circumstances: With two members now in Los Angeles, another in Portland, and just two remaining in the band’s Chicago hometown, their creative process has shifted dramatically from when they lived together in a loft space in the late 1990s, honing their sound over endless hours of collective experimentation. Recorded between the three cities — Los Angeles, Portland, and Chicago — Touch is the result of an intentional effort by these five musicians to reconnect, recenter, and reinvigorate their sound for what is perhaps the group’s most diverse release to date.

(Read more about Tortoise, their ground-breaking sound “informed by everything from jungle to Krautrock and musique concréte,” and the creation of Touch in a feature that ran September 19 over at The Guardian.)
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/sep/19/wed-play-for-a-frozen-burrito-post-rockers-tortoise-on-the-changing-face-of-chicago-steve-albini-and-their-new-gen-fans

A series of special live shows is planned through the end of the year, including the performance with Chicago Philharmonic, a three-night weekend stand at NYC’s Bowery Ballroom, and two shows at the Barbican for EFG London Jazz Festival.

Tortoise will then embark on European tours in early 2026, with more dates to be announced soon. The full list of confirmed dates and ticket links is below.

Touch is out now, purchase it here.
https://tortoise.lnk.to/Touch

(Touch cover art by Paw Grabowski)

Credits & Tracklist for Touch:
1. Vexations
2. Layered Presence
3. Works and Days
4. Elka
5. Promenade à deux
6. Axial Seamount
7. A Title Comes
8. Rated OG
9. Oganesson
10. Night Gang

TOUR DATES

Marfa TX - Saturday October 25th - Flying Island
Chicago IL - Tuesday November 11th - The Auditorium w/ Chicago Philharmonic
Lexington KY - Wednesday November 12th - Singleton Center for the Arts
New York NY - Friday November 14th - Bowery Ballroom - SOLD OUT
New York NY - Saturday November 15th - Bowery Ballroom - SOLD OUT
New York NY - Sunday November 16th - Bowery Ballroom

London UK - Saturday November 22nd - Barbican - 1st show SOLD OUT, matinee show added
Bristol UK - Sunday November 23rd - The Prospect Building
Leeds UK - Monday November 24th - The Irish Centre

Helsinki FI - Tuesday January 20th - Tavastia
Stockholm SE - Wednesday January 21st - Fasching
Karlsruhe DE - Thursday January 22nd - Tollhaus
Lille FR - Friday January 23rd - Aeronef
Brussels BE - Saturday January 24th - Brussels Jazz Festival
Perugia IT - Sunday January 25th - Teatro del Pavone
Frankfurt DE - Monday January 26th - Zoom
Köln DE - Tuesday January 27th - Kantine
Paris FR - Wednesday January 28th - Le Trabendo
Berlin DE - Thursday January 29th - Großer Sendesaal des RBB
Dresden DE - Friday January 30th - Beatpol

Hamburg DE - Thursday April 9th - Kampnagel
Den Haag NL - Friday April 10th - Rewire Festival
Brugge BE - Saturday April 11th - Cactus Club
München DE - Sunday April 12th - Technikum
Salzburg AT - Monday April 13th - jazz:it
Graz AT - Tuesday April 14th - Orpheum
St. Gallen CH - Wednesday April 15th - Palace
Fribourg CH - Thursday April 16th - Fri-Son
Braga PT - Sunday April 19th - Theatro Circo
Lisboa PT - Monday April 20th - Culturgest

Ticket links at
https://www.trts.com/

...about Tortoise…
Tortoise is widely considered one of the most influential music groups of the last 40 years, with a wide-reaching impact on the contemporary music scene. Pitchfork says: “Imagine a graphic showing all the bands the five members of Tortoise were in before they came together and then all the bands they went on to play with after. At the top of the funnel you have groups ranging from dreamy psych-rock to earthy post-punk crunch, including Eleventh Dream Day, Bastro, Slint, and the Poster Children; on the ‘post-Tortoise’ end are groups focusing on electro-jazz and twangy instrumental rock like Isotope 217, Chicago Underground, and Brokeback. In this graphic, Tortoise is the choke point, the one project that has elements of all these sounds but is never defined by nor committed to any of them. Instead, Tortoise floats free, a planchette moving over a Ouija board guided by 10 sets of fingers, where everyone watches the arrow float in one direction but no one is quite sure how it gets there or who is doing the pushing.”
The band, which originally formed in Chicago, comprises Jeff Parker, Dan Bitney, Douglas McCombs, John Herndon, and John McEntire.
Initially hailed as pace-setters of the then-emerging, so-called “post-rock” sound, the Chicago Tribune called Tortoise’s sound “mood music that refuses to be shoved into the background, as inviting as it is challenging.” Releasing just seven albums since 1990 — including classics like 1996’s Millions Now Living Will Never Die, 1998’s TNT, and 2001’s Standards —Tortoise has steadily and intuitively evolved across its life, creating genreless music that is as timeless as it is ahead of the curve.
The band’s legacy goes beyond its recorded output, as well. Per the New York Times: “While Tortoise’s albums have experimented with the editing and overdubbing possibilities of the studio, the band thrives performing in real time.” Rolling Stone deems Tortoise “a live marvel,” while Pitchfork further says the band’s performances reveal that “at heart, they’re a supremely fun band, wide open to all sorts of sonic possibilities.

https://www.trts.com/

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https://www.facebook.com/TRTSband/

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Liverpool International Jazz Festival 2026 - line-up announced.

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

A stellar line-up has been announced for the annual Liverpool International Jazz Festival, which returns to the city’s Capstone Theatre in late February and early March 2026. Press release attached

We have received the following press release;

Liverpool International Jazz Festival returns to the city in February 2026

A stellar line-up has been announced for the annual Liverpool International Jazz Festival, which returns to the city’s Capstone Theatre in February 2026.

Grammy-winning artists and international talent will take to the stage from 26 February – 1 March 2026. The festival showcases world-class musicians performing across a range of styles in the world of contemporary instrumental jazz.

Amongst the star-studded performances is Marius Neset, dubbed ‘one of the most exciting artists in jazz’ and Martin Taylor who has collaborated with the likes of Dionne Warwick and Jamie Cullum to name a few.

The festival was founded in 2013 by Liverpool Hope University, and the Creative Campus continues to host this eclectic event each year. Whether you are a jazz enthusiast or newcomer, the diverse programme promises something for everyone.

Line-up highlights for 2026 include Tim Garland and Geoffrey Keezer, two Grammy award-winning musicians who recorded a brand new duet album in New York earlier this year - Mezzo.
Both seasoned players have globe-trotted with some of the most famous players in music and show their crystalline lyrical maturity as well as incendiary virtuosity in a set that features one new and rare instrument after which the album is named.

Up next are David Helbock & Julia Hofer who have a very recently released a new album, Faces of Night, with the internationally renowned label ACT Music. The album comprises a fascinating blend of calm, dreamy original compositions and groovy jazz pieces that showcase the distinctive styles of Helbock and Hofer.
With inventive effects, rhythmic percussion elements on the piano, and dynamic changes between cello and electric bass, this evening promises an extraordinary listening experience and a musical journey full of emotions and innovations.

Milap and Liverpool International Jazz Festival will jointly present a unique collaboration between two of the brightest stars on the contemporary jazz scene, Zoe Rahman and Arun Ghosh.

Zoe Rahman is a vibrant and highly individual pianist and composer. Her style is deeply rooted in jazz yet it reflects her classical background, British-Bengali heritage and her very broad musical taste.

Arun Ghosh is an award-winning clarinettist and composer, and a charismatic performer. His lyrical and sonorous musical style draws together jazz, folk and South Asian influences.

Drawing inspiration from the heavy fusion of Chick Corea and Allan Holdsworth, the psychedelic bluesy swagger of Jimi Hendrix, and the fearless multi-media explorations of Cecil Taylor, Robert Mitchell’s Little Black Book brings together three bravura players in an uplifting celebration. Laurie Lowe on drums and Zayn Mohammed on guitar bring the exact combination of power, accuracy and unbounded imagination to make the project come alive. Little Black Book is the latest telling of a story in which every chapter is more intriguing than the last.

Also featuring on the line-up is award winning guitarist Martin Taylor has established a unique musical career as an internationally acclaimed musician, and his inimitable style has seen him recognised as the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar playing.
As well as being a true guitar innovator, he is also a master concert performer, dazzling audiences with his solo shows, which combine virtuosity, emotion, humour, with a strong stage presence.

Marius Neset made an astonishingly powerful impression when he first emerged onto the European jazz scene as a young saxophonist of protean gifts more than a decade ago.
The intervening years have seen Marius bring his huge creative energy to so many roles in different contexts, as either an instigator or as a catalyst. Neset has now received well over twenty awards and award nominations.

To view the full line-up and ticket information, visit: The Capstone Theatre
https://capstone.hope.ac.uk/jazzfestival/

Tickets will be available to purchase from Ticket Quarter from Friday 17 October 10am. For a limited time, early bird prices are available, starting from £15 plus booking fee. Tickets are available for individual events.

From;
https://capstone.hope.ac.uk/jazzfestival/

Liverpool International Jazz Festival (LIJF) was established in 2013 by Liverpool Hope University, and in previous years has included performances from some of Jazz music’s leading lights.

The emphasis of the Festival is on contemporary instrumental jazz in a variety of styles with a focus on presenting work from an international selection of world class artists, taking audience members on a musical journey that traverses numerous genres and cross-genres.

The next incarnation of the Festival will take place from Friday 26th Feb 2026 to Sun 1st March 2026 inclusive. The Festival will comprise concerts from a stellar line up of artists including Tim Garland and Geoffrey Keezer, David Helbock and Julia Hofer, Zoe Rahman and Arun Ghosh, Robert Mitchell’s Little Black Book, Martin Taylor and Marius Neset Quartet. Tickets for individual events along with Festival All Performances Bundle tickets to cover the six main festival concerts , will go on sale on Friday 17th October 2025 at 10am.

Festival All Performances Bundle Tickets, priced £60 +bf until 31st Dec 2025 and £72 + bf from 1st Jan 2026, cover all the main six Festival concerts and can be purchased via TicketQuarter
https://ticketquarter.co.uk/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=lijf-2026&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

Event Name Event Date and Time Venue

LIJF 2026: Tim Garland and Geoffrey Keezer Thurs 26th Feb 2026, 7.30pm The Capstone Theatre

LIJF 2026: David Helbock & Julia Hofer Fri 27th Feb 2026, 7.30pm The Capstone Theatre

LIJF 2026 and Milap Presents Zoe Rahman and Arun Ghosh Sat 28th Feb 2026, 1pm The Capstone Theatre

LIJF 2026: Robert Mitchell’s Little Black Book Sat 28th Feb 2026, 7.30pm The Capstone Theatre

LIJF 2026: Martin Taylor Sun 1st March 2026, 1pm The Capstone Theatre

LIJF 2026; Marius Neset Quartet Sun 1st March 2026, 7.30pm The Capstone Theatre

The Capstone Theatre
Liverpool Hope University
Creative Campus
17 Shaw Street
Liverpool
L6 1HP

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Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival wins trophy for best event in 2025.

Monday, October 20, 2025

BJ&BF has been named ‘Festival or Event of the Year’ in the annual Birmingham Awards after delivering 178 live performances across 101 venues this summer, in what was its 41st consecutive year.

We have received the following press release;

Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival wins trophy for best event in 2025

Organisers of the Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival have won a top award for running the city’s best event in 2025.

The popular festival has been named ‘Festival or Event of the Year’ in the annual Birmingham Awards after delivering 178 live performances across 101 venues this summer, in what was its 41st consecutive year.

Jim Simpson and Sarah Yang of Big Bear Music, organisers of the festival, were presented with the trophy at a glittering ceremony held at The Eastside Rooms on Friday 17 October.

They beat off stiff competition from several other shortlisted finalists, including Birmingham Light Festival, Filmgage International Film Festival, Solihull Summer Fest 2025 and The Jewellery Quarter Festival.

Mr Simpson said: “We were so pleased to have been judged the winners of this special trophy, especially given the quality of all the other finalists who we were up against.

“The award is deserved by everyone at Big Bear Music and by every single one of the 311 musicians from across the UK and abroad who took part in the 2025 Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival, plus our ever-loyal audience who turn out every year to support this event.”

The Birmingham Awards evening was made extra special for Mr Simpson when Black Sabbath were awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award, and the late Ozzy Osbourne was awarded with a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award, the latter accepted by Kelly Osbourne on behalf of the family.

Mr Simpson was the original manager of Black Sabbath in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and he was presented with the same Lifetime Achievement Award last year.

He added: “To have our festival recognised on the same night as those special awards went to the band and singer who are so much a part of my life and career was a poignant moment.”

The award for the Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival comes just weeks after Mr Simpson announced that the popular event would continue in 2026 after “overwhelming support” this year.

There had previously been fears that this summer’s 41st festival might be the final one because of reduced funding. But Mr Simpson has said that although more funding is still required, the general public’s ongoing generosity, plus the beginnings of relationships with new funding partners, means the 42nd consecutive festival will go ahead from 24 July to 2 August 2026.

Big Bear Music Group has been based in Birmingham since 1968. Its operations include Big Bear Records, probably the UK’s longest established independent record company, which is at the forefront of jazz, swing and blues, with more than 100 album releases.

Since 1985, Big Bear Music has organised the annual Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival, Europe’s biggest free admission jazz party every July, bringing international bands to venues across the West Midlands. Big Bear Music also operates Henry’s Blueshouse, Birmingham’s home of the blues since 1968, with weekly gigs at Snobs Bar on Broad Street. Henry’s Blueshouse blog and weekly Bluesletter features interesting stories, music and video from the past, present and future of blues.

Big Bear Music is also an agency for live artists, booking a wide variety of acts for public events and private functions. It represents touring bands including King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys, Tipitina and Lady Sings The Blues.

Since 1987, Big Bear Music has published The Jazz Rag, a bi-monthly, nationally-distributed magazine of news, reviews and features on the rich history of global jazz. The magazine was winner of the 2023 Parliamentary Jazz Award for Best UK Jazz Publication.

Big Bear Music has a rich photography archive stretching back to the early 1960s, featuring some of the most illustrious names in rock and roll, jazz and blues.

https://www.bigbearmusic.com/

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 19/10/2025.

Monday, October 20, 2025

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 19/10/2025, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from Oct 19 2025

Nigel Price Organ Trio
Splash the cash
It’s On
Nervy Nigel Records

Vincent Cortois & Colin Vallon
Virages
A simple Fall
BMC

Laura Jurd
You Again
Rites and Revelations
New Soil

Louis Sclavis
Madras Song
India
Yolk

La Marmite Infernale
Marchand de Poivre
Or Mathilde
Label ARFI

Daniel Zimmerman
My Little Sweet NZ Bunker
Snapshots
Label Bleu

Purple is the Color
unbemanntes raumschiff
unbemanntes raumschiff
Unit Records

Steiger
Gladijs
Moglowski’s First Take
Bandcamp

Rastko Obradovic
Prisoner and the Soldier (Part 2)
Mandala
A.MA

Florian Arbenz: Convergence
Motion
Moon
Hammer Recordings

Tommy Smith & Gwilym Simcock
El Nino
Eternal Light
Bandcamp

Aspyrian
The Storyteller
Live at the Glad Jazz Festival
Hidden Threads Records

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time:
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 7pm onward

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Apple, Amazon, Deezer and other podcast sites.

Omar - “Brighter The Days”, UK tour May and June 2026.

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Soul artist Omar Lyefook MBE will tour the UK in May and June 2026 in support of his new album "Brighter The Days". Press release and tour schedule attached.

AGMO Concerts have forwarded the following press release;

OMAR ‘Brighter The Days’ Tour

“I am healed all over when he sings”
Erykah Badu

“When I grow up I wanna be like Omar”
Stevie Wonder

Celebrating 40 years in music, Omar Lyefook MBE - one of the UK’s most celebrated soul artists returns with his new album Brighter The Days. Since his timeless breakthrough hit There’s Nothing Like This, Omar has defined British soul, blending jazz, funk, R&B, and Caribbean influences into a sound entirely his own.

With collaborations spanning Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Angie Stone, Leon Ware, Robert Glasper, Paul Weller, and India.Arie, Omar’s legacy as a true innovator is unmatched. Brighter The Days showcases his trademark vocals, lush string arrangements, and collaborations with Giggs, Raheem DeVaughn, Eric Roberson, Ledisi, and more - an album he describes as his “magnum opus.”

A performer of effortless class and deep musicality, Omar’s live shows are a masterclass in groove, soul, and sincerity. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a genuine British icon performing new material and timeless classics live.

Tickets here;
https://www.seetickets.com/tour/omar-brighter-the-days-

Fri 15 May 2026
19:30
OMAR’S ‘BRIGHTER THE DAYS’ UK TOUR
Band On The Wall, Manchester

Sat 30 May 2026
20:00
Omar ‘Brighter The Days’
The Old Woollen, Leeds

Sun 31 May 2026
19:00
Omar ‘Brighter The Days’
Yellow Arch Studios, Sheffield

Fri 05 Jun 2026
19:00
Omar ‘Brighter The Days’
Metronome, Nottingham

Sat 06 Jun 2026
19:00
Omar ‘Brighter The Days’
Mash, Cambridge

Fri 19 Jun 2026
19:00
Omar ‘Brighter The Days’
Hertford Corn Exchange, Hertfordshire

Thu 25 Jun 2026
19:00
Omar ‘Brighter The Days’
The Cavern, Liverpool

Fri 26 Jun 2026
19:00
Omar ‘Brighter The Days’
229, London

Recipients Announced For 2025 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

The recipients of the 2025 Parliamentary Jazz Awards have been anno announced. Press release, including full details of all the winners, attached.

We have received the following press release;

Recipients Announced For 2025 Parliamentary Jazz Awards

The recipients of the 2025 Parliamentary Jazz Awards were announced on Tuesday 14th October 2025 at 8pm.

The Awards, are organised by the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG) and supported by the Musicians’ Union and UK Music. The recipients of the 2025 Parliamentary Jazz Awards will be announced on Tuesday 14th October 2025 at the World Heart Beat. The Parliamentary Awards celebrate and recognise the vibrancy, diversity, breadth and talent of the jazz scene throughout the United Kingdom.

The award categories reflect the ever-increasing scope of talent from within the UK’s jazz scene: Jazz Vocalist of the Year; Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year; Jazz Album of the Year; Jazz Ensemble of the Year; Jazz Newcomer of the Year; Jazz Venue of the Year; Jazz Media Award; Jazz Education Award; and the Services to Jazz Award. A special award was given this year in commemoration of the life and work of Martin Hummel, CEO of Ubuntu Music, who passed away in January of this year.

Dame Chi Onwurah MP Chair of APPJG, said:
“These awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the talents and energies of the great musicians, educators, promoters, record labels, jazz organisations, blogs, jazz magazines and journalists who have kept jazz flourishing. These recipients demonstrate the wealth of talent and commitment that exists in the British jazz scene. Now in their 20th year, the Parliamentary Jazz Awards honour the best of British jazz. MPs and Peers in the All-Party Group are grateful to the Musicians’ Union and UK Music for supporting the event.”

Lord Mann Co-Chair of APPJG:
“This has been another really strong year for the Parliamentary Jazz Awards in terms of talent and nominations. The well-deserved recipients are a veritable who’s who of names that have made a real impact on the music and helped make the UK one of the world’s leading jazz territories”.

Naomi Pohl General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union, said:
“The Musicians’ Union is delighted to support the 2025 Parliamentary Jazz Awards. The recipients reflect both the phenomenal jazz talent we have here in the UK and the community built around them in the nations and regions. Congratulations to the recipients and all those nominated on their success to date”.

Tom Kiehl, Chief Executive of UK Music said:
“The Parliamentary Jazz Awards, now in their 20th year, have demonstrated that Jazz in the UK continues to punch above its weight on the world stage and every year has produced a crop of recipients and nominees that demonstrate the talent and diversity of jazz in the UK.”

The Awards were introduced and presented by: Lord Mann and Chi Onwurah MP, Chris Hodgkins, Emily Saunders, Musicians’ Union Executive Committee, Sam Jackson, Controller of BBC Radio 3, Leslie Hummel, Mhari Aurora, political correspondent for Sky News, Steve Crocker of Leeds Jazz, Tom Kiehl, CEO UK Music, James Gero, CEO World Heart Beat and Julian Joseph, Honorary Patron of World heart Beat, Jane Cornwell and Jo White MP

The band were: Andrea Vicari (piano), Alison Rayner (bass), Tori Freestone (sax), Henry Lowther (trumpet) and Wilf Cameron Marples (drums)

The full list of recipients is as follows:

Jazz Vocalist of the Year
Zara McFarlane
Zara McFarlane is a multi-award-winning British jazz vocalist, composer, and Guildhall Fellow known for blending jazz with reggae, folk, and electronic influences. Her acclaimed albums, including “Arise” and “Songs of an Unknown Tongue”, explore heritage and identity with lyrical depth. A BBC Young Jazz Musician judge, she has collaborated with Louie Vega, Hugh Masekela, and Shabaka Hutchings, and performed globally with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. McFarlane’s genre-defying artistry and commitment to cultural storytelling have made her a leading voice in contemporary UK jazz.

Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year
Rob Luft
Rob Luft is a London-born guitarist and composer whose dazzling technique and melodic sensibility have earned comparisons to Julian Lage and John McLaughlin. A Royal Academy graduate and BBC New Generation Jazz Artist, he has released acclaimed albums on Edition Records and ECM, including collaborations with Elina Duni. Luft’s genre-blending style draws on jazz, West African highlife, English folk, and indie rock, creating a vibrant, contemporary sound. He is a sought-after sideman and soloist, performing across Europe and beyond.

Jazz Album of the Year
John Surman – Words Unspoken
Recorded in Oslo, “Words Unspoken” is a contemplative chamber-jazz album from saxophonist John Surman, featuring Rob Luft, Rob Waring, and Thomas Strønen. Surman’s baritone and soprano saxophones weave through minimalist textures and folk-inflected melodies, creating spacious, introspective soundscapes. At nearly 80, Surman continues to innovate, crafting music that is quietly radical and deeply resonant.

Jazz Ensemble of the Year
The Banger Factory
The Banger Factory Led by trumpeter Mark Kavuma, The Banger Factory is a dynamic London-based jazz collective known for its joyful energy, rich ensemble sound, and commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Blending hard bop, gospel, Afrobeat, and soul, the group has released acclaimed albums including “Warriors” and “Magnum Opus”. Kavuma’s launch of Banger Factory Records has amplified their creative vision and supported a new generation of artists. Regulars at Ronnie Scott’s and major UK festivals, The Banger Factory are celebrated for their vibrant performances and community-driven ethos.

Jazz Newcomer of the Year
Donovan Haffner
Donovan Haffner is a London-based alto saxophonist and composer whose music bridges neo-bop tradition with contemporary flair. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and Tomorrow’s Warriors alumnus, he has toured with Moses Boyd and performed at Glastonbury and Love Supreme. His debut album “Alleviate” showcases his quintet’s original compositions, marked by rhythmic drive and melodic sophistication. Donovan’s playing is both technically assured and emotionally resonant, positioning him as a compelling new voice in British jazz.

Jazz Venue of the Year
Digbeth Jazz
Digbeth Jazz is Birmingham’s reimagined weekly jazz night, formerly known as Jazz at The Spotted Dog and now hosted at The Night Owl. Run by local musicians, it showcases modern and swinging jazz with a fresh, inclusive vibe. The rebrand has expanded its reach, attracted diverse audiences and international artists and maintained its grassroots spirit. With a focus on community, innovation, and musical excellence, Digbeth Jazz has become a vital fixture in the Midlands jazz scene.

Jazz Media Award
‘Round Midnight with Soweto Kinch
‘Round Midnight with Soweto Kinch – Folded Wing for BBC Radio 3 Launched in April 2024, ‘Round Midnight is BBC Radio 3’s flagship late-night jazz show, hosted by saxophonist Soweto Kinch and produced by Folded Wing. Airing weeknights, it features live sessions, curated playlists, and festival recordings, spotlighting UK jazz alongside global traditions. With segments like “4/4” and “Flowers,” the show blends heritage and innovation, quickly becoming a vital platform for emerging artists and jazz storytelling.

Jazz Education Award
Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra
Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra (DYJO) Established in 1973 by John Ellis MBE, DYJO is one of the UK’s longest-running youth jazz programmes. Operating under the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association, it offers expert tuition and ensemble experience across four bands. DYJO has performed at the Royal Albert Hall, Ronnie Scott’s, and internationally, with alumni now active across the UK jazz scene. Celebrating its 50th anniversary with a double album, DYJO remains a beacon of excellence in regional jazz education.

The Martin Hummel Endeavour Award
Martin was on the selection panel of the Parliamentary Jazz Awards for many years and helped in raising sponsorship for the awards. At the last meeting of the panel this year it was felt that the Awards should celebrate Martins extraordinary life with an award that would reflect his own ethos which in a nutshell was “can do”.
Olivia Cuttill
Olivia Cuttill is a rising trumpeter, composer, and bandleader who graduated from Leeds Conservatoire in 2023. She leads her own quintet and has released several albums, including “Three’s A Crowd” and “The Whole Damn Plan”, showcasing a vibrant blend of swing, storytelling, and vocal-led jazz. An Emerging Professional with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Olivia is known for her expressive playing, strong compositional voice, and dynamic live performances. Her work reflects a deep engagement with tradition while carving out a fresh, contemporary sound. Her latest album “....And Writing And Singing And Tunes To Be Swingin”, has just been released and is available on her Bandcamp page.
https://oliviacuttill.bandcamp.com/music

Services to Jazz Award
Marianne Windham
Marianne Windham is a double bassist and tireless jazz promoter who left a successful career in software engineering to dedicate herself to music. She co-founded Fleet Jazz Club and chairs Guildford Jazz, a not-for-profit organisation that has hosted over 250 concerts, workshops, and festivals across Surrey. Known for her warm tone and community spirit, Marianne has raised over £36,000 for local causes while championing British jazz musicians. Her dual role as performer and organiser has made her a vital force in sustaining regional jazz culture and fostering inclusive, high-quality live music experiences.

Special APPJG Award
Chris Philips
Chris Philips is an award-winning broadcaster, curator, and advocate for contemporary jazz. Best known for hosting The Blueprint on Jazz FM, he’s a former Head of Music at the station and co-founder of Jazzed, the world’s first interactive jazz app. He co-curates Jazz in the Round with Jez Nelson, spotlighting cutting-edge artists in intimate venues across the UK. A passionate supporter of new music and innovation, Chris is also a patron of the National Jazz Archive. His work has helped shape the sound and visibility of modern jazz in Britain, both on air and on stage.

The awards are organised by the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG), co-chaired by Dame Chi Onwurah MP and Lord Mann.

The All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG) currently has over 70 members from the House of Commons and House of Lords across all political parties. Their aim is to encourage wider and deeper enjoyment of jazz, to increase Parliamentarians’ understanding of the jazz industry and issues surrounding it, to promote jazz as a musical form and to raise its profile inside and outside Parliament. The Group’s officers as at the Inaugural Meeting on 23rd July 2024 are the Chair, Dame Chi Onwurah MP and Deputy Chair, Lord Mann. The Officers are Jo White MP and Lord Crathorne with additional elected members, Neil Duncan-Jordan MP, Lord Spellar and Sarah Champion MP.

The Secretary is Chris Hodgkins with the assistance of Simon Jennings and Will Riley-Smith of NorthPoint Strategy and Andrew Lansley. The Secretary operates on a strictly pro bono basis and no expenses of any kind are paid to the Secretary. The contact address is: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and the website is https://appjag.org/

Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham By Sea, West Sussex -  Jazz Brunch Programme - October, November, December 2025.

Monday, October 13, 2025

Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham By Sea. Jazz Brunches at 11.00 am on the 3rd Sunday of each month. House band, the Chris Coull Quartet plus guests. Programme for October, November, December att.

Chris Coull has supplied the following information;

https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/whats-on/

Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham By Sea.
Jazz Brunch on the 3rd Sunday of each month.

October 19th – 11am – Ela Southgate plus The Chris Coull Quartet
Following on from her much lauded “Getz-Gilberto” concert earlier this year, vocalist Ela Southgate brings the project to The Ropetackle with a selection of beautiful songs made famous by João Gilberto and his wife, Astrud by the master of the Bossa Nova, Antônio Carlos Jobim.
Joining band leader and trumpet player Chris, will be Mark Edwards at the piano, Paul Whitten on double bass and Joe Edwards on drums.
As always, pastries will be available to purchase, and the bar will be open.

November 16th – 11am – Sam Carelse plus The Chris Coull Quartet
Brighton based singer Sam has wowed audiences since bursting onto the scene some 10 or so years ago. Equally adept at singing with her Gypsy jazz group ‘Amuse Manouche’ here, Sam turns her attention to two greats of the post-war jazz vocalist; Ela Fitzgerald, lauded for her witty inventiveness and beautiful swinging vocal style and Anita O’Day, famous for her standout performance at the Newport jazz festival documented by the legendary movie ‘Jazz On A Summer’s Day’.
The house band is led by trumpeter Chris Coull, with the rhythm section led by stand-out pianist Mark Edwards, Paul Whitten on bass and Angus Bishop drums.
As always, pastries will be available to purchase, and the bar will be open.

December 26th – 11am Alan Barnes plus The Chris Coull Quartet
Christmas Special
This special Boxing Day concert sees host Chris Coull joined by several multi-award winning musicians, including world-renowned saxophonist Alan Barnes. The band will be playing jazz standards as well as some tunes from Alan’s suite “A Christmas Carol” – Bah Humbug!
Backed by a trio featuring Mark Edwards (piano), Paul Whitten (bass), and Joe Edwards (drums), this promises to be festive treat for all jazz fans.
As always, pastries will be available to purchase, and the bar will be open.

Ropetackle Arts Centre,
Little High Street,
Shoreham-by-Sea,
West Sussex,
BN43 5EG

01273 464440

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We are a registered charity (no. 1109381)

Jazz at St Andrew’s Old Church, Hove, East Sussex - listings for November and December 2025.

Monday, October 13, 2025

Trumpeter and promoter Chris Coull has forwarded details of this early Friday evening series of events. Fully detailed listings attached.

Jazz At St Andrews, Nov + Dec line up
St Andrew’s Old Church, Hove, BN3 2AD
Tickets £12 available as cash/card on the door or in advance at http://www.wegottickets.com
Concerts 6pm – 8pm
Doors at 5.30pm

Nov 7th - George Trebar’s ‘Nighthawks’
Nighthawks features acclaimed musicians Sam Braysher (alto sax), Roy Hilton (piano), and Joe Edwards (drums). Sam is a multi-award-winning saxophonist, Roy has performed with legends like Sonny Stitt and Buddy Greco, and Joe is a sought-after drummer on the south coast jazz scene. George Trebar’s music reimagines classic film scores from Michel Legrand, Burt Bacharach, and Elmer Bernstein, with original arrangements by George. Their debut album Pages and Frames, exploring the links between cinema, literature, and jazz, is out on Rubicon in November 2025.

Nov 14th - The Andy Mear’s Octet
Featuring a stellar lineup of UK talent, Andy’s Octet showcases his intricately crafted arrangements and original compositions. Deeply rooted in the jazz tradition, the repertoire pays tribute to iconic figures such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Gil Evans, Sonny Rollins, Lee Konitz, and Horace Silver. The set also celebrates a rich variety of global rhythms—from the samba and bossa nova of South America to the township grooves of Africa and the vibrant calypsos of the Caribbean. The Octet includes: Andy with Damian Cook and Mike Hope (saxes) Chris Coull (trumpet), Nick Mills (trombone), James Treweek (piano), Stuart Barker (bass), and Joe Edwards (drums).

Nov 21st Sean Fyfe
One of London’s most in-demand pianists, Sean brings a compelling blend of virtuosity and elegance to the stage. Deeply rooted in the hard-bop tradition, his playing draws inspiration from jazz greats like Cedar Walton, Bill Evans, Bobby Timmons, and Wynton Kelly. With a distinctive voice both at the keyboard and as a composer, Sean’s style is both timeless and fresh. This special performance features music from his latest album Follow-Up, recorded in the UK with his dynamic quartet: Dave O’Higgins (tenor sax), Matt Fishwick (drums), and Luke Fowler (bass) plus Chris Coull (trumpet).

Nov 28th Geoff Simkins
“Long regarded as a master improviser” (Jazz News UK), Geoff reunites with acclaimed guitarist Tom Ollendorff, praised by The Guardian for his “meticulous eloquence.” Their musical partnership began at the Royal Welsh College of Music, where Tom studied under Geoff, and has flourished ever since. For this special performance, they explore the music of favourite composers including Kenny Wheeler, Lee Konitz, and Steve Swallow. They are joined by two rising stars on the UK jazz scene: Ewan Hastings (bass) and Angus Bishop (drums) plus Chris Coull (trumpet)

Dec 5th Simon Savage / Roy Hilton quintet
This quintet have long been a regular fixture at ‘The Speakeasy Jazz Club’ brining the authentic sounds of 50’s bebop to the fore with material influenced by some of the pioneers of the music such as Horace Silver, Dexter Gordon and Kenny Dorham. More recently the group have recorded a CD focusing on the original compositions of local pianist and UK jazz legend, Roy Hilton. The album will be available tonight as well as the focus for tonight’s concert. Sion Savage (Saxophone) Roy Hilton (piano, )Chris Coull (trumpet) Dan Sheppard (bass) Joe Edwards (drums).

Dec 12th Tony Kofi
We’re delighted to welcome back the incredible Tony Kofi for his third appearance in as many years at St Andrews — a firm favourite for good reason. With a tone steeped in the spirit of classic bebop, Tony’s alto saxophone captures the raw energy and innovation of modern jazz’s early trailblazers. This special night pays tribute to the legendary Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker, Bud Powell, Dizzy Gillespie and more — brought to life by a swinging quintet featuring Tony Kofi (alto sax), Chris Coull (trumpet), Tim Wells (piano), Paul Whitten (bass), and Joe Edwards (drums). Expect fiery solos, tight arrangements, and a night steeped in the timeless language of bebop.

Dec 19th Christmas Special – Mafia Big Band with special guest, Sara Oschlag
In what has become a cherished St Andrew’s tradition, we once again ring in the festive season with a joyful evening of swing, seasonal cheer, and perhaps a carol or two with a jazzy twist! Expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere with mince pies and mulled wine served to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
This end-of-year celebration is hosted by trumpeter Chris Coull, joined by the soulful vocals of Sara Oschlag and the powerhouse sound of the 16-piece Brighton Mafia Big Band. A perfect way to wrap up the concert year — we hope you and your loved ones can join us for this sparkling musical finale.

Sullivan Fortner Wins The Gilmore’s Inaugural Bell Jazz Artist Award

Saturday, October 11, 2025

Pianist Sullivan Fortner has been named the recipient of The Gilmore’s (Kalamazoo, Michigan) inaugural 2026 Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award. Press Release attached

We have received the following press release;

ANNOUNCING THE GILMORE’S INAUGURAL 2026 LARRY J. BELL JAZZ ARTIST AWARD RECIPIENT: SULLIVAN FORTNER

Winner of the largest financial gift in jazz for pianists today
Watch awards ceremony streaming on The Gilmore’s YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/live/rdvJg1YGM_Q

Pianist Sullivan Fortner has been named the recipient of The Gilmore’s inaugural 2026 Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award. One of the most prestigious honors in music, the Award was announced at a special ceremony held October 8, 2025, at The Jerome L. Greene Space in New York City. Marking the largest single gift ever dedicated solely to a jazz artist, Fortner receives $300,000 in support of his musical and career goals over the next four years. Both casual and virtuosic, the Brooklyn-based pianist delights music fans all over the world. Fortner’s journey from his hometown of New Orleans and mentorship under Ellis Marsalis to his ongoing collaborations with luminaries such as Cécile McLorin Salvant has solidified his place as one of jazz’s most vital voices.

“To win this Award, and even be considered for it, is very affirming. I am honored to join the esteemed Gilmore Artist family. As the first jazz pianist to ever receive an Artist Award from The Gilmore the significance and responsibility is enormous. In all that I do, I hope to represent Larry J. Bell and The Gilmore name well. This generous gift is a welcome reminder for me to create more music.” 
– SULLIVAN FORTNER

“Sullivan Fortner is one of the most gifted artists I’ve ever encountered. His technique is effortless, his ear extraordinary, and his vision profound — but what makes him truly remarkable is the sheer joy that radiates from him when he plays. That joie de vivre infuses his music with a vitality and spirit that turns mastery into magic.” 
– SETH ABRAMSON, Director of The Gilmore’s Jazz Awards

Mirroring the internationally renowned Gilmore Artist Awards for classical pianists, the Larry J. Bell Jazz Artists Awards provide some of the most generous financial support given in the musical arts. The Jazz Awards program was established in 2022 with an $8.8 million gift to The Gilmore’s endowment and is named for Kalamazoo businessman Larry J. Bell who founded Bell’s Brewery in 1985. Both the Bell Artist and Bell Young Artist Awards are presented every four years. The 2026 Bell Young Artists Awardees were announced last month; Tyler Bullock and Esteban Castro each received a stipend of $25,000. 

     
“Jazz has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and supporting extraordinary artists has always been my passion. Sullivan Fortner is a pianist whose talent, vision, and heart will carry jazz forward. I’m proud that The Gilmore can help continue his journey and amplify his voice as he shapes the next chapter of jazz.” 
– LARRY J. BELL, Past President of The Gilmore’s Board of Trustees

Hosted by radio personality Paul Cavalconte (WBGO/WQXR/WFUV), last night’s event featured Fortner’s first performance as a Bell Artist, followed by an onstage conversation led by SiriusXM Radio’s Mark Ruffin. The event was livestreamed at TheGilmore.org, as well as by The Gilmore’s streaming partners including WBGO Radio, All About Jazz, Steinway & Sons, International Piano, and Jazzwise.

Nomination and Selection of Bell Artist Awardees

Candidates for the Bell Artist Award are nominated confidentially by the Jazz Awards Nominating Committee, a large and diverse international assemblage of music professionals. The finalists among the candidates are then each evaluated for their career potential and musicianship in numerous live concert performances over a two-to-three-year period by Seth Abramson and an anonymous Jazz Artistic Advisory Committee representing a variety of professions and viewpoints in the jazz music world. The committee travels all over the world assessing the candidates’ concert performances over a sustained period, rather than judging their achievements during a concentrated period under tightly controlled conditions, as in a public competition. The process consists of countless hours of listening, thousands of miles travelled, and dozens of hours of debating with some of the most brilliant minds in the music industry.

The Bell Artist Award is presented every four years on a non-competitive basis to an exceptional pianist who, regardless of age or nationality, is a profound musician with a breadth of musicianship and individual artistic voice inclusive of original compositions, and whose active recording and global touring career can use the enhancement that the Award’s prestige and funds provide.

The selection committee for the 2026 Bell Artist Award included Seth Abramson, The Gilmore Committee Chair; Joan A. Cararach, Artistic Director of Barcelona Jazz Festival; Vivian Chiu, Director of Cultural Partnerships and Artist Services at Steinway & Sons; Christopher Roberts, former President of the Classics and Jazz Division of Universal Music Group; Mark Ruffin, Program Director and On-Air Host for Real Jazz at Sirius XM Satellite Radio; and Wayne Winborne, Executive Director of the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University-Newark.

Sullivan Fortner

For more than a decade, 2x GRAMMY® Award-winning pianist Sullivan Fortner has been stretching deep-rooted talents as a pianist, composer, band leader and uncompromising individualist. The acclaimed artist and educator out of New Orleans received international praise as both a key player and producer for his collaborative work on The Window, alongside Cecile McLorin Salvant subsequently awarding him his first GRAMMY® for Best Jazz Vocal Album in 2019. He also earned a 2023 GRAMMY® nomination for his provocative arrangement of “Optimistic Voices/No Love Dying” from her 2022 release Ghost Song. The 2025 GRAMMY® for Best Jazz Performance was awarded to Samara Joy featuring Fortner for their song “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me”.

As a solo leader he has issued Aria (2015), Moments Preserved (2018) and Solo Game (2024) to critical acclaim, the latter receiving four-star reviews in DownBeat and France’s Telerama Magazine. In 2025, he released his trio recording Southern Nights featuring Peter Washington and Marcus Gilmore.

Winner of the 2024 DownBeat Critics Poll for Rising Star Jazz Group: Sullivan Fortner Trio, the prolific artist has enjoyed creative associations with Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Diane Reeves, Etienne Charles and John Scofield; his frequent and longtime collaborators have included Ambrose Akinmusire, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Stefon Harris, Kassa Overall, Tivon Pennicott, Peter Bernstein, Nicholas Payton, Billy Hart, Gary Bartz, Chief Adjuah and the late Roy Hargrove.

Playing solo or leading an orchestra, Fortner engages harmony and rhythmic ideas through curiosity and clarity. Coming up in New Orleans, he began playing piano at age seven, earning his Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory and Master of Music in Jazz Performance from Manhattan School of Music (MSM). A champion of mentorship, Fortner has offered masterclasses at MSM, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), Purdue University, Lafayette Summer Music Workshop, Belmont University and Oberlin Conservatory where he held a faculty position and subsequently returned as visiting professor of jazz piano.

Fortner has performed at Snug Harbor, New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, Sweet Lorraine’s and The Jazz Playhouse in New Orleans, and Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jazz Standard and Smalls Jazz Club in New York City. He’s appeared at Newport, Monterey, Discover, Tri-C and The Gilmore Piano festivals. In 2019, Fortner brought his band to the historic Village Vanguard for a week-long engagement he would reprise in 2020 as a virtual performance during lockdown. His notable studio contributions include work on Etienne Charles’s Kaiso (Culture Shock, 2011), Donald Harrison’s Quantum Leap (FOMP, 2010), and Theo Croker’s The Fundamentals (Left Sided Music, 2007).

Fortner’s artistry preserves the tradition and evolves the sound. He seeks connections among different musical styles that are at once deeply soulful and wildly inventive. Both his works and his insights have been featured in culture drivers from The New York Times to The Root. Further accolades include the 2015 Cole Porter Fellowship awarded by the American Pianists Association, Leonore Annenberg Arts Fellowship, the 2016 Lincoln Center Award for Emerging Artists, the prestigious Shifting Foundation Grant in 2020 for artistic career development and the 2024 Western Jazz Presenters grant, which allowed him to tour the west coast with his trio. Fortner is a Steinway Artist.

Sullivan Fortner will perform two programs during the 2026 Gilmore Piano Festival, April 30–May 10, 2026, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The Gilmore
Created in 1989 to honor the legacy of businessman and philanthropist Irving S. Gilmore, The Gilmore is the premier institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to commissioning, presenting and awarding extraordinary piano artistry. The Gilmore has presented 16 piano festivals, commissioned over 40 new works for piano, and awarded over $3 million as part of its internationally renowned Gilmore Artists Award for both classical and jazz pianists. Based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, The Gilmore hosts its annual (previously biennial) Gilmore Piano Festival April 30-May 10, 2026, and continues to impact the lives of thousands of area children and adults through its year-round community engagement and music education programs including summer camps, music therapy, and much more.

Phil Bancroft to release new album championing the Black American jazz tradition.

Thursday, October 09, 2025

Saxophonist Phil Bancroft releases the first album by his Standards Trio, No Need For Silence, on his Myriad Streams platform on Friday 24th October. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

New Bancroft album champions the Black American jazz tradition

Saxophonist Phil Bancroft releases the first album by his Standards Trio, No Need For Silence, on his Myriad Streams platform on Friday 24th October.

A celebration of music from the Black American jazz tradition, the album reflects the inspiration Bancroft felt setting out as a teenaged musician on hearing his primary influences, saxophonists John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman and Wayne Shorter.

Here were players who communicated with an overwhelming beauty and intoxicating power. More than this, however, they had a uniqueness of expression. It wasn’t just saxophonists who moved the young Bancroft. Pianists Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington, bassists Charles Mingus and Jimmy Garrison and vocalists Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as characters who shaped jazz from Louis Armstrong through Charlie Parker and on to David Murray and beyond, drove Bancroft’s desire also to find his own voice.

“As a white European from a privileged background, I had no idea of the life experiences that fed into those who nurtured and sustained the Black American jazz tradition,” says Bancroft.  “I listened to these musicians with a sense of awe but I also took inspiration from European jazz, Celtic music, Indian classical music, African traditions, Western classical music and a host of other sources across musicology, science, philosophy and literature.”

For years, although he continued to listen to it, Bancroft studiously avoided playing the repertoire that had triggered his interest in jazz, preferring to concentrate on music shaped by his own experience. Then, a few years ago, he felt ready. Gathering together long-time partners, bassist Mario Caribe and twin brother, Tom Bancroft, he formed a trio he felt both comfortable with and suitably challenged by.

“It seemed that the time was right to start playing gigs where we celebrated this music,” he says. “It’s not just about the melodies and chord changes. It is about rhythm, it is about feel, about technical and spiritual aspects of improvisation. It’s also about honesty and creating form and meaning in the moment.”

The performances on this album aren’t built from a process of imitation or simulation, Bancroft stresses. As a group the trio are trying to honour the process of finding one’s voice, of being a true improviser, allowing meaning to emerge in music that is within a tradition, but which is fresh, vital and authentic.

“Others will decide if we have succeeded in this,” he says.

For Bancroft, it feels more important than ever to acknowledge the achievement Black American musicians made in developing jazz as an art form.

“It is profoundly dispiriting,” he says, “that as we come to release this album, the current American administration is lurching towards autocracy, espousing white supremacist messages and rolling back most of the advances that had been made in reducing discrimination against the Black American population while attempting to suppress their vote.”

No Need for Silence was recorded in two sessions in Ringo Barn in Midlothian, Scotland, at the smallholding where Phil Bancroft lives with his wife, Jude and son, Angus. The first session, in July 2024, produced Love For Sale, Fables of Faubus, Nancy With The Laughing Face and Deluge. The second session, in May 2025, produced the rest of the tracks. The recording sessions were overseen by Kevin Murray. The music was mixed and produced by Phil Bancroft with input from Tom Bancroft, and the album was mastered by Garry Boyle of Stateroom Studios.

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

Wednesday, October 08, 2025

The festival has announced the initial individual shows, venues and dates for the Manhattan and Brooklyn Marathons. Press release attached.

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

Kings Place, London announces Memory Unwrapped series for 2026.

Wednesday, October 08, 2025

Kings Place's 'Memory Unwrapped' series will run throughout 2026 with musical performances across a range of genres including contemporary classical' jazz and folk. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Kings Place announce Memory Unwrapped series for 2026

Grammy Award nominee Olivia Chaney, RPS Award winners GBSR Duo and Ivor Novello Award winning composer Renell Shaw feature as Artists in Residence

Focus on British composer Steve Martland

Premieres and commissions from Sarah Davachi, Beatrice Dillon, Joe Duddell, Jennifer Higdon, Luke Lewis, Dave Maric, Deborah Pritchard, Renell Shaw and Anna Thorvaldsdottir

New partnership with Ristband Studios who present unique immersive events across opening weekend, combining performance, spatial audio and virtual reality

Special series from the Brodsky Quartet celebrating their rich history with Kings Place and I Fagiolini marking 40th anniversary

Kings Place today announced the first wave of events for Memory Unwrapped, the 18th in the venue’s award-winning series. Starting in January 2026, the series will invite audiences on a journey with artists delving into the past to reimagine the future, uncovering how memory and music can spark transformation and inspire change.

Throughout the series, Memory Unwrapped will explore the extraordinary power of music to stir innermost recollections, to preserve history and to honour the unforgettable - from vibrant stories rooted in the venue’s home of King’s Cross to tributes to the greats of spoken word and song.

Sam McShane, Artistic Director of Kings Place, said: “Music and memory are closely intertwined, offering a powerful means to reflect on the past and inspire the future.
In our year of Memory Unwrapped, we honour the artists and repertoire that have shaped the story of Kings Place Music Foundation, while also introducing new works to spark fresh connections. We are grateful to the artists who bring this vision to life and look forward to sharing performances that illuminate the past as they point towards what lies ahead.”

Artists in Residence

Singer, multi-instrumentalist and Grammy Award nominee Olivia Chaney features as an Artist in Residence for the series. With a wide range of musical influences, Chaney’s music explores inherited trauma, the clash of tradition and modernity and the paradoxes of love. She presents the debut outing of her new folk-rock band, News From Nowhere, performing new arrangements of classic folk songs and picking up where her acclaimed album The Queen of Hearts left off [27 Feb]. Chaney also celebrates her deep connection to the music of Henry Purcell with the London debut of material from her new Purcell album with a star-studded chamber ensemble, uncovering a new, more accessible side to the much-loved baroque composer [27 Jun], as well as ‘Daughters of Memory’, a meditation on the artist and muse, past and present, featuring new material as well as beloved and lesser-known songs from Chaney’s back catalogue [28 Nov].

GBSR Duo – winners of the Royal Philharmonic Society Young Artist Award 2025 – are also Artists in Residence for Memory Unwrapped. Known for fearless, intense and boundary-crossing performances, the ensemble – comprised of George Barton on percussion and Siwan Rhys on piano – has built its reputation on exceptional performances of existing piano-percussion repertoire, ambitious new commissions and inventive collaborations.

GBSR Duo’s opening concert for the series features a rare performance of Morton Feldman’s For Philip Guston, an elegy and meditation on time, friendship and memory – the concert also marks Feldman’s centenary and launches the release on Another Timbre of a 6-CD box set with the GBSR Duo and Taylor Maclennan playing all of Morton Feldman’s music for flute, piano and percussion [18 Jan]. The ensemble later returns for a collaboration with visionary electronic composer Beatrice Dillon for a new commission created especially for this performance, presented through the d&b Soundscape system in Hall Two [8 May], as well as the world premiere of a new hour-long work by Sarah Davachi utilising the d&b Enspace system, transforming Hall Two into a completely new acoustic environment [26 Sep], both commissioned by the Kings Place Music Foundation.

Ivor Novello Award winning composer, songwriter and producer Renell Shaw joins the programme as an Artist in Residence. A platinum selling songwriter who has collaborated with artists such as Rudimental, Nile Rogers, Nitin Sawhney and more, Shaw is also the co-creator of Soulful House/Afro Soul project 2fox and has composed music for theatre productions for Shakespeare’s Globe, Music Theatre Wales and Royal Court Theatre. His residency for Memory Unwrapped includes the live premiere of his Ivor Novello Award-winning piece The Windrush Suite - a heartfelt tribute to his Caribbean roots and the trailblazing Windrush generation - along with Echo in the Bones, his follow-up to The Windrush Suite which explores what it means to be Black British through the eyes of the Windrush generation’s children [25 Jun]. Shaw also presents the world premiere of the third and final chapter of The Windrush Suite as part of the series, entitled Remember Us Tomorrow – the piece looks towards the future and explores Afro-Caribbean heritage after three generations in Britain, and is both a love letter to community and a bold act of cultural preservation. A Q&A session with Shaw will also follow the performance [9 Oct].

Both Olivia Chaney and Renell Shaw feature in the opening event of Memory Unwrapped entitled ‘A Night to Remember’, in an artist takeover of the venue for an immersive night of unforgettable music and storytelling. In Hall One, Festival Voices present an hour-long journey named Fragmented Recollection, exploring memory’s shifting nature through sound with music from Philip Glass, Thomas Tallis, Roger Marsh and Ben Nobuto; next door in Hall Two, cutting-edge Ristband Studios collaborate with d&b audiotechnik to present a powerful virtual reality installation delving into collective memory, false moments and how we remember. Chaney presents an intimate set, with Shaw performing with 2fox to curate a soundtrack for the foyer space, with artists presenting genre-spanning tributes to memory through music and spoken word, celebrating icons such as Miles Davis, David Bowie and more [15 Jan].

Composer Focus – Steve Martland
Throughout 2026, Kings Place will celebrate the bold, unconventional voice of British composer Steve Martland. Known for his commitment to music education and accessibility, Martland’s legacy will shape a year of reflection and inspiration, generously supported by The Vaughan Williams Foundation and The Francis Routh Trust. Acclaimed percussionist Colin Currie has a deep connection to the music of Steve Martland – both as a close collaborator and as a performer, having premiered many of his works – and celebrates his legacy in a landmark Kings Place production: a bold, high-octane performance of the music of the Steve Martland Band with the Colin Currie Group, joined by three members of the original Steve Martland Band [17 Apr]. Other performances of Martland’s work throughout the year include the Hebrides Ensemble pairing his Kgakala and Reveille with works by his contemporaries and the next generation of British composers, including a new work by Dave Maric [27 Mar], and the Carice Singers perform Street Songs, one of Martland’s most iconic works, in an evening that explores the connections, mentorship and innovations that define the composer’s world with pieces by Steve Reich, Louis Andriessen, Julia Wolfe and the London premiere of a new work from Luke Lewis [14 May].

Premieres and Commissions

New music and commissions form an important part of programming at Kings Place and Memory Unwrapped is no exception, with over 10 premieres currently featuring throughout the series. The Colin Currie Quartet present the world premiere of Joe Duddell’s This Place, These People (a Kings Place Music Foundation commission, generously supported by the Contessa Fund), a new work for percussion quartet and vintage synths, which weaves together personal histories and musical portraiture to shine a light on unsung heroes from the King’s Cross migrant community [31 Jan]. Voces8 and Jack Liebeck showcase another world premiere and Kings Place commission, supported by the Contessa Fund, with a new work from Deborah Pritchard, paired with works by Sir James MacMillan, Caroline Shaw, JS Bach and Paul Drayton’s arrangement of Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending [24 Sep].

The Attacca Quartet return to Kings Place to perform the UK premiere of Gabriela Ortiz’s Mujer Ángel in a programme that explores music’s response to grief, conflict and transcendence across time, featuring Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 6 and George Crumb’s searing Black Angels [24 Jan]. Grammy-nominated ensemble Neave Trio present the London premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon’s Vivid Green and Zesty Orange, paired with works by Piazzolla [13 Feb], and the Phaedra Ensemble give the UK premiere of Anna Thorvaldsdottir’s Enigma in a concert that also celebrates the 90th birthday of Steve Reich, featuring some of the composer’s most iconic works including WTC 9/11, Violin Phase and Triple Quartet [20 Mar].

Other highlights

The Brodsky Quartet celebrate their rich artistic history with Kings Place with a series of three concerts, starting with a genre-spanning programme of Frank Sinatra, Barber, Copland, Britten and more with legendary bass-baritone Sir Willard White [20 Feb]. The Quartet return in June with award-winning cellist Laura van der Heijden to perform Schubert’s Quintet [26 Jun] and again in October with a programme that illuminates the power of memory and storytelling in music, with works by Robert Davidson, Golijov, Bartók and Dvořák [1 Oct]. Acclaimed vocal ensemble I Fagiolini celebrate its 40th anniversary with a Kings Place residency, beginning with a composer portrait of Spanish renaissance master Tomás Luis de Victoria [26 Mar] before presenting a semi-staged take on Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, paired with miniatures from King Arthur, Raise, raise the voice and From hardy climes [31 May]. The final concert of the series offers an intimate guide to Monteverdi’s 1610 Vespers, where I Fagiolini join forces with the English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble to explore the intricate details of this work in the acoustic clarity of Hall One [18 Sep].

Kings Place Resident Ensemble Aurora Orchestra join forces with father and daughter duo Brett Dean and Lotte Betts-Dean for ‘Music of Memory’, a varied programme of music that not only celebrates Dean’s 65th birthday but also explores memory with works by Copland, Radiohead, Ives, Boulanger and Dean himself [17 Jan]. Principal players of the Orchestra later present ‘Echoes of Youth’, an evening of chamber music that forms a meditation on youth including Mozart’s Quintet for Piano and Winds K 452, Poulenc’s Sextet and Janáček’s Mládí (Youth) [19 Mar], and the Orchestra return later in the year with the BBC Singers for an evening of Psalms, featuring new settings of psalms texts by Nico Muhly, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and Bach’s Magnificat, conducted by Nicholas Collon and introduced by writer and author Edmund de Waal [29 Nov]. Other classical highlights include trumpeter Matilda Lloyd collaborating with the Goldmund Quartet to recreate the spirit of a 19th-century musical salon [6 Feb], and Britten Sinfonia and soprano Elizabeth Watts marking 50 years since the death of Benjamin Britten in a programme that focuses on the years he spent in North America during World War II [16 May].

The Solem Quartet also celebrate Steve Reich’s 90th birthday, performing his iconic work Different Trains; they’re also joined by acclaimed vocalist Alice Zawadzki to perform reinterpretations of songs by Kate Bush [14 Mar]. Gavin Bryars – winner of the 2024 Ivors Innovation Award – also celebrates the songs of pop legends such as Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and Neil Young as well as Kurt Weill, with his Gavin Bryars Ensemble performing his arrangements of iconic works with singer Jess Walker [12 Jun].

Folk highlights include the Sam Sweeney Trio presenting their trademark sound of blending English folk tradition and contemporary energy, performing brand new material as well as works from across Sweeney’s discography [25 Apr], and Kris Drever – one third of award-winning supergroup Lau - plays songs from his new album alongside his storied interpretations of traditional material [26 Apr]. Cardiff-based genre-defying ensemble Slowly Rolling Camera present a rare London performance [17 Jan].

Tickets for the first wave of Memory Unwrapped events are available now on the Kings Place website. More events will be announced in due course.

Memory Unwrapped – first wave events

CLASSICAL | CONTEMPORARY CLASSICAL  

Thu 15 Jan | Multiple venues from 7.00pm
A night to remember
WITH FESTIVAL voices, olivia chaney, 2FOX, ristband studios & more
ONE NIGHT. INFINITE MEMORIES.
A bold night of encounters, celebrating memory, music and connection for the opening of Memory Unwrapped.  The night begins with Festival Voices performing a one-hour tour-de-force of Tallis, Glass, Nobuto and more; step into a live music VR experience created by Ristband Studios; and encounter the haunting intimacy of Olivia Chaney, amongst many other experiences.
£45 (£40 early bird); Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Sat 17 Jan | Hall One 7.30pm
AURORA ORCHESTRA: MEMORY
WITH BRETT DEAN & LOTTE BETTS-DEAN
Copland Simple Gifts; At the River
John Adams Shaker Loops (Pt. 1 – Shaking and Trembling)
Brett Dean Epitaphs I: Only I will know; Recollections (VI. Locket)
Charles Ives Memories; The Unanswered Question
Radiohead Harry Patch (In Memory Of)
Ravel Le tombeau de Couperin (V. Menuet)
Caroline Shaw Cant voi l’aube
Couperin Les Barricades Mystérieuses (arr. Thomas Adès)
Kurtág Ligatura-Message to Frances Maria (The Answered Unanswered Question); Kafka-Fragmente (Part 4)
Paul Hindemith Trauermusik
Kurt Weill Nanna’s Lied
Nadia Boulanger Versailles
Molly Drake I Remember
Lotte Betts-Dean mezzo-soprano |  Brett Dean conductor |  Aurora Orchestra
Music and memory have a deep-rooted, emotive connection. Marking his 65th birthday year, composer-conductor Brett Dean joins mezzo-soprano Lotte Betts-Dean to weave together fragments of remembrance: tributes, elegies, snapshots, and echoes across time. Crossing centuries and voices, tonight reminds us that memory is never still – it lingers, shimmers, vanishes, and returns.
£29.50 – £69.50; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Sun 18 Jan | Hall One 3pm
GBSR DUO
for philip guston
Morton Feldman For Philip Guston
George Barton percussion |  Siwan Rhys piano/celeste |  Taylor MacLennan flutes
The close friendship between Morton Feldman and the painter Philip Guston collapsed in 1970, an estrangement that would endure until the painter’s death in 1980. Four years later Feldman would dedicate this contemplative epic to his late friend and to their lost friendship; a work that conjures an emotionally complex world of hazy perceptions and hazier reflections.
£23.50; Half-price concessions

Sat 24 Jan | Hall One 7.30pm
Attacca quartet
music of the fallen
Mendelssohn String Quartet No. 6 in F minor, Op. 80
Gabriela Ortiz Mujer Ángel
George Crumb Black Angels
Amy Schroeder and Domenic Salerni violin |  Nathan Schram viola |  Andrew Yee cello
The two-time Grammy Award-winning Attacca Quartet is recognized and acclaimed as one of the most versatile and outstanding ensembles of the moment. A true quartet for modern times, at this performance they glide through classical and contemporary repertoire as one of the world’s most innovative and respected ensembles, bringing Mendelssohn, Gabriela Ortiz and George Crumb.
£20 – £35; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Sat 31 Jan | Hall One 7.30pm
colin currie quartet
this place, these people
Andy Akiho Pillar I; Pillar IV
Joe Duddell This Place, These People (World Premiere – Kings Place Music Foundation commission, supported by the Contessa Fund)
Kevin Volans Four Marimbas
Steve Reich Drumming [Part 1]
Colin Currie, Owen Gunnell, Adrian Spillett and Sam Walton percussion
A revelatory evening of rhythm, resonance, and remembrance, led by the trailblazing Colin Currie Quartet. Featuring powerful works for percussion by some of contemporary music’s most inventive voices, this concert is a vibrant exploration of place, memory, and musical innovation. At the heart of the programme is the World Premiere of This Place, These People by Joe Duddell; a commission by Kings Place Music Foundation.
£25 – £40

Fri 6 Feb | Hall One 7.30pm
MATILDA lloyd & Goldmund quartet
JS Bach Concerto in D (after Vivaldi), BWV 972
Haydn String Quartet in E flat, Op. 33, No. 2, The Joke;
Haydn Trumpet concerto in E flat [Hob. Vlle: 1] (arr. Jan Leontsky)
Marianna von Martines La tempesta: Alfin fra le tempeste
Pauline Viardot Chanson de la Pluie; Havanaise
Fauré Le papillon et la fleur
Schubert String Quartet No.14 in D minor, Death and the Maiden, D. 810 – II. Andante con moto
Gershwin Three Preludes (arr. Michael Thomas)
Matilda Lloyd trumpet |  Florian Schötz and Pinchas Adt violin
Christoph Vandory viola |  Raphael Paratore cello
Step into the spirit of a 19th-century musical salon – a space where music meets conversation and every note tells a story. The trumpet steps into the role of host and narrator, guiding the audience on a journey through the brilliance of Bach, elegance of Haydn and dynamism of Gershwin. Notably, the programme features works by two female composers who held salon concerts, Marianna von Martines and Pauline Viardot.
£20 – £40; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Thu 12 Feb | Hall One 7.30pm
NEAVE TRIO
MUSICAL REMEMBERANCES
Clara Schumann Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17
Rachmaninoff Trio élégiaque No. 1 in G minor
Brahms Piano Trio in B, Op. 8
Anna Williams violin |  Mikhail Veselov cello |  Eri Nakamura piano
Grammy-nominated ensemble Neave Trio invite you on an intimate journey through memory, love, and loss in this deeply expressive programme of Romantic piano trios, after their release of their album of the same title in 2022. Reflecting memory, legacy, and emotional depth through piano trios that span cultures and eras, this programme draws together three towering voices of the Romantic and late-Romantic tradition.
£20 – £40

Fri 13 Feb | Hall One 7.30pm
NEAVE TRIO
PIAZZOLLA FOUR SEASONS OF BUENOS AIRES
Piazzolla Four Seasons of Buenos Aires; Oblivion; Libertango
Jennifer Higdon Vivid Green and Zesty Orange (London premiere)
Anna Williams violin |  Mikhail Veselov cello |  Eri Nakamura piano
Grammy-nominated ensemble Neave Trio bring their dynamic artistry to this electrifying programme, blending the sultry passion of tango with vibrant contemporary colour. At the heart of the evening is Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. The programme also features the London Premiere of Vivid Green and Zesty Orange by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon.
£25 – £50

Fri 20 Feb | Hall One 7.30pm
BRODSKY QUARTET & SIR WILLARD WHITE
Krysia Osostowicz and Ian Belton violin |  Paul Cassidy viola
Jacqueline Thomas cello |  Sir Willard White bass
Sir Willard White joins the acclaimed Brodsky Quartet for an evocative, nostalgic programme celebrating Sinatra, the Hollywood Quartet and timeless classics from Gershwin to Copland, Britten, Barber, Kern, Schubert and more. This concert pays homage to the working relationship between the Hollywood Quartet and Frank Sinatra in the 1950s which resulted in the classic Close to You album.
£25 – £55; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Sat 14 Mar | Hall One 7.30pm
SOLEM QUARTET & ALICE ZAWADSKI
different trains
Steve Reich at 90
Steve Reich Different Trains
Alice Zawadzki selected songs
Kate Bush selected songs (arr. Will Newell)
Join the Solem Quartet and Alice Zawadzki for a concert of personal histories told through music, spanning time and genre. The Solem Quartet perform Steve Reich’s iconic Different Trains, a deeply personal work; and Alice Zawadzki joins them for a set of her own songs which speak to her own story. Offering dialogue to Alice’s compositions, songs by the visionary Kate Bush complete the night in celebration.
£20 – £35; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Thu 19 Mar | Hall One 7.30pm
AURORA ORCHESTRA PRINCIPAL PLAYERS
ECHOES OF YOUTH
Mozart Quintet for piano and winds in E flat, K. 452
Poulenc Sextet for piano and winds, FP 100
Judith Weir Airs from another Planet
Janáček Mládí (Youth)
Aurora Orchestra’s Principal Players bring together three masterpieces of chamber music, each alive with the memory of a time long past. Mozart’s Quintet was the work he most wanted to be remembered for; Poulenc’s irrepressible Sextet paints a kaleidoscopic portrait of 1920s Paris; Judith Weir’s Airs from another Planet reimagines three traditional Scottish tunes; Janáček’s Mládí (Youth) reaches further back still.
£20 – £35; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Fri 20 Mar | Hall One 7.30pm
phaedra Ensemble
SLOW CHANGE: THE MUSIC OF STEVE REICH
Steve Reich at 90
Steve Reich WTC 9/11;  Violin Phase; Triple Quartet
Anna Thorvaldsdottir Enigma (UK premiere)
John Coltrane Africa (arr. Jamie Hamilton)
Phaedra Ensemble’s Slow Change explores memory and transformation through Reich’s pulsing minimalism, Coltrane’s newly arranged Africa, and Thorvaldsdottir’s expansive Enigma (UK premiere), where patterns and echoes unfold into shifting landscapes of sound. The programme is built largely around the string quartet, tracing how repetition, transformation, and memory continue to resonate in contemporary music.
£20 – £40; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Thu 26 Mar | Hall One 7.30pm
I FAGIOLINI
THE MUSIC OF TOMÁS LUIS DE VICTORIA
I Fagiolini at Kings Place
Tomás Luis de Victoria Alma Redemptoris mater; Tenebrae for Maundy Thursday; Super flumina Babylonis; Ave Maria; Vere languores nostros; Tu es Petrus; Nigra sum; Vidi speciosam
I Fagiolini |  Robert Hollingworth director
What is it about the music of Spanish Renaissance master Tomás Luis de Victoria that lifts it above other composers? As a sort of musical El Greco, there seems to be something in the aural brushwork that adds depth and spice, alongside an extraordinary joy and reverence in the text. Robert Hollingworth guides you through the symbolism with performers steeped in this music.
£25 – £60; Half-price concessions

Fri 27 Mar | Hall One 7.30pm
hebrides ensemble
shifting baseline syndrome
Composer-in-Focus Steve Martland
Steve Martland Kgakala; Reveille
Georgina MacDonell Finlayson Silent Spring
Eleanor Alberga The Wild Blue Yonder
George Crumb Vox Balaenae (Voice of the Whale)
Dave Maric Shifting Baseline Syndrome
Aileen Sweeney The Wooden Web
Hebrides Ensemble brings together bold contemporary voices exploring nature, memory, and sound. Works by Steve Martland, our Composer-in-Focus, frame a new commission from his long-time partner in performance and composition Dave Maric, Shifting Baseline Syndrome; a powerful reflection on our relationship with nature, providing a commentary on what we classify as newly accepted norms.
£25 – £32; £10 Under-30s; Half-price concessions

Fri 17 Apr | Hall One 7.30pm
colin currie group performs the music of the steve martland band
Composer-in-Focus Steve Martland
Steve Martland Horses of Instruction; Starry Night; Kick; Beat the Retreat; Eternal Delight
Colin Currie conductor / percussion |  Owen Gunnell percussion |  Siwan Rhys piano
Tim Maple electric guitar |  Malcolm Moore bass guitar |  Sam Wilson drum kit
Donald Grant violin |  Robin Michael cello |  Kyle Horch and Naomi O’Sullivan saxophones
This bold Kings Place production marks a thrilling first: the Colin Currie Group performing the music of the Steve Martland Band, unleashing the full force of Martland’s sound, epic in scale, electrifying in energy, and uncompromising in spirit. For Colin Currie, Martland was both a mentor and a close friend, with his very first professional appointment with the Steve Martland Band. Many of these iconic works were premiered by Currie himself, and tonight he reunites with several of Martland’s collaborators to deliver them with the passion, precision and raw power that defined the composer’s life and work.
£35 – £65; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Fri 8 May | Hall Two 8pm | Soundscape
GBSR DUO AND BEATRICE DILLON
  George Barton percussion |  Siwan Rhys piano |  Beatrice Dillon |  TTB
Kings Place Artists-in-Residence, GBSR Duo, team up with boundary-pushing composer and producer, Beatrice Dillon. Exploring synthetic patterning with free-hand acoustic textures, this new work, commissioned by Kings Place Music Foundation, is premiered through our immersive d&b Soundscape system. The night also features a DJ set from TTB aka Tabitha Thorlu-Bangura (Sabi Arts/NTS), the London cultural programmer and selector who combines music, radio and visual art. A one-off evening of close listening, new ideas and bold sound worlds.
£22

Thu 14 May | Hall One 7.30pm
carice singers
martland
Composer-in-Focus Steve Martland
Steve Martland ‘Dance to your Daddy’ and ‘Fire down below’ (from Sea Songs); Summer Rounds;
Street Songs; Skywalk;
Steve Reich Know what is above you
Luke Lewis [new work]
Louis Andriessen Un beau baiser
Julia Wolfe Guard my tongue
The Carice Singers |  George Parris conductor
Steve Martland was interested in the energy and the vitality of the human voice throughout his career; the Carice Singers will perform his major works for choir. Works of driven directness from American minimalist composers Steve Reich and Julia Wolfe give context to Martland’s aesthetic, and the programme also includes a piece from Martland’s teacher Louis Andriessen and a new work by Luke Lewis.
£20 – £45; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Sat 16 May | Hall One 7.30pm
britten sinfonia with elizabeth watts
britten in america
Britten Young Apollo; Les Illuminations
Copland Appalachian Spring;  Clarinet Concerto
Bowles Six Preludes
Elizabeth Watts soprano |  Oleg Shebeta-Dragan clarinet
Huw Watkins piano |  Britten Sinfonia
50 years since Britten’s death, Britten Sinfonia present a programme that focuses on the years he spent in North America during World War II. Sensuous music with a bright sheen written in Canada and the USA is paired with music by his ‘very dear friend’ and mentor, Aaron Copland, from the same decade and piano works by his student Paul Bowles, who would later become better known as the author of The Sheltering Sky.
£20 – £40; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Sun 31 May | Hall One 3pm
I FAGIOLINI
PURCELL DIDO & AENEAS
I Fagiolini at Kings Place
Purcell Dido & Aeneas; ‘The sparrow and the gentle dove’ (from Hardy Climes);
‘Mark how readily’ (Raise, raise the voice); Pavan in 4 parts / Hornpipe (King Arthur)
Julia Doyle Dido |  Frederick Long Aeneas |  Rowan Pierce Belinda
Martha McLorinan Sorceress |  I Fagiolini |  Robert Hollingworth director
I Fagiolini’s semi-staged take on Purcell’s masterpiece – written when he was just 29. So much variety in a single hour: great tunes, sparkling instrumental interludes, hysterical witches, dance music and of course the great lament, ‘When I am laid in earth’. Purcell’s varied genius is also celebrated in I Fagiolini’s amuse-bouche, perfect miniatures from Britain’s Orpheus.
£25 – £65; Half-price concessions

Fri 12 Jun | Hall One 7.30pm
gavin bryars ensemble and jess walker
AFTER THE RAIN, songs of waits, cohen and weill
Leonard Cohen A Singer Must Die; Song of Bernadette; That’s no way to say Goodbye
Kurt Weill Lost in the Stars
Tom Waits Georgia Lee; A Little Rain; Lullaby; The Briar and the Rose; Johnsburg, Illinois
Neil Young Only Love can Break your Heart
Gavin Bryars and Yuri Bryars bass / piano |  Jess Walker voice |  Audrey Riley cello
James Woodrow acoustic & electric guitar |  Morgan Goff viola |  Roger Heaton multi-wind
Gavin Bryars, recipient of the 2024 Ivors Innovation Award, is one of the most influential composers of our age. For After the Rain he reunites with the remarkable singer Jess Walker to build on their Tom Waits
collaboration, Mercy and Grand. This new programme with the Gavin Bryars Ensemble includes his hypnotic arrangements of iconic numbers by Waits, Leonard Cohen, Kurt Weill and Neil Young.
£25 – £32; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Fri 26 Jun | Hall One 7.30pm
brodsky quartet and laura van der heijden
schubert quintet
JS Bach Violin Sonata No. 3 in C, BWV 1005 (arr. Paul Cassidy)
Britten String Quartet No. 3 in G, Op. 94
Schubert String Quintet in C, Op. 163 (posth.), D. 956
Krysia Osostowicz and Ian Belton violin |  Paul Cassidy viola
Jacqueline Thomas and Laura van der Heijden cello
As part of Memory Unwrapped, The Brodsky Quartet continue their Kings Place 2026 residency with one of their recent collaborators – the young cellist, Laura van der Heijden, to perform Schubert’s String Quintet. This evening’s programme spans over two centuries of musical expression, showcasing the intimate yet powerful voice of chamber music through three distinctive works.
£20 – £35; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Sat 27 Jun | Hall One 7.30pm
olivia chaney
sons of art
Olivia Chaney’s deep connection to the music of Henry Purcell runs throughout her life. This show will be
the London debut of material from Olivia’s new Purcell album, featuring a star-studded chamber ensemble. Come and hear a modern English songwriter at the height of her powers interpreting one of England’s great composers in a refreshingly natural and contemporary way.
£22 – £30; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Fri 18 Sep | Hall One 7.30pm
I FAGIOLINI
MONTEVERDI VESPERS (1610)
I Fagiolini at Kings Place
Monteverdi 1610 Vespers
I Fagiolini |  The English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble |  Robert Hollingworth director
I Fagiolini’s new recording of this iconic work is released in August 2026. Come and hear this celebrated Monteverdi group perform it live in their 40th anniversary with celebrated Monteverdi singers such as Nicholas Mulroy, Matthew Long, Julia Doyle, Ciara Hendrick and more plus the English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble, it will be a feast for the senses.
£28 – £70

Thu 24 Sep | Hall One 8pm
voces8 and jack liebeck
flight of the soul
James Macmillan Domine Non Secundum
Taylor Scott Davis Effortlessly
JS Bach Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 (with interspersed chorales)
Ola Gjeilo Serenity (O Magnum Mysterium)
Caroline Shaw and the swallow
Deborah Pritchard [new work] (World Premiere, Commissioned by Kings Place Music Foundation, with support from the Contessa Fund)
Ralph Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending (arr. Paul Drayton)
Jack Liebeck violin |  VOCES8
Flight of the Soul brings together vocal ensemble VOCES8 with internationally acclaimed violinist Jack Liebeck in a programme that celebrates the human spirit, transcendence and transformative power of music. The flight of the soul has long inspired poets, philosophers, and composers picking up on themes including a metaphor for hope, spiritual searching and the pursuit of beauty.
£25 – £55; £10 Concessions; £10 Under-30s

Sat 26 Sep | Hall Two 7.30pm | Soundscape
GBSR Duo and Sarah Davachi
Sarah Davachi [new work] (World Premiere, Commissioned by Kings Place Music Foundation)
Artists-in-Residence GBSR Duo join forces for the very first time with acclaimed Canadian composer Sarah Davachi, one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music today. Known internationally for her immersive and contemplative sound worlds, Davachi’s work explores the subtle intricacies of timbre and the perception of time, drawing listeners into states of heightened attention and deep listening. In this special concert, GBSR Duo give the World Premiere of a newly commissioned work by Davachi, presented in partnership with d&b audiotechnik’s en-space technology. This pioneering system allows acoustic environments to be shaped and transformed in real time, opening up a completely new dimension of listening in Hall Two.
£22; £10 Concessions

Thu 1 Oct | Hall One 7.30pm
Brodsky quartet
DVOŘÁK STRING QUARTET NO.12 ‘AMERICAN’ 
Robert Davidson ‘Remembering Stradbroke’
Osvaldo Golijov ‘Tenebrae’
Bartók String Quartet No.6
Dvořák String Quartet No.12 ‘American’
Krysia Osostowicz and Ian Belton violin |  Paul Cassidy viola |  Jacqueline Thomas cello
This ‘Memories’ inspired programme has something for everyone. From Davidson’s irresistible tropical island to Golijov’s juxtaposition of a war-torn, urban scene and a spectral vista. Bartók’s heartbreaking yearning for his beloved Hungary to Dvořák’s bristling celebration of America’s wide open spaces. Euphoria, tragedy, optimism, nostalgia – it’s all here.
£20 – £35; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Sun 29 Nov | Hall One | 16:00
AURORA ORCHESTRA: WHERE MEMORY SINGS
Memory Unwrapped
Nico Muhly New psalm settings
Bernstein Chichester Psalms
Bach Magnificat
          BBC Singers | Aurora Orchestra  
          Nicholas Collon conductor | Edmund de Waal presenter
For thousands of years the Psalms have been sung and remembered – words of sorrow, joy and hope that have travelled across generations and cultures. Aurora Orchestra’s latest collaboration with the BBC Singers brings together three composers, centuries apart, who each return to those ancient texts in their own way. At its heart is Bach’s Magnificat – Mary’s song of praise, which itself remembers and reimagines the psalm tradition in the light of Christ. Bach’s setting summons the splendour of Lutheran Leipzig, layering centuries of sacred tradition into music bursting with colour, invention and joy. Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms recalls the sounds of his Jewish heritage with music that is tender, playful and dramatic. And in newly-composed settings of psalm texts, Nico Muhly gives these timeless words a fresh, modern voice, alive with echoes and fragments like half-remembered prayers.
The programme is co-curated and introduced by writer and artist Edmund de Waal, who reflects on the Psalms as vessels of memory, carrying human experience across centuries. Together, words and music reveal the Psalms as a living thread that binds past, present and future.
£29.50-£69.50; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

FOLK  

Fri 27 Feb | Hall One 7.30pm
OLIVIA CHANEY: news from nowhere
electric folk
This is the debut outing for Olivia Chaney’s glamorous new folk-rock band, which she’s calling (for now) News from Nowhere. Picking up where her acclaimed album The Queen of Hearts left off,  Olivia and her band will continue the trans Atlantic conversation that Offa Rex began through special arrangements of English and American folk classics, including Silver Dagger, Black is the Colour, and The Cuckoo.
£22 – £30; Half-price concessions

Sat 25 Apr | Hall One 7.30pm
Sam Sweeney Trio
Folk Weekend
Known for his expressive playing and bold musical vision, Sam Sweeney leads the trio through richly textured arrangements of traditional and original material. With Ben Nicholls’ deep, resonant bass and Louis Campbell’s innovative guitar work, the trio crafts a sound that is both grounded in English folk tradition and alive with contemporary energy. Sam will delve into his back catalogue and air some brand new material.
£20 – £25; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Sun 26 Apr | Hall One 7pm
kris drever
Folk Weekend
Raised in the Orkney Islands, Kris Drever has carved out a unique place at the intersection of traditional folk and modern acoustic music, as a solo artist and as one-third of the award-winning trio Lau. His solo work combines lyrics of depth and authenticity with expertly pitched arrangements, exploring themes of place, identity, and social change, delivered with clarity, compassion, and poetic insight.
£20 – £25; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Sat 28 Nov | Hall One 7.30pm
OLIVIA CHANEY
daughters of memory
This is a chance to hear some of Olivia Chaney’s latest compositions and arrangements. Olivia will perform on her characteristically virtuosic range of instruments, from the Indian harmonium to the guitar, accompanied by long-term collaborator Jordan Hunt (violin/vocals). Expect melodies and lyrics that explore motherhood, poetry, love, loss, tradition, modernity, suffering, and redemption.
£22 – £30; £10 Concessions

JAZZ  

Sun 18 Jan | Hall Two 19:30
slowly rolling camera
Dave Stapleton keyboards |  Deri Roberts electronics |  Elliot Bennett drums
Stuart McCallum guitar |  Nic Kummert saxophones |  Jon Goode bass
Since 2013, Cardiff-based Slowly Rolling Camera has emerged as a formidable force on the city’s music scene, meticulously forging a unique identity that blends soul-stirring grooves, magnetic hooks, and vivid emotional contrasts. Their signature sound establishes them as true artisans of sound, continually exploring and expanding the horizons of musical innovation.
£22; £10 Concessions

Thu 25 Jun | Hall One 7.30pm
renell shaw
the windrush suite
Renell Shaw The Windrush Suite; Echo in the Bones
Renell Shaw musical director / conductor / vocalist
Join Artist-in-Residence Renell Shaw for an evening that celebrates history, identity, and the power of music. Featuring a world-class live ensemble, intimate family recordings, and striking visuals, Shaw turns memory into music, bringing the Windrush story to life with depth and soul. The second half presents Echo in the Bones, Shaw’s electrifying follow-up to The Windrush Suite.
£20 – £25

Fri 9 Oct | Hall One 7.30pm
renell shaw
remember us tomorrow
Renell Shaw Remember Us Tomorrow
Renell Shaw musical director / conductor / vocalist
Join Artist-in-Residence Renell Shaw for the world premiere of Remember Us Tomorrow, the third and final chapter of his acclaimed work The Windrush Suite. With Remember Us Tomorrow, Shaw turns towards the future. This powerful new work asks what it means to be of Afro-Caribbean heritage after three generations in Britain, raising a fourth generation in a world that is both hyper-connected and deeply divided.
£20 – £25

CONTEMPORARY

Fri 16 Jan & Sat 17 Jan | Hall Two 5pm, 5.20pm & 5.40pm
RISTBAND PRESENTS: FORMATIONS
Ristband Studios presents a unique award-winning immersive concert combining live music, performance, spatial audio and virtual reality, taking audiences on a journey through memories that are both real and surreal. Visitors will also experience Machine Memory, an installation revealing how computers “see” the world, recognizing objects and movement, and remembering them over time.
£12.50 Early bird price

ABOUT KINGS PLACE
Kings Place is an adventurous music and arts venue with an ambition to inspire local community and promote the power of the arts in our society.  Its venues enable learning, discovery, debate and experiences that are powerfully intimate, enabling human connection between artists and audiences.
The dedicated and supportive team programmes a series of festivals and events, developing cross-arts collaborations and artistic relationships that deliver unforgettable live experiences.
The award-winning concert series, Unwrapped, is its flagship programme, exploring big ideas and overarching themes across the year. Kings Place is also the UK’s home of live podcasting as creators and hosts of the London Podcast Festival.
As a registered charity Kings Place does not receive regular public funding. Income is generated through ticket sales, donations, grants, and the staging of world-class conferences and events.

Kings Place, 90 York Way, King’s Cross, London N1 9AG
http://www.kingsplace.co.uk

Warren James - Gig schedule October 2025 - January 2026.

Tuesday, October 07, 2025

Guitarist, banjo player and vocalist Warren James has forwarded his latest newsletter including details of his forthcoming live appearances with a variety of different line ups.

Warren James writes;

The Jake Leg Jug Band / Warren James

After a summer of many sell-out gigs and great success at festivals, from the top of the UK to the most southern points The Jake Leg Jug Band are delighted to already have a busy diary for 2026 - with more dates being added all of the time and the hope of making our European debut. See our forthcoming dates by
clicking right here! https://www.thejakelegjugband.com/gigs-2

Also this year - Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers launched to a terrific success at the 36th Bude Jazz Festival in the beautiful Cornish region of the United Kingdoms! After firmly establishing his name on the UK jazz and blues scene during the last three and a half years as “our skiffle star” (Jazz Rag) Warren was very keen to demonstrate that he is no one-trick pony and has real command of that banjo!
You can find all of Warren’s jazz, blues and roots adventures right here by clicking this link;
https://warrenjamesguitar.com/tour-dates/

OCTOBER 2025

Thur 9 – Bicester, Private Engagement – 2pm to 4pm - The Silk Street Jazz Band

Fri 10 – Bretforten, The Fleece Inn – The Jake Leg Jug Band

Sat 11 – Stranraer, North West Castle Hotel Jazz festival – The Jake Leg Jug Band

Sun 12 – Dumfries, Beattock, The Stables – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 3pm

Wed 15 – Lytham St Anne’s, Lowther Pavilion – The Jake Leg Jug Band @7:30pm

Sat 18 – Atherstone, Conservative Club, Cabaret – Hit Parade Heroes @ 9pm – Guest: Barry Meek

Wed 22 – Sutton Coldfield Jazz Club – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers @ 8pm

Sat 25 – Bristol, Old Duke – Hit Parade Heroes @ 9pm

Thurs 30 – Carlisle, Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm

NOVEMBER 2025

Sat 1 – Darlington, New Orleans Jazz Club – The Story of Skiffle @ 12:30pm

Sun 2 – Worcester, Private Party – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 6pm

Mon 3 – Suffolk, Private – Rural Touring Co - Warren James

Tues 4 – Suffolk, Private – Rural Touring Co - Warren James

Wed 5 – Suffolk, Private – Rural Touring Co - Warren James

Thur 6 – Suffolk, Private – Rural Touring Co - Warren James

Sat 8 – Street, Ellie B Jazz Weekend, Wessex Hotel – The Jake Leg Jug Band

Sun 9 – Street, Ellie B Jazz Weekend, Wessex Hotel – The Hot Tamales

Wed 12 – Bristol, Warmley Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm

Thurs 13 – Chaddersley Corbett, Jazz at the Swan – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers @ 8pm

Fri 14 – Bristol, Old Duke – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 9pm

Sat 15 – Cornwall, Calstock Arts Centre – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 8pm

Wed 19 – Gosport Jazz Club – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers @ 8pm

Sun 23 – Worcester, The Chestnut Tree – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 6pm

Tues 25 – Datchet, Village Hall – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 2pm

Wed 26 – Sutton Coldfield Jazz Club – The Hot Tamales

Thurs 27 – Chaddersley Corbett, Jazz at the Swan – The Hot Tamales

Sat 29 – UNAVAILABLE 6pm to 11:30pm

Sun 30 – Coventry, Jazzamatazz, Ansty Club – The Hot Tamales – 12:30

Sun 30 – Colchester Jazz Club – The Hot Tamales @ 7:30pm

DECEMBER 2025

Wed 3 – Bristol, Old Duke – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 9pm

Thur 4 – Swindon, The Beehive – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 9pm

Fri 5 – Scarborough, TBC – The Jake Leg Jug Band

Sat 6 – Louth, Louth Jazz Club – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers @ 7:30pm

Tues 9 – Leeds, Jazz Club – The JakeLeg Jug Band @ 8pm

Fri 12 – Yorkshire TBC – The Jake Leg Jug Band

Sat 13 – Bristol, The Old Duke – Hit Parade Heroes @ 9pm

Mon 15 – Shipston on Stour, The Thirst Edition – Hit Parade Heroes @ 7:30pm

Sun 21 – Dove Holes, Village Hall – The Hot Tamales @ 1pm

Sun 21 – Birmingham, SNOBS – The Hit Parade Heroes – @ 6:30pm

Sun 28 – Solihull, Broomfields Hall and RBL – The Johnny Cash Songbook @ 12:30pm

Wed 31 - Staffordshire - Private @ 3pm to 6pm

Wed 31 – NEW YEARS EVE - Coventry, Ansty Club – Hit Parade Heroes – 9:30pm to 12:30am

2026 PERFORMANCE LIST

January 2026

Sun 4 – Stafford Jazz Club – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers @ 12:30pm

Thur 8 – Dringhouses Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 1pm

Sun 11 – Halesowen Jazz Club – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers @ 7pm

Wed 14 – Bristol, The Old Duke – The Jake Leg Jug Band

Sat 17 – Louth, Jazz Club – Baby Jools & The Jazzaholics @ 7:30pm

Tues 20 – Hampton in Arden – Roger’s Super Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @ 7:30pm

Sun 25 – Blackpool, The Winter Gardens - West Coast Folk Festival – The Jake Leg Jug Band

Fri 30 – Weston Super Mare, Sandbay Holiday Park, Pete Lay Weekend – Baby Jools & The Jazzaholics @ afternoon

Sat 31 – Weston Super Mare, Sandbay Holiday Park, Pete Lay Weekend – Baby Jools & The Jazzaholics

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 05/10/2025.

Monday, October 06, 2025

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 05/10/2025, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from October 5th 2025

Carole Nelson Trio
Encroachment
Through the storm
Livia records

Out Front
Dark Dancing
Buried Webs
Greeneyes records

Hill Collective
Blow it up With Dynamite
Blow it up With Dynamite (EP)
self

Hanna Paulsberg Concept
Maria
Himmel over hav
Grappa

Owls in Council
Country
Letters from Nowhere
Unit Records

Anders Hagberg
Circle No. 2
With Hope
Prophone

Örjan Hultén
A second Life
Peaceful Warrior
Prophone

Maria Faust Sacrum Facere
March No. 0
Marches Rewound and Rewritten
Stunt

Petter Eldh
KON
Projekt Drums vol. II
Edition

Brad Henkel Quartet
Branch
Overstory
Trouble in the East

Dear Uncle Lennie
Six
Sister Juniper
BMC

Rolf Thofte Quintet
The Big 5
Martha’s Dance
April Records

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time:
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 7pm onward

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Apple, Amazon, Deezer and other podcast sites.

Ibrahim Maalouf releases live single and video from the Proms and announces a six city headline UK tour for June 2026.

Friday, October 03, 2025

French-Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf has marked his debut at the BBC Proms this July with the release of a video. He will be touring in the UK in June 2026. Press release attached.

We have received the following information and press release;

Ibrahim Maalouf has marked his debut at the BBC Proms this July with the release of a video with footage from backstage , from rehearsals, and from the performance alongside a recording of the live Proms performance of the orchestrated version of ‘Au Revoir’ with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and BBC Singers conducted by Jules
Buckley.

You can view the video here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7PRYQCy2bw

This coincides with news that the French Lebanese trumpeter composer will be doing a six city headline UK tour in June 2026.

Sunday, 7 June 2026 – The Great Hall, Cardiff
Monday, 8 June 2026 – The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh
Tuesday, 9 June 2026 – University Union, Leeds
Wednesday, 10 June 2026 -O2 Ritz, Manchester
Friday, 12 June 2026 – Roundhouse, London
Saturday, 13 June 2026 – Corn Exchange, Cambridge

For tickets, please go to http://www.ibrahimmaalouf.com

Ibrahim Maalouf’s BBC Proms concert was reviewed in these pages
https://www.thejazzmann.com/reviews/review/ibrahim-maalouf-bbc-proms-royal-albert-hall-london-29-07-2025

The full press release is as follows:

Ibrahim Maalouf Shares “Au revoir” Live from BBC Proms with Jules Buckley & BBC Symphony Orchestra 2026 UK Tour, incl. London’s Roundhouse (12 June)

ListenHERE/ Watch HERE.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7PRYQCy2bw

Twice Grammy-nominated French-Lebanese trumpeter and producer Ibrahim Maalouf today unveils a new live and orchestrated version of his track “Au revoir,” recorded at the prestigious BBC Proms in London’s Royal Albert Hall this July. Joined by conductor Jules Buckley, the BBC Symphony Orchestra and choir, Maalouf delivers a spellbinding, large-scale performance that captures the drama and lyricism of his celebrated live shows.

The release of “Au revoir” (Live at the BBC Proms) coincides with the news of a major six-date UK headline tour for June 2026, his biggest to date. Drawing on material from across Maalouf’s career, including his acclaimed 2024 album Trumpets of Michel Ange,the tour will include a headline show at London’s Roundhouse on Friday, June 12th.

UK Tour Dates:
Sunday, 7 June 2026 – The Great Hall, Cardiff
Monday, 8 June 2026 – The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh
Tuesday, 9 June 2026 – University Union, Leeds
Wednesday, 10 June 2026 -O2 Ritz,Manchester
Friday, 12 June 2026 – Roundhouse, London
Saturday, 13 June 2026 – Corn Exchange, Cambridge

For tickets, please go to http://www.ibrahimmaalouf.com

Trumpets of Michel Ange highlights Maalouf’s pioneering quarter-tone trumpet - an instrument invented by his father to bridge Middle Eastern and Western scales. Each composition on the album is written and performed on this unique four-valve trumpet. The artwork features a 1925 photograph of Maalouf’s grandfather with his village band in Lebanon. Praised as a “virtuoso” by the New York Times and “a living legend” by Jon Batiste, Maalouf has released sixteen acclaimed albums, performed to an audience of six million at the Eiffel Tower on Bastille Day, and sold-out Paris’s Accor Arena three times. Recent projects include Queen of Sheba with Angélique Kidjo (Grammy nominee Best Global Album) and Capacity to Love, featuring De La Soul, Gregory Porter and more.

“The Proms recording was a special night,” says Maalouf. “It’s a privilege to share that energy and to bring these new UK concerts to life.”

Nick Dewhurst - forthcoming live dates;

Thursday, October 02, 2025

Lichfield based trumpeter / guitarist Nick Dewhurst has forwarded details of some of his forthcoming live appearances.

Nick Dewhurst writes;

Saturday 4th October: Party at the Jazz Club live at Matt & Phreds, Manchester
https://mattandphreds.com/october-2025/party-at-the-jazz-club

Sunday 18th October: Nick Dewhurst & Tom Morgan Guitar Duo at Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall supported by local youth jazz ensembles. Tickets & more info available here https://www.suttoncoldfieldtownhall.com/events/whats-on/concerts-shows/jazz-guitar-duo

Saturday 6th December: Seasonal Swing with the Nick Dewhurst Band @ Cannock Wood & Gentleshaw Village Hall. Ticket info to follow!

Sunday 14th December: Seasonal Swing with the Nick Dewhurst Band @ The Hub at St Mary’s, Lichfield. Tickets available here
https://thehubstmarys.co.uk/events/seasonal-swing-with-the-nick-dewhurst-band/

Friday 19th December: Lichfield Jazz Big Band Christmas Special @ St Anne’s Church, Burntwood. Tickets available here
https://nickdewhurst.com/box-office/
I’m really looking forward to this gig this year, as we’re taking it on the road and hosting it in the wonderful venue which is St Anne’s Church in Chasetown.  The natural acoustics of the church are going to make the Big Band sound fantastic!
Now we’re nearing the end of September though, it’s time I start thinking about writing my next ‘very sensible’ Big Band arrangement for this gig…and I’m wondering if anyone has got an idea of a good tune for me?

New YouTube ‘Improvisation Backing Track’
This week I released a video on my YouTube channel, which is a groovy backing track that features me playing Guitar, Keys & Bass, as well as Carl Hemmingsley on Drums.  The track switches between Cm7 and F7, so for the instrumentalists out there, if you fancy playing along, the link is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4WRYvLZlxM

That’s all for now folks, it’d be great to see you at one of the gigs coming up!

https://nickdewhurst.com/

Brick Lane Jazz Festival announces the first wave of artists for 2026.

Saturday, September 27, 2025

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

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

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Tomorrow’s Warriors announces key new appointments to Board of Trustees & Senior Management Team.

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Tove Okunniwa MBE becomes Chair, Jez Nelson MBE & Gloria Fagbemiro FCMI appointed Trustees, Sian Lord-Baptiste appointed COO & Erin Barnes Head of Learning, Outreach & Engagement. Press release att.

We have received the following press release;

Tomorrow’s Warriors announces key new appointments to Board of Trustees & Senior Management Team

Tove Okunniwa MBE becomes Chair,
Jez Nelson MBE & Gloria Fagbemiro FCMI appointed Trustees,
Sian Lord-Baptiste appointed COO
& Erin Barnes Head of Learning, Outreach & Engagement

Tomorrow’s Warriors appoints new leaders in landmark step for diversity in UK Jazz .

Award-winning jazz talent development organisation, creative producer and charity Tomorrow’s Warriors announced today a series of dynamic new appointments to its Board of Trustees and Senior Management Team.

Tomorrow’s Warriors welcomes Tove Okunniwa MBE as its new Chair of the Board of Trustees, taking over from Viv Broughton (who remains a Trustee), bringing decades of strategic marketing and leadership experience. She is joined by Gloria Fagbemiro FCMI, a seasoned executive and organisational development consultant, as Trustee/Secretary, and Jez Nelson MBE, celebrated broadcaster, media executive and lifelong champion of jazz, as Trustee.

Further strengthening the organisation’s leadership, Sian Lord-Baptiste takes up the role of Chief Operating Officer, drawing on her extensive experience in media and the third sector, while Erin Barnes brings 25 years of creative learning expertise to her new position as Head of Learning, Outreach & Engagement.

A Black-founded and Black-led organisation, Tomorrow’s Warriors continues to expand its vision as it enters the next chapter of growth, with a focus on women in leadership and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion both on and off stage. Its new Senior Management Team is now 83% female (5 out of 6 members) and 67% global majority (4 out of 6 members). This bold commitment to equity and inclusion ensures the organisation’s leadership reflects the diverse communities it serves.

These appointments follow the recent announcement of Tomorrow’s Warriors as an official Resident Organisation of Southbank Centre, where it has had a long-standing relationship to run its acclaimed Talent Development Programme since 2009. Bolstering the leadership signals a defining moment in Tomorrow’s Warriors’ plans for growth, reinforcing its capacity and resilience to deliver its bold vision: to inspire, nurture and champion the next generation of jazz talent and leaders in music, the arts and creative industries long into the future.

Janine Irons OBE, Co-Founder and CEO said
“These appointments mark the beginning of an exciting new era for Tomorrow’s Warriors. With such a dynamic, visionary, and diverse team at the helm, we are poised to grow our impact, deepen our legacy, and continue breaking down barriers for the next generation of artists and leaders. It’s a bold step forward that reflects both our history and our future. Representation at the highest level of leadership isn’t just symbolic, it’s essential. For Tomorrow’s Warriors, having leaders who reflect the diverse communities we serve means our young people can see themselves in positions of influence and power. It strengthens our voice, deepens our impact, and ensures that the values of equity and inclusion are not just spoken about, but lived at every level of the organisation.”

Dr Gary Crosby OBE, Co-Founder and Artistic Director said;
“From day one, Tomorrow’s Warriors has always been about opening doors and developing creativity. With this incredible team, we can push even further and ensure that people from all backgrounds are welcome, supported and can find a place and future for themselves in jazz.”

Tove Okunniwa MBE, Chair of the Board of Trustees said;
“It’s a huge honour to join Tomorrow’s Warriors as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees;  it is an inspirational organisation that I’ve admired for a very long time. Gary and Janine have built something truly unique and have had an important impact on the world of music in the UK, bringing opportunity to so many young people and unleashing an extraordinary amount of talent. I’m delighted to join them at such an exciting time and to help the founders, the board and the whole Tomorrow’s Warriors team in any way I can to realise their ambitious plans for the future.”

Gloria Fagbemiro FCMI, Trustee/Secretary said;
“I’ve seen first-hand the life-changing impact Tomorrow’s Warriors has on young musicians. To now join the Board of the Trustees is a privilege. I’m passionate about strengthening the organisation’s governance, so it can continue to nurture diverse talent and champion equity in the music industry for generations to come.”

Jez Nelson MBE, Trustee said; “For me Tomorrow’s Warriors is the most important British jazz organisation in the history of the music. As a broadcaster and producer, I’ve worked with them for more than 30 years and marvelled at their achievements. To now be appointed a Trustee is an honour and a joy.”

Sian Lord-Baptiste, Chief Operating Officer said
“I have been a long time supporter and admirer of Tomorrow’s Warriors. It is more than a charity, it’s a movement. I am excited to join the leadership team at this key moment and help realise its bold vision for a more inclusive and innovative future in the arts.”

Erin Barnes, Head of Learning, Outreach & Engagement said;
“I’m thrilled to join Tomorrow’s Warriors, an organisation whose values and vision I deeply share. Music has the power to transform lives, and I look forward to working with our brilliant young musicians, partners and communities to nurture creativity, equity and opportunity, ensuring every young person has the chance to thrive through music.”

Mini Biographies – New Appointments:

Tove Okunniwa MBE – Brings an unparalleled blend of strategic marketing expertise and executive and non-executive leadership across media, sport and the arts. Her early career at London Symphony Orchestra and Southbank Centre, alongside senior executive roles at the BBC and as CEO of London Sport and non-executive positions as vice-chair of Sport England and trustee at Catch 22 bridges Tomorrow’s Warriors’ grassroots work with the highest levels of cultural and institutional influence.

Gloria Fagbemiro FCMI – Having steered Tomorrow’s Warriors for over 12 years as COO, Gloria returns as a Trustee with unique institutional knowledge and governance expertise. As Founder of Dynamic Development Consulting, she continues to champion inclusive talent development, ensuring the organisation’s next chapter is built on both solid foundations and bold ambition.

Jez Nelson MBE – Few people have done more to amplify jazz in the UK. From founding pirate station K-Jazz to founding and leading Somethin’ Else, and shaping the sound of Jazz FM and BBC Radio, Jez brings unrivalled cultural clout, entrepreneurial vision and lifelong advocacy for jazz to Tomorrow’s Warriors, strengthening its voice and impact nationally and internationally.

Sian Lord-Baptiste - A proven change-maker, Sian has held senior roles at the BBC and led projects with the UN, British Council and Nike Foundation. At Purposeful, she scaled the organisation into a global charity with operations across regions. Known for her inclusive, people-centred leadership, she brings a strong commitment to diversity, representation and organisational growth.

Erin Barnes – A creative learning specialist with 25 years of experience in education and youth engagement, Erin has produced pioneering youth projects at the BBC, Tate, National Literacy Trust, and UNICEF. She will play a key role in supporting Tomorrow’s Warriors to inspire, equip and elevate young talent across communities.

Full Board of Trustees – Tove Okunniwa MBE (Chair), Peter Comber FCA (Treasurer), Gloria Fagbemiro FCMI (Trustee/Secretary), Steve Abbott (Trustee), Vivian Broughton (Trustee), Dr Margaret Busby CBE (Trustee), Nick Cornforth (Trustee), Camilla George (Trustee), Jez Nelson MBE (Trustee), Nicky O’Donnell (Trustee), Chris Panayi (Trustee). https://tomorrowswarriors.org/about/trustees-and-committee-members/

Tomorrow’s Warriors Senior Management Team - Janine Irons OBE (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Dr Gary Crosby OBE (Co-Founder & Artistic Director), Sian Lord-Baptiste (Chief Operating Officer), Fish Krish (Head of Special Projects), Erin Barnes (Head of Learning, Outreach & Engagement), Indy Vidyalankara (Head of Press & Public Relations).

About Tomorrow’s Warriors:  Tomorrow’s Warriors is a pioneering talent development agency, creative producer, learning and training provider, charity and consultancy specialising in jazz. Founded in 1991 by Queen’s Medal for Music recipient Dr Gary Crosby OBE and Janine Irons OBE, TW helps aspiring young artists from diverse backgrounds discover their magic and achieve creative ambitions. Since inception, Tomorrow’s Warriors has reached over 15,000 young people aged 11-25 through its unique Talent Development Programme, providing each musician with between 1,000-5,000 hours of free jazz training and development. TW nurtures nascent talent and builds engaged, culturally diverse audiences. Tomorrow’s Warriors has provided a crucial development platform for many of the artists now tearing up the international music scene – including BRIT Award and Mercury Prize winners EZRA Collective, as well as Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia, Cassie Kinoshi and Nérija, Binker Golding, Shabaka Hutchings and Sons of Kemet, CHERISE, ESKA, Denys Baptiste, Soweto Kinch, Zara McFarlane and many more. With a dedicated resident space at The Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall to host its Young Artist Development Programme aimed at talent aged 11-25 years old, comprising of learning and participation, artist development and professional performances. The Emerging Artist Programme delivers mentoring, performance opportunities, training, traineeships, talks, masterclasses, and bursaries to support artists into professional careers, many securing paid, often high-profile, opportunities across a broad spectrum of the industry.  Tomorrow’s Warriors is proud to be a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England and a PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner. Tomorrow’s Warriors is pivotal in elevating UK jazz, valued by its alumni and respected by funding partners for the impact delivered through its pipeline for outstanding, diverse talent. 
https://tomorrowswarriors.org/

Tomorrow’s Warriors is a not for profit company and a Registered Charity No 1153613. Give today to Tomorrow’s Warriors at https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/13423

Cheltenham Jazz Club - Programme for Autumn 2025 and Spring 2026.

Monday, September 22, 2025

Cheltenham Jazz Club has announced its programme for Autumn 2025 and Spring 2026. Details attached.

Please find our Autumn /Winter schedule. There is plenty of choice, and as always high-quality live jazz.

Cheltenham Jazz Events ›Under Milkwood by the Clark Tracey Sextet
Under Milkwood by the Clark Tracey Sextet
The Victory Club, Cheltenham, GL50 2SY
Monday 29th September 2025
Much acclaimed jazz drummer Clark Tracey has been leading his own bands since 1981 and currently leads an ever-evolving quintet as well as tribute bands to his father, the late Stan Tracey.
His latest quintet features a few of the most exciting young musicians today. They recently recorded their first CD, which is due for release in the New Year. The unusual inclusion of a vocalist in Clark’s quintet, next to a horn player, offers another soundscape with which to work.  An exceptional vocalise artist, Emily Masser adds rhythm and words from the heart of Bebop, as well as beautiful lyrics.
Clark Tracey - drums
Be Tracy - Vocals
Sharon Myfanwy White - vocals
Simon Allen - Tenor
Gareth Williams - Piano
Andrew Cleyndert - Bass
https://clarktracey.com/
Tickets available on the door or online at
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cheltenham-jazz/under-milkwood-by-the-clark-tracey-sextet/e-egopkg

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/

THE DAVE NEWTON ALL STAR QUINTET
WHEN: 8.00 pm, Friday 14 November 2025
WHERE: The Victory Club Ballroom Burlington House, Lypiatt Road Cheltenham.
Tickets: CJ Members £17.00, non members £20.00
Dave Newton – Piano & Personnel TBC            
Tickets available on the door or online at http://www.ticketsource.co.uk

Looking ahead to 2026

8pm Monday January 19th at The Everyman Studio. Sam Braysher Quartet - Sam (alto sax), Matyas Gayer (piano), Tom Farmer (bass), Steve Brown (drums).

8pm Monday February 23rd at the Everyman Studio. Alex Hitchcock Quartet - Alex (saxes), Will Barry (piano), Joe Downard (bass), Luke McCarthy (drums).

8pm Monday March 23rd at the Victory Club. Hans Koller ‘Thelonious’ Quartet - Hans (piano), Tony Kofi (saxes), Calum Gourlay (bass), Noah Ojumu (drums).

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

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 21/09/2025.

Monday, September 22, 2025

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 21/09/2025, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Radio Playlist from 21st Sept 2025

Led Bib
Iron Ore
Hotel Pupik
Cuneiform

Vincent Peirani
Nach e Vlado
Living Being IV: Time Reflections
ACT

Francesco Desiato Ivano Leva
Everybody’s song but my own
Caos Melancolico - omaggio a Kenny Wheeler
Dodicilune

Agnas Brothers
Cheeseburger
Sista Försöket
Moserobie

Björn Lücker Berlin Ensemble
Exit
Tea for Five
Unit Records

Ragawerk
Karela
Nila
O-tone

Magnus Schriefl
Meret’s Magic Moves
Blume
Unit Records

Hi Res Heart
The Twister
Move Fast and Mend Things
Discus

Paul Dunmall
It’s not always as it seems
Away With Troubles And Anxieties!
Discus

Theorem of Joy
El Haik Dance Floor
Feux
Bridge the Gap

Matthieu Donarier
Whim Wham
Coastline
Yolk

Riccardo Chiarion
Snow Dance
Waves
Caligola Records

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time:
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 7pm onward

Later as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Apple, Amazon, Deezer and other podcast sites.

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club To Open New Live Music Venue.

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Launching in February 2026 after a major transformation, the newly designed Upstairs at Ronnie’s will be augmented by a brand new members’ lounge and artist space – The Greene Rooms.

We have received the following press release;

Legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club To Open New Live Music Venue

Launching in February 2026 after a major transformation, the newly designed Upstairs at Ronnie’s ushers in a new era at the UK’s most popular independent music venue

For the first time in its history, the club will also be opening its backstage spaces to the public with a brand new members’ lounge and artist space – The Greene Rooms

Tickets for Upstairs at Ronnie’s are on-sale now and available from http://www.ronniescotts.co.uk

London, September 18, 2025. Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club today announces the February 2026 opening of Upstairs at Ronnie’s, a newly reimagined 140-capacity music venue on the first floor of the world-famous Soho institution.

The upstairs space, which for many years hosted a vibrant live programme before closing for refurbishment in 2024, has undergone a complete transformation as part of a major revamp of the entire building. Now rebuilt as a purpose-designed, intimate auditorium, it pays homage to the club’s six-decade legacy while looking firmly to the future, and incorporates a striking new interior, enhanced acoustics, high-spec Yamaha and D&B Audio sound and lighting systems, an upgraded stage, a Yamaha S3X Grand Piano, and a brand-new state-of-the-art kitchen. Newly appointed executive chef Steven Connolly will deliver a culinary offering to match the club’s world-class musical reputation.

Honouring the long-standing Ronnie Scott’s reputation, the new venue will present the finest jazz and jazz-adjacent acts, alongside genre-crossing performances in contemporary soul, acoustic R&B, gospel, hip-hop, global music, and classical. Upstairs at Ronnie’s will also host its own version of the celebrated Ronnie Scott’s Late Late Show, providing more opportunities to showcase emerging grassroots talent at a range of ticket prices to keep shows accessible to all.

The opening programme will feature a Piano Trio Series spotlighting some of the leading lights of UK jazz including Ashley Henry, Reuben James, Charlie Stacey, and DoomCannon; a straight-ahead vocal jazz jam hosted by Natalie Williams, Emma Smith, and Georgia Cécile; acoustic soul and R&B from club favourites Vula Malinga, Vanessa Haynes, and Tony Momrelle, plus innovative singer-songwriter Tawiah and garage and house legend Elisabeth Troy; the first ever Ronnie Scott’s Classical Series co-directed by Lizzie Ball and James Pearson, featuring the Ronnie Scott’s Classical All Stars and a hand-picked line-up of acclaimed classical soloists and ensembles; and the brand-new Ronnie Scott’s Gospel Choir.

For the first time in its history, Ronnie Scott’s will also be opening its backstage spaces to the public. Transformed into The Greene Rooms – named in honour of owner Sally Greene – a brand new “club within a club” will serve as a members’ lounge and artist space. The secluded, first-floor setting provides a quintessentially Soho retreat for pre- and post-show gatherings, intimate events, artist meet-and-greets, and exclusive talks and workshops.

This redevelopment marks the most significant transformation of Ronnie Scott’s since its 2005 acquisition and reopening by Sally Greene and Michael Watt. The club’s investment comes at a pivotal moment for the UK live music sector, with The Music Venue Trust reporting that 16% of grassroots venues closed in 2023, while more than 40% operated at a loss. Against this backdrop, the redevelopments are part of a broader investment in the club’s future, underscoring its commitment to sustaining the UK’s legendary live music scene.

Fred Nash, Managing Director of Ronnie Scott’s:
“With Upstairs at Ronnie’s, we set ourselves the somewhat audacious goal of creating the greatest small live music venue in the world.  In all seriousness, it’s about creating a beautiful, intimate space where audiences can experience extraordinary performances, and where artists feel truly valued. At a time when so many venues face uncertainty, we’re proud to be investing in live music, championing grassroots talent, and supporting Soho’s vibrant cultural community.”

With over 65 years at the heart of the UK jazz scene, Ronnie Scott’s continues to evolve, championing innovation and diversity while honouring its storied past. Upstairs at Ronnie’s represents the next chapter in this legacy, set to become an essential addition to Soho’s cultural landscape and as renowned a space for live music as the now legendary downstairs jazz club.

The transformation of Upstairs at Ronnie’s is led by Archer Humphryes Architects as principal architects and interior designers, with The Greene Rooms interiors designed by Pirajean Lees.

Tickets for Upstairs at Ronnie’s are on-sale now and available from http://www.ronniescotts.co.uk.

Announcing The Gilmore’s Inaugural Bell Young Jazz Artist Awardees.

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

The Gilmore, Kalamazoo, Michigan today announced Tyler Bullock and Esteban Castro as the recipients of The Gilmore’s inaugural 2026 Larry J. Bell Young Jazz Artist Awards for artistic excellence.

We have received the following press release;

ANNOUNCING THE GILMORE’S INAUGURAL 2026 LARRY J. BELL YOUNG JAZZ ARTIST AWARDEES: TYLER BULLOCK AND ESTEBAN CASTRO

A conversation with the Bell Young Artists + acclaimed pianist Bill Charlap now streaming at http://www.thegilmore.org and via The Gilmore’s YouTube channel.

KALAMAZOO, MI (09.10.25) — Dr. Pierre van der Westhuizen, Executive and Artistic Director of The Gilmore, today announced Tyler Bullock and Esteban Castro as the recipients of The Gilmore’s inaugural 2026 Larry J. Bell Young Jazz Artist Awards, recognizing artistic excellence. Each winner receives a $25,000 stipend to further their musical career and educational development. Master pianist Bill Charlap honoured Tyler and Esteban in a virtual award presentation, now streaming at http://www.thegilmore.org and via The Gilmore’s YouTube channel.

“It has long been a dream of The Gilmore’s to support the next generation of exceptional jazz pianists. We are happy to celebrate and recognize these two bright young stars who are transforming the soundtrack of tomorrow. I hope this gift gives them the courage to create, be bold, and build bridges between jazz’s history and possibility.”     
LARRY J. BELL, Past President of The Gilmore’s Board of Trustees

“We are thrilled to welcome Tyler and Esteban to the family of Gilmore young artist award winners. Each of these young men reflect the extraordinary diversity of voices shaping the future of jazz music. We are excited to support their development and honored to help further their ascending careers.”
SETH ABRAMSON, Director of The Gilmore’s Jazz Awards

Founded along with The Gilmore’s inaugural Bell Jazz Artist Award (to be presented in October 2025), the Bell Young Jazz Artists Awards are bestowed every four years to spotlight the most promising of the new generation of pianists living in the United States, age 24 and younger. The Awards provide the artists an inimitable platform for embarking on a career and offering audiences and listeners a chance to discover emerging jazz artists.

Candidates for the Award are nominated by music professionals from around the world. Those nominated are evaluated over an extended period of time for their pianism and musical promise by the Jazz Awards Artistic Advisory Committee. The process is carried out anonymously, and candidates are unaware of their own consideration.
       

Tyler and Esteban will perform solo recitals during the 2026 Gilmore Piano Festival, April 30 – May 10, 2026, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

About Tyler Bullock  
Tyler Bullock II is a dynamic pianist and composer located in New York City. Since moving from Nashville to attend the Juilliard School (BM 2025), Tyler has already established himself as one of the most promising pianists of his generation, having worked with Samara Joy, Sean Jones, Dee Dee Bridgewater, The Baylor Project, Herlin Riley, Willie Jones III, Sherman Irby, Ulysses Owens Jr., Bruce Williams, Curtis Lundy, Roy Hargrove Crisol and The Roy Hargrove Big Band – where he has been the regular pianist since 2022. In 2023, Tyler recorded an album with Ulysses Owens Jr.’s Gen Y Band at Rudy Van Gelder studio that spent eight weeks at #1 on the Jazz Radio Charts. Most recently, he recorded with Sean Jones for an upcoming album.
Tyler has toured internationally and played at top festivals and venues including Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Newport Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, The Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Caramoor Jazz Festival, The Vancouver Jazz Festival, Blue Note NYC, Dizzy’s Club NYC, and The Cotton Club in Tokyo. In 2022, Tyler was honored at the National Young Arts top winner in jazz piano. He was also chosen for Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra Jazz in 2021 and for the NYO Jazz All-Stars in 2023. In 2024, he was selected to participate in the acclaimed Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program at The Kennedy Center.
https://tylerbullock2.com/

About Esteban Castro
Esteban Castro is a Brooklyn-based pianist and composer born in 2002. Esteban started playing piano at age three, and quickly started improvising and composing at a young age. Esteban furthered their studies in both jazz and classical music privately with teachers including Fred Hersch and Phillip Kawin, and by participating in many high school programs such as the Manhattan School of Music Precollege and Jazz House Kids. In 2020, Esteban started studies at the Juilliard School on a full tuition scholarship, and graduated with their Bachelor of Music in 2024.
Since moving to New York, Esteban Castro has performed nationally and internationally as a leader, and as a sideman for bands led by artists such as Ambrose Akinmusire, Billy Drummond, Francesco Cafiso, Peter Evans, Joe Farnsworth, Giveton Gelin, Russell Hall, Harish Raghavan, and Ben Solomon, among others. In 2016, Esteban was the youngest-ever first prize winner of the Montreux Jazz Piano Solo Competition. Later, they were selected as a finalist for the 2023 American Piano Awards and is a winner of the 2025 Gilmore Festival Bell Young Jazz Award.       
https://www.estebanjazz.com/

About Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Awards      
Mirroring the internationally renowned Gilmore Artist Awards for classical pianists, the Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Awards provides some of the most generous financial support given in the musical arts. The Jazz Awards program was established in 2022 with an $8.8 million gift to The Gilmore’s endowment and is named for Kalamazoo businessman and Past President of the Gilmore International Piano Festival Board of Trustees, Larry J. Bell, who founded Bell’s Brewery in 1985. The Larry J. Bell Young Jazz Artist Awards are presented every four years. The Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award will be conferred every four years to a jazz pianist with the inaugural recipient to be announced in October 2025.

About The Gilmore  
Created in 1989 to honour the legacy of businessman and philanthropist Irving S. Gilmore, The Gilmore is the premier institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to commissioning, performing and awarding extraordinary piano artistry. The Gilmore has presented 16 piano festivals, commissioned over 40 new works for piano, and awarded over $3 million as part of its internationally renowned Gilmore Artists Awards for classical pianists. The Gilmore will present its annual (previously biennial) Gilmore Piano Festival April 30-May 10 in 2026. Based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, The Gilmore continues to impact the lives of thousands of area children and adults through its year-round community engagement and music education programs including summer camps, music therapy, and much more.

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 07/09/2025.

Monday, September 08, 2025

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 07/09/2025, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Radio playlist from Sept 7th 2025

Biguine Extension
Pa Oubliye
Biguine Extension
Bizon Art

Johnny Richards & Dave King
Sleepless in Settle
The New Awkward
False Door

Aki Rissanen
High Expectations
Imaginary Mountains
Edition

Brigitte Beraha
What does it mean (to be)
Teasing Reflections
Let me out records

David Helbock & Julia Hofer
Woman’s Dance Version 1
Faces of Night
ACT

Ban, Surman,Manieri
Transylvanian Folk Dance
Cantica Profana
Sunnyside

Hugh Pascall
No Dice
Viewfinder
Self Aware records

Vitaly Burtsev
Konfusion
Past Tension
Unit Records

Prolex
MAS
Prolex (EP)
Auand

Fosterchild
First Stasimon
Order at Agan
Boomslang

Liv Andrea Hauge Trio
Natt natt natt
Døgnville
Hubro

Harald Lassen
Lite Sted
RIK
Jazzland

David Helbock & Julia Hofer
Woman’s Dance Version 2
Faces of Night
ACT

Nils Pettar Molvaer
Kakonita
KHMER Live in Bergen
Edition

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time:
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 10am

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 7pm onward

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Apple, Amazon, Deezer and other podcast sites.

Shrewsbury Jazz Network - Programme for October 2025 - January 2026.

Thursday, September 04, 2025

Shrewsbury Jazz Network has announced its next three events. Performances take place at The Hive Music & Media Centre, Shrewsbury.

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

Oct
11
Sat
19:00
Nigel Price Organ Trio
Tickets from £12
Saturday 11th October
NEW JAZZ START TIME - Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start.
£25/£12 U22
Seated gig
As part of a major UK tour the eloquent Nigel Price (guitar) returns to SJN at the Hive in his favourite trio format with Ross Stanley (Hammond B3 Organ) and Joel Barford (drums). Together they form one of the most hard hitting, dynamic and exciting jazz groups on the scene today. They will be playing selections from their vast back catalogue as well as from the recently released and critically acclaimed album ‘That’s it. Right there.’
Inventiveness, originality and ensemble playing are terrific……The Observer

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.

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

Persian and Middle Eastern music in London, York and Canterbury - September 2025 - April 2026.

Wednesday, September 03, 2025

Artstage, one of the world’s leading promoters of Persian & Middle Eastern music will present a series of performances in the UK including several events forming part of the EFG London Jazz Festival.

We have received the following press release;

Artstage is one of the world’s leading promoters of Persian and Middle Eastern music – and they have a series of concerts coming up in London, including numerous shows as part of this year’s London Jazz Festival in November.

The concerts will feature some of the most celebrated artists from across the region including legendary composer and virtuoso instrumentalist Hossein Alizadeh, one of the leading forces in Persian jazz Arshid Azarine, and a unique collaboration between Armenian and Iranian musicians Arsen Petrosyan, Adib Rostami and Mehdi Rostami.

LISTINGS:

GRASS: A NATION’S BATTLE FOR LIFE (1925) – CENTENARY SCREENING + LIVE MUSIC BY PEYMAN YAZDANIAN
Friday 19th September – Kings Place­, London
This year marks the centenary of Grass: A Nation’s Battle for Life - one of the most culturally significant films of the silent era. Directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack (who would later go on to make King Kong), Grass documents the epic seasonal migration of Iran’s Bakhtiari nomads. It remains a cornerstone of ethnographic cinema and a vital record of a disappearing way of life. A newly restored version of the film - courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art - will be screened at Kings Place in London on September 19th, accompanied by a live score from acclaimed Iranian composer and pianist Peyman Yazdanian. Yazdanian’s blend of Persian and Western classical traditions brings a new emotional depth to this landmark work. He’ll be joined by Adib Rostami on traditional instruments for a performance that reimagines Grass for a modern audience.
https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/classical/screening-of-the-silent-masterpiece-grass-1925-with-live-music-by-peyman-yazdanian/

BOMRANI ENSEMBLE
Friday 17th October – Rich Mix, London
After a sold-out show in 2024, Bomrani, one of Iran’s most acclaimed alternative bands, return to London for two exclusive performances at Rich Mix. Emerging from Tehran’s underground scene, the band has gained international recognition for its unique fusion of rock, folk, and jazz.
https://richmix.org.uk/music/bomrani/

ARSHID AZARINE TRIO
Thursday 23rd October – Elgar Room Royal Albert Hall, London
Known for their unique fusion of Persian roots and contemporary jazz, the trio features Arshid Azarine on piano, Habib Meftah on percussion and vocals, and Hervé de Ratuld on bass.
Their acclaimed albums 7 Djan and Sing Me a Song showcased collaborations with Iranian and international artists, blending Persian poetry with global jazz influences. Now, with their latest release Vorticity, the trio embarks on a new musical journey inspired by both the turbulence of recent events in Iran and Azarine’s background in cardiovascular research. Vorticity explores themes of chaos, love, and renewal through intricate rhythms and evocative melodies.
https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2025/late-night-jazz-arshid-azarine-trio

HOSSEIN ALIZADEH AND REMBRANDT TRIO
Friday 14th November – Cadogan Hall, London (PART OF LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL)
An evening of musical fusion as Hossein Alizadeh, Iran’s legendary composer and virtuoso of the tar and setar, joins forces with the acclaimed Dutch ensemble Rembrandt Trio. This unique collaboration brings together the soul of Persian classical music with the refined improvisational language of European jazz.
Alizadeh’s deeply expressive melodies and centuries-old traditions intertwine seamlessly with the Trio’s rich textures and contemporary sensibility, led by Rembrandt Frerichs on piano, Tony Overwater on double bass and Vinsent Planjer on drums and percussion. Together, they create a genre-defying soundscape - at once intimate, adventurous, and timeless.
https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/ljf25-hossein-alizadeh-and-rembrandt-trio/

L’ANTIDOTE TRIO
Saturday 15th November – Kings Place, London (PART OF LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL)
Making their UK debut this autumn at the London Jazz Festival, L’Antidote Trio are a group consisting of Iranian zarb and Persian percussionist Bijan Chemirani, Albanian cellist Redi Hasa and Lebanese pianist Rami Khalifé (Robert Plant, Maria Mazzotta and Ludovico Einaudi) blurring the boundaries between classical and electronic sounds from the Middle East. 
https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/jazz/lantidote-trio/

FAARJAM SAIDI
Sunday 16th November – Kings Place, London (PART OF LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL)
Faarjam Saidi is an Iranian musician and producer whose sound blends indie pop and fusion with rich Middle Eastern influences. Drawing inspiration from contemporary Iranian poetry, his music is marked by emotional depth, poetic lyricism, and a unique cross-cultural sensibility. Tracks like “Fathe Bagh,” “Sabze Lajani,” and “Amsterdam” showcase his ability to fuse reflective storytelling with memorable melodies. As part of the London Jazz Festival, Faarjam and his full band will perform at King’s Place in London on 16 November. Expect an atmospheric and intimate live set shaped by vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, bass, and drums, bridging tradition and modernity through deeply personal songs and poetic narratives.
https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/contemporary/faarjam-saidi-2025/

ARSEN PETROSYAN, MEHDI ROSTAMI AND ADIB ROSTAMI
Monday 17th November – National Centre for Early Music, York
Tuesday 18th November – Rich Mix, London (PART OF LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL)
Bringing together the rich musical traditions of Armenia and Iran, this is an evening of music with an exceptional trio performance by Arsen Petrosyan (duduk), Adib Rostami (kamancheh), and Mehdi Rostami (setar). The trio weaves a tapestry of sound that is both deeply rooted and beautifully contemporary with haunting melodies and intricate improvisations.
https://richmix.org.uk/music/arsen-petrosyan-mehdi-rostami-and-adib-rostami/

OH VOYAGE
Thursday 20th November – Rich Mix, London (PART OF LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL)
Rotterdam-based duo Oh Voyage grew up in Istanbul and blend psychedelic Anatolian folk music with analogue synthesisers to create a sound that pays homage to the nomadic spirit of their ancestors.
https://richmix.org.uk/music/oh-voyage/

BEHDAD BABAEI & NAVID AFGHAH
Saturday 22nd November – Rich Mix, London (PART OF LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL)
A powerful musical journey through the life and mind of renowned Iranian musician Behdad Babaei, joined by Navid Afghah and Vahid Taremi as part of this year’s London Jazz Festival. This is a story of unravelling and revelation, of an artist shaped by cultural memory, personal struggle and the enduring search for meaning. Through music, Babaei traces a path from inner turmoil to creative clarity, from collective pain to silent longing, weaving a deeply emotional narrative that resonates far beyond borders.
https://richmix.org.uk/music/insanity-route-behdad-babaei-navid-afghah-vahid-taremi/

PERSIAN JAZZ NIGHT: ARIN KESHISHI QUINTET & KOUROSH KANANI DUO
Saturday 22nd November 2025 – Rich Mix, London (PART OF LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL)
Drawing inspiration from Kourosh’s Iranian-Azeri heritage and his deep command of South Indian rhythm, the duo crafts a soundscape rooted in tradition, yet forward-looking. Presenting music from their forthcoming third album, Gisu, featuring a bold interplay between virtuosic guitar and electronically infused drums, this is a truly unmissable act.
Led by bassist and composer Arin Keshishi, an Armenian musician from Iran now based in Amsterdam, Arin blends the rich musical traditions of Armenia and Iran while creating something entirely new. His debut album, Self-Reflection, is a compelling portrait of his personal and cultural journey. The quintet also features world-class musicians from Europe and Iran, all of whom share Arin’s vision and bring their own mastery to the ensemble.
https://richmix.org.uk/music/persian-jazz-night-arin-keshishi-quintet-kourosh-kanani-duo/

PEYMAN YAZDANIAN
Sunday 23rd November 2025 – World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens, London (PART OF LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL)
Peyman Yazdanian is an acclaimed Iranian pianist and composer known for his unique fusion of Persian musical sensibilities with Western classical traditions. Trained from a young age in Tehran and later in Europe, Yazdanian has composed over 40 solo piano pieces and numerous orchestral works, earning international recognition for both his concert music and film scores. Yazdanian returns to the capital this November to perform at World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens as part of the London Jazz Festival.
https://worldheartbeat.org/events/jazz-improvisation-with-peyman-yazdanian/

KAYHAN KALHOR
Friday 24th April 2026 – Colyer-Fergusson Hall, Kent
A creative force in today’s global music scene, Kayhan Kalhor is an internationally acclaimed virtuoso of the kamancheh (spiked fiddle). Renowned for his evocative performances of traditional Persian music and his groundbreaking collaborations across cultures, Kalhor has played a vital role in bringing Persian music to international prominence. His artistry continues to captivate audiences worldwide, bridging musical traditions with remarkable depth and sensitivity.
https://thegulbenkian.co.uk/events/kayhan-kalhor/

Jazz North announces the latest recipients of its promoter support scheme, New Northern.

Tuesday, September 02, 2025

Jazz North has announced the seven promoters awarded bursaries to present emerging artists in their programmes through its support scheme, New Northern. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Meet the promoters making a difference to emerging talent across the North of England

Jazz North announces the latest recipients of its promoter support scheme, New Northern

The bursaries will support fees and costs for northern emerging artists and support acts

Today, Jazz North announces the seven promoters awarded bursaries to present emerging artists in their programmes through its support scheme, New Northern.

Bursaries up to £1000 were awarded to -

Ann Harding - Settle Victoria Hall (North Yorkshire)

Dave Shooter - Lancaster Jazz Festival

John Diver - Brume (Manchester)

Paul Hartley - Stockport Jazz

Natalie Sharp - The Badness Centre (Todmorden)

Dave Ellis - Hulljazz

Jason Holcomb - North East Music Opportunities (Sunderland)

Chris Bye, Jazz North CEO, says:
“Jazz North is proud to announce the latest round of New Northern promoters. This programme continues to provide support to those keeping grassroots music alive.
Jazz North stands alongside the vital people who facilitate our local scenes, promote new talent and make up an essential part of the northern night time economy.”

The 25/26 New Northern recipients will be using their bursaries in a range of ways to promote emerging talent across the north of England.

Brume
Brume is proud to use this bursary to connect with more jazz musicians across the north west and support the careers of those who are underrepresented or face additional barriers in Manchester and beyond.

Hulljazz
Support from New Northern will help Hulljazz secure opportunities for local and regional musicians alongside touring British and overseas artists seeking additional dates in the Yorkshire region.

Lancaster Jazz Festival
The New Northern bursary will enable Lancaster Jazz Festival to select two emerging bands from their open call to play a gig at partner venue The Gregson Centre showcasing the local jazz scene.

North East Music Opportunities CIC
North East Music Opportunities CIC are collaborating with Sunderland Music City and The Fire Station music venue to create a new regional Jazz Festival in Sunderland. Their bursary will be used to support diverse artists performing Music of Black Origin.

Settle Victoria Hall
Settle Victoria Hall will use their bursary to support a new generation of artists through a concert series designed to give fresh talent a footing on the professional ladder and providing new listening experiences for their rural Dales audience.

Stockport Jazz
Stockport Jazz supports new and established jazz musicians through the promotion of weekly gigs held at the Moor Club. It is delighted to be able to assist the development of emerging jazz talent from the North of England with support from New Northern and Jazz North.

The Badness Centre
Badness Centre, realised by Nat Sharp, is an accessible, immersive rebellion against consumerist wellness, celebrating chaotic-ecological connection. Showcasing emerging Northern artists in experimental jazz, electronic, and avant-garde music, it combines concerts and sensory-rich installations in rural spaces like Rochdale and Todmorden, creating fully accessible events informed by local disability action groups.

Nanette Brimble (YardFest, Saltaire), Recipient of 24/25 New Northern bursary says:
“New Northern is a fantastic scheme that gave me the chance to reach out to a wider range of artists. We were able to present a month of emerging artists which we couldn’t have done without the support from Jazz North. We were all (bands, venue, audiences and me) delighted with the results.”

For more information on upcoming events supported by New Northern, sign up to Jazz North’s mailing list: https://www.jazznorth.org/sendmemail

About Jazz North
Jazz North is the Strategic Development Agency for jazz in the North of England.
Supported since its inception in 2012 by Arts Council England, Jazz North has a national and international reputation in Artist Development, Sector Support and Learning & Participation.
A registered charity that has developed and supported hundreds of artists, managers, venues, festivals and promoters over the years - Jazz North has a proud record of working with and on behalf of the northern jazz scene.

About New Northern
New Northern is Jazz North’s promoter bursary to support live emerging talent. It supports promoters to programme emerging northern artists by underwriting risk and helping pay essential costs.
Designed both to support emerging artists in the north and give an injection of cash to promoters who need it, this easy-access scheme offers a quick intervention to northern grassroots promoters facing difficult financial circumstances.

http://www.jazznorth.org

Derby Jazz - Jam Sessions and Workshops, Autumn 2025.

Monday, September 01, 2025

Derby Jazz is offering three different sets of playing and learning opportunities this season. Details attached.

We have received the following information;

WANT TO PLAY JAZZ AND MEET OTHER JAZZ PLAYERS?

Derby Jazz is offering three different sets of playing and learning opportunities this season.

DERBY JAZZ COLLECTIVE JAM SESSIONS Second Wednesday of every month at DUBREK. These self directed sessions are Ideal for competent players and singers with some experience of jazz.

THE FEELING OF JAZZ - SEVEN WORKSHOPS EXPLORING IMPROVISATION THROUGH THE MUSIC OF DUKE ELLINGTON. This monthly series of Sunday afternoon structured workshops are lead by Matt Ratcliffe. They start on September 14th and we still have places available for most intruments.

PLAY JAZZ WORKSHOPS. Held on the first Tuesday of every month these workshops, directed by Matt Ratcliffe, are designed to improve your jazz skills. If you’re a competent musician who wants to try playing jazz or an experienced jazz player who wants to improve these workshops are for you

CLICK FOR MORE DETAILS AND TICKETS FOR THESE SESSIONS
https://mjazz.co.uk/derby-jazz-whats-on/

Jerome Sabbagh - new album and US and European tour dates.

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Saxophonist and composer Jerome Sabbagh will release his new album "Stand Up!" on October 17th 2025. He will also be performing a series of live dates in the US and France from September to December.

We have received the following press release;

Saxophonist and composer Jerome Sabbagh has always prided himself on being an artist who stands up strongly for the qualities and principles that he believes in – artistic integrity, bold individuality, social consciousness, and a distinctive personal vision. His vibrant new album, Stand Up!, asserts those values in a number of ways, wedding memorable compositions to fervent playing by Sabbagh’s longtime quartet. Stand Up! was recorded live to analog tape and released on the saxophonist’s own newly-founded label, Analog Tone Factory.

With Stand Up!, due out October 17, 2025, Sabbagh celebrates more than 20 years with his outstanding quartet – guitarist Ben Monder, bassist Joe Martin, and, making his recorded debut with the band, drummer Nasheet Waits. The album marks the group’s first release in over a decade, a period in which Sabbagh has focused on fruitful collaborations with jazz elders including pianist Kenny Barron (Vintage) and the late drummer Al Foster (Heart).

Throughout that time, the quartet has never lost its prominent place among Sabbagh’s priorities. “A lot of my favorite music in jazz has been created by working bands,” the saxophonist states. “Miles Davis’ first and second quintets, the John Coltrane quartet, the Bill Evans Trio, Lovano / Frisell / Motian – those are real bands. Part of what made them so great is the fact that they played together with a certain frequency, even if they didn’t stay together for so many years.”

The centrality of the core idea behind Stand Up! to Sabbagh’s artistic thinking is reflected by the fact that the album shares its title with a composition that the quartet recorded on its second album, 2007’s Pogo. It felt all the more relevant as a cri de cœur today, both as the band’s debut on Sabbagh’s new independent imprint and in regards to the larger backdrop of political turmoil against which it was created.

“I believe that the title captures the feel of the moment,” Sabbagh explains. “I feel both a desire and a sense of urgency to be myself artistically, to try to write music I believe in and play it with the people that I have a strong connection with. It’s also time to stand up for what you believe in, whether that means making an artistic statement or finding a way to affect our political reality in a positive way.”

As far-reaching as that concept may be, the pieces that Sabbagh wrote for Stand Up! are also intimate and deeply personal, each one dedicated to a person (or people) who has impacted the path of his music – some of them friends and colleagues, most of them influences and inspirations.

The rollicking country blues feel of opener “Lone Jack,” for instance, is a tribute to R&B icon Ray Charles, in particular his country-influenced classics like Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. The title is the name of the Missouri hometown of pianist and producer Pete Rende, also Sabbagh’s partner in Analog Tone Factory and the song’s co-dedicatee. Both “Michelle’s Song” and “High Falls” were written for personal acquaintances of Sabbagh’s, the former a tender ballad buoyed by Martin’s elegant bass, the latter a Brazilian-flavored tune evoking memories of a scenic waterfall in Upstate New York and of seeing João Gilberto perform at Carnegie Hall.

“Lunar Cycle” is a play on Sam Rivers’ “Cyclic Episode,” from the saxophonist’s 1965 debut Fuchsia Swing Song. The piece also shares genetic material with Rivers’ work in its ability to straddle the line between edge-walking audacity and indelible melody. This stems in large part from the heavy influence that Sabbagh draws from singers, which emerges through the warm vocal quality in his own playing. That aspect is also showcased on “The Break Song,” dedicated to Stevie Wonder, a soulful tune that serves as an ideal set-closer for the quartet.

Waits’ gift for explosivity and Monder’s mastery of noise-metal extremes come to fore on the blistering “Mosh Pit,” dedicated to Trent Reznor of the pioneering industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails (and now an acclaimed, Oscar-winning soundtrack composer). “[Nine Inch Nails’] Downward Spiral and The Fragile were both important records for me,” Sabbagh says. “I listened to them a lot, and I found their energy, their creativity, and their unique mix of rawness and sophistication really appealing.”

Another formative experience for Sabbagh was seeing the great drummer Paul Motian play at the Village Vanguard. Even more crucially, Sabbagh and Monder were called to form a new trio with Motian that played a week on that venerated stage shortly before the drummer passed away in 2011. Those experiences, and the singular floating yet grounded sensation generated by Motian’s airy-sculptural approach to the drums, are captured on “Vanguard.” The album closes with “Unbowed,” an homage to the indefatigable Kenny Barron.

As always, Sabbagh has a strong sense of matching artwork with content on his releases, choosing impactful imagery that echoes the album’s themes in oblique yet poetic fashion. The pictures that grace the front and back covers of Stand Up! are both the work of Italian photographer Michele Palazzo, who also provided the cover shot for Heart. The front cover’s play of light, reflection and distortion suggest a Blade Runner sci-fi dystopia; the reverse is a stark black and white image of a lone human figure dwarfed by a looming, oppressive concrete wall. Both conjure the threat of cold, anti-human forces and the desire for escape.

A return to a more human-centered approach is key to Sabbagh’s efforts with Analog Tone Factory, which aims to capture the live sound of bands as effectively and as beautifully as possible, and eschews digital manipulation to do so. On each of the label’s releases, the band records together in one room to analog tape. For ultimate fidelity, Stand Up!, the third release on Analog Tone Factory following Heart and Chris Cheek’s album featuring Bill Frisell, Keepers of the Eastern Door, was recorded live to two track on 1/2 inch tape at 30 ips on a custom tube Ampex 351 tape recorder by famed engineer James Farber. It was mastered in the analog domain by the legendary Bernie Grundman.

Humanity converging to create something of beauty – that is the spirit summoned by Stand Up! “It’s so important to me that this band is still together after all these years,” Sabbagh says. “If you’re going to go out on a limb and take chances to try to come up with something you’ve never played before, you need trust, and we have that in this band. Jazz is social music. We come up with ideas when playing with other people that we wouldn’t necessarily discover by ourselves. That’s one of the great beauties of this music, and a big part of what attracts me to it.”

About Jerome Sabbagh
Paris-born, Brooklyn-based saxophonist and composer Jerome Sabbagh is a prolific and forward-thinking composer, as well as a musician with a deep connection to the well of the jazz tradition. Sabbagh has recorded 12 albums as a leader, the most recent of which are Heart (Analog Tone Factory, 2024), a trio record with Joe Martin and master drummer Al Foster; and Vintage (Sunnyside, 2023), an album of original compositions and standards which features legendary pianist and NEA jazz master Kenny Barron in intimate duets, as well as in a quartet setting with Joe Martin and Johnathan Blake.
Prior to Nasheet Waits joining the band for Stand Up!, Sabbagh’s longstanding quartet with Ben Monder, Joe Martin and Ted Poor released three albums since forming in 2004. The saxophonist also co-leads the Jerome Sabbagh/Greg Tuohey Group, which recorded No Filter with Joe Martin on bass and Kush Abadey on drums, and performs as part of the collective trio Lean with Simon Jermyn and Allison Miller. As a sideman, Sabbagh was one of Paul Motian’s last saxophone players and has been involved with pianist Laurent Coq’s quartet, Guillermo Klein’s Los Guachos and the Marta Sanchez Quintet.

About Analog Tone Factory
Analog Tone Factory is a new label that records exclusively to analog tape. Founded by saxophonist Jerome Sabbagh, and pianist and recording engineer Pete Rende, Analog Tone Factory uses the best of the technologies of today and yesterday alike to make great sounding records with some of the best musicians alive. Albums are available on all analog vinyl and reel-to-reel tapes, as well as CD and digital formats, including streaming. All AAA vinyl albums come with a download card for an uncompressed hi resolution 192/24 download.
Analog Tone Factory aims to record with fewer manipulations and more directness, with all musicians playing live together in the same room, so as to capture the music in a way that draws the listener in.
Like Chris Cheek’s Keepers of the Eastern Door, Stand Up! will be available as a special One Step pressing, as well as a standard pressing. Both pressings are AAA 180g.

2025 Tour Dates

September 5th, 2025,  Bar Bayeux, Brooklyn, New York
Sets at 8 and 9:30PM
Featuring Bassist Peter Washington and Drummer Otis Brown III

- Oct. 2: Bar Lunatico, Brooklyn > Jerome Sabbagh, Melissa Aldana, Joe Martin, Joe Dyson

- Oct. 9: Smalls, New York > Jerome Sabbagh Quartet (Ben Monder, Joe Martin, Nasheet Waits)

- Oct. 29: Bar Bayeux, Brooklyn > Album release show for Stand Up! > Jerome Sabbagh Quartet (Ben Monder, Joe Martin, Otis Brown)

- Dec 3: Close-Up, New York > Jerome Sabbagh Quartet (Ben Monder, Joe Martin, drums TBA)

- Dec 18, 19: le Son de la Terre, Paris, France

For more information on Jerome Sabbagh, please visit:
http://www.jeromesabbagh.com

For more information on Analog Tone Factory, please visit:
http://www.analogtonefactory.com

The Jerome Sabbagh Quartet performing “Lone Jack” at the Jazz Gallery on Feb 5, 2025.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8XG2wXU59c

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 24/08/2025.

Monday, August 25, 2025

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 24/08/2025, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from August 24th 2025

Jesper Zeuthen Trio
Pitu Tulee
Blackout
Moserobie

Daniel Erdmann’s Organic Soulfood
Tegucigalpa Touchdown
Into the Sweet Unknown
BMC

Mulatu Astatke
Kulun
Single
Strut

Harben Kaye
Virago
Single
Sulis Records

Sol Sol
Oscillations For Hilma
Single
Sail Cabin

Lightning Trio
McQueen’s disco
Lightning Trio
Bandcamp

Jim Black & The Schrimps
The Sheila
Better you don’t
Intakt

Esmerelda Sella
Il giardino delle delizie
Single
Auand

Maurice Storrer
Vast Highlands Part II
Foureign Language
Unit Records

daoud
l’oeil de jules
ok
ACT

Christian Wallumrød
Marrowing
Percolation
SOFA

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time:
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 10am

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 7pm onward

Later as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Apple, Amazon, Deezer and other podcast sites.

Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra (SNYJO) announces 2025-26 series of afternoon Big Band Jazz concerts.

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

The Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra (SNYJO) is delighted to announce their 2025-26 season with a series of afternoon Big Band Jazz concerts that are suitable for the whole family. Details att.

We have received the following information;

The Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra (SNYJO) is delighted to announce their 2025-26 season with a series of afternoon Big Band Jazz concerts that are suitable for the whole family. This afternoon of music will bring alive the energy of jazz to get your toes tapping and features the future stars of jazz in Scotland, and beyond, who will demonstrate their instrumental skills while paying tribute to some legendary jazz icons including tracks from Ellington to Corea, Basie to Shorter or Miles to Metheny.

More information and tickets at;
https://snjo.co.uk/snyjo/hear-the-snyjo-live-in-2025-26

Sept ‘25 - May ‘26
Hear the SNYJO Live in 2025 / 26
The Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra

The Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra (SNYJO) is delighted to announce their 2025-26 season with a series of afternoon Big Band Jazz concerts that are suitable for the whole family.  This afternoon of music will bring alive the energy of jazz to get your toes tapping and features the future stars of jazz in Scotland, and beyond, who will demonstrate their instrumental skills while paying tribute to some legendary jazz icons including tracks from Ellington to Corea,  Basie to Shorter or Miles to Metheny,.

Formed in 2002, the Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra offers Scotland’s best young jazz talents a grounding in Big band music and the library of jazz masters.  It has advanced the musicianship of over one hundred and thirty young players including winners of the Scottish Album of the Year Award, the BBC Young Jazz Musician title and the Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year competition and have registered successes in the Scottish Jazz Awards and the Jazz FM Awards and nominations in the Mercury Prize. The orchestra’s albums too have won praise internationally and regularly feature in radio programmes across the world.

The class of 25/26 continues to impress audiences with individual and collective prowess, producing performances that guarantee excitement, creativity and grooves to make you move.  So come and enjoy a fantastic afternoon as these young players showcase their endless talents in an extraordinary concert of outstanding music. Please do join and support us and these young players.

NB: Tickets for all afternoon concerts will go on sale in mid August.  Melrose Music Festival tickets are available now, direct from the Festival.

Concert Dates

05
Sep
2025
UK
Melrose
Melrose Music Festival
Corn Exchange, Market Square
The SNYJO Live: 2025-26
Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra
7:30pm

11
Oct
2025
UK
Stirling
The Tolbooth
Jail Wynd
The SNYJO Live: 2025-26
Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra
2:00pm 01786 473544

12
Oct
2025
UK
Peebles
Eastgate Theatre
Eastgate
The SNYJO Live: 2025-26
Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra
2:00pm

08
Nov
2025
Scotland
Edinburgh
St Bride’s Centre
10 Orwell Terrace, Edinburgh EH11 2DZ
The SNYJO Live: 2025-26
Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra
Tickets available on door
2:00pm 07446 286412

09
Nov
2025
UK
Glasgow
Cottiers
93-95 Hyndland St, Glasgow
The SNYJO Live: 2025-26
Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra
2:00pm 0141 357 4000

14
Feb
2026
UK
Kilmarnock
Centrestage Theatre
15 Elmbank Drive
The SNYJO Live: 2025-26
Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra
2:00pm
01563 551505

Scotland
Cumbernauld
Cumbernauld Theatre
Lanternhouse South Kildrum Ring Road Cumbernauld North Lanarkshire G67 2UF
The SNYJO Live: 2025-26
Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra
2:00pm 01236 732 887

28
Mar
2026
UK
Dollar
Dollar Academy, Gibson Hall
The Gibson Auditorium
The SNYJO Live: 2025-26
Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra
2:00pm

29
Mar
2026
UK
Giffnock
Eastwood Park Theatre
Rouken Glen Rd
The SNYJO Live: 2025-26
Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra
2:00pm 0141 577 4956

16
May
2026
Scotland
Greenock
Beacon Arts Centre
Custom House Quay, Greenock, PA15 1HJ
The SNYJO Live: 2025-26
Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra
2:00pm
01475 723723

17
May
2026
UK
Pitlochry
Pitlochry Theatre
Port na Craig Rd
The SNYJO Live: 2025-26
Scottish National Youth Jazz Orchestra
2:30pm
01796 484626

Registration Now Open for NJPAC’s TD JAZZ FOR TEENS 2025-26 Education Program.

Friday, August 15, 2025

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is offering thousands of high schoolers from Newark and beyond music lessons and performance experiences through its popular TD Jazz for Teens program.

We have received the following press release;

Registration Now Open for NJPAC’s TD JAZZ FOR TEENS 2025-26 Education Program

Impacting Thousands of Young Musicians for the Past 28 Years

When: Fall Semester: Sep 27 – Dec 13, 2025; Spring Semester: Jan 24 - May 16, 2026, 10:00am-5:00pm EST (schedules vary).

Where: Arts High School, 550 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Newark, NJ, 07102.

Who: Student musicians ages 13-18.

Register: $700 per semester. $1,200 for full year. Registration is required. Scholarships and/or financial aid are available. For more information, visit NJPAC.org/education or call 973.353.7058.

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the state’s anchor cultural institution, celebrates 28 years of offering thousands of high schoolers from Newark and beyond music lessons and performance experiences through its popular TD Jazz for Teens program. One of the first of many arts education institutions at NJPAC, it has grown into a nationally recognized and revered program producing stellar alumni such as MacArthur “Genius” Fellow Tyshawn Sorey. The 2025-26 school year is about to begin and is now accepting students for both the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters. Registration is now open and closes Sep 29.

TD Jazz for Teens is a comprehensive and sequential jazz education program that provides access to top-notch musical training and study with world-class working artists, opportunities for artistic exchange within the community, and college and career exploration. This school year offers classes in jazz history, theory/composition, technique, ensembles, music business, production, and more.

Prospective college students are guided through the application process. Students are given many performance opportunities as members of the James Moody Jazz Orchestra and/or George Wein Scholars Ensemble (performing at the Newport Jazz Festival). All students record their own compositions together in a studio setting. Field trips to Rutgers University-Newark’s remarkable Institute of Jazz Studies, the largest archive of jazz-related materials in the world, are regular treats for students.

Since 2015, TD Jazz for Teens has been at the helm of Mark Gross, the Director of Jazz Instruction for NJPAC. A multiple GRAMMY-winning alto sax player and composer, Gross has performed and recorded with a roster of greats, including Dizzy Gillespie, Buster Williams, Nat Adderley, Dave Holland, Wynton Marsalis, and more. In addition to Gross, a roster of more than a dozen working jazz musicians including saxophonist Wayne Escoffery and guitarist Alex Wintz (himself an alumnus of the program) as well as celebrated percussionist Alvester Garnett and acclaimed, Russian-born trumpeter Valery Ponomarev, a Jazz Messenger, to name a few — make up the TD Jazz for Teens faculty.  Even more bold-faced names, including 9x Grammy Award-winning bassist Christian McBride, the Arts Center’s Jazz Advisor, vibraphonist Stefon Harris, and MacArthur “Genius” and Doris Duke Artist award winner Regina Carter offer master classes working directly with students.

About Arts Education @ NJPAC
NJPAC’s Arts Education offerings reach more than 60,000 students and families through live performances, in-school residency programs and arts training classes. These programs bring the joy of dance, music, theater, and poetry directly to the classroom.  Through its innovative residencies, Teaching Artists create stimulating performing arts experiences that engage students’ imaginations and build self-confidence through positive self-expression. Its residencies help students learn to work together and develop their creative independence.
In addition to NJPAC’s innovative In-School Programs, the Arts Center’s comprehensive Arts Education Department offers an Arts Training Program that helps students at every level learn their artistic and technical skills they need to study acting, dance, instrumental music, vocal music, and musical theater.  NJPAC also presents a SchoolTime Performance Series, which introduces students and their families to a world of entertainment and culture.  NJPAC’s Arts Education programs feature professional artists from a wide variety of traditions and performances of music, dance, storytelling, puppetry, and more.

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, 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.

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 10/08/2025.

Monday, August 11, 2025

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on10/08/2025, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

An odd mix this week with several singles, an EP, and a self indulgent look back to two of my favourite tracks from 10 years ago!

Langendorf United
Undercover Beast
single
Sing a Song Fighter

Martin Nodeland
Straight Out The Gate
single
Smeik records

O.N.E
Robespierre
single
April Records

LVDF
Home
EP
Bridge The Gap

Wojtek Mazolewski Quintet
The Art of Joy
Live Spirit 1
No Paper records

Alex Hitchcock
Wishbone
Single
New Soil

Stefan Pasborg Trio
Den Blau Anemone
Dear Alex
Stunt

De Luca & Rosselli
Sparrow
Enrumbado
Dodicilune

Aka Moon
Bulgarian Study
Aka Balkan Moon
OutThere Music

Slang & Purbayan Chatterjee
Run
Pace of Mind
zigzag world

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time:
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 10am

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 7pm onward

Later as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Apple, Amazon, Deezer and other podcast sites.

Julian Joseph OBE awarded Honorary Doctorate by University of Southampton.

Saturday, August 02, 2025

British jazz pianist and composer Julian Joseph OBE was awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor of Music) for his contributions to music, education, and cultural life by the University of Southampton.

We have received the following press release;

Turner Sims Press Release:

University of Southampton awards Honorary Doctorate to celebrated British Jazz Musician Julian Joseph

British jazz pianist and composer Julian Joseph OBE was awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor of Music) for his extraordinary contributions to music, education, and cultural life by the University of Southampton at a Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday 23 July 2025.

One of the finest jazz musicians to emerge this side of the Atlantic, Julian has devoted his distinguished career to championing music across the UK and around the world. His performances, compositions, and broadcasts have inspired audiences globally, while his charitable work and dedication to education have made a lasting impact on Britain’s cultural landscape.

Julian has been a formative presence in jazz education, generously sharing his expertise through a wide range of educational programmes. His commitment to nurturing young talent has helped preserve and promote the heritage of jazz for future generations.

His relationship with Southampton spans over 30 years. His first performance at the University’s music venue Turner Sims was in 1994, and he has delighted our audiences regularly ever since. This autumn, he returns to the concert hall with his latest project, ‘Atmospheres in Audio Theatre’ – a bold and immersive exploration of sound and storytelling.

Turner Sims Concert Hall Manager Kevin Appleby, who nominated Julian said,
“Julian Joseph’s longstanding relationship with Southampton – the city, the University, and Turner Sims – along with his national and international profile and influence made him a perfect artist choice for nomination for an honorary degree.  To be able to celebrate his artistry and inspiration when the concert hall was marking its own 50th  anniversary has added to the sense of a special occasion at the end of a landmark year.”

Julian Joseph said,
“Southampton has been a city of amazing good fortune for me. A city of knowledge, education and performance and a place absolutely about family born of close musical ties. The Solent Youth Jazz Orchestra in the mid 1990s led by brilliant charismatic teenager back then Dan Mar-Molinero fostered a long term engagement with young musicians and an ongoing enduring and soulful friendship and musical collaboration with Dan to this very day. The university’s wonderful venue Turner Sims under the expert guidance and artistic programming of Kevin Appleby has been a haven of encouragement and positivity radiating the highest level of music making, thinking and creation to a very receptive audience in and around Southampton including students and faculty from the university it’s situated in.  To be recognised with an honorary doctorate underlines the interest and care Turner Sims and their wonderful team led by Kevin takes in the wider work of an artist to welcome me back numerous times over decades for me to share my music and I look forward to returning in October to continue the story. Thank you University of Southampton, Turner Sims Concert Hall, The Mar-Molinero family and Kevin Appleby.”

Turner Sims is the University of Southampton’s music venue, welcoming all for the joy of music. Opened at Highfield campus in 1974, the venue plays an influential role in Southampton and the region’s cultural scene. Audiences travel miles to experience music legends and rising stars in Turner Sims’ ‘brilliant acoustics’ and ‘varied and imaginative programme’ (Audience comments).www. turnersims.co.uk  

 The University of Southampton drives original thinking, turns knowledge into action and impact, and creates solutions to the world’s challenges. It is among the top 100 institutions globally (QS World University Rankings 2023). The University’s academics are leaders in their fields, forging links with high-profile international businesses and organisations, and inspiring a 22,000-strong community of exceptional students, from over 135 countries worldwide. Through high-quality education, the University helps students on a journey of discovery to realise their potential and join a global network of over 200,000 alumni.
http://www.southampton.ac.uk  
 

Turner Sims is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, which means funding thanks to taxpayers plays a huge part in supporting our work.

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 27/07/2025.

Monday, July 28, 2025

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 27/07/2025, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio playlist from Sunday 27th July 2025

This week’s show starts with a quick look back to a couple of favourite tracks from the start of the year from Joachim Kuhn and then from Sergio Armaroli/Giancarlo Schiaffini. After that its back to new releases:

Olivia Moore and Adam Fairhall
Maggie Meade
Triangles
NEWJAIM

Kasper Rietkerk
Tea Lights
The Happy Worrier
ECN

Neil Charles
Children
Dark Days
Jazz Now

Vincent Meissner
Palma Amore
Eigengrau
ACT

Tony Tixier
Magic
Poems Never End
Whirlwind

Rosa Ensemble
Muzak/Muzak3/Stalker
Oddments
Cuneiform

Stefano Ottogalli
R.I. blues
Colors
Caligola

Theon Cross
Candace of Meroe
Affirmations: Live At Blue Note New York
New Soil

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time:
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 10am

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 7pm onward

Later as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Apple, Amazon, Deezer and other podcast sites.

Barbican and Serious announce Keith Jarrett 80th anniversary celebration, March and April 2026.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

The Barbican and Serious have announced a celebration of jazz pianist Keith Jarrett in his 80th year and 50 years since The Köln Concert with two special performances and a supporting film screening.

We have received the following press release;

Barbican and Serious announce Keith Jarrett 80th anniversary celebration, fifty years since the iconic Köln Concert

The Barbican and Serious today announce a celebration of jazz pianist Keith Jarrett in his 80th year and fifty years since his iconic The Köln Concert. Across two special performances and a supporting film screening, the Barbican will play host to a showcase of key moments from the revolutionary pianist’s career.

American Quartet - The Bad Plus: Chris Potter and Craig Taborn (30 Mar 2026, 8pm)
https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2026/event/the-bad-plus-chris-potter-and-craig-taborn

Film Screening: Keith Jarrett – The Art of Improvisation (15) (11 Apr 2026, 3.30pm)
https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2026/event/keith-jarrett-the-art-of-improvisation

The Köln Concert - Maki Namekawa and Thomas Enhco (11 Apr 2026, 7.30pm)
https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2026/event/the-koln-concert

Keith Jarrett, one of the most visionary improvisers in jazz history, turns 80 this year - a milestone that coincides with the 50th anniversary of his seminal The Köln Concert (ECM, 1975), an album that reshaped the landscape of solo jazz piano. Keith Jarrett’s ability to fuse lyricism, classical influences, and unbroken improvisational flow has inspired generations of jazz and experimental musicians worldwide. His boundless creativity and spiritual intensity, bridges jazz, classical music, free improvisation, and folk traditions.

Marking the occasion of these two landmark anniversaries, the Barbican and Serious are proud to announce this special focus programme in the Barbican Hall, inviting two new projects to respond, in sound and spirit, to The Köln Concert and the American Quartet era. Through reinterpretation and inspiration, the programme celebrates Jarrett’s immense influence on the evolution of modern jazz.

On Monday 30 March 2026, The Bad Plus with Chris Potter and Craig Taborn reinterpret and celebrate Jarrett’s repertoire from his American Quartet era. The project is not a casual homage, but a continuation of the spirit of Jarrett’s American Quartet - balancing swing, freedom, folk-like melody, structured improvisation, and deep musical dialogue - with fresh perspectives from the contemporary ensemble members, which features Reid Anderson, Dave King, Chris Potter, and Craig Taborn. (Find out more)

On Saturday 11 April 2026, two inspired pianists from very different musical spheres - Maki Namekawa and Thomas Enhco - will together tackle Keith Jarrett’s legendary album and performance: The Köln Concert (ECM Records, 1975). Produced and premiered originally by Philharmonie de Paris, the two artists will take two approaches: Maki Namekawa will play, note for note, the first and last sections, while Thomas Enhco will improvise through the central sections, together rendering the incredible luminance of this iconic music and freely oscillating between jazz and classical. (Find out more)

Alongside the performance on 11 April, Barbican Cinema will also screen Keith Jarrett: The Art of Improvisation (15 - Mike Dibb, 2005) which offers an intimate portrait of the legendary pianist, exploring his groundbreaking career and diverse musical influences - from Bach and Mozart to ethnic music - as well as documenting his creative process through interviews and performances. With full cooperation from Jarrett, the film features rare insights from the man himself, alongside interviews with his collaborators, family, and close associates, offering a deep dive into the contrasting worlds of jazz and classical music. Keith Jarrett: The Art of Improvisation is the first major documentary on the pianist, made in collaboration between director Mike Dibb and Jarrett’s biographer Ian Carr. (Find out more)

UPCOMING BARBICAN JAZZ PERFORMANCES:

Summer Jazz Series: Herbie Hancock (Thu 24 – Sat 26 Jul 2025, Barbican Hall, 8pm)
Quinteto Astor Piazzolla (Sun 27 Jul 2025, Barbican Hall, 7.30pm)
Hand to Earth & Shabaka – Fragile Earth Series (Fri 12 Sep 2025, St Giles Cripplegate, 7.30pm)
Balimaya Project x Discos Pacífico All Stars (Sat 27 Sep 2025, Barbican Hall, 7.30pm)
Ustad Noor Bakhsh + Jaubi + Amrit Kaur (Fri 3 Oct 2025, Barbican Hall 7.30pm)
EFG London Jazz Festival: aja monet with guests (Fri 14 Nov 2025, Barbican Hall, 7.30pm)
EFG London Jazz Festival: We Exist! The Dee Dee Bridgewater Quartet (Sat 15 Nov, Barbican Hall, 7.30pm)
EFG London Jazz Festival: Hermeto Pascoal & Grupo (Sun 16 Nov 2025, Barbican Hall, 7.30pm)
EFG London Jazz Festival: Dhamaal (Sun 16 Nov 2025, Milton Court Concert Hall, 7.30pm)
EFG London Jazz Festival: Anthony Joseph: Rowing Up River To Get Our Names Back (Mon 17 Nov 2025, Milton Court Concert Hall, 7.30pm)
EFG London Jazz Festival: The Evolution of UK Jazz – 20 Years On (Wed 19 Nov 2025, Barbican Hall, 7.30pm)
EFG London Jazz Festival: Hiromi’s Sonicwonder (Fri 21 Nov 2025, Barbican Hall, 7.30pm)
EFG London Jazz Festival: Tortoise (Sat 22 Nov 2025, Barbican Hall, 7.30pm)
EFG London Jazz Festival: Japanese Jazz (Sun 23 Nov 2025, Barbican Hall, 7.30pm)
GoGo Penguin + special guest Daudi Matsiko (Wed 3 Dec 2025, Barbican Hall, 7.30pm)
NEW - American Quartet - The Bad Plus: Chris Potter and Craig Taborn (Mon 30 Mar 2026, Barbican Hall, 8pm)
NEW - Film Screening: Keith Jarrett – The Art of Improvisation (15) (Sat 11 Apr 2026, Barbican Cinema 3, 3.30pm)
NEW - The Köln Concert - Maki Namekawa and Thomas Enhco (Sat 11 Apr 2026, Barbican Hall, 7.30pm)

About Serious
Serious is an Associate Producer at the Barbican, and 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.
Their mission is to curate and produce an original programme that engages a wide range of audiences and communities and nurtures both emerging artists and the next generation of the creative workforce. Through unique and ambitious projects, they aim to make meaningful music experiences and opportunities for everyone.
http://www.serious.org.uk

About the Barbican
The Barbican is a catalyst for creativity, sparking possibilities for artists, audiences, and communities. We showcase the most exciting art from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries to entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in.
We are an international arts and events centre rooted firmly in our own neighbourhood, collaborating with local communities and putting the City of London on the map as a destination for everybody. Central to our purpose is supporting emerging talent and shaping opportunities that will accelerate the next generation of creatives.
As a not-for-profit, we rely on the generosity of individuals and organisations, including our principal funder the City of London Corporation. Every ticket purchased, donation made, and pound earned supports our arts and learning programme and enables the widest possible range of people to experience the joy of the arts.
Opened in 1982, the Barbican is a unique and audacious building, recognised globally as an architectural icon. As well as our theatres, galleries, concert halls and cinemas, we have a large conservatory with over 1,500 species of plants and trees, a library, conference facilities, public and community spaces, restaurants, bars, and a picturesque lakeside oasis.
We’re proud to be the home of the London Symphony Orchestra, our Resident Orchestra, and a London base for the Royal Shakespeare Company. We regularly co-commission, produce and showcase the work of our Artistic Associates the Academy of Ancient Music, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Boy Blue, Darbar Arts, Cultural and Heritage Trust, and Serious, who produce the EFG London Jazz Festival, alongside other associates and partners including Doc’n Roll Film Festival, London Palestine Film Festival, and Trafalgar Theatre Productions.
http://www.barbican.org.uk

Kings Place, London announces launch of Kings Place Jazz Orchestra and autumn 2025 jazz shows.

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Kings Place announces the launch of the newly formed Kings Place Jazz Orchestra, a freshly curated series by Michael Mwenso and an autumn filled with jazz performances. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Kings Place announces the launch of the newly formed Kings Place Jazz Orchestra, a freshly curated series by Michael Mwenso and an autumn filled with jazz performances by Sultan Stevenson, Julian Joseph, Zoe Rahman and more.

  The newly formed Kings Place Jazz Orchestra, directed by award-winning British composer, arranger, and trombonist Callum Au, will perform their inaugural concert in November with guest pianist Rob Barron

Michael Mwenso returns to Kings Place as a Guest Curator with ‘Soul Assembly’, a new series where music meets conversation, and community comes alive: celebrating the music of Miles Davis, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald

Julian Joseph is joined by Zoe Rahman to present The Sounds of our Next Generation spotlighting rising stars of jazz as part of the 10th London Piano Festival

Piotr Wojtasik Quintet and Marcin Wasilewski Trio perform concerts as part of the inaugural Polish Jazz Festival

The autumn jazz series also stars Frank Gambale, Quercus trio (June Tabor, Iain Ballamy, Huw Warren), Jack Jennings and Omar Puente, Terje Isungset Ice Quartet, Ian Shaw and Sultan Stevenson

Kings Place today [17 July] announced the launch of their new resident ensemble, Kings Place Jazz Orchestra (KPJO), directed by award-winning composer, arranger and trombonist Callum Au. KPJO is a handpicked, project-based ensemble, made up of the UK’s finest jazz and big band musicians, alongside rising-star young artists. 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’s Hall One. It is set to become a cornerstone of Kings Place’s commitment to both celebrating the depth of jazz tradition and pushing the boundaries of contemporary large ensemble writing. KPJO’s debut performance on 2 November will celebrate George Gershwin’s music, reimagined through the voices of jazz legends such as Miles Davis, Count Basie and Duke Ellington, culminating in a new arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue by Callum Au.

Callum Au, Creative Director, says:
“I’m tremendously excited to be the Creative Director of the newly formed KPJO. Having a top-flight large jazz ensemble with a dedicated home is an enormous responsibility and privilege. We have a spectacular programme of concerts lined up over the next year, featuring many of the finest musicians I’ve had the privilege of working with, from UK jazz stalwarts to rising stars.’’

Sam McShane, Artistic Director of Kings Place, says:
“This autumn, we’re proud to present a wide-ranging jazz programme that reflects Kings Place’s commitment to artistic excellence, adventurous programming and community building. The debut of the Kings Place Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of the remarkable Callum Au, marks a major milestone for us - a new cornerstone for large ensemble jazz in the UK. We’re also thrilled to welcome back the incomparable Michael Mwenso with his specially curated series, Soul Assembly, a powerful new series that places music, conversation and community at its heart. From Julian Joseph and Zoe Rahman championing the next generation of pianists, to the inaugural Polish Jazz Festival and standout performances by artists including Quercus, Ian Shaw, and Sultan Stevenson, this season shines a light on the rich spectrum of jazz today. We look forward to welcoming audiences old and new to be part of these inspiring musical journeys.”

Kings Place continues its commitment to jazz with 13 jazz shows between September and December. Emmy Award-winning creator, bandleader and creative artist Michael Mwenso returns to Kings Place as a guest curator of Soul Assembly, a new series where music meets conversation, and community comes alive, starting with a celebration of Miles Davis with Jay Phelps and Ammar Kalia who will share the stage to perform, talk, reflect and connect with the audience [3 Oct]. Mwenso then presents a family ancestral listening event, Sisters of Soul, celebrating great women in song, guiding the audience through an interactive listening journey as well as a special performance led by tenor saxophonist and Musical Director Ruben Fox [16 Nov]. This is followed by a Christmas show with Michael Mwenso and the Shakes, Funky Soulful Christmas, featuring thrilling new arrangements of holiday favourites and some original anthemic music [18 Dec].

Kings Place is hosting two performances as part of the inaugural Polish Jazz Festival. The Marcin Wasilewski Trio – considered one of the most important jazz groups from Poland – bring their signature blend of tradition and modernity for their Kings Place debut [15 Sept], and trumpeter Piotr Wojtasik performs an intimate Hall Two show with his Quintet [27 Sept].

Australian jazz guitarist Frank Gambale brings his ‘All-Star’ Group to Kings Place, starring bassist Federico Malaman, Yoann Schmidt on drums and Jerry Leonide on keyboard, who will be joined by pianist and composer Andrew McCormack [5 Oct]. Julian Joseph and Zoe Rahman headline an evening at the London Piano Festival to celebrate the future of jazz, sharing the stage with the talent of tomorrow for performances, collaboration and mentorship [12 Oct].

Other jazz highlights in the autumn include Jack Jennings and Omar Puente launching their new album Allied with Nature [17 Oct], June Tabor, Iain Ballamy and Huw Warren performing together as Quercus, sharing original compositions, traditional folk songs and reclaimed standards [19 Oct] and Sultan Stevenson – one of the most exciting young jazz musicians in London – returning to Kings Place with his trio [31 Oct]. The Terje Isungset Ice Quartet perform with their ensemble of voice, ice harp, ice horn, iceophone, ice percussion and ice bass following their sold-out show in 2021 [23 Nov], and Ian Shaw reimagines Sondheim’s iconic songs through a jazz lens [27 Nov].

Further information and tickets for the full range of jazz shows at Kings Place can be found on the Kings Place website.
https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/jazz/

Concert listings

Mon 15 Sep | Hall One 8pm
MARCIN WASILEWSKI TRIO
PRESENTED BY POLISH JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Marcin Wasilewski Trio stands among the most important jazz groups to emerge from Poland in the last few decades. Known for their lyrical touch, intuitive interplay, and refined sense of space, the trio has carved out a distinctive voice in the international jazz scene. Performing as part of the Polish Jazz Festival London, the trio brings their signature blend of tradition and modernity to a city rich in jazz heritage.
£30 – £40; Half-price concessions

Sat 27 Sep | Hall Two 8pm
Piotr WojtAsik Quintet
Presented by Polish Jazz Festival
A master of the trumpet and a deeply expressive composer, Piotr Wojtasik has spent over four decades shaping European jazz with his distinctive voice and boundary-pushing creativity. Known for his lyrical tone, fearless improvisation, and collaborations with global jazz greats, Wojtasik brings decades of experience and expressive depth to an unforgettable night of European jazz excellence.
£30; £27 Under-30s

Fri 3 Oct | Hall Two 8pm
a celebration of Miles Davis
With Jay Phelps and Ammar Kalia
Michael Mwenso’s Soul Assembly
Michael Mwenso’s new series kicks off with a night of conversation and music with writer, musician and poet Ammar Kalia and UK’s leading trumpet player Jay Phelps - supported by DJ Jake Milliner.
In this joyful and immersive gathering as part of the Soul Assembly series, musician and educator Michael Mwenso will guide attendees through a communal exploration of recorded music with a focus on the indelible offerings of Miles Davis. Fresh from his recently curated Miles Davis Kind of Blue performances, Jay Phelps brings together an ensemble to perform highlights from this show alongside conversation between Michael Mwenso himself and musician, poet and writer, Ammar Kalia.
£24; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Sun 5 Oct | Hall One 7.30pm
FRANK GAMBALE ‘ALL-STAR’ GROUP
Plus Andrew McCormack
The Frank Gambale ‘All-Star’ Group – sizzling with a fantastic variety for guitar enthusiasts to feast on, the group showcases a formidable line-up that includes bassist innovator Federico Malaman, the ever-impressive Yoann Schmidt on drums, and Jerry Leonide, keyboard master from Mauritius via Paris. With support from exceptional pianist and composer Andrew McCormack
£25 – £35; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Sun 12 Oct | Hall One 5pm
JULIAN JOSEPH PRESENTS
THE SOUNDS OF OUR NEXT GENERATION
London Piano Festival
Jazz legends Julian Joseph and Zoe Rahman headline an electrifying evening celebrating the future of jazz. From swinging standards to bold new sounds, experience an unforgettable fusion of tradition and innovation, led by two of the UK’s most influential jazz pianists. Witness the talent of tomorrow, in a night filled with dynamic performances, collaboration and inspirational mentorship.
£20 – £30; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Fri 17 Oct | Hall One 7.30pm
Jack Jennings & Omar Puente
‘Allied with Nature’ Album Launch
Earth Unwrapped
Two of the most electrifying virtuosos of the UK scene, Jack Jennings & Omar Puente create new music inspired by the world’s biggest natural sound library. A powerful electric band led by guitar and violin, combining raga themes of Indian classical music, with a jazz/rock rhythm section of Domenico Angarano on bass, Arthur Newell on drums. Bringing nature’s voice to the project is wildlife sound recordist Martyn Stewart and The Listening Planet.
£21 – £36; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Sun 19 Oct | Hall One 6pm
JUNE TABOR, IAIN Ballamy and Huw Warren
Quercus
Three of the UK’s most celebrated folk and jazz musicians come together to create mesmerising, lyrical chamber music that forges June’s intensely passionate voice with Iain’s gloriously mellifluous melodies and Huw’s off-kilter musicality, to tell of life’s bitter-sweet tales. Drawing on their life’s work including original compositions, traditional folk songs and reclaimed standards, Quercus subtly colours each song to create a magical atmosphere.
£18 – £30; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Fri 31 Oct | Hall One 8pm
Sultan Stevenson Trio
Sultan Stevenson is one of the most exciting young jazz musicians in London today. He did his first international tour in October 2023 when he was invited to Ireland, a tour that included an appearance at The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival. On March 28th, he released his second album El Roi on Edition Records, launching with a sold-out show at the Southbank Centre. Following this, his trio is set for a European tour at various high-profile jazz clubs and festivals.
£18 – £30; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Sun 2 Nov | Hall One 5pm
KINGS PLACE JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Presents: Gershwin’s 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 – reimagined through the voices of jazz legends such as Miles Davis, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington – culminating in Callum’s epic new arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue.
£25 – £45; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Sun 16 Nov | Hall Two 3pm
Sisters of soul – celebrating BESSIE SMITH, BILLIE HOLIDAY and ELLA FITZGERALD
Family event
Michael Mwenso’s Soul Assembly
Join us for a joyful, family-friendly celebration of music, community and powerful female voices from the past through Michael Mwenso’s Sisters of Soul show. This warm and inclusive session exists to connect with music, stories and the spirit of shared cultural roots through the music of Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Through uplifting music, performed by Ruben Fox, playful storytelling and irresistible rhythms, we’ll explore the timeless music and inspiring lives of these legendary artists.
£15; £8 Under-30s

Sun 23 Nov | Hall One 5pm
Terje Isungset Ice Quartet
The extraordinary, beautiful and ethereal sounds of ice
Earth Unwrapped
Terje Isungset’s ice concert is a tribute to the most important thing in the whole world – nature – and is based on music from his albums Winter Songs and Beauty of Winter, alongside new material from their Ice Quartet album released in November 2024. The instruments are made during Isungset’s annual Ice Music Festival in Norway. They are carved and crafted using only natural frozen ice from the lakes.
£20 – £35; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Thu 27 Nov | Hall One 8pm
Ian Shaw sings Stephen Sondheim
Stephensong
With his signature blend of emotional depth, wit, and vocal virtuosity, Ian 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, Shaw’s interpretations are both intimate and grand, capturing the heart of Sondheim’s storytelling.
£30; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

Thu 18 Dec | Hall Two 8pm
MWENSO and The Shakes
funky soulful Christmas
Michael Mwenso’s Soul Assembly
Led by Michael Mwenso, this event promises to bring to life an Afro-Futuristic Winter Wonderland. This show also marks the second year of Michael’s Soulful Funky Christmas show, which premiered last year in London and showcases the work he’s been championing across the U.S. for over a decade. Experience thrilling new arrangements of holiday favourites and some of Mwenso and The Shakes’ original anthemic music. In true Soul Assembly style, the evening of music will be paired with conversation, led by writer, musician and poet Ammar Kalia.
£28; Half-price concessions; £10 Under-30s

ABOUT KINGS PLACE
Kings Place is an adventurous music and arts venue with an ambition to inspire local community and promote the power of the arts in our society.  Its venues enable learning, discovery, debate and experiences that are powerfully intimate, enabling human connection between artists and audiences.
The dedicated and supportive team programmes a series of festivals and events, developing cross-arts collaborations and artistic relationships that deliver unforgettable live experiences.
The award-winning concert series, Unwrapped, is its flagship programme, exploring big ideas and overarching themes across the year. Kings Place is also the UK’s home of live podcasting as creators and hosts of the London Podcast Festival.
As a registered charity Kings Place does not receive regular public funding. Income is generated through ticket sales, donations, grants, and the staging of world-class conferences and events.

Kings Place, 90 York Way, King’s Cross, London N1 9AG

http://www.kingsplace.co.uk

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 13/07/2025.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 13/07/2025, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from Sunday 13th July 2025

Jasper Høiby: Fellow Creatures
We Must Fight
We Must Fight
Edition

Smooth Elevator
Urban Modesty
Moving Target
Losen

Indra trio
Mondadeira Alentejana
Brahma
Unit Records

Peter Johnstone
The Four Horsemen
Resistance is Futile
self

Olie Brice Quartet
And We Dance on the Firm Earth
All it Was
West Hill Records

Casimir Liberski ReTRio
Boss Suite II
The Z Suites
WRWTFWW records

Witold
Pastereczka
Witold plays Lutoslawski
Unit

Olga Amelchenko
Walking Shadows
Howling Silence
Edition

Saihs
Second Try
Distopia
Gleam

Snakioplatz
Limitato Avanti
Snakioplatz
Caligola Records

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time:
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 10am

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 7pm onward and available from then on

Later as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Apple, Amazon, Deezer and other podcast sites.

Ludovico Einaudi Announces Solo Piano Tour for April and May 2026.

Friday, July 04, 2025

Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi is unveiling Solo Piano, a special series of intimate solo evenings in his favourite concert halls.

We have received the following press release;

Ludovico Einaudi Announces Solo Piano Tour for 2026

April - May 2026

Ludovico Einaudi: Solo Piano

At the end of his six-night record-breaking residency at the Royal Albert Hall, Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi is unveiling Solo Piano, a special series of intimate solo evenings in his favourite concert halls.

Renowned for his ability to captivate audiences with both grandeur and intimacy, Einaudi’s concerts often reach their most profound moments when his accompanying musicians step offstage, leaving him alone at the piano. In those quiet, transcendent interludes, vast venues are transformed into spaces of deep personal connection.

In 2026, he will build this section out into a full show, playing the most loved songs from his catalogue alongside some deep cuts and surprises.

Solo Piano Tour 2026 Dates:

Tue 28 and Wed 29 April London Royal Albert Hall
Fri 01 May Gateshead The Glasshouse
Sat 02 May Birmingham Symphony Hall
Mon 04 May Bristol Beacon

Tickets go on sale next Thursday 10 July at 10am.

http://www.serious.org.uk

Nick Dewhurst - forthcoming live appearances.

Wednesday, July 02, 2025

Lichfield based trumpeter / guitarist Nick Dewhurst has forwarded details of some of his forthcoming live appearances.

Nick Dewhurst writes;

I’ve got more live music news to tell you about…so here goes…

Saturday 12th July, 4pm, Party at the Jazz Club live at Fuse Festival, Beacon Park, Lichfield. 
Party at the Jazz Club?? What’s that I hear you say!? Well - it’s a little bit of rebranding in fact! Really it’s the ND Band in disguise…except we’re doing our really funky jazz-pop cover tunes which should be great fun at this fantastic free-entry family friendly festival.  I’m going to be joined by some great musicians including Beth Fisher-Dewhurst on Alto Sax & Vocals, Chris Bowden on Tenor Sax, Sam Craig on Piano & Vocals, Paul Robinson on Bass Guitar, and Tash Buxton on Drums.  Tickets are FREE but please head to the Lichfield Arts website to register for them, and to find out more information about the rest of the festival. 
https://lichfieldarts.org.uk/fuse/

Sunday 14th December, 7pm, Seasonal Swing with the Nick Dewhurst Band
Hot off the press & just released in their new brochure: I’m delighted to be taking my 6-piece ND Band to the Hub at St Mary’s where we’ll be playing our Christmas show ‘Seasonal Swing’ featuring Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Deck the Halls, and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree –  all delivered in a vibrant mix of jazz, blues, New Orleans grooves, and rock’n’roll flair.  For tickets and more information, please head to the Hub at St Mary’s Website
https://thehubstmarys.co.uk/events/seasonal-swing-with-the-nick-dewhurst-band/

Friday 19th December, 7pm, the Lichfield Jazz Big Band Christmas Special
It’s bonkers to be thinking about this in this 20-something degree heat…but…this gig is always such a classic night out, and this year we’ve moved it even closer to Christmas! Come & hear the wonderful Lichfield Jazz Big Band live in the stunning setting which is St Anne’s Church in Burntwood.  Just a reminder, there are early bird tickets on sale for this one (currently priced at £13) until July 23rd, after which they’ll go up to £15.  Tickets are available from my website for this one - please head to the box office page here;
https://nickdewhurst.com/box-office/

There are some additional dates on my website too, which I’ll email you about in due course, but if you want to make a note of them, please head to Upcoming Gigs to find out more! 
https://nickdewhurst.com/

That’s all for now, hopefully see some of you at the Fuse Festival in just over a week’s time!

All the very best,
Nick.

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 29/06/2025.

Monday, June 30, 2025

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 29/06/2025, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio playlist from June 29th 2025

Shez Raja
Spellbound
Spellbound
Gearbox Records

Carlo Cattano
Marzamemi
Rituals
AUT Records

DalaiQuartet,
Once
Brazzaville
AUT Records

Bastian Menz
Taking a Trip
Everything in between
A.MA Records

plop ensemble
playing after all
Social Bubbles
Unit Records

Vio 3io
Viology
Viology
self

Mark Solberg Tungemal
Cantamos
Confluencia
ILK Music

Gulliver + Roberto Ottaviano.
Nanita Nana
The Billia Session
Dodicilune

Anna Sophia Defant
dill
s:e
Unit Records

Alice Leggatt
Sunflower Song
Birdsong
ZenneZ

Olivier van Niekerk
7.1
U2146x6
Dox records

GoGo Penguin
Umbra
Necessary Fictions
Sony

Available now:

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time:
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 10am

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 7pm onward

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Apple, Amazon, Deezer and other podcast sites.

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 15/06/2025.

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 15/06/2025, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from 15th June 2025

Tobias Wiklund
Atomic Stringency
Inner Flight Music
Stunt Records

Gary Brunton
Snecklifter
Spacecraft
Juste Une Trace

Chrome Hill
Walk With Me
En Route
Clean Feed

Beiggja
Tuvals
Morning
Hubro

Moanin’ Birds
Birds Suite (1)
Prophets and Profits
Hypnote

Van Herzeele & Galland
Fire
Songshan
Buzz

Bram De Looze
Flagey Blues Edition X
Live at Brussels Jazz Festival
Challenge Records

Luca Gusella
Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
Portraits
Caligola Music

Koro Almost Brass
Rhytm-a-ning
Plays Monk
Caligola Music

Antonio Borghini
The Applicant
Resta Chi Va
We Insist

Antoine Fafard
Paraorbital Vision
Quadra Spherium
Code 7

Lorenzo Bellini
Odruis
Source
Gleam

Tom Brunt’s Extended Acoustics
Acoustronic Space
Today
Unit Records

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time:
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 10am

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 7pm onward

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Apple, Amazon, Deezer and other podcast sites.

Jazz Scotland announces new CEO.

Wednesday, June 04, 2025

Jazz Scotland has announced jazz musician John Youngs as its new CEO. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Jazz Scotland announces new CEO

Jazz Scotland, the Aberdeen-based organisation which produces festivals and year-round activities in Aberdeen, Dundee and Islay, is delighted to announce jazz musician John Youngs as its new CEO. John will replace Coralie Usmani who stepped down from the post in April 2025.

Neil Gibbons, Chair of the company Board said, “Having secured multi-year funding from various sources, Coralie leaves us in a very strong position, providing a great platform for our new CEO to take over. John Youngs brings a wealth of experience to the organisation from both the music industry as a working professional musician, and from the public sector as a civil servant, so is a perfect fit for the post. We look forward to hearing his ideas for the organisation.”

About Jazz Scotland
Jazz Scotland promotes and supports jazz and related music in Scotland, notably through our flagship jazz festivals in Aberdeen, Islay and Dundee. The Scottish registered charity is run from Aberdeen and is supported by funding from Creative Scotland, Aberdeen City Council and a number of other funders.  The organisation was recently awarded Multi - Year Funding from Creative Scotland which will provide support for its activities over the next three years.

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 01/06/2025.

Tuesday, June 03, 2025

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 01/06/2025, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

I have been moving house this week (actually returning home after a flood) and have only just re-established broadband.  This week’s show was broadcast on the radio as usual, but I haven’t had time yet to put it up on Mixcloud and podcast sites.  However, it is available through the Camp Radio Mixcloud link here:
https://www.mixcloud.com/camp_fr/modern-jazz-from-around-europe-01st-june-2025/

Back to normal soon I hope
Peter

Snowpoet
Host
Heartstrings
Edition

Goodman, Bordenave, Mahall
Four in One
Mostly Monk
Unit Records

Marcus Reuter
Love Theme
Truce <3
Moonjune

Maia & Cate
Senhoras_do_Amazonas
Luck Grows
Mons records

Cosmic Ear
Brown Rice
Traces
We Jazz Records

Angel Shades
Josh’s Trap
Twirler
EFPI

Bliss Quintet
Ida
Live at Nattjazz `24
Jazzland

Naïssam Jalal
Souffle #7
Souffles
Les Couleurs du Son

Hélène Labarrière
Jane
Puzzle
Jazzdor

Potsa Lotsa XL
Orthotactic
Amoeba’s Dance
Trouble In The East

Littorina Saxophone Quartet
Hells Bells
Leaking Pipes
NoBusiness Records

Dave Jones wins award from Prog Magazine.

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Pianist & keyboard player Dave Jones won last week's Tracks Of The Week with the complex Trepidation/74 Heist, taken from his new EP, Stratospheric, which is out now.

28/05/2025
Dave Jones writes;

Following my inclusion in Prog magazine’s ‘Tracks of the Week’ , I won it last Friday(!) with my track ‘Trepidation/74 Heist’

Here’s their Fb announcement post below…
Congratulations to British keyboardist Dave Jones, who won last week’s Tracks Of The Week with the complex Trepidation/74 Heist, taken from his new EP, Stratospheric, which is out now.
You can watch Dave’s winning video here: https://youtu.be/LMhhvOjeniI

Delighted, obviously, and particularly because it falls between the cracks, genre-wise and touches on both Prog and Jazz.

The other tracks on the new EP ‘Stratospheric’ touch on folk, jazz, and ambient music.

From;
https://www.davejonesjazz.com/

Dave is again on keyboards for this new release, this time blending Prog Rock with Jazz, Folk, Electro, and Metal, and joined by a larger line-up featuring Ben Waghorn (tenor sax, flute), Elliot Bennett (drums), and the returning Tim Rose (guitars, bass).

Now available from the digital platforms on the link here - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/davejones1/stratospheric

“A truly cosmic experience … a melange of excellence” (Adam Walton, BBC Introducing).

“Complex” (Prog magazine, re the track ‘Trepidation/74 Heist’)

Miller Theatre at Columbia University, New York City,  announces 2025-26 season.

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Miller Theatre has announced its 2025-26 season, including classical, jazz and early music events and more. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts announces
The 2025-26 Season
A season of community and commissions

“Melissa Smey, executive director of Columbia University’s Miller Theatre, has made the house one of the most exciting venues for old and new composition.”
— TIME OUT NY

* Subscriptions on sale now *
* Single tickets on sale starting July 14 *

O V E R V I E W

THE ORIGINAL COMPOSER PORTRAITS SERIES
Miller’s “indispensable” signature series since 1999
Each composer to attend their Portrait, except Lachenmann

HELMUT LACHENMANN:
JACK Quartet celebrates the iconic German composer’s 90th birthday with rare performance of his complete string quartets (10/9)

ANTHONY CHEUNG:
Intrepid ensembles JACK Quartet and Yarn/Wire, alongside flutist Claire Chase, join the composer/pianist for a program of recent works (11/13)

ANDREW MCINTOSH:
The mesmerizing composer and violinist joins Yarn/Wire for a
world premiere Miller commission and more (2/5)

LISA BIELAWA:
Contemporaneous (Miller debut) joins forces with the Rome Prize-winning composer/vocalist for a world premiere Miller commission (2/26)

CHINARY UNG:
The Del Sol Quartet performs a program spanning 6 decades by the first American composer to win the Grawemeyer Award, incl. a new Miller co-commission (3/26)

HANNAH KENDALL:
International Contemporary Ensemble premieres a new work
by the exciting, boundary-pushing British composer (4/23)

4 STELLAR JAZZ ENSEMBLES

ANAT COHEN QUARTET (10/4)
The magnetic, prolific Grammy-nominated clarinetist-saxophonist returns to Miller

SEAN MASON QUARTET (11/15)
Miller debut of the sought-after pianist/composer, with original works and timeless jazz from the ‘20s to today

JOHN MEDESKI & KIRK KNUFFKE (2/7)
The masterful duo joins forces for visionary music inspired by the Sun Ra Arkestra

SULLIVAN FORTNER TRIO (3/7)
The Grammy-winning pianist and bandleader performs innovative takes on standards alongside original compositions

4 ESTEEMED EARLY MUSIC GROUPS RETURN TO “SMOKY MARY’S” (145 West 46th Street)
The only NYC recital appearance for all 4 groups next season

THE GESUALDO SIX perform motets & madrigals by Palestrina & Gesualdo (10/18)

STILE ANTICO present quintessential Renaissance works (11/8)

THE TALLIS SCHOLARS sing Tallis, Byrd, Britten & a world premiere Miller commission by Matthew Martin (12/4)

THE MARIAN CONSORT explores vibrant musical culture of 16th c. Rome (2/14)

A SPECIAL EVENT: WILLIAM SCHUMAN AWARD CONCERT
The beloved TANIA LEÓN is honored with the 2025 William Schuman Award given by Columbia University School of the Arts (9/25)

FREE POP-UP CONCERTS RETURN
WITH AUDIENCE ONSTAGE NEXT TO BRILLIANT MUSICIANS
6pm happy hour concerts in a casual, intimate setting
Introducing a 3-day “Pop-Up Concerts Festival” celebrating 20 yrs of YARN/WIRE with guests including Zeena Parkins, Sam Pluta, Tyshawn Sorey (10/27, 28, 29)
Plus monthly Pop-Ups to be announced throughout the season

MORNINGSIDE LIGHTS XIV
Concept/direction by Processional Arts Workshop
Alex Kahn and Sophia Michahelles, artistic directors
The 14th annual celebration brings the Morningside community together for free workshops and an outdoor procession featuring handmade lanterns (9/20 with workshops beginning 9/13)

From Miller Theatre Executive Director Melissa Smey:
“I am thrilled to announce Miller Theatre’s 2025–26 season, featuring bold new commissions, iconic creative voices, and extraordinary ensembles making their Miller debuts. Each season, my goal is to offer audiences singular musical experiences they won’t find anywhere else—and to give artists a platform to craft meaningful, resonant programs. This season’s lineup reflects this mission in full, with opportunities to encounter brilliance and be transformed by performance. I hope you’ll join us often.”
New York, NY — Miller Theatre, under the exuberant direction of Executive Director Melissa Smey, announces its 2025-26 season—a thrilling combination of new and early music, as seen through its core series Composer Portraits, Early Music, and Jazz, alongside community hits Morningside Lights and Pop-Up Concerts.

The season opens with a special concert in honor of Tania León, the 2025 recipient of the William Schuman Award given by Columbia University School of the Arts, celebrating her transformative contributions to the field with a program showcasing the depth of her body of work. Composer Portraits, Miller’s most famed and influential series, showcases six distinguished composers presenting a characteristically eclectic array of recent works and Miller commissions galore: Helmut Lachenmann, Anthony Cheung, Andrew McIntosh, Lisa Bielawa, Chinary Ung, and Hannah Kendall.

This fall, Miller also mounts a special Pop-Up Concerts Festival celebrating 20 years of the adventurous piano/percussion quartet Yarn/Wire, known for their deep artistic collaborations, vibrant commissions, and exceptional performances. The three-concert series presents incredible new and recent works by groundbreaking artists Zeena Parkins, Sam Pluta, Enno Poppe, Tyshawn Sorey, and Mei‑Fang Lin. Like all Miller’s Pop-Up Concerts, audiences are invited to sit on the stage, inches from the musicians, with drinks in hand, making for a unique, comfortable, and intimate experience. Other monthly Pop-Up Concerts will be announced throughout the year.

In addition to its robust new music programming, Miller is home to world-class Early Music concerts. This year’s program includes preeminent ensembles The Gesualdo Six, The Marian Consort, The Tallis Scholars, and Stile Antico, who each present concerts exploring the rich history of motets, madrigals, and renaissance polyphony. Yet even with Early Music, Miller finds a way to commission: Tallis Scholars will present the world premiere of a new piece by Matthew Martin. Jazz is also a passion of Smey, and this year’s lineup features an incredible array of ensembles: Anat Cohen Quartet, Sean Mason Quartet, John Medeski & Kirk Knuffke, and Sullivan Fortner Trio.

The beloved community event Morningside Lights—by now a bona fide annual tradition—also returns this fall, bringing the people of Morningside Heights together for a beautiful illuminated outdoor procession featuring dozens of handmade lanterns built during free workshops.

The 2025-26 Season
COMPOSER PORTRAITS
Each composer (except Lachenmann) to attend their Portrait
and engage in an onstage conversation
Single tickets from $20
Series tickets from $96 for all six concerts, or from $48 for three concerts

“There are few series as satisfying as the Miller Theatre’s signature dives into one composer.” — The New York Times

Composer Portraits are deep-dive immersions into a living composer’s work. They have been repeatedly hailed as “utterly indispensable,” “covetable,” “essential,” “endlessly important,” and “invaluable” by The New York Times and The New Yorker, among others. After 26 years, the popular series continues to reward curious listeners with concerts that are satisfying and thought-provoking.

Miller Theatre commissions original photography to further its efforts to place creators front and center, and with the goal of connecting listeners to both the creators and their music.

Thursday, October 9, 2025, 7:30PM
Helmut Lachenmann (b. 1935)
Complete String Quartets
Marking the 90th birthday celebration of Helmut Lachenmann—the iconic visionary who has profoundly shaped the landscape of modern classical music—the intrepid JACK Quartet performs his complete string quartets. The last time the complete quartets were performed in New York was over ten years ago. This promises to be an unforgettable performance of one of contemporary music’s most influential voices.
PROGRAM
String Quartet No. 1 Gran Torso (1971/78/88)
String Quartet No. 2 Reigen seliger Geister (1989)
String Quartet No. 3 Grido (2001)
ARTIST
JACK Quartet
    Christopher Otto, violin
    Austin Wulliman, violin
    John Pickford Richards, viola
    Jay Campbell, cello

Thursday, November 13, 2025, 7:30PM
Anthony Cheung (b. 1982)
The captivating music of Anthony Cheung has been described as “gritty, inventive and wonderfully assured” (San Francisco Chronicle). His work reveals an interest in the ambiguity of sound sources and shifting transformations of tuning and timbre. An all-star lineup—flutist Claire Chase, Yarn/Wire, and the JACK Quartet—join the composer for a dynamic program of recent works.
PROGRAM
Improvised Intro (2025) for piano
Twice Removed (2024)
Tactile Values (2023)
The Real Book of Fake Tunes (2015)
ARTISTS
Claire Chase, flute
Anthony Cheung, piano
JACK Quartet
Yarn/Wire

Thursday, February 5, 2026, 7:30PM
Andrew McIntosh (b. 1985)
Known for blending rich textures, intricate rhythms, and a deep connection to natural soundscapes, Andrew McIntosh’s music is both profound and mesmerizing. The individual musical personalities of the performers he writes for are a central consideration in his work, and for this Portrait, he performs alongside his close collaborators Yarn/Wire, in a world premiere Miller Theatre commission.
PROGRAM
new work (2026) world premiere, Miller Theatre commission
Arc (2020)
Little Jimmy, Movement II, Little Jimmy at the End of Winter (2020)
We See the Flying Bird (2015-16)
Hyenas In the Temples of Pleasure (2012-13)
ARTISTS
Andrew McIntosh, violin
Yarn/Wire

Thursday, February 26, 2026, 7:30PM
Lisa Bielawa (b. 1968)
Composer and vocalist Lisa Bielawa—a 2023 Guggenheim Fellow and a Rome Prize winner—creates music that The New York Times has described as “ruminative, pointillistic, and harmonically slightly tart.” She takes inspiration for her work from literary sources and close artistic collaborations, and often incorporates community-making as part of her artistic vision. The dynamic Contemporaneous ensemble makes its Miller debut performing alongside the composer.
PROGRAM
new work (2025), world premiere, Miller Theatre commission
Incessabile Voce (2013)
Graffiti dell’amante (2010)
ARTISTS
Lisa Bielawa, vocalist
Contemporaneous
David Bloom, conductor

Thursday, March 26, 2026, 7:30PM
Chinary Ung (b. 1942)
Chinary Ung—the first American composer to win the highly coveted Grawemeyer Award—is heralded for combining the sounds of Cambodian folk traditions with contemporary classical techniques. The acclaimed Del Sol String Quartet performs works spanning six decades, including the world premiere of a new commission.
PROGRAM
new work (2025) world premiere, co-commissioned by Del Sol Performing Arts and Miller Theatre
Spiral X: In Memoriam (2007)
Spiral III (1990)
Khse Buon (1980)
String Trio (1966)
ARTIST
Del Sol Quartet
    Hyeyung Sol Yoon, violin
    Benjamin Kreith, violin
    Charlton Lee, viola
    Kathryn Bates, cello

Thursday, April 23, 2026, 7:30PM
Hannah Kendall (b. 1984)
Photo by Rob Davidson for Miller Theatre
British composer Hannah Kendall’s music is marked by striking and often polarizing dynamics and features staggeringly intricate details that encourage further listening. Known for her attentive arrangements and immersive world-building, her work pushes the limits of compositional boundaries. The adventurous International Contemporary Ensemble performs several recent pieces, including a world premiere Miller Theatre commission. The month before her Composer Portrait, Hannah’s chamber opera The Knife of Dawn will be presented by the Dutch National Opera.
PROGRAM
new work (2025), world premiere, Miller Theatre commission
when flesh is pressed against the dark (2024)
Even sweetness can catch the throat (2023)
Tuxedo: Diving Bell 2 (2021)
ARTIST
International Contemporary Ensemble

JAZZ
Single tickets from $25
Series tickets from $88 for all four concerts

Saturday, October 4, 2025, 7:30PM
Anat Cohen Quartet
The charismatic and prolific Grammy-nominated clarinetist-saxophonist Anat Cohen brings her expressive artistry and magnetic stage presence back to Miller. Named “Clarinetist of the Year” by the Jazz Journalists Association every year since 2007 and a perennial favorite in DownBeat’s critics and readers polls, Cohen and her vibrant Quartet perform an evening of music rich with swing, Brazilian rhythms, and adventurous improvisation.
ARTISTS
Anat Cohen, clarinet
Vitor Gonçalves, piano
Tal Mashiach, bass
James Shipp, drums

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
Tony Glausi, trumpet
Felix Moseholm, bass
Domo Branch, drums

Saturday, February 7, 2025, 7:30PM
John Medeski & Kirk Knuffke
The Angelic Brothers
Legendary keyboardist John Medeski and acclaimed cornetist Kirk Knuffke join forces as The Angelic Brothers, a masterful collaboration that mixes jazz, experimental sounds, and improvisation—drawing inspiration from the visionary work of the Sun Ra Arkestra. Their first Miller appearance promises an electrifying fusion of craft and invention.
ARTISTS
John Medeski, piano and vocals
Kirk Knuffke, cornet and vocals

Saturday, March 7, 2026, 7:30PM
Sullivan Fortner Trio
Sullivan Fortner Trio by Mark Sheldon
A Grammy winner and recipient of the prestigious Cole Porter Fellowship, pianist and bandleader Sullivan Fortner makes his Miller debut with his incredible trio, recently crowned “Rising Star Jazz Group” in the 2024 DownBeat Critics Poll. Known for his deep musical roots in New Orleans and celebrated collaborations with artists like Cécile McLorin Salvant and Roy Hargrove, Fortner brings a fresh approach to the jazz trio, offering innovative takes on standards alongside striking original compositions.
ARTISTS
Sullivan Fortner, piano
Tyrone Allen, bass
Kayvon Gordon, drums

EARLY MUSIC
Single tickets from $30
Series tickets from $116 for all four concerts
All concerts take place at Church of St. Mary the Virgin
145 West 46th Street, New York, NY

“Columbia University’s performance hub advocates just as vigorously for early music as it does for contemporary work.”
— THE NEW YORKER

Saturday, October 18, 2025, 7:30PM
The Gesualdo Six
Motets and Madrigals of
Palestrina and Gesualdo
The acclaimed Gesualdo Six returns with a captivating program highlighting two of the Renaissance’s most famous composers: Palestrina, revered for his clarity and elegance, and the notorious Carlo Gesualdo, with his bold chromaticism and emotional intensity. Experience a captivating tapestry of litanies, madrigals, and Lamentations, showcasing the extraordinary writing and contrasting approaches of these two luminaries.
PROGRAM
Carlo Gesualdo
In te Domine speravi
Peccantem me quotidie
Tenebrae Responsories
O tenebroso giorno
Asciugate i begli occhi
Ancide sol la morte
Moro, lasso, al mio duolo
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
E tu Signor, tu la tua grazia infondi
Queste saranno ben lagrime
Io son ferito, ahi lasso
Quando dal terzo Cielo
Litaniae de Beata Virgine Maria a6
Missa Papae Marcelli, Gloria
Super flumina Babylonis
Lamentationes Jeremiae Prophetae
ARTIST
The Gesualdo Six

Saturday, November 8, 2025, 7:30PM
Stile Antico
Golden Renaissance
One of the world’s finest ensembles, Stile Antico selects one piece from each of its sixteen award-winning albums to create a thrilling journey through some of the greatest music of the Renaissance. Works by the era’s quintessential composers, such as Byrd, Gibbons, Tomkins, Taverner, and Tallis, are paired with a recent composition by Huw Watkins, written especially for the group.
PROGRAM
William Byrd                         Exsurge Domine
William Byrd                         Retire my soul
Clemens non Papa                   Ego flos campi
Orlando Gibbons                     Hosanna to the Son of David
Orlando Gibbons                     O clap your hands
Francisco Guerrero                 A un niño llorando
Josquin des Prez                     Salve Regina à 5
Cristóbal de Morales               Jubilate Deo
Michael Praetorius                 Ein Kind geboren
John Sheppard                       I give you a new commandment
Thomas Tallis                       In manus tuas
John Taverner                       Audivi vocem de caelo
Thomas Tomkins                   O Praise the Lord
Tomás Luis de Victoria             Recessit pastor noster
Giaches de Wert                     Gaudete in Domino
Huw Watkins                       The Phoenix and the Turtle (2014)
ARTIST
Stile Antico

Thursday, December 4, 2025, 7:30PM
The Tallis Scholars
Mother and Child
The exquisite Tallis Scholars make their annual appearance on Miller’s series with a holiday program centered around the Virgin Mary, whether celebrating her own divinity (in the Votive Mass written by Byrd), or in the context of the birth of Christ (in Tallis’s epic Missa Puer natus). The program features works by all-English composers, including a world premiere by Matthew Martin, commissioned by Miller Theatre for the occasion. This marks the third Miller commission for The Tallis Scholars, following Michael Nyman and Nico Muhly.
PROGRAM
Benjamin Britten               Hymn to the Virgin
William Byrd                   Votive mass of the Virgin
Matthew Martin                 new work (2025), world premiere,
                                    commissioned by Miller Theatre
John Nesbett                     Magnificat
Thomas Tallis                   Missa Puer natus
ARTISTS
The Tallis Scholars
Peter Phillips, director

Saturday, February 14, 2026, 7:30PM
The Marian Consort
City of Echoes — Rome in the 16th Century
The award-winning Marian Consort returns to explore the vibrant musical landscape of 16th-century Rome. The rich program highlights the interplay of influence and inspiration in works by celebrated figures like Palestrina, Josquin, and Victoria, alongside hidden gems.
PROGRAM
Felice Anerio                                 Ave Regina caelorum
Ghiselin Danckerts                         Laetamini in Domino
Josquin des Prez                             Ave Maria … virgo serena
Jean L’Heritier                               Surrexit pastor bonus
Orlandus Lassus                             Regina caeli laetare a7  
Tomás Luis de Victoria                     Ave regina caelorum a8
Vicente Lusitano                           Regina caeli Laetare
Jean Mouton                               Ave Maria gemma virginum
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina         Missa Benedicta es, Kyrie
Palestrina, arr. Soriano                   Missa in Papae Marcelli, Gloria
Plainchant                                   Benedicta es, caelorum regina
ARTISTS
The Marian Consort
Rory McCleery, director

SPECIAL EVENT:
WILLIAM SCHUMAN AWARD CONCERT
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 7:30PM
Honoring Tania León
William Schuman Award Concert
Single tickets from $20
Single Tickets available July 14 at noon
LISTEN
Tania León is a lauded composer, conductor, educator, arts advocate, and the newest recipient of the William Schuman Award of Columbia University School of the Arts. This concert celebrates her transformative contributions to the field with a program showcasing the vitality and depth of her vibrant body of work. An incredible cast of musicians join together in tribute to this inspirational cultural icon.
PROGRAM
Singsong for flute (2023/25), New York premiere
In the Field for soprano, string quartet, and piano (2022), New York premiere
Esencia for string quartet (2009)
Tumbao for piano (2005)
A La Par for piano and percussion (1986)
ARTISTS
Rachel Doehring Jackson, soprano
Sophie Thompson, soprano
Claire Chase, flute
Han Chen, piano
Camila Cortina Bello, piano
Orion Weiss, piano
Ian Rosenbaum, percussion
Bergamot String Quartet

FREE PROGRAMMING
Miller Theatre has two ongoing series focused on deepening the connection with Miller’s local community and welcoming newcomers into the fold.

POP-UP CONCERTS

“Miller Theatre’s Pop-Up Concerts are a wonderfully informal way to experience bracing contemporary music.”
— THE NEW YORK TIMES

“Some concerts are better shorter. That’s the premise behind this intimate happy-hour pop-up series, in which audience members can fortify themselves with a drink,
sit onstage with the musicians, and listen…”
— NEW YORK MAGAZINE

Miller Theatre’s unique, musician-curated Pop-Up Concerts—free, fun, informal, and intimate—bring audiences right onto the stage, drink in hand. The performers share not only their music but the stories and meaning behind it, in a setting that feels more like a salon than a concert hall. One audience member deemed the series “the greatest hour of culture in New York.” Onstage seating is first-come, first-served.

Monthly Pop-Up Concerts are announced throughout the season. For the first time, launching this year’s series is a special three-concert festival, Celebrating 20 Years of Yarn/Wire, the adventurous piano/percussion quartet.

Check http://www.millertheatre.com for dates and times (typically announced a month or two in advance), and join the Miller Theatre email list for updates and concert announcements.

Special Pop-Up Concerts Festival
Celebrating 20 Years of Yarn/Wire
Laura Barger, piano; Julia Den Boer, piano
Russell Greenberg, percussion; Sae Hashimoto, percussion
The adventurous piano/percussion quartet Yarn/Wire celebrates its 20th anniversary this season with a special three-concert festival, kicking off Miller’s Pop-Up Concerts series. Renowned for their exceptional performances, vibrant commissions, and dynamic education and outreach efforts, the quartet puts special emphasis on artistic collaboration–especially with the composers they work alongside. In this compelling concert series, each program offers a unique exploration of the nuances within the composer-performer relationship.
Monday, October 27, 2025, 6PM

Concert One
PROGRAM
Zeena Parkins                 Lace Action Cards (2025), world premiere, for Yarn/Wire
                                Zeena Parkins and Sam Pluta
Sam Pluta                       Seven Systems (2015) for two pianos, two percussion quartet
                                  with electronic playback and actuated snares
ARTISTS
Zeena Parkins, harp
Sam Pluta, electronics
Yarn/Wire

Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 6PM
Concert Two
PROGRAM
Enno Poppe                         Feld (2007/2017)
new work to be announced
ARTISTS
Yarn/Wire with special guest

Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 6PM
Concert Three
PROGRAM
Tyshawn Sorey                     For Ross Gay (2023)
Mei-Fang Lin                       Yarny/Wiry (2006)
ARTISTS
Tyshawn Sorey, celeste
Yarn/Wire

MORNINGSIDE LIGHTS XIV
http://www.morningside-lights.com
Saturday, September 20, 2025 (workshops start Saturday, Sept 13)
14th Annual Morningside Lights
Concept and Direction by Processional Arts Workshop
Alex Kahn and Sophia Michahelles, artistic directors
Morningside Lights is co-produced with the Arts Initiative at Columbia University
“It is hard not to be drawn by the magic of Morningside Lights. More than an annual parade, it is a love letter—a tribute to our community. “ — BWOG
“Every fall, Morningside Lights illuminates the night with a procession of awe-inspiring handmade lanterns.” — TIME OUT
The beloved neighborhood tradition Morningside Lights returns for its 14th consecutive year. Starting September 13, Miller opens its doors for a week of free lantern-building workshops, culminating in a magical illuminated procession through Morningside Park.
More details will be announced soon. The public can learn more or sign up to help create lanterns at http://www.morningside-lights.com.

SEASON AT A GLANCE;

Saturday, September 20, 2025 (workshops start Saturday, Sept 13)
14th Annual Morningside Lights

Thursday, September 25, 2025, 7:30PM
Special Event
Honoring Tania León
William Schuman Award Concert
Rachel Doehring Jackson, soprano
Sophie Thompson, soprano
Claire Chase, flute
Han Chen, piano
Camila Cortina Bello, piano
Orion Weiss, piano
Ian Rosenbaum, percussion
Bergamot String Quartet

Saturday, October 4, 2025, 7:30PM
Jazz
Anat Cohen Quartet

Thursday, October 9, 2025, 7:30PM
Composer Portraits
Helmut Lachenmann
Complete String Quartets
JACK Quartet

Saturday, October 18, 2025, 7:30PM
Early Music
The Gesualdo Six
Motets and Madrigals of Palestrina and Gesualdo

Monday, October 27, 2025, 6PM
Special Pop-Up Concerts Festival
Celebrating 20 Years of Yarn/Wire: Concert One
Zeena Parkins, harp
Sam Pluta, electronics
Yarn/Wire

Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 6PM
Special Pop-Up Concerts Festival
Celebrating 20 Years of Yarn/Wire: Concert Two
Yarn/Wire

Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 6PM
Special Pop-Up Concerts Festival
Celebrating 20 Years of Yarn/Wire: Concert Three
Tyshawn Sorey, celeste
Yarn/Wire

Saturday, November 8, 2025, 7:30PM
Early Music
Stile Antico
Golden Renaissance

Thursday, November 13, 2025, 7:30PM
Composer Portraits
Anthony Cheung
Claire Chase, flute
Anthony Cheung, piano
JACK Quartet
Yarn/Wire

Saturday, November 15, 2025, 7:30PM
Jazz
Sean Mason Quartet

Thursday, December 4, 2025, 7:30PM
Early Music
The Tallis Scholars
Mother and Child

Thursday, February 5, 2026, 7:30PM
Composer Portraits
Andrew McIntosh
Andrew McIntosh, violin
Yarn/Wire

Saturday, February 7, 2026, 7:30PM
Jazz
John Medeski & Kirk Knuffke
The Angelic Brothers

Saturday, February 14, 2026, 7:30PM
Early Music
The Marian Consort
City of Echoes — Rome in the 16th Century

Thursday, February 26, 2026, 7:30PM
Composer Portraits
Lisa Bielawa
Lisa Bielawa, vocalist
Contemporaneous
David Bloom, composer

Saturday, March 7, 2026, 7:30PM
Jazz
Sullivan Fortner Trio

Thursday, March 26, 2026, 7:30PM
Composer Portraits
Chinary Ung
Del Sol Quartet

Thursday, April 23, 2026, 7:30PM
Composer Portraits
Hannah Kendall
International Contemporary Ensemble

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.

Support for contemporary music at Miller Theatre is provided by the Aaron Copland Fund for Music. Additional support is provided by the Amphion Foundation.

Eddie Gripper & Elijah Jeffery - debut album and UK tour, June and July 2025.

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Pianist Eddie Gripper and vocalist Elijah Jeffrey will release their eponymous debut album on June 6th 2025. They will be touring in the UK during June and July.

We have received the following press release;

Eddie Gripper & Elijah Jeffery
UK Album Tour 2025
Released 6th June 2025

A brand-new album by two young titans who have collaborated in a focused project which reflects both their passion for music, and the strong desire to create. Written and recorded within 8 weeks, pianist Eddie Gripper and vocalist Elijah Jeffrey capture stories invented by two young men not afraid to explore themes of darkness and danger, balanced by hope and love in some of its many guises.

This has been achieved with Eddie exploring a mix of conventional and complex chord voicings, unison melody lines, and thrilling improvisations that sparkle in this crossover original repertoire. Elijah demonstrates an authority augmented by an impressive vocal range, controlled vibrato, and an individual voice; the perfect tool to purvey their messages with an authoritative conveyance. Their impressive relationship with dynamics reinforces the intent of their compositions, and the narrative they generate nods to music being more than what they play, rather how they make the listener feel.

I feel enthused after listening to this recording. I am excited for the future of both musicians and their desire to conceive projects that take them beyond the genres they have been brought up in. This is a journey that we are all invited to be a part of… - Dr Linley Hamilton OBE

This self-titled album is the culmination of both musician’s fruitful working relationship and individual passion for songwriting. With seven original songs and one never-before heard adaptation of a 17th century Aria, Elijah Jeffery & Eddie Gripper offer up an “eagerly awaited” (The Jazz Mann) collaboration straddling the genres of progressive pop, indie folk and alternative jazz.

Live Dates:

6th June, Kings Road Yard, Cardiff

11th June, Oxford University Jazz. Society

12th June, Smokey Joe’s, Cheltenham

13th June, Burford Jazz Club, Oxfordshire

16th June, Bexley Jazz Club, London

18th June, Concorde Club, Eastleigh

22nd June, SMJC, Southampton

25th June,  Aberjazz, Fishguard

26th June, The Small Space, Barry

10th July, Hampstead Jaz Club, London

11th July, Cabaret, Cardiff

Elijah Jeffery is a Hampshire-born vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. From an early age, Elijah developed a passion for musical theatre and the Great American Songbook, taking inspiration from many of the great vocalists and lyricists of the 20th Century. A Jazz graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Elijah has established himself as an up-and-coming artist in Wales and the South West, collaborating with the likes of Claire Martin OBE, Ian Shaw, and big bands such as Capital City Jazz Orchestra. Elijah released his debut EP, ‘One of Her Clowns’ in June 2023, marking his first foray into writing original music. Fusing a lifelong love of jazz with singer-songwriter and folk sensibilities, ‘One of Her Clowns’ weaves bittersweet tales of love lost and found through “poetic and intelligent lyricis[m]” (The Jazz Mann).

Having “already garnered comparisons with the greats”(Jazzwise) after the release of his debut album ‘Home’, pianist Eddie Gripper has rapidly established himself as a young contender on the national jazz circuit. He has worked as a performer, promoter and producer alongside top musicians in his field such as Nigel Price, Simon Spillet and Pete Long. Outside of Jazz, he has collaborated with Welsh folk artist Angharad Jenkins, writing and performing music that explores the various aspects of folk, jazz and contemporary classical traditions In 2024, Gripper embarked on a 29-date tour across the four nations of the UK and Republic of Ireland, and remains active on the national and international scene (having played at venues such as Crazy Coqs, Pizza Express and various festivals, both under his own name and with other projects).

“[An] exposed setting revealing Jeffery to be a poetic and intelligent lyricist who has learnt well from the ‘Songbook’ tradition”
– The Jazz Mann

“Gripper’s melodic compositions have an easy charm about them that demand repeated listening.” – Jazz Views

TRACK LIST
(all tracks written by Elijah Jeffery & Eddie Gripper unless otherwise stated)

Shifting Seasons
Good, Honest Men
Close Your Eyes
Because of You
True Love Never Dies
Love Is A Game
Dido’s Lament (When I Am Laid In Earth) - comp. Henry Purcell
Swan Song

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 18/05/2025.

Monday, May 19, 2025

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 18/05/2025, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from May 18 2025

Oliver Lutz
Stargazer
Calamari Fantasy
Bandcamp

Álvaro Ocón Ocón
Mama
Life Dissonance
AMP Records

Azmari
Disassembling The Matrix
In Oculis (EP)
SDBan

Sarost
First Lights
Aurora
Jazz Now Records

Alex Hawkins
Song of Infinite Variations
Song Unconditional
Intakt

Hedwig Mollestad trio
Golden Griffin
Bees in The Bonnet
Rune Grammofon

Henriksen-Seim-Jormin-Ounaskari
Nokitpyrt
Arcanum
ECM

Motion and More
White Magic
Gratitude
Phonogram Unit

Trilok Gurtu
Peace is not Peaceful
Mirror
Jazzline

Fernandino Romano
La Torre del Serpe
The Legends of Otranto
Gleam

John Andrew Wilhite
Early Morning
Bristol Silence
Motvind records

Andrew Moreno
Iffa
Axiom
Honolulu Records