Birmingham Jazz celebrates 50 years with premiere of suite featuring the work five different Birmingham composers.

Friday, October 02, 2026

50 years of Birmingham Jazz will be celebrated on Thursday 8 October 2026 in a special evening at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Press release attached.

We have received the following media release;

Birmingham Jazz celebrates 50 years with premiere by five Birmingham composers
8 October 2026
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Specially-commissioned suite by five of Birmingham’s leading composers, performed by Birmingham Jazz Orchestra, marks charity’s golden anniversary
Student support set beforehand and jam session follows

50 years of Birmingham Jazz will be celebrated on Thursday 8 October in a special evening at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire that recognises the impact the organisation has had on the city’s now thriving jazz scene.

The centrepiece is the premiere of a specially-commissioned suite of music played by the Birmingham Jazz Orchestra.  Each of the five movements has been written by one of the city’s leading current composers, inspired by the musical influences from Birmingham Jazz’s five decades.

Birmingham composers Ed Puddick, Alicia Gardener-Trejo, Jonathan Silk, Dave Sear and Alex Astbury each contribute a movement with influences spanning the jazz-rock era of the 1970s, through the maturing compositional style of writers like Kenny Wheeler in the 1990s, to a uniquely contemporary finale that takes inspiration from all five decades.

A support set in the Conservatoire’s Eastside Jazz Club by RBC musicians, led by The Zeb Murphy Quartet sets the scene, and a jam session welcomes all following the main performance.

Over the past fifty years, music charity Birmingham Jazz has built a distinctive live programme that promotes and creates opportunities for musical innovation and artistic achievement.  The programme has brought together international and national artists, while giving local musicians and students a platform to write, perform and develop live work that might otherwise not have been possible.

Legendary names including Ronnie Scott, Jan Garbarek, Humphrey Lyttelton, Mike Gibbs, Stan Tracey and Abdullah Ibrahim are just some of the many high profile artists to perform live under the Birmingham Jazz banner over the years.

Phil Rose, Birmingham Jazz, said, “I’m so proud to promote jazz by local, national and international musicians that the people of Birmingham would not otherwise have been able to see in the city. We have also created over the last five decades an inclusive programme full of different musicians from all parts of the UK. Our members and volunteers still give us time and money to deliver a programme of sheer excellence.”

Ed Puddick, Lecturer in Jazz, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, said,  “I am so pleased that RBC, Birmingham Jazz and the Birmingham Jazz Orchestra have been able to work together to make this concert such a significant moment in the celebration of 50 years of Birmingham Jazz. It demonstrates the collaborative spirit that will be needed to propel the Midlands jazz scene forward over the next 50 years. The world needs creative artists, live music, and listening audiences, things that Birmingham Jazz have been promoting for half a century, and long may that continue!”

Jeremy Price, Head of Jazz, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, added, “For 50 years Birmingham Jazz has been at the centre of various partnerships that have brought an absolutely stellar procession of jazz greats to perform in and around Birmingham, and have made a major contribution to the City’s identity as a cultural centre for the UK. The fact that increasingly young creative people see Birmingham as a great option to live and work in is testament to their hugely significant contribution to the wider scene.”

Birmingham Jazz Orchestra: Birmingham Jazz at 50 is at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on Thursday 8 October.  Tickets and details at http://www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts

Thu 8 Oct, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Birmingham Jazz Orchestra: Birmingham Jazz at 50
6.30pm, Eastside Jazz Club – Support: The Zeb Murphy Quartet
7.45pm, Recital Hall – Birmingham Jazz Orchestra
9pm, Eastside Jazz Club – Jam session with The Zeb Murphy Quartet

Tickets £15; £12 under 18s & over 60s; £5 students

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

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

Specially-commissioned five-movement suite, composed by:

Mov 1 (composed by Ed Puddick) is influenced by the Jazz-Rock of the 1970s, including Mike Gibbs, Neil Ardley and Ian Carr.

Mov 2 (composed by Alicia Gardener-Trejo) celebrates some of the joyous music being made in the UK jazz scene in the 1980s.

Mov 3 (composed by Jonathan Silk) reflects the maturing compositional style of writers like Kenny Wheeler in the 1990s.

Mov 4 (composed by Dave Sear) remembers the expanding musical influences of the early 2000s on the UK jazz scene.

Mov 5 (composed by Alex Astbury) takes inspiration from all five decades of Birmingham Jazz to create a uniquely contemporary finale.

Birmingham Jazz
http://www.birminghamjazz.co.uk

Birmingham Jazz Orchestra have been bringing vibrant original big band music to the scene for a decade now. With two albums under their belt featuring original music by Birmingham musicians, they are a staple of the jazz scene in the midlands and UK. More recently, they have been busy with their residency at Birmingham’s Digbeth Jazz, and are constantly expanding their eclectic pad of music full of original compositions and arrangements by members of the band, alongside doing gigs with guest composers (Nikki Iles, Josaphine Davies, Charlie Bates). BJO are a regular sight at Symphony Hall, Digbeth Jazz and the Birmingham Conservatoire, and bring an exciting and contemporary energy to the jazz and big band scene here in the UK.

Black History Month at Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club, Kennington, London.

Friday, October 02, 2026

The Toulouse Lautrec venue will celebrate Black History Month with a series of specially curated performances throughout October 2026. Schedule attached.

We have received the following information;

Celebrate Black History Month at Toulouse Lautrec this October

Jazz is inseparable from Black history. Created and transformed by Black musicians and communities, the music has carried stories of identity, resistance, innovation and joy across generations, shaping culture far beyond the jazz world.

This October, our Black History Month programme celebrates that legacy while supporting the artists carrying it forward today. Across the month, we honour defining figures including Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter, Sammy Davis Jr. and Nat King Cole, alongside outstanding contemporary Black artists creating their own place in the story.

What’s On

Fri 2 Oct
Errol Linton Quintet
Three-time UK Blues Harmonica Player of the Year Errol Linton leads his acclaimed quintet through a deeply grooving mix of Chicago blues, Jamaican rhythms and unmistakable Brixton soul.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/errol-linton-quintet

Sat 3 Oct
The Music of Miles Davis ft. Axel Kaner-Lidstrom Quartet
Axel Kaner-Lidstrom and his quartet trace the evolution of Miles Davis, from the spacious beauty of Kind of Blue to the fearless freedom of the Second Great Quintet.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/the-music-of-miles-davis

Fri 9 Oct
Marvin Muoneké presents Blue Notes, Black Voices
Marvin Muoneké celebrates the trailblazing Black voices of jazz, bringing the songs and stories of Sammy Davis Jr., Fats Waller, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Billy Eckstine to the stage.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/marvin-muoneke

Sat 10 Oct
Women’s Words, Sisters’ Stories with Ineza
Ineza and the Alex Webb Trio celebrate the remarkable women who shaped jazz as songwriters as well as performers, from Billie Holiday and Abbey Lincoln to Jazzmeia Horn and Cécile McLorin Salvant.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/womens-words-sisters-stories

Fri 16 Oct
A Celebration of Black Composers ft. Houston Patton Quartet
Detroit saxophonist Houston Patton makes his Toulouse Lautrec debut with an evening devoted to Black composers from around the world, alongside original music of his own.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/houston-patton-quartet

Fri 30 Oct
Vince Dunn and The Medicine Band
Renowned drummer Vince Dunn leads The Medicine Band through soulful jazz, deep funk, Latin rhythms and timeless soul, joined by acclaimed vocalist and scat singer Lauren Dalrymple.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/vince-dunn-and-the-medicine-band

Sat 31 Oct
Lulu Pierre: Remembering Billie, Sarah & Betty
Lulu Pierre joins the Alex Webb Trio to celebrate three of the most influential Black women in jazz: Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Betty Carter.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/lulu-pierre

140 Newington Butts

Kennington

London, SE11 4RN

+44 (0) 7775700215

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

The Green Note, Camden Town, London - Newsletter 02/10/2026.

Friday, October 02, 2026

The Green Note has forwarded its latest newsletter with details of forthcoming musical events.

October Highlights

There’s plenty to look forward to at Green Note this month, with a brilliant mix of blues, roots, folk, singer-songwriters and music from further afield. From Western Swing and primal blues to Greek Rebetiko and Eastern European traditions, here are some of the highlights we’re especially looking forward to over the coming weeks…

Taking you back to the Texas dance halls of the 1930s and 40s, ED HICKS AND HIS HOT COW LICKS (Sat 3rd Oct) conjure a Saturday night from another place in time. NOTHING IN RAMBLING + KASPAR AND LUCY (Sun 4th Oct) promise a night of primal blues this Sunday, while THE VOODOOVENDORS (Sat 10th Oct) led by Congo Faith Healers frontman Sonny West bring their hot, heavy and dance-ready Voodoo rhythm ’n’ blues. Highly recommended!!

Fans of Americana will love LAUREN HOUSLEY (Sun 11th Oct) who takes the stage with a blend of thrilling and tender material, propelled by her distinctive, soulful voice.

For folk and singer-songwriter sounds, Montreal’s KAT PEREIRA (Mon 5th Oct) brings her luminous, maximalist alternative electro-pop to our Basement Bar. Drawing inspiration from queens like Erykah Badu, Hiatus Kaiyote and Saya Gray, she blends bold, socially engaged poetry with infectious melodies, exploring themes that are both deeply personal and universal: colonialism, feminism and the search for identity. ANNIE DRESSNER (Tue 13th Oct) follows with songs that paint vivid, visceral images and draw listeners deeply into their stories.

We can’t wait to welcome back Scottish superstar EDDI READER (Thu 15th Oct) to the stunning Union Chapel for a very special show this month. With 10 critically acclaimed solo albums, and awards in tow, Eddi continues to delight audiences worldwide. The past few years have proved to be some of her busiest yet, playing sell out shows as part of her ‘40 Years Live Tour’ in addition to appearing as special guest with the Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra for an extensive UK tour.

Looking further afield, our monthly REBET ASKER – GREEK ROOTS SERIES (Sun 11th Oct) explores the songs of some of the greatest Greek composers through the tradition of Rebetiko and is always a warm, family friendly afternoon of live music. We’re also happy to welcome back Green Note favourites DUNAJSKA KAPELYE this month (Fri 16th Oct) - traditional Gypsy and Eastern European tunes meet searing jazz improvisation for a vibrant, genre-crossing evening. Two very different musical traditions, but both offering a chance to hear sounds and stories rooted in rich cultural histories.

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 October!
October 2026 Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1nUHgWpJ9piz2Hq9JAkPaN?si=ghScf7E5QziQVZzb7fYhkw&nd=1&dlsi=147d7ae258ac4bf0

We hope you’ll join us for one (or more!) of these wonderful shows. As always, thank you for supporting independent live music - we can’t wait to welcome you to Green Note.

Lots of love,
Immy & Risa xx

COMING UP IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS…

Truffle Valley Boys
Fri 2nd October
Bringing back the sounds of authentic 1950s Blue Grass music since 2014
**SOLD OUT**

Heidi Vogel
Fri 2nd October
THE BASEMENT BAR
“Surely one of the great jazz voices of modern times” Vamos London

Folk and Roots Presents: Ceci Day (Matinée Show)
Sat 3rd October
An English-American singer-songwriter whose music lives between city streets and country skies

Ed Hicks and His Hot Cow Licks
Sat 3rd October
Western Swing music featuring sweet country crooning, harmony twin fiddles and hot jazz solos

Trevor Babajack Duo
Sat 3rd October
THE BASEMENT BAR
Winner of 2023’s UK Blues Federation Award for UK’s Best Acoustic Act… Think Tom Waits meets Sonny Terry, with guitar chops that rival the best in blues, folk, Americana, and beyond.

Folk and Roots Presents: Shem Fillmore Band (Matinée Show)
Sun 4th October
English traditional music from a parallel universe – Shem Fillmore and his quartet stir together the future, past and alternative timelines into a seething broth.

Nothing in Rambling + Kaspar and Lucy
Sun 4th October
They’ll be raising hell, taking you to church and giving you an unforgettable night of primal blues.

Webb City
Sun 4th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
Celebrates the early piano trio line up featuring rhythm guitar in place of drums, united by a joint love for the trios of Oscar Peterson, Nat ‘King’ Cole trio and Art Tatum

Folk and Roots Presents: Elsie Franklin and the Rockettes
Mon 5th October
​”There’s no doubting that the engaging Elsie Franklin is on an upward trajectory.” Russ Cottee, Blues in Britain

Folklore Presents…
Kat Pereira
Mon 5th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
“Refined, explosive, surprising, effervescent, and undeniably colorful…Kat Pereira has experience, and we’re lucky to witness her own music coming into bloom.” - Le Canal Auditif

Darden Smith
Tue 6th October
Critically acclaimed Texas-based singer-songwriter returns to the Green Note stage

The George Crotty Trio
Tue 6th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
A cross-cultural mix of South American, Arabic, Indian, and contemporary jazz idioms amount to a stream of genre- blurring invention.” All About Jazz

The Embers -
Album launch show
Wed 7th October
Sorrowful harmonies, driving rhythms and break-neck fiddle to keep you dancing and sobbing into the night in equal measure

La Sirena
Wed 7th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
A rare and personal encounter where vulnerability, intensity and musical conversation come together, allowing the stories and emotions behind the songs to unfold naturally in the room.

Dar Williams
Wed 7th October
ST PANCRAS OLD CHURCH
Lyrics containing bouquets of optimism, delivered on melodies alternating between beguiling lightness and understated gravity
**SOLD OUT**

Dar Williams -
up close and intimate
Thu 8th October
Exclusive intimate show added due to popular demand!
**SOLD OUT**

HARRY BIRD - full band show plus special guests!
Fri 9th October
Internationally-acclaimed singer songwriter, versatile storyteller and lover of rhythm and rhyme, allegory and dance

Matt Holborn Trio
Fri 9th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
An evening of swinging jazz violin

Folk and Roots Presents: Lost in the Loop (Matinée Show)
Sat 10th October
Inspired by the dance music of Ireland expect plenty of jigs, reels, and polkas, mixed with tunes from Scotland, England, and Scandinavia. As keen instrumentalists they also compose tunes and perform original pieces, rooted in the folk tradition.

The VoodooVendors
Sat 10th October
A hot & heavy, stamp-your-feet-and-dance, savage Voodoo rhythm ‘n’ blues duo! With Congo Faith Healers frontman Sonny West at the helm, “These guys really rock!” Ronnie Wood

Tim Penn & Chris Proctor
Sat 10th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
Top piano player whose repertoire covers the stride and barrelhouse piano styles of the 1920s, through to the great New Orleans piano players like Professor Longhair, Fats Domino, and Dr. John.

Matinée Show:
Rebet Asker-Greek Roots Series
Sun 11th October
Greek Rebetiko… a series of songs from a selection of the greatest Greek composers…

Lauren Housley
Sun 11th October
“...a blend of material both thrilling and tender, propelled by a voice that stirs and soothes”. - R2 Magazine / “A future superstar” - Live Nation

Harry Diplock Electric Trio
Sun 11th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
Heavily inspired by masters of the French, Brazilian and American jazz scene, the trio has a unique sound that is distinctly original.

Something Sleeps
Mon 12th October
“Something Sleeps are a mesmerising live act, encapsulating traditional storytelling with glorious harmonies and innovative arrangements.” Soho Radio

Annie Dressner
Tue 13th October
“Dressner is able to paint visceral images and transport the listener to the world of the song.”  American Songwriter

Folk and Roots Presents: George Washbourn
+ Duo Madrugada
Tue 13th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
Trad tunes, balfolk tunes and captivating arrangements of traditional folksongs

Rhona Macfarlane
Wed 14th October
Singer-songwriter with a unique sound that marries storytelling with modern, introspective lyricism, drawing listeners into a space of reflection and serenity

Savannah Gardner & The Recovering Good Girls
Wed 14th October
THE WATER RATS
“If you’re not already riding shotgun on the Savannah Gardner train, it’s time to saddle up… she’s blazing a trail through the Americana scene like a tumbleweed on a mission” - Rock the Joint Magazine

Emmet O’Malley
Wed 14th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
Known for his passionate voice, warmth, humour and engaging storytelling, O’Malley’s solo performances create a deeply personal connection with audiences.

Eddi Reader
Thu 15th October
UNION CHAPEL
Scotland’s greatest living female voice… “Timeless and universal” (The Scotsman)... “One of my favourite singers of all time” (Jools Holland)

James Or
Thu 15th October
Powerful Irish singer-songwriter James Or, fresh from sharing the stage with Frank Turner and Grant Lee Philips.

JAKE MCKELVIE
Thu 15th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
“It just slyly worms its way into your brain.” - No Depression

Dunajska Kapelye
Fri 16th October
Traditional Gypsy and Eastern European tunes shot through with searing jazz improvisation…

Camille Rose Trio
Fri 16th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
The Camille Rose Trio brings you a curated show of tunes inspired by the turn of the season, to warm your Autumn nights.

Folk and Roots Presents: Lara Eidi (Matinée Show)
Sat 17th October
“A singer with true gift of a voice, a kind soul, and a captivating presence.” JazzUK

Erin Harpe Country Blues Duo
Sat 17th October
Get ready for a foot-stompin’ good time, as the powerhouse Erin Harpe Country Blues Duo brings you captivating roots and blues!

Bandini
Sat 17th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
Jazz, blues, rock and gypsy incorporated into a unique sound… “The bastard son of Tom Waits and Cab Calloway”

Polly Paulusma & Dan Whitehouse: Matinée Show
Sun 18th October
Expect an intimate, deeply atmospheric evening - songs, stories, spoken word and moments of stillness with two of the UK’s most distinctive and innovative songwriter–performers.

Jason McNiff
- Album Launch
Sun 18th October
“Wistful & Nostalgic” Album Of The Week — The Times ★★★★

Bozard
Sun 18th October
THE WATER RATS
“This is unique and off the wall stuff [...] There is so much to hold our attention and once it has it, we can explore the highways and byways of broken moon to our hearts’ content.” mp3hugger

Bossa Nova - Tribute to João Gilberto by Mario Bakuna
Sun 18th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
A concert dedicated to João Gilberto - the “father of Bossa Nova”

Folk & Roots Presents: Tog Fàire
Mon 19th October
Expect fiery toe-tapping reels, reimagined sets with a contemporary spin, ancient airs or all kinds in between.

Marcus Bonfanti
Mon 19th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
“Utterly spellbinding” The Times / “The next British blues guitar hero” The Guardian

Alice Howe & Freebo
Tue 20th October
Rock bass legend Freebo weaves his fretless stylings into Alice’s soulful, impeccably-tuned vocals for a harmony-driven performance showcasing two uniquely compelling songwriters.

Xav Clarke
Tue 20th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
‘A glorious swirl of indie vocals, swooning guitars and laidback beats, wrapping you in a multicoloured haze of euphoria.’ EARMILK
**SOLD OUT**

Green Note Presents: Ags Connolly - Album Launch
Tue 20th October
THE WATER RATS
Up-and-coming UK country artist influenced by the likes of David Allan Coe, Johnny Paycheck and Dale Watson and Guy Clark

Will Pope
Wed 21st October
Drawing from folk, alt-rock, and roots influences to create a sound that is hauntingly beautiful.

Patrick Naylor Trio
Wed 21st October
THE BASEMENT BAR
Jazz guitarist Patrick Naylor plays songs from his Daily Telegraph Best of 2015 album ‘Days of Blue’ and his latest Winter Dream mixed with a few jazz classics… “Virtuoso guitar” Time Out

Samuel Moore - Flamenco Guitarist
Thu 22nd October
One of the leading flamenco musicians of his generation

Ed Blunt
- Album Launch Show
Thu 22nd October
ST PANCRAS OLD CHURCH
Hailed by Rolling Stone for his “astonishing mastery of his craft,” Ed Blunt is a multi-instrumentalist storyteller whose songs can make you laugh one moment and gently break your heart the next.

Joe Webb Trio
Thu 22nd October
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

A Different Thread
Fri 23rd October
“One road is ending, another road begins, come on let’s do it over again” - A Different Thread

Vimala Rowe & Charlie Flint
Fri 23rd October
THE BASEMENT BAR
‘A singer of quite astonishing versatility and adaptability’ London Jazz News

James Dixon - Matinée Show
Sat 24th October
“genuine Troubadour straight out of the old school” - Luther Dickinson - (North Mississippi Allstars)

Dom Glynn & His Sunday Best
Sat 24th October
Singer-songwriter and fingerpicker extraordinaire, combines a style of songwriting influenced by Bob Dylan and Hank Williams Sr., with a guitar style inspired by Mississippi John Hurt and Doc Watson

The FoBo Jug Band
Sat 24th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
A ragtime country-blues outfit sure to get your feet stomping!

Folk and Roots Presents: Kerttu (Matinée Show)
Sun 25th October
London based Finnish singer-songwriter and self-proclaimed ‘island girl’ Kerttu enchants audiences with her powerful yet delicate voice and charming guitar work.

Malin Pettersen
Sun 25th October
“The spaces between the notes are as wide-open as the narrator’s future” - Rolling Stone Country

Rob Quo + Dill Chatter
Sun 25th October
THE WATER RATS
A co-celebration of new releases featuring a selection of key collaborators. Delve into the artists’ respective releases alongside new and unreleased material.

Folk and Roots Presents: Claire Watts
Sun 25th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
“Claire Watts is a lovely singer with a clear, honest and beautiful voice. You’d have to have a heart of stone not to be moved by these songs.” John Spillane

Folk and Roots Presents: Tropanka
Mon 26th October
From the mind-bending rhythms of Bulgaria to the tear-jerking laments of Klezmer, the insatiable grooves of Macedonia and the majesty of Transylvanian music.

Zoe Cure
Mon 26th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
The raw emotional honesty of Cure’s vocals, intricate finger-picked guitar and powerfully poetic lyricism have prompted comparisons to acclaimed songwriters Joni Mitchell, Laura Marling and Billie Marten.

Anna Massie
Tue 27th October
“…lively, often witty arrangements…compelling at the heart.” - Colin Irwin, MOJO

Black Cat Music Presents: Banjo Jen
Tue 27th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
Original Americana with Yorkshire personality

TalentBanq Presents: Isabella Coulstock and Luke Flear
Wed 28th October
Two of country music’s fastest rising stars on one bill for one night only presented by TalentBanq

Folk and Roots Presents: Craig Joiner
Wed 28th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
Whether lamenting a love lost, celebrating the calming beauty of nature or relating the epic tale of a struggle at sea, Craig Joiner’s songs are informed by experience, observation and vivid imagination.

Grace Elizabeth Harvey
Thu 29th October
Grace is quickly proving herself to be of the UK’s finest emerging songsmiths and a ‘new name to watch’ (FATEA).

Kitty O’Neal
Thu 29th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
Hear the songs in their rawest form, alongside stories behind the music and a relaxed, informal Q&A. Expect an honest, close-up experience that brings you right to the heart of the record.

Qadasi & Maqhinga
Fri 30th October
Hailing from the heart of Zululand in South Africa, this SAMA Award winning duo are on a quest to revive the powerful sounds of traditional Maskandi music.

Grace Sheene
Fri 30th October
THE BASEMENT BAR
Influenced by Broadway, blues, and folk tradition, her luminous stage presence enchants audiences with a soulfulness that feels at once timeless and new.

Folk and Roots Presents: The Beadling (Matinée Show)
Sat 31st October
Expect adventures into seventeenth century broadside ballads, traditional English, Medieval, and Nordic folk music.

Errol Linton
Sat 31st October
Three times winner of ‘UK Blues Harmonica Player of the year’, Errol Linton plays eclectic British blues, but with a nod to his Caribbean heritage.

Green Note, 106 Parkway, London, NW1 7AN

http://www.greennote.co.uk

Nick Dewhurst - Upcoming jazz events, October to December 2026.

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Lichfield based trumpeter / guitarist Nick Dewhurst has forwarded details of his forthcoming live appearances. Schedule attached.

Nick Dewhurst writes;

Upcoming Jazz Gigs

There’s plenty of upcoming jazz gigs to look forward to, so here’s everything you need to know…

The Nick Dewhurst Band
My 6-Piece ‘ND Band’ has got three great gigs coming up.  We’re taking our ‘Jazz & Funk Roadshow’ to Stafford for the first time, and then we’ve got a couple of festive shows to look forward to as well.

Thursday 22nd October ‘Jazz & Funk Roadshow’ with the Nick Dewhurst Band at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, MET Studio.  Tickets available here
https://www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk/whatson-event/jazz-and-funk-roadshow/

Sunday 29th November Seasonal Swing with the Nick Dewhurst Band, The Hub at St Mary’s, Lichfield. Tickets & more info here
https://thehubstmarys.co.uk/events/the-nick-dewhurst-band-26/

Friday 18th December Seasonal Swing with the Nick Dewhurst Band, St Anne’s Church, Chasetown, Burntwood. Tickets available here.
https://nickdewhurst.com/box-office/

Jazz at the Cathedral Hotel (Lichfield)
The monthly series of Jazz Gigs at the Cathedral Hotel in Lichfield got off to a great start in September with a Jam Session, and continues in October, November and December with three great gigs, all on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
Wednesday 21st October Lydia Rae with the Lichfield Jazz House Band
Wednesday 18th November Tim Amann X-Tet
Wednesday 16th December The Lichfield Jazz Big Band Christmas Special
For all gigs, doors open at 7pm, with music starting at 7.30pm.  Tickets for October & November gigs are £15 exclusively available on the door.  Tickets for December are £20, available exclusively from my website.  For more information on all Cathedral Hotel gigs, please visit: https://nickdewhurst.com/lichfield-jazz/

Other Gigs
I’m delighted to be making a return to Welwyn Garden City to once again play with the outstanding Westside Jazz Orchestra, led by drummer Dave Tandy.  The WJO features some of the UK’s top session musicians from the BBC Big Band, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra and Syd Lawrence Orchestra - playing the big band repertoire of: Bob Florence, Sammy Nestico, Thad Jones, Gordon Goodwin, Count Basie and Tom Kubis. Not to be missed!
Wednesday 4th November Westside Jazz Orchestra, Welwyn Garden City. Tickets & more information available here
https://www.westsidejazz.com/

And finally, I’m heading to Sutton Coldfield in December to play a gig at the new ‘Sutton Coldfield Jazz Nights’ which are being held in the Town Hall there.  For that gig I’m leading the house band through a selection of festive tunes!
Monday 14th December Christmas Live Jazz Special at Sutton Coldfield Jazz Nights, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall. Tickets available here.
https://www.suttoncoldfieldtownhall.com/events/jazz-december-2026

For a full list of gigs in Chronological order, please head to my website here: https://nickdewhurst.com/gigs/

As always, I look forward to seeing you at the gigs, and thanks for supporting live music.

All the best,
Nick
Nick Dewhurst Music
@nickdewhurstmusic
http://www.nickdewhurst.com

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

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Laura Thorne of the 606 Club has forwarded details of the venue's programme for October 2026, including a special series of events celebrating the Club's 50th anniversary.

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.

The official start of our 50th Anniversary is mere weeks away! Yes, fifty years in the making, five decades creating a musical community in, as we used to say, the “dump end” of Chelsea… though those times have certainly changed a bit since then.

But to quote the French, plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose, and so many things about the 606 are the same as they ever were! For this Festival starting on Monday the 12th and continuing to Sunday the 25th you will find many 606 Club favourites, reunited (dare I say because it feels so good)?

Read on for all the particulars about what’s on this month! Or if you would like to check out the 50th Anniversary right now with no further ado, visit https://www.606club.co.uk/events/606-club-50th-anniversary-festival/ (Don’t miss our vintage photo gallery)!

Or if you’d like to view all of our October shows, you can go to https://www.606club.co.uk/events/

And then, in November there’s the EFG London Jazz Festival: https://www.606club.co.uk/efglondonjazzfest/

606 CLUB – OCTOBER 2026 GIG GUIDE

Thu 1st   8:00pm   JOHN ETHERIDGE & THE BLUE SPIRITS ORGAN TRIO
An iconic figure on the UK jazz scene, the multi-faceted guitarist John Etheridge first came to prominence in the mid 70’s with the classic fusion band “Soft Machine” as well as touring with the celebrated swing jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli. In recent years has been busy with his own bands, notably the “Zappatistas” and “Sweet Chorus”, dedicated to Stéphane, as well as “Soft Machine”, with whom he still tours and records. A master guitarist he includes work with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Tony Williams, Yehudi Menuhin, Pat Metheny and John Williams on an extensive CV. The Blue Spirits Trio John is leading tonight showcases the bluesier side of John’s musical repertoire and features Pete Whittaker (The Filthy Six)-organ and George Double (Shirley Bassey)-drums.
“One of the best guitarists in the world” Pat Metheny;
“gifted…spectacular” The Times;
“a master guitarist…brilliant” The Observer

Fri 2nd   9:00pm   DENNY ILETT/PETE LONG’S “R&BEBOP”
Denny Ilett is a versatile guitarist/singer who has worked with the likes of US stars Lillian Boutte & PeeWee Ellis as well as members of Goldfrapp & Portishead. Saxophonist/singer Pete Long is a renowned jazz musician, who’s CV includes work with Jools Holland, Tom Jones and Lionel Richie. Tonight these two master musicians join forces with this unique band. Over to them: “It’s the late 1940’s - the bebop revolution led by Charlie Parker is in full swing. At the same time, a proto-rock n roll known as Rhythm & Blues was developing with artists such as T-Bone Walker and Louis Jordan. Put these two together and you have R&Bebop, an exciting and innovative moment in melodic and rhythmic time”. Guaranteed to be both exciting and fun!
“Ilett…a knockout guitarist, soulful and jazz-tinged” Guitarist Magazine;
“[the band]…played with all the panache, drive and sheer good-hearted energy that Long seems to engender” Jazzwise

Sat 3rd   9:00pm   BINKER GOLDING
Perhaps best-known as a member of the critically acclaimed duo “Binker & Moses” - who received a 2015 MOBO Award, a 2016 Parliamentary Jazz Award for ‘Best Newcomer’ and two 2016 Jazz FM Awards for Breakthrough and Best UK Jazz Act - saxophonist Binker Golding is a superb player of fascinating contradiction and diversity. His two albums to date (with a third due shortly) have further 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”.
“…fresh and invigorating, continuing the best and most innovative of the hard-bop style” Jazz Journal;
“None of the new…improviser-composer…saxophonists…are more accomplished than Binker Golding” All About Jazz
       

Sun 4th   1:30pm   SUNDAY LUNCH: SARAH L KING
The excellent singer Sarah L King brings her great band to the Club this afternoon. Citing Karen Carpenter and Roberta Flack as early influences, her unique phrasing and an ability to imbue an emotional depth to lyrics have brought her significant praise by those who know. Including select original songs from her critically acclaimed albums “Fire Horse” and her latest “The Light Ahead” Sarah will also be sharing some of her favourite standards alongside some more soulful tunes. With Jim Watson-piano, Laurence Cottle-bass and Jamie Murray-drums.
“The heartfelt…‘Born Yesterday’ lingers long in the memory” Jazzwise;
“King has a most endearing vocal presence, and a wonderful way of phrasing” Jazz Views;
“Pure toned…singer-songwriter Sarah L King is brilliant” Marlbank Jazz

Sun 4th   8:00pm   ALEXIA GARDNER FT TONY KOFI
Alexia Gardner is an international jazz vocalist and recording artist who returned to the UK in the Summer of 2023 after years of performing and recording in South East Asia, Europe and the United States. For her second appearance here at the Club she will once again be performing timeless jazz songs as well as popular reggae and Latin tunes in her own engaging and enormously joyful style. She will be joined by an elite rhythm section of Rob Barron-piano, Jeremy Brown-bass & Steve Brown-drums along with her special guest, the brilliant multi-Award-winning Tony Kofi-sax. Promises to be a special night.
“Alexia Gardner - the British jazz artist whose fresh interpretations of old-school standards is turning heads” Clout Magazine;
“Gardner…continues demonstrating why she’s one of the genre’s best artists…[she] sets herself apart by basking in the beauty that her voice has to offer” LA Weekly;
“There is so much respect in jazz circles for Tony Kofi” Jazzwise

Mon 5th   8:00pm   DINO BAPTISTE
Best known here at the Club as the pianist/singer with the iconic Blues singer Dana Gillespie, Dino Baptiste’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 6th   8:00pm   THE RETURN OF CARL ORR
A regular at the Club for many years Australian guitarist Carl Orr includes the likes of Sting, Billy Cobham, George Duke & Randy Brecker on a remarkable cv. Now living back in Australia after 28 years in the UK Carl’s August 2023 farewell gig here at the Club was immortalised on his latest album (his 11th to date), “Live in London”, which he will be launching in the UK here at the Club tonight. Bringing an All-Star line-up for this special performance the band features Ross Stanley-keyboards, Laurence Cottle-bass and Francesco Mendolia-drums. Promising plenty of virtuosity and fireworks along with Carl’s trademark intimate, whisper-quiet passages, Carl’s own melodic and Jazz/groove-based compositions are also influenced by rock, blues, gospel, world music and bossa nova, resulting in a fascinating panorama of shifting musical landscapes. It’s with real pleasure that we welcome Carl back to the 606.
“Orr has a penchant for a good melody…superbly and sensitively played” Jazz Views

Wed 7th   8:00pm   THOMAS HEPPELL – “UNPLUGGED”
Blues-rock guitarist/singer/songwriter Thomas Heppell makes his debut at the Club tonight with his stripped back, “unplugged”, acoustic set. A 2025 finalist in three categories at The UK Blues Federation Awards and top prize winner at Blackpool Blues Festival’s 2025 “Introducing” Stage, Thomas has appeared regularly at major venues and festivals around the UK. He’s performed alongside legends like Albert Lee (Eric Clapton) & Stan Webb (Chicken Shack), while his albums have made quite an impact with national airplay on BBC Introducing & Planet Rock, solidifying his place as a rising star. Joined by Adam Pyke-bass/backing vocals and Mitchell Weaving-drums/backing vocals, this will be an intimate take on his mix of fresh, inventive, original tunes and blues classics. A charismatic, soulful and tasteful player!
“Splendidly diverse” Blues in Britain

Thu 8th   8:00pm   EMILY FRANCIS TRIO
Described as a “thing of rare beauty” by Jazzwise, the Emily Francis Trio knows no bounds as they continue to wow audiences. Featuring Emily on keys along with Trevor Boxall-bass and Jamie Murray-drums the band deliver a high energy show guaranteed to keep you on your toes. With a combined cv between them of work with the likes of Robben Ford, Shez Raja, Jo Harman & Rumer and a fascinating mix of influences, from the US electro-jazz scene’s Donny McCaslin, Kneebody and FORQ to prog supremos Pink Floyd, Genesis, and Peter Gabriel via jazz icons Herbie Hancock & Brad Mehldau the Trio have created an accessible yet harmonically rich landscape of melody and groove. Currently touring their latest live album “Atomic Tour Live”, the Trio offer a genuinely fresh and unique take on modern jazz.
“Francis…creates a sound that is very much her own, skilfully blending acoustic and electric elements to create a rich tapestry…terrific writing and playing” The Jazz Mann; “A band with a fresh and very alive sound” MusicIsMySanctuary.com

Fri 9th     9:00pm   BRUCE ADAMS/ROBERT FOWLER
Bruce Adams has been a stalwart of the UK jazz scene for almost 50 years, performing with the likes of Harry Sweets Edison, Buddy Tate, Al Cohn and Benny Waters and is widely regarded as one of the finest mainstream cornet/trumpet players in Europe. Lately, Bruce has appeared regularly here at the Club with iconic UK saxophonists Alan Barnes or Art Themen, but for this show he’ll be joined by the fantastic tenor player, Robert Fowler. Across a 30+ year career Robert has worked with various large ensembles such as the BBC Big Band and the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, as well as smaller groups including the Humphrey Lyttelton Band and the aforementioned Alan Barnes Octet as well as touring and recording with Bryan Ferry (Roxy Music). A terrific, swinging straight-ahead jazz gig from two masters of the genre!
“Bruce Adams…there is as much delicacy as power in his playing” Guardian;
“Robert Fowler‘s tough tenor sound was mightily impressive” UK Jazz News

Sat 10th   9:00pm   JAMES DAVISON/CALLUM AU: QUINTET-A-TETE
Quintet-a-Tete is led by two highly regarded, award-winning, jazz musicians, trumpeter James Davison and trombonist Callum Au. The emphasis is on fun, swinging, music bringing the atmosphere and vibe of 50’s and 60’s jazz to life for the modern day. Winner of the Royal Academy of Music’s Smith-Watkins Trumpet Award and Recipient of the Worshipful Company of Musicians Young Jazz Musician of the Year Award, trumpeter James Davison works with premier ensembles across both jazz and classical music. Appearing at the Club regularly, James is a powerful force on the UK scene! As well as a fluent and inventive trombonist, over the past 15 years Callum has established himself as one of the busiest arrangers and orchestrators in the country. He has worked alongside many of the world’s top artists as both composer and arranger, including the likes of Quincy Jones, Jamie Cullum & Michael Bublé and his album with vocalist Claire Martin, ‘Songs and Stories’, received both a Grammy nomination and a Parliamentary Jazz Award. “
Davison…in particularly fine form with an emotive trumpet solo…effervescent…thrilling” The JazzMann;
“Au…plays with the kind of fluent elasticity only the best trombonists can coax from the instrument” UK Jazz News

Sun 11th   1:30pm   SUNDAY LUNCH:  606 GOSPEL-CLIVE BROWN & URBAN SOUND
Shaped by over 40 years of leadership, the Award-winning Clive Brown & Urban Sound bring a powerful and uplifting gospel message with their music. Widely respected in British gospel for his rich vocal arrangements and dynamic choir direction, Clive includes performances with artists such as Meat Loaf & Mariah Carey on an impressive cv. His group Urban Sound released their debut EP “The Divine” in 2023, followed by some notable performances culminating in the Premier Gospel Awards where they were awarded Premier Gospel Choir of the Year 2025! A beloved figure in the UK gospel community Clive is universally admired for his authenticity and his dedication to encouraging and mentoring upcoming singers. And don’t forget Sunday Lunches are family friendly, so children of all ages welcome.
“Brown…quite possibly the greatest Choir Maestro in ‘recent’ British Gospel Music History” AStepFWD

  Sun 11th         8:00pm           MEG LEE FT FRASER SMITH
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 wonderful Fraser Smith-sax.
  “A beautiful and captivating performer” Rumer

606 CLUB 50TH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL: 12TH – 25TH OCTOBER 2026

Introductions by Steve Rubie

Monday 12th     GARY CROSBY/DENYS BAPTISTE; SOPHIE ALLOWAY/TONY KOFI; WINSTON CLIFFORD
To start the Festival off I felt it would be appropriate to ask some of the great musicians who have been with us from the days at the Old Club in the Kings Road, in combination with players who started out performing here at Lots Road and have since established themselves as serious performers in their own right (SR)
From the mid 80’s when he first established the Jazz Warriors to his groundbreaking bands such as Nu Troop, Jazz Jamaica & Tomorrow’s Warriors Gary Crosby has been a pivotal voice on the UK jazz scene. His numerous Awards include 3 Parliamentary Jazz Awards, the BBC Jazz Award: Services to Jazz & The Queen’s Medal for Music. An inspirational musician, colleague and friend. Performing with Gary will be Denys Baptiste-sax. A multiple-award-winner, including “MOBO Award for Best Jazz Act”, Denys’s impressive talent is only matched by his creative energy. Drummer Sophie Alloway has been the musician of choice for a wide variety of high-profile artists. With appearances for the likes of the Mercury Prize, Glastonbury Festival and King Charles III, her featured tracks on ‘Abbey Road Masters: The Drum Sessions’ have been used across the world. Tony Kofi first came to prominence in the 1990’s as a member of Gary’s Jazz Warriors and Nu Troop before going on to perform with the likes of Courtney Pine and the iconic US band the World Saxophone Quartet. His awards include a Parliamentary Jazz Award and BBC Jazz Award-Best Instrumentalist. Winner of the British Jazz Award for “Best Drummer” Winston Clifford has been first call on the UK jazz scene for over 30 years. His cv is extensive and impressive, his powerful playing being heard with the likes of Carleen Anderson, Carmen Lundy, Freddie Hubbard & Courtney Pine. His set tonight also features the up-coming Riley Stone-Lonergan-sax.
“Few people have done more for British jazz…than Gary Crosby” The Jazz Mann;
“Baptiste…master saxophonist” Evening Standard;
“Goddess of groove…Sophie Alloway” Jazz FM;
“Kofi…Passionate… superb” Guardian;
“The great Winston Clifford…gives a finely nuanced performance” The Jazz Mann

TUESDAY 13TH           JAMIE CULLUM
It’s a reflection of his ongoing commitment and support that it was actually Jamie himself who said he would like to be part of these Festivities. A real musician Jamie is not only a World Class act, but also one of the most thoughtful and genuinely decent human beings that I know! (SR)
A British Jazz Award: Rising Star, MOBO Award: Best Jazz Act, BBC Jazz Award: Artist of the Year, Parliamentary Jazz Award: Jazz Broadcaster of the Year, not to mention selling over 10 million albums worldwide Jamie is unquestionably one of the most successful UK jazz artists of all time. An important part of the story of the 606 Club on Wednesday 12th June 2002 Jamie did his first trio gig at the Club and the rest, as they say, is history. A generous and humble individual who has never forgotten his roots he has quietly and consistently done much to encourage upcoming artists, both personally and professionally and his support for the Club over the years has been greatly appreciated. So, it is with genuine pleasure that we welcome back to the Club this fine artist and truly impressive musician.

WEDNESDAY 14TH: JIM MULLEN/NIGEL PRICE/ROB LUFT/JOHN PARRICELLI
No 606 Club Festival would be complete without guitarist Jim Mullen and so I thought it would be nice to build a gig around this veteran of the scene with 3 other great guitarists. All closely associated with the Club this promises to be a brilliant night of guitar-led music, we’ve christened “Guitarmageddon”! (SR)
The multi-Award-winning Jim Mullen, who made his name through the 70’s and 80’s with the likes of The Average White Band and his own highly acclaimed “Morrissey-Mullen”, has long been hailed as “a true giant of British jazz guitar”. With fellow musicians and critics alike praising his “unmistakable voice” and “effortless fluency” he is without doubt a master guitarist. With a Parliamentary Jazz Award and a British Jazz Award to his name Nigel Price is a highly skilled guitarist whose swinging approach combined with flawless control is a delight. A member of James Taylor’s jazz/funk band for many years he has appeared at Ronnie Scott’s over 600 times. Rob Luft, both a Peter Whittingham and Kenny Wheeler Prize recipient, was selected as a BBC New Generation Jazz Artist and has since then gone from strength to strength, most recently receiving the Parliamentary Jazz Award: Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year 2025. A founding member of the now iconic band Loose Tubes, John Parricelli is renowned as a musician of impeccable taste, versatility and skill. His work alongside artists such as Andy Sheppard, Norma Winstone & Kenny Wheeler established his reputation which then expanded to include a who’s who of the pop world alongside a host of TV and film music. Brilliant and highly respected. Also featured this evening are the Ross Stanley Trio.
“Mullen…one of the great Jazz guitarists working today” Jazzwise;
“Price…fluent, imaginative…impeccable” Evening Standard;
“Luft…fizzing with vitality” UK Jazz News;
“Having Parricelli in the band is like having several world class musicians, all in the one chair…” UK Jazz News

THURSDAY 15TH   GWILYM SIMCOCK :: QCBA:  QUENTIN COLLINS/BRANDON ALLEN with Special Guest KYLE EASTWOOD
This is an evening featuring musicians who first started performing in London here at the Club. I met Gwilym when he was a student and over 20 years later it’s still a pleasure to welcome him. Quentin has gone on to establish himself as one of the UK’s finest jazz trumpet players and similarly saxophonist Brandon Allen did his first London dates at the Club when he first moved from Australia. And Kyle was a regular at the Club when he lived in Fulham in the 2000’s and has been a staunch supporter ever since…(SR)
Gwilym Simcock is one of the most gifted pianists and imaginative composers on the European scene. Hailed as a pianist of ‘exceptional’, ‘brilliant’ and ‘dazzling’ ability he won the Perrier, BBC Jazz and British Jazz Rising Star Awards, 2 Parliamentary Jazz Awards and was short-listed for the Mercury Prize Album of the Year. He has worked with the cream of international jazz artists, most recently with U.S. guitar legend Pat Metheny. For almost two decades Quentin Collins has had a reputation as a lyrical and melodic trumpet player with a powerful sound and approach. He includes the likes of Jeff Beck, Prince and Roy Ayres on an impressive cv, but these days is probably best known for his work with the internationally acclaimed Kyle Eastwood Band. Brandon Allen has performed extensively with leading artists in genres from Jazz to Groove to pop and for well over 10 years has been the saxophonist with the Kyle Eastwood Band. Tonight Quentin and Brandon bring to the Club their terrific project QCBA which just for this evening will also features the Internationally regarded bass player (and their erstwhile boss!) Kyle Eastwood.
“Simcock…remarkable…exceptional” Observer;
“Collins…England’s top… trumpet master…breathtaking” HMV Magazine;
“Allen…the most exciting tenor player in Britain today” Jazzwise

FRIDAY 16TH:    ALEX GARNETT QUARTET/THE COALMINERS
Friday nights at the Club typically feature high energy bands and that is the theme for this evening! One of the great UK saxophonists I remember back in the 1980’s, when he was around 15 years old and I was working in his Dad (Willie’s) Big Band, Alex turned up to our regular rehearsals after his sax lessons and it’s fair to say they paid off! Now he is one of Europe’s leading jazz saxophonists and a regular and welcome performer here at the Club. The Coalminers were formed by drummer/harmonica player Pat Levett and this super fun outfit specialising in contemporary New Orleans-influenced Americana have, over the last 10 years, established themselves as a popular addition to the history of the 606 Club… (SR)
Alex Garnett’s powerful, flowing, hard bop sax has been heard with leading musicians of world renown, including Wynton Marsalis, Kurt Elling, Van Morrison and Charlie Watts, while he’s also a pivotal member of the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars. He has performed in over 30 countries appearing at such prestigious venues as the Blue Note, Lincoln Center and Birdland as well as appearing at Festivals in Italy, Ireland, USA, Spain, Switzerland, Norway… The Coalminers, with their dedication to what they to refer to as “Swamp Soul” are a brilliant 7-piece band, performing their unique mixture of New Orleans Groove and Funk, bringing the rhythm and soul of the deep south (that’s Louisiana, not Brighton…) alive. Featuring vocalists Tommy Hare & Jaelee Small, drummer Pat Levett (Jon Cleary), pianist Joe Glossop (Tom Jones), guitarist Al Cherry (Paloma Faith), saxophonist/singer Ben Somers (Dr John, Seal) and bassist Spencer Brown (Carl Barât) this highly impressive line-up is guaranteed to raise the roof! “Garnett…one of Great Britain’s most accomplished post-bop musicians” AllAboutJazz;
“Riotous uplifting funk bursting at the seams, plus raw powerful vocals. Get down to the Coalminers immediately!” Jazz FM

SATURDAY 17TH: JULIAN JOSEPH + SPECIAL GUESTS/SOWETO KINCH & IAIN BALLAMY
The gig this evening is built around musicians all of whom have a close connection with the great pianist/composer Julian Joseph. I first met Julian back in the late 90’s when his Big Band was booked for a week of rehearsals at the Club. A flute player I ended up being asked to cover the gig, which as it happens was at the Albert Hall(!), and managed to hold down that chair for the next 15+ years. These days I think of Julian and James (his brother) very much as “family” whose support and encouragement has been and continues to be invaluable. I first met Iain when he was still an upcoming young saxophonist back in the 80’s. A founding member of the iconic band Loose Tubes and a regular at the Club he is another musician who has been hugely supportive over the years. And I first heard Soweto 30 years ago, when he was around 18. He was an OK alto sax player, but I remember thinking he had a way to go to catch up. I then didn’t see him for the next 3 years or so until he popped up one night shortly after finishing university. I heard this remarkable playing and discovered that Soweto had, indeed, caught up! It was truly impressive…(SR)
A highly regarded, fluent and creative jazz pianist Julian Joseph is also a skilled composer in both the jazz and classical worlds as well as a highly knowledgeable and engaging broadcaster. The first Black British jazz musician to host a series of concerts at London’s Wigmore Hall, he was the first to headline a late-night televised jazz performance at the BBC Proms with his All-Star Big Band and was commissioned to open the London Jazz Festival with his Big Band and strings of the BBC Concert Orchestra. Movements from his orchestral suite “Symphonic Stories” have been performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Hallé and the Liverpool Philharmonic and in 2007 he branched out into opera with “Bridgetower” and then “Shadowball”. Julian received an OBE in 2018 and his Awards include the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors Gold Badge and the Ivors Academy 21st Fellowship. And in 2013, as part of his initiative to introduce jazz into music education, he founded his own Jazz Academy. Iain Ballamy is an award-winning saxophonist widely considered to be one of the most creative players on the scene today, with a remarkable cv including Loose Tubes, Bill Bruford’s Earthworks, Hermeto Pascoal, Gil Evans and long-time collaborator Django Bates. He was a recipient of the BBC Jazz Awards ‘Award for Innovation’ and was listed in the BBC’s ‘100 Jazz Legends’. A Mercury Prize nominee, double MOBO-award recipient, multiple BBC Award winner and multiple Urban Music Award (UMA) winner saxophonist Soweto Kinch is widely considered to be one of the leading musicians of his generation. A fluent and creative player Soweto has successfully embraced a wide variety of styles and influences, and his albums have further established him as a significant artist. These days this thoughtful and genuinely creative musician has also created a parallel career as a broadcaster of skill and wide-reaching tastes. The gig tonight will feature Julian’s trio with Iain and then Soweto before ending the evening with Iain joining Soweto as probably one of the most exciting quintets to appear anywhere in the UK this year!
“Julian Joseph…world-class jazz pianist” Guardian;
“Ballamy…the sheer virtuosity and sense of joy makes you feel like a kid about to step onto a twinkling, old-fashioned merry-go-round” BBC;
“Soweto Kinch…A real tour de force” Guardian

SUNDAY 18TH       SUNDAY LUNCH: EARL OKIN/RACHEL SUTTON
I first met Earl at the old Club back in the early 1970’s, before I was actually running it. With his bowler hat and spats he was one of the first musicians I ever heard playing in that tiny basement in the Kings Road. Still performing today at the highest level he is one of the last links to those days and no 606 Club Festival could possibly be complete without him. And one of the very first performers to appear here regularly on a Sunday afternoon it was Rachel who helped us turn an occasional gig in to a regular feature in the Club’s programme. (SR)
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 modern jazz and Bossa Nova compositions mark him out as a unique talent. His CV includes touring with Paul McCartney & Wings, performing at the Edinburgh Fringe 500 times and working alongside such jazz legends as Adelaide Hall, Stéphane Grappelli and Dame Cleo Laine. Rachel Sutton trained at The Welsh College of Music and Drama and her background in theatre is at the core of every performance. With a rich tone and sense of swing that is both exciting and moving, Rachel performs her own arrangements of classics from The American Songbook together with her beautiful original compositions hailed as ‘a revelation’ by Jazz Views. A 606 favourite her highly anticipated second album, ‘Realms’, released earlier this year, was described by Jazz Views as ‘utterly and completely engaging’.
“Okin…exceptional…an utter delight” The Scotsman;
“Sutton…immaculate vocals and bursting-with-life stage presence…a must see” Cabaret Scenes

SUNDAY 18TH EVENING:      LIANE CARROLL/SAMARA FT CAROLINA LELIS/ WONDER OF STEVIE
There are few artists who are considered to be more 606 family than UK Jazz Royalty Liane Carroll. I first came across her in the early/mid 90’s and by the end of the evening was convinced that we had just heard a new star, and so it turned out to be. Since then she has appeared at the Club on innumerable occasions and has gone on to establish herself as one of the UK’s finest performers. I have been running my Brazilian band Samara since the old Club and we have a lot of fun playing Brazilian MPB. This gig is dedicated to our friends from Samara who are no longer with us, Ugo Delmirani and Dill Katz. The brilliant “Wonder of Stevie” features the great saxophonist Derek Nash and remarkable vocalist Noel McCalla and we all just love this gig. All the members of the band have been stalwarts at the Club for many years, including pianist Neil and drummer Nic from Samara who are also the rhythm section of choice for Derek and Noel! (SR)
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. Samara, featuring the brilliant Brazilian vocalist Carolina Lelis alongside the powerful piano of Neil Angilley take you on a road trip around Brazil. Hear the stories behind some classic songs as they perform an infectious blend of Brazilian Samba, Baião, jazz & Latin. Two of the UK’s finest musicians, saxophonist Derek Nash and singer Noel McCalla celebrate the music of the great Stevie Wonder. An award-winning saxophonist Derek is perhaps best known as one of the saxophonists with the Jools Holland Band and Noel first came to prominence in the mid 80’s with the seminal Jazz/funk band Morrissey/Mullen before spending almost 20 years with Manfred Mann’s “Earth Band”.
“Liane Carroll…seems in some magical way to be made out of music” The Observer;
“Samara…Cracking…quintet…explores…Latin jazz classics in great..style” Time Out;
“Nash…breathtaking” Sunday Times; “McCalla…spine tingling” Guardian

MONDAY 19TH:        TONY O’MALLEY/HAMISH STUART
Back in the mid 90’s the late, great, saxophonist Pat Crumly booked the Club for a rehearsal and as I passed by, I heard this most amazing Groove/R&B singing which turned out to be Kokomo’s lead singer Tony O’Malley. I was so impressed that I booked him there and then, and over 30 years later he is still packing them in! I first met Hamish in the late 90’s through Tony and it was great to hear that the former lead singer of the Average White Band and Paul McCartney alumnus was interested in performing here and so started a relationship with one of the UK’s great singer/guitarists. These days he is very much considered to be 606 Club Royalty. No Festival would be complete without Tony & Hamish… (SR)
Tony O’Malley’s brand of Groove and R&B is stunning! With his fabulous, smoky, velvety growl of a voice he delivers original material and some covers in his own inimitable fashion alongside an impressive 4-piece band of some of the finest young musicians in the UK. One of the most original and powerful performers on the scene. Following his stint with the Average White band Hamish Stuart went on to work 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’). A regular member of Ringo Starr’s All Star band Hamish’s shows are always a special occasion.
“pure groove, funky keyboard, growling vocals and soul to spare…O’Malley has it all” Blues & Soul Magazine; “
We love Stuart, the funky…singer/guitarist… still playing a superior blend of soul and jazz” Time Out  
 

TUESDAY 20TH:        DAN REINSTEIN/MO PLEASURE BAND
Back in the late 80’s at the old Club in the Kings Road a young Anglo-American medical student used to “sit in” and play pretty decent sax. He then took a year off to go to the world famous Berklee School of Music, returning to finish his medical studies. He went back to the US shortly after qualifying, and it would be another 12 years before he reappeared in the UK as Professor Reinstein. Again a regular performer at the Club, his support has been generous and unwavering, making Dan an integral part of our community. Introduced to me by Dan the hugely talented US-born bass player/trumpeter/pianist/Musical director/educationalist Mo Pleasure, although a relative “newbie” (Mo has only been performing at the Club for just under 10 years!), has quickly become a member of the 606 “family”. (SR)
It’s always great to hear Dan Reinstein’s fluent, classic hard-bop, muscular sax at the Club…Dan and his quartet have been performing here now for the last 23 years! One of the greatest multi-instrumentalists of his generation Morris “Mo” Pleasure has been at the forefront of American popular music for the last 30 years. Mo began his professional career playing with Ray Charles before moving into the studios to work with the likes of Natalie Cole, Dianne Reeves, Michael McDonald & Chaka Khan. In 1993, he became a member of the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire, becoming the band’s musical director. Playing a mix of smooth jazz & groove Mo’s performances always have a great vibe. And watch out for his Special Guest on sax and old friend…Dan Reinstein!
“Reinstein…impressive hard-bop saxophonist” Time Out;
“Pleasure proves that jazz can still be made which is smooth yet textured… Superb and essential.” Soul Express

WEDNESDAY 21ST:      SARAH GILLESPIE/ GWYNETH HERBERT
Although we have a reputation as a “Jazz Club” we are really a Live Music venue, promoting a wide variety of different styles and genres. Sarah first came to my attention when she came to work here in our office in the mid 2000’s. A young upcoming musician at the time as soon as I heard her perform here it was pretty obvious that she wouldn’t be working for us for very long! And opposite Sarah will be another brilliant singer/songwriter Gwyneth Herbert, whose incandescent star has blazed over the Club since she did her first gig at the Club in the early 2000’s. It was her spellbinding originals that were the star of the show and over the years and the very many gigs she has done here since she has developed into one of the finest songwriters the UK has ever produced. Two fiercely talented artists we think of as “family”… (SR)
Critically acclaimed songstress Sarah Gillespie is renowned for mixing jazz, blues and folk with her trademark streetwise poetic lyrics. Her 5 albums received outstanding reviews from the UK press and she has toured extensively for the last 15 years, performing in leading venues and festivals in Europe, the UK and USA plus a number of live appearances on BBC Radio 4. A unique and thoroughly engaging talent. A strikingly original performer and composer, Gwyneth Herbert has been hailed as one the most imaginative and idiosyncratic artists of her generation. And not content with being one of the finest singer/songwriters in the country (really) she has been the co-creator of a significant number of highly regarded contemporary musicals as well as producing material for major commissions from the likes of London Sinfonietta and Snape Maltings. Tonight, after some time away, she makes a welcome return to live performance to, as she says, perform “everything but the kitchen sink….and possibly the kitchen sink!”.
“Gillespie…her songs are beautiful, poetic artefacts” Telegraph;
“Herbert…a remarkably gifted talent” Guardian

THURSDAY 22ND: TIM GARLAND :: JEREMY STACEY, PAUL STACEY, JASON REBELLO
The 1980’s were in many ways a turning point in how jazz was approached by the young musicians who were coming through at that time. Up until then music had been very “siloed”, so the rock musicians hated jazz, the jazz musicians hated pop music, the folk musicians hated anything electric and the classical musicians hated everything! But young musicians were starting to appear who were seeing music as just that, something you played rather than a box you played in. And the old Club became very much the testing ground for many of these enormously talented young people. Suddenly we had drummers, pianists, sax players, bass players who were not only great jazz players but were equally happy playing Crossover, groove, contemporary European jazz or even rock. It was exciting and the music coming out of the regular late night jam sessions was frequently unplanned and trail blazing (and occasionally very loud!). The bands this evening comprise a number of those musicians who cut their teeth at the old Club and went on to establish themselves as serious musicians in their own right. (SR)
The multi-award-winning saxophonist Tim Garland has, over the last 35 years, garnered a formidable international reputation not only as a jazz improviser of fluency, power and grace but also as a composer and arranger of remarkable clarity and breadth. It was in the late 90’s when he was asked by the iconic US pianist Chick Corea to join his band, an association that lasted for almost two decades, that Tim really cemented his reputation as a world-class performer. Voted “Musician of the Year” in the 2006 Parliamentary Jazz Awards he won a Grammy for his work on Chick Corea’s “The New Crystal Silence”.  Following Tim’s set will be one of the quintessential 606 Club bands, The Stacey Brothers featuring Jason Rebello. A powerful and highly impressive drummer Jeremy Stacey’s CV is vast, including Sheryl Crow (7 years), his friend Noel Gallagher’s “High Flying Birds” and the iconic band King Crimson. One of the most respected drummers of his generation, Jeremy’s involvement in any gig always guarantees it to be both exciting and of the very highest musical calibre. Guitarist Paul Stacey has combined appearances with jazz artists such as Claire Martin and Bobby Wellins along with work with the likes of Oasis, Tom Jones, the Black Crowes & Chris Robinson as well as a 25-year association with Noel Gallagher, both as a musician and producer. This master guitarist is one of the UK’s leading musicians. A ferociously talented multi-award winner, pianist Jason Rebello has been at the forefront of the international music scene for over 30 years. His extraordinary ability is highlighted by the fact that he was already an established performer by the age of 21, being described as “[one of] the most gifted and fluent pianists to emerge in Britain [today]”. Working with the likes of Wayne Shorter & Branford Marsalis it was in 1998 when he was invited to replace the late Kenny Kirkland in Sting’s band that Jason found international fame, before moving to the band of guitar legend Jeff Beck. These days working and recording with Tim (Garland with whom he will also be featured this evening), Jason’s remarkable technique and fiery creativity are truly exceptional. “Garland…his level of genius is rare” Chick Corea;
“Jeremy Stacey…a fine…drummer with an infectious feel.” Time Out;
“Paul Stacey’s…brilliant guitar work” Concertlivewire;
“Jason Rebello is probably one of the finest…jazz musicians this country has produced.”  Jazz: The Modern Resurgence

FRIDAY 23RD:      LEX CAMERON/BEVERLEY SKEETE + MARY PEARCE
I’m very much a believer in the Duke Ellington aphorism “There are two types of music, good music and bad music” and so as well as jazz we also promote a whole host of other music styles, all aiming to be of the highest quality. And tonight we pay respects to the Soul/Groove side of our programme with an evening featuring some of the best Groove/soul singers around, who also happen to be great friends of the Club (and mine) - bringing a unique energy and world class standard to everything they do. (SR)
Lex Cameron first came to prominence in the early 90’s, touring with Roachford and working as a singer/keyboardist with the likes of Chic, Shania Twain, & Barry White. For the next two decades Lex became first call for a host of high-profile names, including Chaka Khan, Incognito, Amy Winehouse, Billy Ocean, Omar & Leon Ware. With his 4-and-a-half octave vocal range, charismatic delivery and impressive musicianship he can be relied upon to give an electric performance every time. Beverley Skeete has had a career in the music industry that is the stuff that dreams are made of. Her cv from both studio and live work is loaded with the names of high-profile artists, including Robbie Williams, Will Young, Tina Turner, Elton John, Chaka Khan, Tom Jones and Johnny Cash and she was a pivotal member of ex-Rolling Stones’ bassist Bill Wyman’s project Rhythm Kings, Bill saying “she turned out to be my biggest find of all”. Bev is in a class that few can equal. The wonderful Mary Pearce is the “Queen” of studio and backing vocals. You may not know her name, but you will certainly have heard her fantastic powerful, soulful, vocals with the likes of Lionel Ritchie, Chaka Khan, Beverley Knight, Donna Summer & Roy Ayres. A brilliant singer.
“Exquisite…Lex Cameron…the standout performance of the evening” The SoulHouse.Net;
“Skeete is born to entertain…she brings a genuine passion to her music…magical” Close-Up Culture;
“the majestic soul…singer Mary Pearce” Guardian

SATURDAY 24TH:    DAVE O’HIGGINS :: NIKKI ILES, TRISH CLOWES, MIKE OUTRAM :: MORNINGTON LOCKETT/ALEX HITCHCOCK
Saturday nights at the Club are our “jazz” nights and this evening represents just a taste of the great players who appear on a regular basis. I first heard about Dave when he was playing with NYJO back in the late 80’s and his career since then has been stellar. The Nikki Iles/Mike Outram/Trish Clowes band is a multi-generational band that fits in so well with our ethos here. Saxophonist Mornington Lockett is an alumnus of the Ronnie Scott quintet in the 90’s and featured at the Club through the 2000’s with the great saxophonist Peter King. One of the young Turks who used to frequent the old Club (see Thursday 22nd) his influence on the UK scene as both performer and educator has been striking. (SR)
Highly regarded saxophonist Dave O’Higgins has worked with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Nancy Wilson. With 24 albums as leader to his credit, including ‘It’s Always 9:30 in Zog’ which received a British Jazz Award nomination, Dave has, unsurprisingly, also been nominated for ‘Best Tenor Saxophonist’. And if all that wasn’t enough, he is also an in-demand producer, most recently working on Matt Bianco’s albums. The multi-Award-winning Nikki Iles is widely regarded as one of the finest modern jazz pianists in Europe. A well-established bandleader she is also a highly regarded composer and arranger. The list of her Awards is truly impressive, including the IAJE Award (USA), the Ivor Novello Award and a Parliamentary Jazz Award. In 2022 she was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to music and most recently took up the prestigious post as artist in residence with the great NDR radio big band, Hamburg. Described as “one of the most agile and original jugglers of improv and… composition”, saxophonist/composer Trish Clowes is an exciting, world-class, musician of real creativity and skill. A highly respected composer with commissions from the likes of the BBC Concert Orchestra, NDR Big Band & London Sinfonietta, she won the British Composer Award (BASCA) in 2015. A former BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist, as well as numerous recordings with her band “My Iris” notable performances include the Barbican, Royal Festival Hall, Toronto Jazz Festival & more. Also featured with this band tonight will be the remarkable guitarist and educationalist Mike Outram. Jazz saxophonist, composer and teacher Mornington Lockett toured the world with the Ronnie Scott Quintet in the 1990’s before working with a host of high-profile international artists. An integral part of the legendary British pianist/composer Stan Tracey’s bands and co-leader of the Award-winning “New Jazz Couriers”, Mornington’s fluent, creative and powerful post-bop playing is probably best known at the Club for over a decade of work here with the brilliant UK saxophonist, the late Peter King. His Special Guest this evening will be the terrific saxophonist Alex Hitchcock. A two-time Ivor Novello award-nominated saxophonist and composer Alex’s impact on the jazz scene becomes more impressive with each passing year, 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”. This is an especially significant set for these two wonderful players as this is the first time that Alex will have performed live with his former teacher and inspiration…Mornington Lockett!
“O’Higgins…exceptional…one of Britain’s finest musicians” Observer;
“Iles…A formidable UK jazz presence… intelligent, sharp and very musical” Guardian; “
Clowes…bristles with uncommon genius” JazzDaGama;
“Lockett must be one of the most complete masters of the instrument alive today” The Observer;
“Hitchcock…a sax virtuoso” Jazzwise

SUNDAY 25TH:      SUNDAY LUNCH:    LOUISE BALKWILL
As we head towards the end of the 50th Anniversary Festival I felt it was important to not only feature many of the wonderful musicians who have played here through that time, but to also remember that there are plenty of highly talented young performers still coming through. I have a policy of booking at least two artists new to the Club every month and this afternoon we feature one of those talented artists who have benefited from that policy, the Award-winning Louise Balkwill. Though still new to the scene Louise has made a real impact in a relatively short time - it’s always exciting to see real emerging talent, and Louise represents the epitome of what we try to do here. (SR)
The 2022 winner of the Riga International Jazz Voice competition, Louise Balkwill has been hailed as one of the finest singers of her generation. Most recently touring with celebrated vocal harmony trio The Puppini Sisters today Louise will be featuring songs from her brand-new album, “Chatterbox”, a vibrant love letter to classic vocal jazz. Following its release earlier this year it received widespread critical acclaim; “a delightful celebration” Jazzwise & “a top contender for Vocal Album of the Year” Bebop Spoken Here. Known for her powerful stage presence Louise brings her trademark warmth, wit and thrilling musicianship to the gig, with a collection of sparkling new compositions and fresh re-tellings of beloved standards. Expect an afternoon of captivating delivery, dazzling vocalese, exhilarating scat singing, heartfelt ballads and joyful swing.
“Balkwill…incredible vocals and engaging stage presence” Jazzwise

SUNDAY 25TH EVENING: POLLY GIBBONS/ CLAIRE MARTIN + IAN SHAW/IMAANI + WAYNE HERNANDEZ :: TIM WHITEHEAD/MORNINGTON LOCKETT/STEVE RUBIE
Tonight we will be finishing our Festival with an evening packed full of great friends, fun…and maybe a bit of dancing! Polly Gibbons first performed at the Club at the age of 17 with the brilliant Ian Shaw (also featured tonight) and has gone on to establish herself as one of the finest singers of her generation. The great Claire Martin and Ian Shaw are two of the most accomplished Jazz singers in Europe and two performers whose indefatigable support and encouragement have been hugely influential in helping keep the Club (and me!) going. And finally two artists who are widely seen as the “heartbeat” of the Soul/Groove gigs here as well as great friends, Imaani and Wayne Hernandez. Also featured will be our “NYE” horns with Mornington Lockett (Saturday 24th) and the great saxophonist Tim Whitehead, whose heartfelt musical contributions have been integral to the Club since the 1980’s. (SR)
Polly Gibbons is one of the most respected singers of her generation. A consummate performer with a rich, soulful voice and a truly distinctive style, Polly is as much at home singing tender jazz ballads as she is rockin’ R&B classics. Nominated for Vocalist of the Year by both Jazz FM and the BBC, she has recorded several critically acclaimed albums and performed at the Montreal Jazz Festival and the legendary Birdland Jazz Club, NYC.  Described as “the outstanding voice of her generation”, Claire Martin OBE is a multi-award-winning, internationally acclaimed artist with no less than eight British Jazz Awards and more than 20 albums to her name. Claire’s vast cv includes work with the likes of Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Big Band and with her husky perfectly controlled voice flawless time and impeccable taste she never fails to impress. Record producer, broadcaster, raconteur, pianist oh, and one of Europe’s finest male jazz vocalists, Ian Shaw has it all. Named Best Vocalist of the Year twice(!) at the BBC Jazz Awards and the Parliamentary Jazz Awards Ian is a huge talent with the most engaging personality and an ability to make every song his own. A terrific singer in the Soul/R&B tradition Imaani includes work with the likes of Gloria Gaynor, Carleen Anderson and Beverley Knight but is probably best known as one of the featured singers with the iconic band “Incognito”. Undoubtedly one of the finest Soul singers in Europe. Wayne Hernandez is one of those fantastic singers who has been using his considerable talents to make others sound good, working with the likes of Tina Turner, Roberta Flack, Madonna, Billy Ocean and Gorillaz (oh, that guy!). Wayne is a long-time member of the Kingdom Choir who took the world by storm after performing at the wedding of Harry and Meghan. The multi-award-winning saxophonist Tim Whitehead is renowned throughout the UK, Europe and the USA as a remarkable performer and composer with a dazzling CV. A former Young Jazz Musician of the Year and member of the groundbreaking big band Loose Tubes he was the first ever musician to be made Artist in Residence at Tate Britain, resulting in a number of brilliant gigs, a highly acclaimed album and a short-listing for the British Composer Of The Year Award. Quite a finish so come ready to celebrate!
“Gibbons…a class act” Guardian;
“Martin…among the four or five finest female jazz vocalists on the planet” Jazz Times;
“Shaw…bucketloads of soul” BBC;
“Imaani…magnificent vocals” DJ Times;
“Hernandez…simply breathtaking” Livemusic.fm;
“Whitehead…one of the most creative, exciting and passionate saxophonists in Europe” A Rough Guide

Mon 26th   8:00pm   RAY BUTCHER
Ray Butcher is an excellent, fluent and melodic trumpet player whose extensive experience includes work with the likes of Dr John, Mica Paris, Robbie Williams, Beverly Knight & Soweto Kinch. He was the trumpet soloist on the Grammy nominated, US chart-topping album ‘Burning Lights’ by US Grammy winner Chris Tomlin. Ray’s own band, The Ray Butcher Band, has made appearances on comedies “Very Important People” and “The Morgana Show” and he also had extensive coverage on BBC1’s period drama “Landgirls”. Tonight Ray & his band, Alex Clarke-sax, Andrzej Baranek-piano, Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley-bass & Johnny Hunter-drums will play a tasty mix of bebop, Latin & groove originals along with favourite standards.
“Ray Butcher is a trumpeter and composer who has clocked up years of achievements…” Cross Rhythms

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 is one of the few professional musicians who are 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 have been received with similar warmth & enthusiasm. In 2025 they released their first live album, ‘In C’ (all tunes in the key of C!) and tonight their first set will be taken from that record, while the second set will be their tribute to the composers Fauré and J.S. Bach as well as some originals, but not in the key in C!. A world class talent with a playful sense of humour, David’s performances are both intriguing and fun.
“daring…bold improvisation and deep musical connection” Jazz Journal;
“one of our most brilliant pianists” UK Jazz News

Wed 28th   8:00pm   FRANCESCA CONFORTINI
Italian-born vocalist Francesca Confortini brings sophistication and warmth to everything she does. With a background in musical theatre and international experience as a singer for the likes of Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) and gypsy-jazz ensembles Trio Manouche and Gypsy Dynamite as well as her own trio Jazz Silhouettes, she is capable of moving effortlessly from neo-jazz originals to interpretations of American Songbook classics.
“Francesca Confortini…beautiful voice” Indieeyefilmawards
 

Thu 29th   8:00pm   PAT LEVETT’S HARMONICA QUINTET
As a drummer Pat Levett includes work with the likes of Tom Jones, James Hunter & Tim Minchin but is probably best known here at the Club as the drummer/leader of the ever-popular band The Coalminers. However, Pat plays harmonica on several numbers during the show as he is also a highly accomplished chromatic harmonica player! His 2024 album “Where Do You Start” was received with critical acclaim and his recording sessions on harmonica include the likes of James Morrison, Pete Townshend, The London Philharmonic Orchestra & Elaine Page. As Pat says, “Tonight expect melodies and songs from composers and artists such as Quincy Jones, Kenny Wheeler, Herbie Hancock, Ry Cooder and of course Stevie Wonder!”. Unsurprisingly the band is made up some of the UK’s finest musicians, Ross Stanley-Hammond organ, Artie Zaitz-guitar, Tom Herbert-bass and Ian Thomas-drums, plus a little bit of percussion from Pat as well!
“The biggest, and most welcome, surprise is Pat Levett’s harmonica solo…Levett’s performance…bringing a fresh voice to this oft-covered song” UK Jazz News

Fri 30th   9:00pm   ERROL LINTON
Born and raised in Brixton, singer/harmonica player Errol Linton got his first break 30 years ago when heard busking by a BBC producer and has steadily built 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 has been championed by radio presenters John Peel, Paul Jones, & Cerys Matthews. He has toured the world opening for artists including Bo Diddley, Dr John and Blind Boys of Alabama and released seven albums, with several including his latest, “Break the Seal”, produced by Grammy-winning producer Liam Watson (White Stripes). Home grown blues at its best.
“The finest blues and reggae harmonica player in Europe” BBC Radio 3;
“harmonica wizard” The Observer

Sat 31st   9:00pm   LEO RICHARDSON
Saxophonist Leo Richardson has been making a considerable impact on the London jazz scene for the past decade with his direct, contemporary take on hard bop. His 2017 album ‘The Chase’ won praise for its blistering energy and impressive musicianship and his follow up album ‘Move’ firmly established him as a talent to be reckoned with. Citing his primary influences as John Coltrane, Joe Henderson & Dexter Gordon, tonight Leo and his cracking band, pianist Rick Simpson, bassist Dave Whitford and drummer Joel Waters will play material from previous records along with tunes from their new album, to be recorded imminently.
“Impressive…the style is hard bop, but music as good as this is beyond category” The Observer

606 Club
90 Lots Road
Chelsea
London
SW10 0QD

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

020 7352 5953

Birmingham Jazz to celebrate Black History Month.

Monday, September 28, 2026

Birmingham Jazz is running a series of events throughout October 2026 across various venues to celebrate Black History Month. Further information attached.

Dave Fuller of Music Spoken Here, Worcester has supplied the following information;

Birmingham Jazz Celebrate Black History Month

Alongside their extended programming this season celebrating 50 years of the club, Birmingham Jazz is running a series of events throughout October across various venues to celebrate Black History Month. Supported with funding from Arts Council England, the series with the theme “Honouring Our Communities” starts on Friday 2nd October with Xhosa Cole performing his Free Monk project at 1000 Trades in the Jewellery Quarter. On Saturday 3rd, Deirdre Cartwright brings her ‘Picnic’ to the club, marking 50 years of her collaboration with Alison Rayner.

In a joint promotion with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, on Thursday 8th the Birmingham Jazz Orchestra will perform in the Conservatoire’s Recital Hall in an evening programme starting in the Eastside Jazz Club with the Zeb Murphy Band and closing with a jam session in the same venue.

On Wednesday 14th, Josh Bailey brings his trio to a new venue for the club, under the name Bearwood Jazz, at 1000 Trades In The Park on Adkins Lane (see feature below).

Back at the club’s regular venue, 1000 Trades, Rwandan-born and Belgian-raised vocalist Ineza will perform songs from her debut album Ibuka, released last year, on Friday 23rd. The following evening, Ralph DeCambre’s ’Friends’ will be making their annual Black History Month appearance at the club. Mark Cherrie closes out the month on Friday 30th, but another gig has been included in the series at the end of November, featuring Basil Hodge’s Jazz Africa on Friday 30th November.

Full details and tickets are available from the Birmingham Jazz website.
https://birminghamjazz.co.uk/black-history-month-2026

New Jazz Night in Worcestershire.

Monday, September 28, 2026

This week sees the start of a new fortnightly session at The Talbot in Knightwick, just off the A44 between Worcester and Bromyard.

Dave Fuller of Music Spoken Here, Worcester, has supplied the following information;

New Jazz Night in Worcester

It’s great to see more jazz coming to Worcestershire! This week sees the start of a new fortnightly session at The Talbot in Knightwick, just off the A44 between Worcester and Bromyard.

The jazz nights are every other Tuesday, with music starting at 8pm. Admission is £8, which includes a raffle ticket and discounted food menu. This week’s session features saxophonist Zoltan Sagi with bassist Dave Deakin.

More information about the venue can be found on The Talbot website, although I’ve only seen details of the jazz night on their Facebook page.

https://the-talbot.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/talbotknightwick

Jazz in the West Midlands, September 28th - October 4th 2026.

Monday, September 28, 2026

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

The Week Ahead

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

Monday 28

RBC Salsa Orchestra
Eastside Jazz Club, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, 200 Jennens Road, B4 7XR

Jazz Pan Pan *
Pan-Pan, 25D Floodgate St, Birmingham B5 5SL

Tuesday 29

Digbeth Jazz: Giulia Marro Quartet
The Night Owl, 17-18 Lower Trinity Street, Birmingham B9 4AG

Birmingham Jazz @ 50: AMPHITRIO
1000 Trades, 16 Frederick St, Birmingham B1 3HE

Jazz Night at The Talbot: Zoltan Sagi & Dave Deakin
The Talbot, Knightwick, Worcester WR6 5PH

Wednesday 30

Ashley Allen & Friends celebrate 50 years of Stevie Wonder’s Songs In The Key Of Life
Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space, Symphony Hall, Centenary Square, Birmingham,  B1 2EA

Upstairs at Cherry Reds: Jim Bashford - Monk’s Dream Team
Cherry Red’s, 88-92 John Bright Street, Birmingham B1 1BN

Pershore Jazz Club: Forest Hill Owls
Pershore Town Football Club, King Georges Way, Pershore WR10 1QU

The BHQ - And Your Bird Can Swing: The Beatles Re-imagined
Dunchurch Village Hall, Rugby Road, Rugby CV22 6PN

Bedford Street Jazz Jam *
Bedford Street Bar, 4 Bedford Street, Leamington Spa CV32 5DY

Sutton Coldfield Trad Jazz Club: Storyville Jass Band (from Holland)
Boldmere Sports & Social Club, 323 Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield B73 5HQ

Midweek Sessions Jam
Southbound Cafe & Bar, Unit 12 Victoria Business Centre, Leamington Spa CV31 2AZ

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

Thursday 1 Oct

Jazz Canon: Horace Silver
Eastside Jazz Club, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, 200 Jennens Road, B4 7XR

The Love & Afrobeats Orchestra
The Jam House, 3-5 St Pauls Square, Birmingham B3 1QU

Martin Taylor - Standards Tour
Huntingdon Hall, CrownGate, Worcester WR1 3LD

Jazz at The Courtyard
The Courtyard, 2 War Lane, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9RN

Alsager Jazz Club: Justin Holcroft with the Tim Amann Trio
The Thirteen Club, Cedar Avenue, Alsager ST7 2PH

Fargo Jazz Jam ft. Tani Fakile
Unit 5 Fargo Village Far Gosford Street, Coventry CV1 5ED

Friday 2

Gary Crosby & Denys Baptiste present A Love Supreme
Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL

Birmingham Jazz Black History Month: Xhosa Cole
1000 Trades, 16 Frederick St, Birmingham B1 3HE

Kidderminster Jazz: Terence Collie Quartet
St. Ambrose Parish Centre, Leswell Street, Kidderminster DY10 1RP

Jazz Fridays with The Moloney Trio
Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL

Jazz at The Merryfellow: Iain Ballamy & Yuri Golubev
The Merryfellow, 2 School Road, Cheltenham GL53 8AU

Legends of Motown
Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester WR1 3ED

The Groove Assembly
The Jam House, 3-5 St Pauls Square, Birmingham B3 1QU

Funky Custard
Chas Manns, 70 The Green, Kings Norton, Birmingham B38 8RU

Saturday 3

Birmingham Jazz Black History Month: Deirdre Cartwright’s Picnic
1000 Trades, 16 Frederick St, Birmingham B1 3HE

The Groove Assembly
The Jam House, 3-5 St Pauls Square, Birmingham B3 1QU

Sunday 4

Cafe Spotlight at Wolverhampton Arts Centre: V6 Organ Trio
Wolverhampton Arts Centre, Dunkley Street, Wolverhampton WV1 4AN

Sunday Sessions @ The Blue Piano: Bryan Corbett’s Instrumental Groove Unit
The Blue Piano, 24-26 Harborne Rd, Birmingham, B15 3AA

Reelin’ In The Dan
The Hare & Hounds, High Street, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7JZ

Jazz @ The Tower with the Garry Allcock Trio
Tower of Song, 107 Pershore Road South, Birmingham B30 3JX

Jazz-a-matazz: Paula Jackman’s Jazz Masters
The Ansty Club, Grove Road, Coventry CV7 9JD

Brignorth Jazz: Julian Stringle Quartet
The Garden Bar, 6 Bridge Street, Bridgnorth WV15 6A

* Indicates known regular event but no lineup published by the promoter at time of writing.

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

Weirdshire, Hereford - Programme for September 2026 - March 2027.

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Herefordshire promoters Weirdshire have announced their programme for September 2026 to March 2027. Events take place at various venues in the city of Hereford.

From the Weirdshire newsletter;

And into Autumn we boldly go…

The long hot summer has passed us by, and we are definitely moving into lovely autumn now - and the (slight) quietening of Weirdshire activity will turn, turn, turn, into a crescendo of shows in September and October.

And the first is only a week away!

Lavinia Blackwall - Monday 28th September, 7.30pm doors, De Koffie Pot

Kavus Torabi - Sunday 11th October. 7.30pm doors. De Koffie Pot

Robin and Bina Williamson, Saturday 17th October, 7.30pm doors, De Koffie Pot

Raymond MacDonald and Steve Malley, Sunday 25th October, 7.30pm - UPSTAIRS at the Jam Factory - LIMITED TICKETS

So - first up is Lavinia Blackwall - you know about this already because lots of you have already bought your tickets - a deeply grateful thank you to all of you. BUT we haven’t sold out yet, and we really should because this is a precious opportunity to see the amazing Lavinia (ex Trembling Bells, and rightly lauded singer songwriter) with a FOUR PIECE band. So get your tickets now 😊

The Quietus Album of the Year 2025 #60
Noel Gardener (The Quietus) New weird Britain #1 album of the year
International Pop Overthrow #1 album of the year
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Shindig magazine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Songlines magazine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Scotsman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ RnR magazine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Rock Shock magazine
8/10 Uncut Magazine
7/10 Americana uk

and here’s a bit more of Lavinia to get you in the ticket buying mood….:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXELGvONdKI

And then, and then… breathlessly…

Kavus Torabi - you know Kavus - key past and current member of Cardiacs, Gong, Utopia Strong, coming to us in his solo manifestation. Charismatic and engrossing, with songs of personal loss and redemption. Here he is with a song you can be sure he’ll be performing next month:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCZLcHvg-CQ

And then - the genuine legend that is Robin Williamson - but if you haven’t already got your ticket, I’m afraid you’re several months too late because this one sold out ages ago.

And finally (for now) - enthusiasts of freely improvised experimental music will be delighted to see that the incredible Raymond MacDonald - saxophonist, academic, facilitator, founder of the long established Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra - will be returning for an intimate upstairs show at the Jam Factory, in a duo with Steve Malley - himself a hugely respected guitarist, with a background in post punk (Peel sessions with Crane) and current member of the mighty Unit Ama. Steve has been focusing a lot in recent times on his free improvisation work, and this duo is now doing their second UK tour.

Hope to see lots of you soon -

Lavinia Blackwall - Monday 28th September, 7.30pm doors, De Koffie Pot

Kavus Torabi - Sunday 11th October. 7.30pm doors. De Koffie Pot

Robin and Bina Williamson, Saturday 17th October, 7.30pm doors, De Koffie Pot

Raymond MacDonald and Steve Malley, Sunday 25th October, 7.30pm - UPSTAIRS at the Jam Factory - LIMITED TICKETS

And in case anyone like to plan their diary further into the future (and why wouldn’t you?), here’s the rest of the schedule as we currently have it:

28th September -  Lavinia Blackwall at De Koffie Pot

11th October -  Kavus Torabi at De Koffie Pot -

17th October -  Robin and Bina Williamson at De Koffie Pot SOLD OUT

25th October -  Raymond MacDonald and Steve Malley at the Jam Factory

12th November - Rattle with Hurricane Tapes opening at the Jam Factory

17th February 2027 - Aidan Thorne & Jason Ball at De Koffie Pot

16th March 2027 - Pettaluck at The Jam Factory

Take care of each other
The Weirdshire Crew

https://weirdshire.com/

Rachel Calladine - new album and UK live dates.

Monday, September 21, 2026

Vocalist and songwriter Rachel Calladine released her new album "Soho Elegy" on 18th September 2025. She will be playing a short series of UK live dates in October and November. Press release attached

We have received the following press release;

Rachael Calladine
SOHO ELEGY
Kickspin Records – KSR001D/CD

11 October - Peggy’s Skylight, Nottingham

11 November - Scarborough Jazz Club

26 November - PizzaExpress Live Chelsea

“Absolutely wonderful…” Madeline Bell

Following the critical success of The Game, vocalist Rachael Calladine returns with Soho Elegy, a collection of original songs written by long-standing collaborators pianist Dr Adrian York and guitarist Pat McCarthy, alongside two compositions by Calladine herself.

Calladine is joined by her regular quartet of McCarthy, bassist Andy Tytherleigh and drummer Si Potts, with York on keyboards and James McMillan appearing as guest trumpeter. Produced by Claire Martin OBE and McMillan, the album brings together jazz, soul and classic popular song through exquisite melodies and intimate storytelling.

The atmospheric opening track ‘Walk of Shame’ explores the loneliness and vulnerability behind the search for love. The title track recalls the Soho jazz world in which Calladine immersed herself during the 1990s, while ‘The Golden Hour’ draws on her experience as an Emergency Medical Technician, connecting medicine’s critical first hour after trauma with the emotional process of letting go. Elsewhere, the album moves from the playful ‘Fashionista’ and lyrical jazz waltz ‘Falling’ to the blues and soul of Calladine’s self-penned ‘Gone Too Long’. It closes with ‘No More’, written nearly 20 years ago and now given its first recording, a final message of hope.

“I wanted the songs to feel familiar,” says Calladine. “The album reflects the jazz, pop and soul I’ve loved throughout my career. Above all, I wanted to make an honest record that jazz audiences would enjoy, but that anyone could connect with.”

Soho Elegy is released by Kickspin Records in association with ECN Music. Recorded at quietmoneymusic from 16–19 March 2026, it was produced by Claire Martin OBE and James McMillan, and mixed and mastered by McMillan.  The project was supported by Andrew Long, owner of the White Hart Hotel in Lincoln, where Rachael has established a popular Friday night residency.

Rachael Calladine: https://www.rachaelcalladine.com/

Rachael Calladine is a UK jazz and soul vocalist with a career spanning more than three decades. She has performed at Ronnie Scott’s, the 606 Club, the Jazz Café and the EFG London Jazz Festival, and formerly toured as lead vocalist with jazz–hip hop group Us3. She has also achieved several number-one singles on the Traxsource Soulful House chart. After ten years performing in Dubai (2008-18), Calladine returned to Britain to rebuild her UK jazz career. When the Covid-19 pandemic halted live music, she retrained as an Emergency Medical Technician and blue-light ambulance response driver in Lincolnshire, a role she continues alongside her music. Her regular quartet features guitarist Pat McCarthy, bassist Andy Tytherleigh and drummer Si Potts. Their debut The Game, released in 2025, was critically acclaimed.

ECN Music: https://ecnmusic.com/

Distribution via ECN Music/Proper Music: https://propermusic.com/

New jazz club to launch in Birmingham.

Monday, September 21, 2026

Stirchley Jazz Club, based at Stirchley United Working Men's Club on Hazelwell Lane, will be hosting gigs on the last Friday of the month, beginning on September 25th 2026. Further details attached.

Dave Fuller of Music Spoken Here, Worcester has supplied the following information;

New Birmingham Jazz Club

Pianist Josh Bailey brings his trio to a new jazz night in Stirchley this week. The club, based at Stirchley United Working Men’s Club on Hazelwell Lane, will be hosting gigs on the last Friday of the month, 8-10pm. Tickets are £8 on the door (£5 concessions). For more information, follow the club on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/stirchleyjazzclub/

Friday 25 September 2026
Stirchley Jazz Club: Josh Bailey Trio
Stirchley United W.M.C., Hazelwell Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham B30 2PR

Deirdre Cartwright & Alison Rayner celebrate 50 years of music.

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Guitarist Deirdre Cartwright and bassist Alison Rayner celebrate fifty years of music-making together with a special lunchtime concert at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club on Sunday 25 October 2026.

We have received the following press release;

Deirdre Cartwright & Alison Rayner
50 YEARS OF MUSIC

Sunday 25 October 2026
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, London

Guitarist Deirdre Cartwright and bassist Alison Rayner celebrate fifty years of music-making together with a special lunchtime concert at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club on Sunday 25 October, bringing together friends and long-standing collaborators from across five decades of British jazz.

Cartwright and Rayner first met in a shed in Peckham, London in the summer of 1976 and have remained musical collaborators ever since. Their shared history encompasses numerous groups and projects including Jam Today, Sisterhood of Spit, The Guest Stars, The Emma Peel Fan Club, The Electric Landladies, the Deirdre Cartwright Group and Alison Rayner Quintet (ARQ), as well as Blow the Fuse, which they co-founded in 1989.

Combining music and conversation, 50 Years of Music will look back over their musical journey through original compositions, favourite repertoire and stories from their careers. Joining them will be friends and collaborators representing different chapters of that history, including members of The Guest Stars Ruthie Smith, Josefina Cupido and Linda Da Mango, together with Annie Whitehead, Diane McLoughlin, Steve Lodder and Buster Birch.

Alongside their work together, both musicians have established distinguished individual careers. Cartwright first came to national prominence as a presenter on the BBC’s groundbreaking television series Rockschool in 1983. A leading jazz guitarist, composer and educator, she has performed and recorded extensively with her own groups and with ARQ and was Principal Guitar Consultant for Rockschool graded music exams, taught worldwide. In 2019, she won the public vote for Best Guitarist at the British Jazz Awards. Rayner has established herself as one of the UK’s most respected bassists and composers. She received an Ivor Novello Composer Award for ‘There Is A Crack In Everything’ from her album Short Stories, while her Alison Rayner Quintet (ARQ) won both the Parliamentary Jazz Award and British Jazz Award for Best Small Group in 2018. The quintet’s fourth album, SEMA4, was named Jazz Recording of the Year at the 2025 Presto Music Awards and is nominated for a Parliamentary Award.

Their contribution to British jazz extends beyond their work as performers and composers. Through Blow the Fuse, Cartwright and Rayner have promoted live jazz and supported generations of musicians, with a particular commitment to creating opportunities for women. Their work as educators and mentors has run alongside a partnership that has continued through five decades of performing, recording and touring.

50 Years of Music celebrates the music, friendships and creative partnerships that began in Peckham in 1976 and continue fifty years later at Ronnie Scott’s.

Blow The Fuse: https://www.blowthefuse.com/

Deirdre Cartwright: https://www.deirdrecartwright.com/

Alison Rayner: http://www.alisonrayner.com/

ECN Music: https://ecnmusic.com/

Elliot Wong announced as winner of The Brubeck Living Legacy Prize 2026.

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Brubeck Living Legacy, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Music and ECN Music, is delighted to announce saxophonist & composer Elliot Wong as the winner of the second Brubeck Living Legacy Prize

We have received the following press release;

Elliot Wong announced as winner of The Brubeck Living Legacy Prize

Brubeck Living Legacy, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Music and ECN Music, is delighted to announce saxophonist and composer Elliot Wong as the winner of the second Brubeck Living Legacy Prize.

Originally from Sydney, Australia, Wong moved to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music, where he recently completed his postgraduate studies in jazz. He was unanimously selected by a panel of Darius Brubeck (Brubeck Living Legacy), Nick Smart (Head of Jazz Programmes, Royal Academy of Music) and Emma Perry (Director, ECN Music).

The panel recognised the strength of Wong’s proposal, his assured compositional voice and clear artistic vision, together with his readiness to make the most of the opportunity offered by the prize. “It is a great pleasure for me and the Directors of Brubeck Living Legacy to award this year’s BLL Prize to Elliot Wong, to make an album that really should be made,” says Brubeck. “The video of his final recital at Royal Academy of Music shows he is a musician with much to say and the talent to say it.”

The biennial prize supports outstanding emerging jazz musicians from the Royal Academy of Music, recognising excellence in both performance and composition. Wong will receive funding and professional support of up to £7,000 to create and release the recording.

His album, due for release in May 2027, will be produced by internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist and producer Claire Martin OBE, Artistic Director of ECN Music, with the company overseeing production, design, marketing, manufacturing and distribution. Wong will retain ownership of the master recording and will be supported in presenting an album launch event in London following its release.

“The consistently high calibre of project applications, combined with the exceptional standard of playing and composing, proved truly moving and inspiring for everyone involved,” says Smart. “Many congratulations to all who applied, and especially to Elliot Wong – we can’t wait to hear the finished album next year.”

Brubeck Living Legacy: https://www.brubecklivinglegacy.com/
Founded by the family of Dave Brubeck, Brubeck Living Legacy continues Dave and Iola Brubeck’s commitment to music, creativity and education. The inaugural prize was awarded to saxophonist and composer Kasper Rietkerk, whose album The Happy Worrier was released in 2025. This second edition of the prize is dedicated to the memory of Martin Hummel, founder of Ubuntu Music, whose vision helped establish the original Brubeck Living Legacy Prize.

Royal Academy of Music: https://www.ram.ac.uk/
The Royal Academy of Music moves music forward by inspiring successive generations of musicians to connect, collaborate and create.  It is the meeting point between the traditions of the past and the talent of the future.  The Academy has had an inestimable impact on British and international musical life by training outstandingly talented musicians for fulfilling careers for over 200 years.  From its outset, Britain’s oldest conservatoire has been associated with some of the greatest names in music including Mendelssohn, Liszt and Sir Henry Wood. More recent alumni include Sir Elton John, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Harrison Birtwistle, Edward Gardner, Max Richter, Lucy Crowe, Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Jacob Collier. Today 750 students from over 50 countries are enrolled on undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes.

ECN Music: https://ecnmusic.com/
ECN Music is an award-winning music company that helps independent artists and labels release, present and grow their music on their own terms, providing integrated services encompassing production, design, manufacturing, distribution, marketing and publicity.
Publicity: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

EFG London Jazz Festival 2026 at Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club, Kennington – Full Line-Up Announced.

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

This November, Toulouse Lautrec joins the EFG London Jazz Festival with a packed programme of international artists, rising talent and some of the most exciting jazz on the scene. Press release att.

We have received the following press release;

EFG London Jazz Festival at Toulouse Lautrec
This November, Toulouse Lautrec joins the EFG London Jazz Festival with a packed programme of international artists, rising talent and some of the most exciting jazz on the scene.
From New York vocals and Japanese piano to big-band swing, Gypsy Jazz, hip-hop-infused grooves, tango and the next generation of UK jazz, discover eleven festival events across ten days.

Fri 13 & Sat 14 Nov
Ashley Pezzotti Celebrates Ella Fitzgerald
Acclaimed New York vocalist Ashley Pezzotti celebrates the music and spirit of Ella Fitzgerald with dazzling swing, effortless charm and fresh interpretations of timeless standards.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/ashley-pezzotti/

Sat 14 Nov
Ashley Pezzotti Vocal Masterclass
A rare opportunity for singers to learn directly from Ashley Pezzotti, exploring jazz phrasing, interpretation, improvisation and the craft of communicating a song with confidence and personality.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/ashley-pezzotti-masterclass

Sat 14 Nov
Fidelio Hot Club
Fidelio Hot Club bring the fire and finesse of Gypsy Jazz to the festival, blending Django-inspired swing with classic influences in our intimate jazz club.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/fidelio-hot-club

Sun 15 Nov
NYJO Under 18s: Autumn Showcase
The next generation takes the stage as NYJO’s Under 18s ensembles showcase some of the UK’s brightest young jazz musicians in a special EFG London Jazz Festival performance.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/nyjo

Sun 15 Nov
London Gay Big Band: Autumn After Dark
London Gay Big Band light up the jazz club with a bold mix of swing, jazz, musical theatre and funk-soul, delivered with the energy and spectacle of a full big band.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/london-gay-big-band

Mon 16 Nov
Flow Rea Trio
Presented by the Estonian Embassy in the UK, Flow Rea Trio fuse hip-hop, jazz and soul with contemporary grooves and a unique European sound.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/flow-rea-trio

Wed 18 Nov
Robin Phillips Sings & Plays: Chet Baker
Singer-pianist Robin Phillips explores the cool, understated world of Chet Baker, revisiting the songs, melodies and intimate atmosphere that made Baker one of jazz’s most distinctive voices.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/robin-sings-plays-chet-baker

Thu 19 & Fri 20 Nov
Riyoko Takagi Trio
Special support from BBC Young Jazz Musician finalist Klara Devlin on Fri 20 Nov at the 6PM performance only.
Award-winning Japanese pianist Riyoko Takagi returns with her dynamic trio for two festival dates, combining technical brilliance, impressive arrangements and high-energy contemporary jazz.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/riyoko-takagi-trio

Sat 21 Nov
Neal Richardson’s ‘The Light Catcher’ Septet
Neal Richardson launches his uplifting third album, The Light Catcher, with a stellar seven-piece band for an uplifting afternoon of original jazz, blues and Latin grooves.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/neal-richardson-septet/

Sat 21 & Sun 22 Nov
Manon Mullener Trio
Acclaimed Swiss pianist Manon Mullener brings her trio to London with contemporary jazz, Latin rhythms and vivid musical storytelling.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/manon-mullener-trio

Sun 22 Nov
El Chamuyo Quartet
El Chamuyo Quartet close the festival programme, blending jazz with traditional Argentine tango, celebrating the launch of their new EP.
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/whats-on/el-chamuyo-quartet

Book now and experience some of the most exciting jazz in London across ten days of the EFG London Jazz Festival.

View all shows;
https://toulouselautrec.co.uk/efg-london-jazz-festival/

140 Newington Butts

Kennington

London, SE11 4RN
+44 (0) 7775700215
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Festival Line-up

Cheltenham Jazz Club - Schedule for 2026 - 27 season.

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Cheltenham Jazz Club has announced its programme from September 2026 to June 2027. Schedule attached.

Will Barnes Quartet on 21st September, Victory Club

Tommy Scott Trio - (Everyman Studio 19/10/26)

Greg Abate Quartet - (Victory Club 16/11/26)

‘Stan Tracey Centenary’: Clark Tracey Quartet - (Victory Club 07/12/26).       

Simon Spillett Quartet plays Tubby Hayes - (Everyman Studio 18/01/27),

Howl Quartet feat. Matt Parkinson from ‘Aspiryan’ – two saxes, bass, drums - (Everyman Studio 08/02/27),

John Donegan Quartet feat. Steve Waterman - (Everyman Studio 15/03/27),

Martin Speake’s ‘Charukesi’ - alto, tenor/flute, tuba, drums (Victory Club 19/04/27)

John Law’s Recreations Quartet - (Everyman Studio – date tbc 17/05/27 or 24/05

Art Themen’s Organ Trio - (Victory Club 14/06/27)

For further information please visit;
https://www.cheltenhamjazz.co.uk/

Barbican announces ‘Ryman in Rhythm’ live jazz series, November 2026 - February 2027.

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Barbican announces 'Ryman in Rhythm' live jazz series at major exhibition on American painter Robert Ryman, featuring Sarathy Korwar, tyroneisaacstuart and Soweto Kinch . Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Barbican announces ‘Ryman in Rhythm’ live jazz series at major exhibition on American painter Robert Ryman, featuring Sarathy Korwar, tyroneisaacstuart and Soweto Kinch

The Barbican and Associate producer Serious present Ryman in Rhythm, a series of live jazz performances inspired by the late American painter Robert Ryman – the subject of a new major retrospective in Barbican Art Gallery. Moved by Ryman’s love of jazz, alumni from Serious’ Take Five talent development programme including Sarathy Korwar, tyroneisaacstuart and Soweto Kinch, will respond to the exhibition with live performances in the gallery.

Ryman in Rhythm will showcase some of the most versatile names in British jazz today. With sounds ranging from traditional bebop and acoustic jazz through to hip-hop and Indian folk, each artist will present a special live performance inspired by Robert Ryman’s lifelong relationship with music and improvisation. An exclusive exhibition viewing will be included in the ticket for each performance.

Renowned percussionist, composer and producer Sarathy Korwar brings his compelling voice and South Asian diasporic soundscapes to the gallery (Wed 18 Nov), while London-based interdisciplinary artist tyroneisaacstuart responds through song, dance, text and installation to create work that reflects diaspora, industry, trauma and movement systems (Fri 11 Dec). Award-winning alto saxophonist and MC Soweto Kinch closes the series (Fri 26 Feb), drawing on a body of work that moves fluidly between jazz and hip hop, combining virtuosic musicianship with explorations of history and social justice.

Robert Ryman’s approach to painting was informed by his early love of jazz and bebop. After moving to New York to pursue a career as a saxophonist, he dedicated his life to art but continued to be influenced by the spirit of jazz. He understood painting as a form of improvisation, with each brushstroke building on the last like successive notes in jazz.

In Autumn 2026, the Barbican will present a major new retrospective recognising the extraordinary career of Ryman (1930-2019). Robert Ryman: The Real Thing runs 8 October 2026 to 28 February 2027 in Barbican Art Gallery and is the first exhibition in the UK to take an in-depth look at Ryman’s work in over 30 years.

The exhibition is generously supported by Lead Supporter Kenneth C. Griffin & Griffin Catalyst with additional support from the Panoptès Collection.

To accompany the exhibition, a public programme will run from October 2026 to February 2027. It includes the Ryman in Rhythm jazz series, co-produced with Barbican Associate Producer Serious and featuring alumni from Serious’ Take Five talent development programme.

Ryman in Rhythm is produced by the Barbican in association with Serious

Further information here;
https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2026/series/ryman-in-rhythm

ABOUT TAKE FIVE:
The Take Five initiative is aimed at British and UK based composer-performers and is designed to give some of the UK’s most talented emerging creative jazz musicians the opportunity to take time out to develop their craft, build their careers and get their music out into the world.  Since launching, the programme has supported over 160 artists, many of whom have gone on to define modern UK jazz, including Moses Boyd, Emma-Jean Thackray, Soweto Kinch, Nubya Garcia, Yazz Ahmed, Seb Rochford, Sarathy Korwar, and Abel Selaocoe.

ABOUT ROBERT RYMAN: THE REAL THING:
In Autumn 2026, the Barbican will present a major new retrospective recognising the extraordinary career of American painter Robert Ryman (1930-2019). Robert Ryman: The Real Thing is the first exhibition in the UK to take an in-depth look at Ryman’s work in over 30 years and will be a key highlight of the Barbican’s Autumn 2026 season. The Real Thing will feature over 60 works from Ryman’s prolific career from the mid-1950s up to the early 2010s. Arranged thematically, the exhibition will celebrate Ryman’s legacy as a painter who rejected the categories of representation and abstraction, choosing instead to ‘paint the paint’. 

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

Jazz at The Lescar, Sheffield - Programme for Autumn 2026.

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

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

Jez Matthews writes;

Jazz at The Lescar gigs Autumn 2026

Please find below a list of our gigs in September - October and into Nov/Dec

16th September / Angle Shades
An inventive and exploratory piano trio comprising three of most in-demand players on the Manchester creative scene, Richard Jones (piano), Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley (bass), and Johnny Hunter (drums). Angle Shades explore the cracks between composition and improvisation, with focussed yet unpredictable and exciting music that’s dynamic, spontaneous and searching; a piano trio with a truly distinctive identity, visiting us following the release of their second album on Efpi records ‘Twirler’.

23rd September / J.A.M. String Collective
A mix of adventurous jazz improvisation, contemporary classical and grooves, J.A.M. String Collective bring a distinctive sound to the improvisational string world. Jan Halen (violin), Julia dos Reis (viola) and Miranda Lewis-Brown (cello) will be performing music from their acclaimed debut album ‘She Looks Up at the Trees’, beautiful and atmospheric music that occupies a fluid space between jazz and contemporary string sound worlds, and with a strong thread of improvisation running through it. Dramatic and virtuosic melodies and expansive cinematic improvisations, punctuated by a rich percussive palette of looped beats.

30th September / in//motion
Spellbinding music from one of the most exciting bands emerging on the UK scene right now, joining us as they release their debut album, and led by one of the most distinctive saxophonists around, Luke Chakrabarti, in//motion effortlessly mix contemporary jazz improvisation with the sounds of folk and post-rock, and influences ranging from Brian Blade’s fellowship band to Godspeed You! Black Emperor. A band of five distinctive musical voices Luke Chakrabarti (saxophone), Julien Durand (guitar), Daniel Kemshell (guitar), Josh Vadiveloo (bass), Matt Holmes (drums) create a powerful sound with personal expression at it’s heart and strong sense of collective communication.

7th October / Rory Green
Beautiful atmospheric music full of layered sounds and infectious rhythms;  Ghanaian-English guitarist, composer and producer Rory Green (classical guitar/electronics) joins us following appearances at jazz festivals in Lancaster and Manchester. Drawing inspiration from his mixed heritage background he creates complex yet meditative and subtly emotive soundscapes, artfully combining sensitively played acoustic instruments with electronic synthesis. Joining Rory are Zac Hemming (drums/percussion) and Rachael Green (soprano saxophone). Deeply personal yet expansive music.

SUNDAY 11th October at Samuel Worth Chapel 6.30pm / Ruth Goller’s Skylla + Manon McCoy & Alice Brookes
Five innovative improvising musicians, towering new sounds.
With an emotional mix of folk-inspired songs and heavy improvisation, Skylla are led by bass player/vocalist Ruth Goller (Acoustic Ladyland, Laura Jurd) with British electronic artist/drummer Will Glaser (Soweto Kinch, Kit Downes), and Irish Viola player Ultan O’Brien (Martin Green (Lau), Laura Jurd). Skylla’s second album ‘Skyllumina’ was released on Chicago’s International Anthem label; this trio is an evolution of that sound; siren-like vocals and viola melodies meet heavy grooves; and a trio treading an utterly unique path.
Electronics/sound artist Manon McCoy (balo, Emergence Collective, Stuart McCallum) and vocalist/composer Alice Brookes’ debut album ‘objects aligned out of time’ was released on Elektramusic Berlin; a project that combines voice, electronics, found sounds and objects. Kaleidoscopic and mesmerising, immersive and vast improvisations continuously evolve, channelled, warped and layered with their own voices; haunting and entirely original.

Coming up: 
14th October / Balladeste + double bill TBA
21st October / Magpie Trio
28th October / Hi Res Heart
4th November / Harry Christelis
11th November / Robert Mitchell and Corey Mwamba
18th November / Sylvie + Ursula
25th November / Maddalena Ghezzi, Ruth Goller, Maria Chiara Argirò
2nd December / GIG TBA
9th December / LEDLEY + balo
16th December / GIG TBA

The Lescar Hotel
303 Sharrow Vale Rd, Sheffield S11 8ZF

http://www.jazzatthelescar.com

https://www.thelescarhuntersbar.co.uk

Upstairs at Cherry Red’s, Birmingham - Autumn programme announced.

Monday, September 14, 2026

The team behind Birmingham’s Upstairs at Cherry Red’s jazz night have published their autumn programme through to the end of the year. Details attached.

Dave Fuller of Music Spoken Here, Worcester has provided the following information;

Upstairs at Cherry Red’s
New Season Published

The team behind Birmingham’s Upstairs at Cherry Red’s jazz night have published their autumn programme through to the end of the year. For the most part they are returning to fortnightly gigs on Wednesdays, with a few extras added in for good measure.

Their season opener next week (Wednesday 23rd) is saxophonist and BBC Young Jazz Musician of the year 2024 finalist George Johnson (of the Geordie jazz rising star band Knats) with his quartet. Jim Bashford brings his Monk’s Dream Team the following week (30th). October features the Ben Shankland Trio (14th) and trombonist Dave Sear (28th), who has appeared at The Marr’s Bar with The Boom Yeh in 2025 and Detroitwich Funk Machine earlier this year. November squeezes three gigs in, starting with Ribbons, a collaboration between pianist Rebecca Nash and singer Sara Coleman on 11th, James Owston / Roger Manins Quartet (18th) and Manz / Saunders / Lisle / Vadiveloo (25th). The programme ends with a Jam session hosted by Oliver Nunn on Wednesday 9th December.

Cherry Red’s is at 88-92 John Bright Street, just a few minutes walk fromBirmingham New Street Station. Admission is £7 (£5 for students), either on the door or in advance via Skiddle. Doors at 7:30pm.
https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Birmingham/Cherry-Reds-Birmingham-City-Centre/

The Handover - UK & European Tour, October and November 2026.

Sunday, September 13, 2026

International trio The Handover are touring in the UK & Europe during October and November 2026. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

We’re announcing The Handover’s October/November tour, including Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, France and The UK. We highly recommend that you catch them if you can!

The Handover Oct/Nov tour
We’re very excited to announce this epic tour with one of the best trios that has ever existed (objectively speaking)!

Catch them here:

Oct. 17: Three Skies Festival - Cologne (DE)

Oct. 21: Cave 12 - Geneve (CH)

Oct. 22. The Wrong Side - Paris (FR)

Oct. 23: De Centrale - Gent (BE)

Oct. 24: De Singel - Antwerp (BE)

Oct. 25: OCCII - Amsterdam (NL)

Oct. 28: Cafe OTO - London (UK)

Oct. 29: The SpArc Theatre - Shropshire (UK)

Oct. 30: Cobalt Studios - Newcastle (UK)

Oct. 31: Bishops’ House - Sheffield (UK)

Nov. 1 : The Cube Microcomplex - Bristol (UK)

Nov. 3 : Henry Ward Hall - Hastings (UK)

Nov. 26: Murmur Concert Series - Basel (CH)

Nov. 27: Unerhört! Festival - Zürich (CH)

The Handover is as much a ritual as it is an ensemble. The trio, consisting of Aly Eissa (oud, Egypt), Ayman Asfour (violin, Egypt), and Jonas Cambien (vintage organ/synth, Belgium/Norway), is blessed with a near-telepathic musical sensitivity that renders each live performance a singular, nuanced experience, grooving deeply despite the absence of percussion. Inspired by the hypnotic, trance-inducing music of Egypt’s Nile Delta, fueled by kraut-like riffs and the intensity of ‘60s avant-garde jazz, and channelled through roguish improvisation, The Handover’s sound is veritable psychedelia. It is at once futuristic and primordial, yet, with the utter urgency of its testament, it demands lucidity.

One long musical voyage that swells and builds without break; three musicians shaping an acoustic world with only their instruments. A set composition that invites space for play, shifting each time slightly with the improvisational nuances of the musicians. This is what one can expect from a Handover show. Since its beginnings, The Handover has gained a strong live reputation with performances at Rewire Festival in The Hague, Counterflows Festival in Glasgow, BRDCST Festival in Brussels, Jazzfest Berlin, Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Motvind Festival, Oslo World Festival, and clubs across Europe, the UK, and Egypt. In 2025, The Handover was selected for an official showcase at WOMEX. Their self-titled debut (2025) was released on Sublime Frequencies to critical acclaim. A sophomore album, New Old Medicine/منه فيه, entered the world in May 2026, continuing The Handover’s collusion with Sublime Frequencies. Like its predecessor, this album cements the trio’s sound as something exceptionally rare, yet undeniably rooted.

‘‘defying the laws of physics and floating skywards’’ * * * * * - Songlines Magazine

‘‘ferocious and forceful’’ - the Wire

‘‘A masterful, timeless recording.’’ - Ley Lines

‘‘one of the best Sublime Frequencies releases I’ve heard’’ - Dave Segal

‘‘deeply thrilling and transformative’’ - Magnet Magazine

50 best albums of 2024 in El Pais

20 best folk albums of 2024 in Treblezine

Best Albums 2024 | Kalporz Awards

2024 Rewind: Contributors’ Charts - The Wire

Best Of 2024: Jazz/Improv - Magnet Magazine

https://sublime-frequencies.bandcamp.com/album/the-handover-new-old-medicine

https://www.the-handover.com/

Superlocrian announce winners of Beyond the Hills & Valleys composing competition.

Saturday, September 12, 2026

18-year-old composer Freya Murray from Dorchester has been announced as the winner of Superlocrian’s Beyond the Hills & Valleys composing competition. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Superlocrian announce winners of Beyond the Hills & Valleys composing competition

Sunday 4 October 2026
World premiere concert at Bridport Arts Centre

18-year-old composer Freya Murray from Dorchester has been announced as the winner of Superlocrian’s Beyond the Hills & Valleys composing competition. Her composition, alongside works by three other selected young composers, will be premiered by chamber-jazz septet Superlocrian at Bridport Arts Centre on Sunday 4 October.

Launched earlier this year by Superlocrian in partnership with Dorset Music Service and Devon Music Education Hub, Beyond the Hills & Valleys invited musicians aged 11–19 in full-time education to compose original music inspired by the natural world and the environment. The competition provides a high-level composing opportunity within a supportive educational environment, with the selected composers receiving professional mentoring, feedback and the opportunity to develop their music with Superlocrian, culminating in world premiere performances of their compositions by the ensemble.

Murray, who has recently completed her A levels at The Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester, takes first place ahead of Jacob Butler-Sereno, 19, from the University of Exeter; Elliot Mair, 18, from Devonport High School for Boys; and highly commended 16-year-old Lukas Makuta from Ivybridge Community College. Murray began composing at 12, later arranging music for her school clarinet ensemble. In 2024, she was invited to compose for Dorset Chamber Orchestra, which performed her piece Beyond the Castle at its annual Concert for Youth. She will begin studying composition at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in September. “Being able to receive mentorship as part of the competition will allow me to further explore my musical voice and learn more about composing for different instruments and styles,” says Murray.

Second-placed Jacob Butler-Sereno developed his interest in composition through GCSE and A-level Music and has continued writing whilst studying at the University of Exeter. Third-placed Elliot Mair, a tenor horn player with Devon County Youth Brass Band and Plymouth City Brass, will also begin studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in September. Highly commended Lukas Makuta is a multi-instrumentalist and member of South West Music School who has recently completed his GCSE Music.

Entries were judged by a panel comprising Superlocrian Musical Director Sam Massey; trombonist and Dankworth Composition Prize-winning composer Tom Green; composer and educator Dr Elfyn Jones; and film composer and educator Laura Rossi. Massey says: “The standard of entries has been exceptionally high and the judges had an incredibly tough decision choosing the finalists and ultimately the winning composition. The entries really captured the theme of the competition – a sense of place, identity and the natural world – and we’re looking forward to performing these pieces at their world premiere concert on 4 October.”

Supported by Arts Council, England, Dorset Music Service and Devon Music Education Hub

Bridport Arts Centre: https://www.bridport-arts.com/event/superlocrian-beyond-the-hills-and-valleys-tour/

Superlocrian: https://superlocrian.co.uk/
Superlocrian is an acoustic chamber-jazz septet founded by trumpeter and composer Sam Massey, Hugh Davies and Mark White (trumpet/flugelhorn), Edward Leaker (soprano & alto saxophone), Jade Gall (saxophones & flutes), Tom Green (trombone) and Mike Poyser (tuba).  The ensemble performs original compositions, jazz standards and arrangements by leading composers including Callum Au and Tom Green. The album Hills & Valleys, inspired by the landscapes local to the band’s composers and members, particularly Dartmoor National Park, combining pastoral folk influences with contemporary jazz writing, was released to critical acclaim in 2024.

Spark!: https://sparklabel.bandcamp.com/

ECN Music: https://ecnmusic.com/

SMOKE Jazz Club, New York City, Programme for October 2026.

Saturday, September 12, 2026

SMOKE Jazz Club has announced its schedule for October 2026. Performers include Mark Turner, Renee Rosnes, James Francies, The Cookers. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Just Announced: October Line-up at Smoke Jazz Club includes Two-Week Monk Festival and More

SMOKE Jazz Club Announces October 2026 Line-up Highlighted by Two-Week Celebration of Thelonious Monk

Mark Turner Quartet Patternmaster (ECM) Record Release
(Sep 30-Oct 4)

Monk Festival: Renee Rosnes Quartet “Monk’s Sphere” (Oct 7-10)

Monk Festival: James Francies Trio
plus special guest Joel Ross (Oct 14-18)

The Cookers (Oct 21-25)

Hailed as the “#1 Jazz Club in New York City (SecretNYC),” SMOKE Jazz Club today announced an exciting line-up for October 2026. The month’s capstone is a two-week Thelonious Monk Festival (Oct 7-18) celebrating the unparalleled genius of the legendary composer/pianist Thelonious Monk (born 10.10.1917) with performances by some of today’s top artists including Renee Rosnes, Nicole Glover, James Francies, Joel Ross, and more. Additionally, a special Monk broadcast of the Friday, October 9th concert will air LIVE on WKCR Radio 89.9FM. For the most up-to-date October schedule, please visit http://www.smokejazz.com. As always, all Friday night concerts are livestreamed!

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.

OCTOBER 2026 @ SMOKE Jazz Club
When: Wednesday-Sunday at 6:30 p.m. + 8:30 p.m. and additional 10:00 p.m. (Fri & Sat only). Doors open at 4:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted).
Where: SMOKE Jazz Club, 2751 Broadway (between 105/106th Streets),
New York, NY, Train: 1 to 103rd Street.
Tickets: General $25+. Livestream $15 (Fri only). For more information and to make reservations, please visit http://www.smokejazz.com.

Wed-Sun Sep 30-Oct 4 MARK TURNER QUARTET PATTERNMASTER (ECM) record release
Mark Turner – tenor saxophone
Jason Palmer – trumpet
Joe Martin – bass
Jonathan Pinson – drums
“One of the most influential saxophonists of his generation.” – The New York Times
Tenor saxophonist Mark Turner makes his SMOKE Jazz Club debut as a leader with his quartet featuring trumpeter Jason Palmer, bassist Joe Martin, and drummer Jonathan Pinson. The group celebrates the New York release of Turner’s ECM recording Patternmaster. The New York Times writes, “Every jazz musician strives to establish a voice. Some go so far as to create a language. Mark Turner is one of those: a tenor saxophonist with a vocabulary and syntax so personal that he’s recognizable within a single phrase.” Throughout his career, Turner has collaborated with artists including Billy Hart, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Larry Grenadier, Jeff Ballard, Ethan Iverson, and many others, while creating a celebrated body of work as both a leader and collaborator. On Patternmaster, Turner, Palmer, Martin, and Pinson further develop their quartet sound. JazzWise praises the group’s “phrasal eloquence and narrative drive,” describing an ensemble with “a bracing, at times danceable, swinging energy.” Downbeat notes that “Turner’s sound is unmistakable—yielding, vocal, a bit matte, with a beautiful lyricism and remarkable control above the natural range of the horn.”

Wed-Sun Oct 7-10 MONK FESTIVAL: RENEE ROSNES QUARTET “MONK’S SPHERE”
Renee Rosnes – piano
Nicole Glover – tenor saxophone
David Wong – bass
Carl Allen – drums
“Few jazz pianists are as scarily satisfying.” — The Times (UK)
Renee Rosnes, one of the essential pianists and composers working today, opens Smoke’s annual two-week celebration of Thelonious Monk with a quartet of some of her favorite colleagues. She is joined by tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover, bassist David Wong, and drummer Carl Allen. Monk was born on October 10, 1917. “Her style at the keyboard is powerful and modernistic, combining classical technique and sharp, clean phrases with a dramatic compositional style,” says Stereogum. “The music is reminiscent of mid-’60s Blue Note albums by players like Joe Henderson, Andrew Hill, Bobby Hutcherson (with whom Rosnes worked), Sam Rivers, Wayne Shorter, and Tony Williams; it swings, and never loses touch with the blues, but it’s also abstract and biting.”
As part of WKCR Radio’s 85th anniversary series, the Friday, October 9th 8:30 p.m. concert, will be broadcast LIVE at 89.9FM and at WKCR.org. WKCR is a non-commercial educational and listener-funded radio station.

Wed-Sun Oct 14-18 MONK FESTIVAL: JAMES FRANCIES TRIO PLUS SPECIAL GUEST JOEL ROSS
James Francies – piano
Joel Ross – vibraphone
Luca Alemanno – bass
Jeremy Dutton – drums
“A pianist with liquid dynamism in his touch.” — The New York Times
Pianist James Francies makes his Smoke leader debut with his trio plus special guest Joel Ross, as the second half of Smoke’s annual two-week celebration of Thelonious Monk. At 30, Francies has already built an extraordinary résumé, working across jazz, hip-hop, and R&B with artists including Pat Metheny, Chris Potter, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Eric Harland, Terrace Martin, Common, Ms. Lauryn Hill, and The Roots. A Houston native and Blue Note recording artist, he has developed a sound that draws freely from the jazz tradition while embracing the possibilities of contemporary music. Writing about his most recent album, Purest Form, the Houston Chronicle noted that Francies “finds modern ways to take the familiar and make it new.” Ross is a distinctive new voice on the vibraphone and, like Francies, a Blue Note recording artist. Together, Francies and Ross are leaders of a new generation of jazz musicians, deeply engaged with the tradition while pushing the music forward.

Wed-Sun Oct 21-25 THE COOKERS
Eddie Henderson – trumpet
David Weiss – trumpet
Donald Harrison – alto saxophone
Azar Lawrence – tenor saxophone
George Cables – piano
Cecil McBee – bass
Billy Hart – drums
“Player for player, there’s no better working band in jazz than The Cookers.”  - The Boston Globe
The Cookers are a powerhouse, collaborative septet uniting some of the most revered jazz masters of the past six decades. Legendary figures including Eddie Henderson, Azar Lawrence, Cecil McBee, George Cables, and Billy Hart channel the bold, exploratory spirit of the 1960s—a transformative era they helped shape through their groundbreaking work with some of jazz’s most influential ensembles. Since then, each has emerged as a leading voice in their own right. David Weiss and Donald Harrison are the youngest members of the group, but they share many of the same formative experiences, having worked most notably with Art Blakey, Bobby Hutcherson, Freddie Hubbard, Charles Tolliver, Roy Haynes, and Herbie Hancock. The band’s repertoire spans iconic jazz anthems and rare gems from their incredible catalogs. The Los Angeles Times notes, “This hard-hitting septet wears its name like a mission statement. Rich with a mix of classic elegance and exploration, the group might reference the past by name, but it never sounds less than current.” The New York Times calls them “a dream team of forward-leaning hard bop.”

Ibibio Sound Machine - new album and UK & International Tour Dates.

Friday, September 11, 2026

Ibibio Sound Machine have released their 6th album, "Chopping Mountain", via Merge Records. They will be touring in the UK, Europe & Abu Dhabi from September 2026 to May 2027. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

bibio Sound Machine release their new album “Chopping Mountain”

Ibibio Sound Machine Release Sixth Album
Chopping Mountain
Out Now via Merge

Headline UK Tour Starts 2 October and finishes on 25 November in London at Islington Assembly Hall, with more dates for 2027 just announced!

Recent praise for Ibibio Sound Machine:

“an album that finds the sweet spot between cosmic jazz and gritty funk - The Times

“This collective is a vibing body, alive with Afrobeat, dub, electronica, basslines and horns, building an album so strikingly successful that it could take the band to a new level of popularity” - Songlines

“The London collective’s latest album distils their distinctive blend of afrobeat, disco, funk and post-punk into a vibrant set centred on connection, resistance and hope.” - i Paper

“Ibibio’s sixth album opens with gossamer spiritual jazz vibes but the group remain tightly wired to Africa rhythmic forces.” - UNCUT

“An expansive though deeply rooted collection of songs, which combine the textures of West African highlife with post-punk, Afrobeat, soul and electronic music.” - The Line of Best Fit

“The band’s vivacious live energy remains, and at times there’s an almost punk-like deviance of the rules, with Ibibio Sound Machine continuing to carve out their own lane.” - CLASH

“Picture Funkadelic, Fela Kuti, Hot Chip and A Certain Ratio piling into one joyous jam session” Sound of Violence

Today, Ibibio Sound Machine release their sixth album, Chopping Mountain, via Merge Records. Built through live jams, rhythmic experiments, and instinctive interplay, Chopping Mountain captures the band at their most connected and musically adventurous. From the euphoric disco rush of “When You Want to Dance” to the spiritual intensity of “Return to Sender,” the album is restless, expansive, and full of movement - another bold step forward for a band who have always refused to stand still.

At the heart of new single, and title-track, “Chopping Mountain” is a message of collective power and the belief that even the smallest action can eventually bring about monumental change.

Eno Williams explains: “Whether you are a humble pebble standing in front of a mountain or the mountain itself, remember that the power of a thrown pebble making a ripple in the lake will one day topple the mountain in front of it!”

It’s a statement of resistance, perseverance and hope, “Chopping Mountain” distils the spirit of the album into one powerful image.

At its centre is the unmistakable presence of Eno Williams - a once-in-a-generation frontwoman whose call to both the dancefloor and a better tomorrow is impossible to resist. Around her, Max Grunhard (saxophone, keyboards), Alfred Bannerman (guitar), PK Ambrose (bass, keyboards), Joseph Amoako (drums), Afla Sackey (percussion), Scott Bayliss (trumpet, keyboards), and Tony Hayden (trombone, synth) form a remarkably intuitive unit, their unity shaping the band’s distinctive, ever-shifting sound.

Recorded primarily at the band’s own Vanguard Studios in South London, Chopping Mountain is the first Ibibio Sound Machine album produced by band member Max Grunhard since 2019’s Doko Mien. Following the Hot Chip-produced Electricity and the darker, club-focused Pull the Rope, the new record opens up the band’s sound once again while drawing strength and inspiration from their roots, moving between the earthy textures of classic West African highlife, post-punk, Afrobeat, soul, and electronic music.

Continuing the collaborative approach first explored on Pull the Rope, many of the songs on Chopping Mountain began life in the rehearsal room, locking into a groove, an instrument, or a lyric before growing into something larger. The result is a record that pulls together the many threads of Ibibio Sound Machine’s world while pushing them somewhere new: a vibrant, physical, and forward-looking album with joy, connection, and collective energy at its heart.

Last week, Ibibio Sound Machine announced that they will be bringing that joy to even more countries in the coming year, adding 2027 UK and EU headline dates in Berlin, Paris, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Glasgow, Manchester, and beyond.

Ibibio Sound Machine on tour:

Sep 12 Reading, UK – Down at the Abbey
Oct 02 Bristol, UK – Lantern Hall *
Oct 03 Cardiff, UK – Clwb Ifor Bach *
Oct 07 Birmingham, UK – Hare & Hounds *
Oct 09 Dublin, IE – Button Factory *
Oct 10 Birkenhead, UK – Future Yard *
Oct 15 Brighton, UK – Concorde 2 +
Oct 16 Oxford, UK – Cowley Workers Social Club
Oct 22 Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK – Gosforth Civic Theatre
Oct 23 Edinburgh, UK – Liquid Rooms
Oct 24 Nottingham, UK – Rescue Rooms *
Oct 25 Whitby, UK – Musicport Festival
Nov 20 Leeds, UK – Brudenell Social Club
Nov 21 Leeds, UK – Brudenell Social Club
Nov 25 London, UK – Islington Assembly Hall

Jan 29 Abu Dhabi, AE – The Red Theatre, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi

Feb 12 Berlin, DE – Gretchen
Apr 02 Bedford, UK – Esquires
Apr 03 Totnes, UK – The Totnes Civic Hall
Apr 09 Southampton, UK – Papillon
Apr 10 Falmouth, UK – The Cornish Bank
Apr 14 Paris, FR – Hasard Ludique
Apr 15 Antwerp, BE – Trix
Apr 18 Amsterdam, NL – Paradiso (Upstairs)
Apr 24 Norwich, UK – Norwich Arts Centre
May 14 Cambridge, UK – Junction 2
May 15 Guildford, UK – Boiler Room
May 20 York, UK – The Crescent
May 21 Glasgow, UK – Classic Grand
May 22 Manchester, UK – O2 Ritz

* w/ Ziyad Al-Samman
+ w/ AK/DK

More info about Ibibio Sound Machine and Chopping Mountain

Chopping Mountain, the new record by Ibibio Sound Machine (11 September via Merge), is the clearest rendering yet of the London collective’s longstanding mission to promote love, unity, and resistance through music. It is the band’s sixth full-length record, and the first to feature the band’s Max Grunhard as producer since 2019’s Doko Mien. Following their Hot Chip-produced breakthrough Electricity (2022) and the darker, clubbier inflection of the Ross Orton-produced Pull the Rope (2024), Chopping Mountain feels like it was pulled directly from the hearts and experiences of the Eno Williams and Grunhard-led band.

Williams, as always, is a siren. A once-in-a-generation frontwoman whose call, both to the dancefloor and for a better tomorrow, is impossible to resist. How she does it is a mystery. Take a song like “Return to Sender,” for instance. Inspired by a car accident in which she felt the steering wheel of her vehicle literally jump out of her hands, which she likened to “a spiritual attack by unseen forces”, the track is a sinewy, cathartic rager, a full-body workout and full-throated rejection of evil in multiple tongues, English and her native Ibibio.

She is, of course, hardly alone at the foot of Chopping Mountain. Ibibio Sound Machine, made up of Grunhard (saxophone, keyboards), Alfred Bannerman (guitar), PK Ambrose (bass, keyboards), Joseph Amoako (drums), Afla Sackey (percussion), Scott Baylis (trumpet, keyboards), and Tony Hayden (trombone, synth), are supernaturally tight, drawing on their roots and inspirations in highlife, disco, afrobeat, funk, post-punk, and electropop to build towering cathedrals of sound around her voice.

Continuing on the path they first charted on Pull the Rope, many of Chopping Mountain’s songs started out in jam sessions, locking in on a groove or an instrument or a lyric. “Give Me Peace,” featuring Dele Sosimi of Fela Kuti’s Egypt 80, found its way to bliss once the chant-sung lyrics “Give me peace, give me freedom, give me love with a kiss” tumbled out of Williams’ consciousness. The dub-inflected, breakbeat heavy soul that stirs to life beneath them - an entirely new sound for a band that has mastered blending a seemingly endless array of sounds - came naturally. “It’s about finding calm in a world that is trying to tear us down,” Williams and Grunhard explain. “Once we established that direction, the song seemed to write itself.”

This is, at its core, the spirit of Chopping Mountain. Against the backdrop of a dispiriting world, Ibibio Sound Machine remain hopeful, seekers of consciousness and connection. On tracks like “Concept of Love,” they are direct and earnest, sculpting an Afro-disco song around Williams’ repeated question of “What is your concept of love?” They have their theory (“When you love someone / Let them love you back”) but the song passes the idea from member to member with a thrilling guitar solo from Bannerman, to Baylis’ horn stings and via vocodors, and precision drumfills in a way that creates a space in which one can meditate on the answer or move through it. Exploring the concept further on “Love,” they deliver an ethereal slice of highlife.

This heady brew of disparate styles and points of origin melds and pulls itself apart across the whole of Chopping Mountain, its songs united in that they are the sharpest tools Ibibio Sound Machine can bring to bear in the present moment. They present the struggle for freedom as a communal one, in which even the smallest movement contributes to the end game. As Williams sings in the title track, “When pebble disturbs the water / Ripples over yonder / Force of a sling shot hits you / Chopping mountain rock asunder.” The work of liberation is long and difficult, but it is not without joy. Here is an album bursting with it.

Shirley Smart - Autumn Newsletter 2026.

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Cellist, composer and improviser Shirley Smart has forwarded her latest newsletter, including details of forthcoming live performances with a variety of different line-ups.

Shirley Smart writes;

Autumn News!

Dear friends,
I hope you are all well and have had a lovely (if hot!) summer.
I have a few exciting things to share - a couple of new albums in production, autumn gigs, including a live album recording at Scarborough Jazz Festival, and new management.
I’m also about to submit my PhD thesis at City St. George’s, University of London, and it will be nice - if a bit weird! -  to see what life looks like again without it looming in the background!
I hope to see you around soon!
Shirl

Autumn Gigs

25 Sept - Shirley Smart Sextet
Scarborough Jazz Festival
Tickets
https://www.scarboroughspa.co.uk/whats-on/scarborough-jazz-festival-2026

9 Oct - Quanta
South Hill Park Conservatoire, Bracknell
Tickets
https://www.conservatoire-international-concert-series.org/concerts/9-october-quanta/

16 Oct - Shirley Smart Sextet
Vortex Jazz Club, Dalston, London
Tickets
https://www.vortexjazz.co.uk/event/shirley-smart-sextet-5/

6 Nov - Quanta
Music That Lives, Penge, London
Tickets
https://www.musicthatlives.co.uk/concerts-salon-evenings/shirley-smart-trio-quanta-6-november-2026

13 Nov - Quanta
St Johns College, Cambridge University
Tickets
https://www.musicthatlives.co.uk/concerts-salon-evenings/shirley-smart-trio-quanta-6-november-2026

18 Nov - Shirley Smart Trio
London Jazz Festival, Bloomsbury Club, London
Info and Tickets
https://www.shirleysmart.com/gig-diary

30 Nov - Shirley Smart Trio
North Devon Jazz Club, The Beaver Inn, Appledore
Tickets
https://www.jazznorthdevon.com/whats-on-summary.html

https://www.shirleysmart.com/

Miles Pillinger - Debut album and UK tour dates.

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Drummer and composer Miles Pillinger will release his debut album "Belonging" on 23rd October 2026. He will play a short series of UK live dates during September and October.

We have received the following press release;

Belonging by Miles Pillinger featuring Olivia Cuttill, Tom Harris, Benjy Sandler and Josh Vadiveloo

Miles Pillinger
BELONGING
Miles Pillinger Music - MP001CD
Release date (D/CD/LP): Friday 23 October 2026

Live shows;

15 September - Leeds, Heart Headingley

17 September - Manchester, Carlton Club

20 September - London, MAP Studio

18 October - Cambridge, The Lab

20 October - Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Late Late Show Upstairs (album launch)

Belonging is the debut album from drummer and composer Miles Pillinger, bringing together original jazz compositions inspired by the people, places and musical traditions that have shaped his life. Recorded with Olivia Cuttill (trumpet), Tom Harris (piano), Benjy Sandler (tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, flute) and Josh Vadiveloo (double bass), with guest appearances from Thandanani Gumede (vocals), Emma Marsh (percussion) and Helen Pillinger (tenor saxophone), the album reflects Brazilian and South African musical influences within a modern jazz setting.

The title track introduces the album’s central theme, taking inspiration from Pharoah Sanders, Joyce Moreno and Abel Selaocoe. Featuring guest vocalist Thandanani Gumede, it expresses the album’s message of community and hope. Inspired by Pillinger’s time in Brazil, ‘Olinda Meu Amor’ celebrates the music, dance and culture of Olinda and Recife through the frevo rhythms of Pernambuco, while ‘Mysterious Meat’ offers a light-hearted account of travelling as a vegetarian in Brazil.

Family is another recurring theme throughout the album. ‘Beryl’, dedicated to Pillinger’s grandmother, features a guest appearance by his mother, Helen Pillinger, on tenor saxophone, reflecting his family’s musical heritage. ‘Elvin’s Beat’ pays tribute to drummer Elvin Jones, one of Pillinger’s greatest musical influences, while ‘Momentary Peace’ explores the brief sense of fulfilment that follows hard work and achievement.

The album concludes with the companion pieces ‘The Other Side’ and ‘The Other Other Side’, written during a challenging period in Pillinger’s life. Together they reflect on uncertainty, resilience and personal growth, bringing the album to a thoughtful conclusion. “My whole life I’ve often felt like an outsider,” says Pillinger. “Rather than focusing on that, I wanted to celebrate what makes each of us different and the people and experiences that make us who we are. This album is about belonging - not fitting in but finding joy in what makes you uniquely yourself.”

Belonging is released on Miles Pillinger Music in association with ECN Music with support from Help Musicians. It was recorded on 10 & 11 March 2026 at The Nave, produced and mixed by Ben Macdonald and mastered by Chris Sharkey.

Miles Pillinger: https://pillingermiles.wixsite.com/miles-pillinger

Manchester-born drummer and composer Miles Pillinger is a graduate of Leeds Conservatoire. Following the release of his EP Sunrise in 2023, he has established himself as an in-demand performer, working with Olivia Cuttill, Tara Lily, Mica Millar, Chip Wickham and Nikki Yeoh as well as the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO). Recent appearances include Love Supreme Festival, Ronnie Scott’s, the Vortex Jazz Club and Peggy’s Skylight. In 2025 he received the Peter Whittingham Award for Jazz from Help Musicians, which supported the recording, release and promotion of Belonging.

ECN Music: https://ecnmusic.com/

Distribution via ECN Music/Proper Music: https://propermusic.com/

The Muse Arts Centre, Brecon, Programme September - November 2026.

Tuesday, September 08, 2026

The Muse has announced its music programme for Atuumn 2026 with a mix of jazz, blues, folk, reggae and more. Schedule attached.

From;
https://www.themusebrecon.com/whats-on

What’s on

Aidan Thorne and Jason Ball: Poems of a Space with guest support from Toby Hay
Friday 11 September 2026
7:30 pm 11:00 pm
The Muse, Old Museum
An evening of beautiful, ambient live music with folk and jazz inspired musicians Aidan Thorne and Jason Ball
https://www.themusebrecon.com/whats-on/aidansep26

Brecon Jazz Club presents Zoe Gilby & the Dave Jones Trio
Tuesday 15 September 2026
7:30 pm 11:00 pm
The Muse, Old Museum
Brecon Jazz Club returns for the Autumn season with Zoe Gilby & Dave Jones Trio
https://www.themusebrecon.com/whats-on/jazzsept26

Dub Catalysts play The Muse! plus support tbc
Friday 2 October 2026
8:00 pm 11:45 pm
The Muse, Old Museum
A proper party night ahead with The Dub Catalysts and their smooth dub/ hip hop sounds!
https://www.themusebrecon.com/whats-on/dc0ct

The Mid Wales R&B Club presents The Achievers
Saturday 3 October 2026
8:00 pm 11:30 pm
The Muse, Old Museum
Mid Wales Rhythm and Blues Club is back with The Achievers bringing their soul infused Blues to The Muse.
https://www.themusebrecon.com/whats-on/achievers26

Brecon Folk and More Club
Wednesday 7 October 2026
7:30 pm 11:00 pm
The Muse, Old Museum
Monthly meet of Brecon Folk and More Club
https://www.themusebrecon.com/whats-on/folkandmoreoct26

Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage, with Jon Thorne, return to The Muse
Wednesday 28 October 2026
7:30 pm 11:00 pm
The Muse, Old Museum
Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage with Jon Thorne bring their magical folk to The Muse.
https://www.themusebrecon.com/whats-on/benandhan26

Taff Rapids
Friday 6 November 2026
7:30 pm 11:00 pm
The Muse, Old Museum
Cardiff’s bluegrass sensation with a distinctly Welsh twist!
https://www.themusebrecon.com/whats-on/taffrapids

The Muse,
Old Museum,
Glamorgan Street,
Brecon,
Powys,
LD3 7DW.

07791654799

The Muse, Brecon is an independently run, community arts and cultural venue. We pride ourselves on community engagement, a diverse program and a creative, grass roots model.

Daylight Music - Autumn Programme 2026.

Tuesday, September 08, 2026

Arctic Circle has announced its Daylight Music series of lunchtime musical events for October to December 2026. Events take place at St John's, Leytonstone, London.

We have received the following information;

Autumn 26
Join us for 4 x unmissable Daylight Music events this October to December in St John’s Leytonstone.

Edition 405: 31/10/2026
BAILE/home (Xenia Pestova Bennett, Yonit Kosovske, Lucia Capellaro), Késia Decoté + Kate Ledger
This October we’d like to invite you on a two-hour expedition into new music-making, exploring the themes of home, place and identity, played in part on a selection of very unexpected instruments. Immerse yourself in storytelling in sound that meditate on how music can be singular, spiritual and extremely precious.
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/arcticcircle/2350450

Edition 406: 14/11/2026
EFG London Jazz Festival - We Are Children (We Make Sound), Leon Michener + Chris Clarke
We’d like to invite friends old and new to our East London space for the first of our annual appointments for the series as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. Big sounds and big ideas will encompass the afternoon with new music for harp, hacked instruments and a hybrid chamber ensemble.
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/arcticcircle/2350452

Edition 407: 21/11/26
EFG London Jazz Festival - CoMA, Trish Clowes & Louise McMonagle + J.A.M String Collective (duo)
November we continue in our mission to present music for everyone in our community in our focused series based a few minutes walk from the Central Line in Leytonstone. Big sounds and big ideas continue in our second festival show, where everyone will champion the idea of presenting music at its most accessible, open and intriguing.
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/arcticcircle/2350456

Edition 408: 05/12/26
Lost Map at Christmas
We’d like to welcome you to an afternoon of mulled musical merriment with a gift box like selection of the finest artists from the Lost Map label.
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/arcticcircle/2350460

Autumn Season Pass
We’re trying something new for this series. We’ve have added a season pass, available on each event link, which covers entry to all 4 of our events this October, November and December.
Ideal for those regulars or newbies who wish to support our community focused series this Autumn and give a thumbs up in our 17th year.
If you can’t make every event this is a great way to help secure our future and keep the music, tea and cake flowing
Any questions just drop us an email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

http://www.daylightmusic.co.uk

Space - New album and UK and European Tour Dates.

Tuesday, September 08, 2026

Swedish piano trio Space will release a new album "London Concert" on October 9th 2026. They will also be touring in the UK and Europe, with two British dates in late October.

We have received the following information;

LP + UK shows : Space : “London Concert” : FÖNSTRET : 9th October 2026

artist: Space
title:  “London Concert”
release date: 9th October 2026
label: Fönstret
formats: LP + Digital
catalogue number: Fönstret—20

Prior to their UK shows, Swedish trio Space are set to release an LP on Stockholm’s Fönstret on the 9th of October.  “London Concert” was recorded at Cafe Oto where the trio return for a show on the 26th of October.  They also play St Margaret’s Church, Manchester on Sunday 25th October.

UK shows:

25/10 — Manchester, Eroteme/St Margrets Church https://eroteme.org/en/events/39-space-michiko-ogawa
26/10 — London, Cafe OTO https://www.cafeoto.co.uk/events/space-lisa-ullen-elsa-bergman-anna-lund/

Lisa Ullén, Piano
Elsa Bergman, Double Bass
Anna Lund, Drums

https://ullenbergmanlundtrio.bandcamp.com/album/london-concert

A space is often described by its dimensions. The height of the ceiling, the expanse between walls. Division into functional elements of varying density follows. We have ideas of how such dimensions should be balanced to work well for sound — the classical concert hall, a Northward mastering room.

It’s tempting to try and use this idea of space to understand Space the group (Lisa Ullén, Elsa Bergman, Anna Lund). To calculate their cartesian co-ordinates: dynamics that run from whisper soft to punishing, shaking force; Ullén’s piano running the full expanse of the frequency spectrum; the mix of sudden, surprising and suggested variations in density (the space) that generates their musical structures.

But (a) space is a social phenomenon where meaning is accumulated and possibilities created by and through a constantly shifting set of social relations and their histories and entanglement inside and beyond the physical structures of a room or building. Reduced to its raw dimensions, Cafe OTO shouldn’t sound good: the low ceiling, the hollow void underneath the stage-not-stage, the hard glass windows out onto the street. But OTO as a social space — for gathering close to listen; the serious pursuit of a convivial good time (its productive mythology that an OTO audience is both up for it but also expects more); and then the idea of all that has happened before and what will come; that this is also part of ‘the music’ and changes what sounds to the point that none of those cartesian co-ordinates matter.1

It’s less of shock that Space sound good. Lisa Ullén is easily the most singular pianist in Sweden right now and Elsa and Anna’s ability to reroute in realtimerreaffirms just how well they function as a group. The trio might have got theirrshit together holding down the rhythm section for the first incarnation of Anna Högberg Attack — but much like Högberg’s ongoing pursuit of artistic renewal,rthe trio avoid being shackled to any ideas about what a piano trio should be andrthere is something that happens (happened) in that room, on that night, with those people that made for something beyond just good.

It’s a gift that the sound of every concert at OTO gets recorded. A choicerhandful of these transcend their decoupling from that social space and radiaterthe room’s attendant energies. This record is one of them.

1 See Jack Halberstam in Fred Moten & Stefano Harney, The Undercommons (2013): “…we must refuse the idea that music happens only when the musician enters and picks up an instrument; music is also the anticipation of the performance and the noises of appreciation it generates and the speaking that happens through and around it, making it and loving it, being in it while listening.”

Tracklisting:

A1. Crystal I 6:46
A2. Crystal II 8:24
A3. Between 6:13
B1. Envoi 12:58
B2. Stone 9:04

All music composed and performed by Lisa Ullén, Elsa Berman and Anna Lund.

Recorded live at Cafe OTO on 25 September 2023 by Rory Salter. Mixed by John Chantler. Mastered by Andreas [lupo] Lubich. Cover photo by Märta Thisner.

c + p 2026. This LP is Fönstret—20.

Space

Swedish piano trio Space works with nuance, power and precision. They draw from the American free jazz tradition and contemporary classical music, creating textured, dynamic soundscapes that shift from subtle to explosive.  With Lisa Ullén on piano, Elsa Bergman on double bass and Anna Lund on drums, each voice in the trio shines on its own while staying radically attuned to the others.
http://www.spacetrio.se

Lisa Ullén
Lisa Ullén lives in Stockholm, but grew up in the northern part of Sweden. She is a graduate of Stockholm’s Royal College of Music where she studied classical piano in the late 1980s and early 1990s. A versatile player with a singular musical vision, Ullén has repeatedly proven her ability to imprint her absolute sense for tonal texture on whatever musical context she appears in from duos and small group collaborations with Nina de Heney and Okkyung Lee to larger ensemble situations such as Anna Högberg Attack!, Vilhelm Bromander Initiative and her own Motståndsorkestern (Resistance Orchestra).    lisaullen.com

Elsa Bergman
Elsa Bergman studied double bass in Trondheim, Norway, at Sund Folkehøgskole and later at the Jazz Department of the Norwegian Academy of Music. Since then she has worked in various free jazz and improvisation groups. She released her debut solo album ‘A’ in 2021.

Anna Lund
Anna Lund is one of Sweden’s most in-demand drummers, working across free jazz and improvisation and wide-ranging pop constellations including Ane Brun and Frida Hyvönen and has made music for Sweden’s preeminent theatres including Stadsteatern and Dramaten.

Concerts

15/10 — Stockholm, Fylkingen/Stockholm Jazz Festival
24/10 — Berlin, Sowieso
25/10 — Manchester, Eroteme/St Margrets Church
26/10 — London, Cafe OTO
11/11— Västerås, Nya Perspektiv
15/11 — Istanbul, Beyoglu Jazz festival
3/12 — Malmö, Sk4ck
4/12 — Gerleborg, Gerlesborgskolan

Fönstret
Fönstret is a division of the Edition Festival for Other Music, an annual festival in Stockholm, Sweden, initiated and organised by John Chantler. The festival initially ran from 2016—2024 and now continues in more episodic formats. In 2026 it celebrates its ten year anniversary with a three day event ‘Ten Years Alive’ that runs 25—27 September.
The edition festival has presented work by, among many many others: Okkyung Lee, Ellen Fullman, Peter Brötzmann, Sarah Hennies, Terre Thaemlitz, Marginal Consort, Anthony Braxton, Annea Lockwood, Ellen Arkbro, Dewa Alit & Gamelan Salukat and Catherine Christer Hennix.
Fönstret is the festival’s outlet for publishing new work by local artists and surfacing material from its archives across books, cds, LPs and digital media and includes releases by Anna Högberg Attack, Marja Ahti, [Ahmed], Lisa Ullén, Daniel M Karlsson, Isak Hedtjärn, Space, Finn Loxbo and Kommun.
http://www.edition-festival.com

Harborough Jazz Club - Programme September 2026 - January 2027.

Sunday, September 06, 2026

Harborough Jazz Club has announced its programme for Autumn and early Winter 2026/27. Events take place on Sunday lunchtimes at The Three Swans Hotel, Market Harborough, Leicestershire.

From;
https://harboroughjazz.com/

Nick Costley-White Guitar Trio
Sun 13 Sep 2026,
12:30PM - 3:00PM
Three Swans Hotel, Market Harborough, LE167NJ
Nick is one of the most in demand jazz guitarists in the UK, renowned for a deep understanding of the jazz tradition, alongside a virtuosic technique and progressive approach to improvising.  Nick has performed with some of the most renowned jazz musicians in the UK including Stan Sulzman, Jason Rebello, Ivo Neame, Kit Downes, Alex Garnett, Steve Fishwick and Jeff Williams and holds the guitar chair with the London Jazz Orchestra.
Nick will be joined by Dave Green and Josh Morrison.
https://www.ticketsource.com/booking/select/jqvvealengqv

Steve Waterman’s Latin Jazz Quartet
Three Swans Hotel, Market Harborough, LE167NJ
Sunday 11th October 2026
12:30PM - 3:00PM
Steve is one of the top British Trumpet players both at home and on the international scene.  He began his career whilst studying at Trinity College of Music and since then has worked regularly on the British, European and International jazz scene.
The quartet features Latin music from Cuba, Brazil and Argentina with pieces from composers Paquito D’Rivera, Astor Piazzolla, Antonio Carlos Jobim as well as latin influenced pieces by jazz composers Horace Silver, Hank Mobley and some of Steve’s latin inspired compositions, many of which have been performed in Havana with members of Irakere, Afro-Cuban All Stars and Buena Vista Social Club.
Steve will be joined by:
Alex Hutton – piano
Rob Statham – bass
Marc Cecil – drums
https://www.ticketsource.com/booking/select/zgngvyvbavww

James Allsopp plays Stan Getz
Three Swans Hotel , Market Harborough, LE167NJ
Sunday 8th November 2026
12:30PM - 3:00PM
‘Allsopp is an astonishingly fluent tenor sax soloist, the ideas seem to flow effortlessly’ - The Jazz Man
A tribute to master saxophonist Stan Getz.  The programme will feature music from his rich back catalogue, expect lush ballards, lilting bossa nova’s, swinging standards and motoring bop compositions played by some of London’s most in-demand musicians.
Featuring award-winning saxophonist James Allsopp with Colin Oxley on guitar, Oli Hayhurst on double bass and Dave Storey playing drums playing music from their brand new album ‘Ballards and Bossas’.
https://www.ticketsource.com/booking/select/jpwblkdzxmll

Alan Barnes and David Newton
Three Swans Hotel Market Harborough, Market Harborough, LE167NJ
Sunday 13th December 2026
12.30PM - 3.00PM
Award winning jazz musicians Alan Barnes and David Newton have been playing duets for over 49 years.  They cover a vast repertoire from Louis Armstrong to Chick Corea and play with an empathy that can only come with long experience.  David is one of the best solo jazz pianists this country has ever produced and Alan plays multi-reed instruments - all the saxes, clarinet and bass clarinet.
The emphasis, as always, is on swinging, accessibility and interplay.  Expect a hugely entertaining programme of straight ahead jazz, flawlessly played and interspersed with lots of anecdotes and peppered with humour.
https://www.ticketsource.com/booking/select/opgdwdmawzxb

Andy Panayi Quintet - Tribute to Cannonball Adderley
Three Swans Hotel, Market Harborough, LE167NJ
Sunday 10th January 2027
12.30Pm - 3.00PM
Top UK instrumentalist, arranger and band leader, Andy Panayi’s superb quintet will be paying homage to the music of Julian ‘Cannonball’ Adderley.
Andy’s appreciation of ‘Cannonball’s’ music has lived with him for many years and while writing arrangements to work with a variety of line-ups, he’s always stayed as close as possible to the original sound, featuring post-bop tunes from a golden era of jazz.
https://www.ticketsource.com/booking/select/lddqxbpvwznv

The Three Swans Hotel,
21 High Street,
Market Harborough,
Leicestershire,
LE16 7NJ.

https://threeswans.co.uk/
01858 466644
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Soho, London - Programme for November 2026.

Thursday, September 03, 2026

Ronnie Scott's has announced its full programme for November 2026, including shows forming part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. Fully detailed listings attached.

We have received the following information;

November 2026

Sunday 1st November 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
12pm (£15-£30)
Alan Barnes & Mark Nightingale Sextet
Playing a full programme of well-known tunes, inventively reimagined for the sextet and led by two of the country’s foremost jazz musicians. Expect a programme of straight ahead jazz arrangements flawlessly played with inspired soling and interspersed with anecdotes and peppered with humour.

Sunday 1st November 2026
6.30pm (£40-£65)
Ronnie Scott’s Blues Explosion
Blues Explosion perform a night of electrifying blues encompassing all styles from Delta Blues to New Orleans funk. Since its inception in 2008, our monthly blues night has remained a firm favourite on the club calendar, bringing top performers from the world of jazz and blues. Co-led by guitarist/vocalist Marcus Bonfanti (Ten Years After), pianist/vocalist Paddy Milner (Tom Jones) and featuring the dynamic Tony Remy (Jack Bruce) also on guitar, the Blues Explosion performs the music of BB King, Buddy Guy, Peter Green, Albert Collins, Dr. John and many more.

Monday 2nd November 2026
5.30pm (£40- £60)
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra
Directed by wise-cracking MD Pete Long, the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra’s exciting brew of virtuoso ensemble playing with killer solo contributions from across all sections of the band has been delighting jazz fans across the board, from newcomers to regulars. Expect the power of a big band across all jazz genres. The band’s shows have made national press for their ability to change styles, so expect roaring swing, sassy vocals, fabulous funk and delicious Latin flavours with first-class arrangements of classic big band hits by the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, The Rat Pack and Benny Goodman!

Monday 2nd November 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£10)
Late Late Show Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Jam
Hosted by trumpeter and raconteur, Andy Davies, expect a high‑energy night of burning bebop from the greats - Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Charlie Parker and more - performed by a rotating house band of top British jazz stars. A breeding ground for rising talent and a late‑night playground for London’s jazz elite, the jam has welcomed surprise drop‑ins from global stars like Esperanza Spalding, Jon Batiste and Christian Scott.

Tuesday 3rd November 2026
5.30pm (£30 – £55)
Pat Bianchi Organ Trio
Grammy-nominated organist Pat Bianchi returns with his regular working trio, featuring acclaimed saxophonist Troy Roberts and renowned drummer Colin Stranahan. Long recognised as one of the leading Hammond organists of his generation, Bianchi has performed with artists ranging from Pat Martino and Lou Donaldson to Terrace Martin, while developing a style that balances deep respect for the organ tradition with a contemporary musical outlook.

Wednesday 4th November 2026
5.30pm (£35 – £55)
Shuteen Erdenebaatar Quartet
Born in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and now based in Berlin, pianist and composer Shuteen Erdenebaatar creates a unique musical language that bridges her Mongolian heritage, classical training and contemporary jazz. Her compositions combine yearning melodies, expressive harmonies and complex rhythms.

Wednesday 4th November 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Mark Kavuma’s Banger Factory
Recently named Instrumentalist of the Year at the 2025 Jazz FM Awards and Jazz Ensemble of the year at the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2025, trumpeter Mark Kavuma has established himself as a key player in London’s rapidly expanding jazz scene.

Thursday 5th November 2026
5.30pm (£35 – £55)
Petros Klampanis
Greek bassist, composer and producer Petros Klampanis splits his time between Athens, New York and Central Europe. He draws on Mediterranean and Balkan musical traditions alongside modern jazz, creating music that is lyrical, atmospheric and deeply personal. Named a “Bass Ace” by Bass Player magazine, he has collaborated with artists including Greg Osby, Shai Maestro, Arooj Aftab, Jacques Morelenbaum and Snarky Puppy, while his own recordings have earned international acclaim.

Thursday 5th November 2026
8.30pm (£40 – £55)
Caixa Cubo
Brazilian electric jazz trio Caixa Cubo follow in the footsteps of heroes Azymuth, Antonio Adolfo, Cesar Mariano and Marcos Resende, working with the tried and tested trifecta of synthesizers, bass and drums, while carving out their own distinctive take on golden-era Brazilian jazz-funk and samba-jazz.

Thursday 5th November 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with SLADEK
Austria-based trio SLADEK bring together timeless 1960s soul influences, catchy R&B melodies and the honest, analogue sound of their 2025 album Things Gotta Change to our Late Late Show. Known for their deep grooves and emotionally charged songwriting, the band deliver a live experience inspired by classic soul sounds, but with a contemporary edge.

Friday 6th – Saturday 7th November 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40 – £60)
Theo Croker
GRAMMY-nominated trumpeter, composer, producer and bandleader Theo Croker is redefining modern jazz through genre-blending innovation. His latest project, Dream Manifest, is a cinematic collision of jazz, experimental hip hop and cosmic soul.

Friday 6th – Saturday 7th November 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Future Movers
Future Movers, directed by award-winning saxophonist Phil Meadows, are an ever-evolving ensemble featuring the UK’s finest breakthrough jazz musicians. They play a mix of jazz, hip-hop, Afrobeat, funk and soul, drawing influence from Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, Maceo Parker and more.

Saturday 7th November 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
11am (£15-£25)
Saturday Brunch: Songs & Stories with Ian Shaw and Imaani
Songs & Stories puts Imaani centre stage alongside multi-award-winning singer, pianist and broadcaster Ian Shaw for a revealing conversation about the music and moments that have shaped her career. Imaani first came to widespread attention in the 1990s through her work with Ronnie Scott’s favourites Incognito, becoming a sought-after vocalist on the UK soul and acid-jazz scene before stepping forward as a solo artist with hits including You Will Never Know.

Sunday 8th November 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
12pm (£15-£25)
John Horler Trio - Celebrating Bill Evans
John Horler and his trio pay their respects to the genius that was Bill Evans - celebrating the legendary pianist and his trailblazing innovations which transformed modern jazz. Featuring Tim Wells on bass and Ronnie Jones on drums, this is an opportunity to see one of Britain’s most acclaimed jazz pianists playing the music he loves.

Sunday 8th November 2026
6.30pm (£40 – £55)
Makoto Ozone Trio: TRiNFiNiTY
Internationally acclaimed pianist Makoto Ozone has been one of Japan’s leading jazz musicians for more than four decades. Since making his international debut at Carnegie Hall in 1983, he has collaborated with artists including Gary Burton, Chick Corea, Branford Marsalis and Christian McBride earning a reputation for combining dazzling virtuosity with infectious swing and boundless musical imagination.

Monday 9th November 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£35- £55)
David Binney Action Trio feat. Louis Cole and Pera Krstajic
David Binney Action Trio is a high-voltage jazz ensemble led by alto saxophonist David Binney, one of contemporary jazz’s most prolific voices with over 30 albums as a leader and appearances on more than 400 recordings. In the Action Trio, Binney is joined by Grammy Award-winning drummer and bandleader Louis Cole and bassist Pera Krstajic.

Monday 9th November 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
9.30pm (£10)
Late Late Show Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Jam
Hosted by trumpeter and raconteur, Andy Davies, expect a high‑energy night of burning bebop from the greats - Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Charlie Parker and more - performed by a rotating house band of top British jazz stars. A breeding ground for rising talent and a late‑night playground for London’s jazz elite, the jam has welcomed surprise drop‑ins from global stars like Esperanza Spalding, Jon Batiste and Christian Scott.

Wednesday 11th November 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40- £55)
Darius Brubeck Quartet
Darius Brubeck returns with the quartet he has led for almost 20 years, launching their new album Live Again after a run of sold-out concerts across France, Italy and the UK. The programme brings together new, road-tested material with music from Brubeck’s South African years and familiar favourites from his father Dave Brubeck’s repertoire.

Wednesday 11th November 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Rachael Cohen
Rachael Cohen is one the most sought-after players on the London jazz scene. Her critically-acclaimed debut album ‘Halftime’ in 2012, on Michael Janisch’s Whirlwind Recordings, gained her a reputation as one of the premier new voices of her generation in the UK’s jazz and improvised music scene.

Thursday 12th November 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40- £55)
Jeremy Pelt Quintet
Trumpeter Jeremy Pelt celebrates his 50th year with a special European tour featuring music from his latest project, Woven. The album fuses traditional aspects of 21st-century jazz with the possibilities of electronic synthesised sound, showcasing Pelt’s artistry as both an instrumentalist and composer.

Thursday 12th November 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Vula & Friends
Vula Malinga, the queen of RnB and an integral part of Soul Family, brings her 90s groove and soul to this popular late-night slot. At her Late Late Shows, Vula curates a unique line-up of emerging soul and RnB talent, with some special guests often dropping in.

Friday 13th November 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40- £60)
Gary Husband & The Orbital Band
For the first time in 16 years, acclaimed drummer, pianist and keyboardist Gary Husband returns to the drum chair to lead a brand new project: The Orbital Band. Featuring guitarist Rocco Zifarelli, keyboardist Tom Cawley and bassist Matthew Garrison, the group performs new and classic compositions by Husband, alongside music by the band members and specially adapted interpretations that reflect his collaborations with artists including Allan Holdsworth, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham and Jeff Beck.

Friday 13th November 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Electronic hosted by Chiminyo

Chiminyo - London drummer, percussionist and electronic producer - delivers explosive, fully improvised sets fusing jazz‑infused grooves with the futuristic edge of electronic production. A core member of Maisha and Cykada, he’s collaborated with Gary Bartz, Nubya Garcia and Shabaka Hutchings.

Saturday 14th November 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£45 – £60)
Chip Wickham
Saxophonist, flautist and composer Chip Wickham has become one of the leading voices in contemporary spiritual jazz. Originally from Brighton, he first came to prominence in the UK’s breakbeat scene, performing with artists including Nightmares On Wax and Graham Massey. At heart, though, Wickham has always been a jazz musician. After appearing on Matthew Halsall’s debut album Sending My Love in 2008, he began a long-standing relationship with Gondwana Records that continues today.

Saturday 14th November 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Electronic with Alpha Cassiopeiae
Alpha Cassiopeiae takes its name from the brightest star in the Cassiopeia constellation and is also a French instrumental duo built around keyboards and drums. Their music blends hypnotic repetition inspired by GoGo Penguin, the rhythmic tension of Tigran Hamasyan, the minimalist approach of Mammal Hands and Portico Quartet, and the organic textures of Alfa Mist.

Sunday 15th November 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
12pm (£20 – £30)
Alexander Beets Sextet Celebrate the Music of Cannonball Adderley
Led by acclaimed tenor saxophonist Alexander Beets, the Sextet brings the spirit of Cannonball Adderley into the present with an electrifying mix of hard bop, soul jazz, and original compositions.

Sunday 15th November 2026
6.30pm (£35-£55)
Ekep Nkwelle
One of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s latest rising stars, vocalist Ekep Nkwelle has captivated some of the most respected figures in jazz, including Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, the late Russell Malone, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Catherine Russell, Cyrus Chestnut and Jeff “Tain” Watts. Ekep has appeared on renowned stages including Carnegie Hall, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, and SFJAZZ.

Monday 16th November 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£35 – £55)
Nathan Haines with guest vocalist Vanessa Freeman
For more than three decades, Nathan Haines has been at the meeting point of jazz, soul, hip-hop and electronic music. From his pioneering work with the late Phil Asher and their influential Sound Travels and Squire For Hire albums, to collaborations with Marlena Shaw, Louie Vega, Goldie, Jamiroquai and Chaos in the CBD, Haines has built a singular career around musicianship, improvisation and a deep connection to the dancefloor. He returns to Ronnie Scott’s with his London-based band and longtime collaborator Vanessa Freeman.

Tuesday 17th November 2026
5.30pm (£40 – £55)
ARTEMIS
ARTEMIS is a multinational, multigenerational jazz ensemble led by pianist and composer Renee Rosnes, bringing together trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover, bassist Noriko Ueda and drummer Allison Miller. Their music is built around the individual character of each player, combining intricate arrangements with the freedom and energy of a group that knows how to listen to one another.

Tuesday 17th November 2026
8.30pm (£35 – £50)
Sorvina
Sorvina is a New York-born, Berlin-based artist whose music is rooted in storytelling and shaped by movement, memory, and identity. With a sound that bridges jazz rap, neo-soul, gospel, and alternative hip-hop, Sorvina crafts songs that feel both personal and expansive, tapping into the emotional weight of lived experience while inviting listeners to find their own reflections in her words.

Wednesday 18th November 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£20 – £55)
Ego Ella May
Winner of Best Jazz Act at the MOBO Awards and Best Vocalist at the Jazz FM Awards, British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Ego Ella May has spent the past decade building a catalogue where contemporary jazz, neo-soul and R&B meet deeply personal songwriting, creating music that feels both intimate and expansive. Her newest album Good Intentions has received a MOBO nomination and marks another step forward for an artist whose music continues to move freely between jazz, soul and R&B.

Thursday 19th November 2026
5.30pm (£35 – £50)
Jasper Hølby’s 3Elements
Bassist, composer and bandleader Jasper Høiby’s acclaimed trio 3Elements performs music from Conversations of Hope. Featuring pianist Xavi Torres and drummer Naíma Acuña, the group combines driving rhythms, strong melodic writing and fearless interplay in a fresh perspective on the modern piano trio. Høiby’s international reputation was established through Phronesis, the influential trio that redefined expectations of the modern piano trio.

Thursday 19th November 2026
8.30pm (£35 – £55)
Bernell Jones II
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, saxophonist and composer Bernell Jones II creates modern jazz shaped by the musical traditions that have surrounded him throughout his life. Drawing from his church upbringing and the sounds of his hometown, Jones combines jazz improvisation with elements of gospel, R&B and funk to create his own distinctive sound. Since moving to New York City six years ago, Jones has built a reputation as a rising voice on the contemporary jazz scene, performing at venues including Blue Note Tokyo and alongside artists such as Olivia Dean and Wyclef Jean.

Thursday 19th November 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Amphitrio
Amphitrio is an award-winning contemporary jazz trio from Bucharest, Romania, bringing together pianist and composer Andrei Petrache, bassist Mike Alex and percussionist Philip Goron. Drawing on backgrounds in classical, jazz and alternative music, the trio has developed a distinctive sound that blends modern jazz with Nordic lyricism, Balkan rhythms and influences taken from heavy metal and electronic music.

Friday 20th November 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40 – £55)
Alune Wade
Senegalese bassist, composer and vocalist Alune Wade presents New African Orleans, an ambitious new project exploring the deep musical connections between West Africa, Lagos and New Orleans. Drawing on influences ranging from Dr. John and Charlie Parker to Manu Dibango, New African Orleans is a vibrant celebration of shared musical roots, rich in rhythm, melody and groove. One of Africa’s most accomplished bassists, Wade has performed and recorded with artists including Marcus Miller, Joe Zawinul, Salif Keita, Bobby McFerrin, Gregory Porter and Fatoumata Diawara.

Friday 20th – Saturday 21st November 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Jéroboam
Jéroboam are an 11-piece Parisian funk band with a strong live reputation and a sound that has developed through years of playing together. Their original music draws on the boogie and soul records that first brought the band together, with the energy of a serious live dancefloor band.

Saturday 21st November 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40 – £55)
Morgan Guerin
Two-time Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist and composer Morgan Guerin makes his Ronnie Scott’s debut as a bandleader with music spanning his catalogue alongside new, unreleased works. Known for his work with artists including esperanza spalding, Terri Lyne Carrington and Terrace Martin, Guerin has established himself as one of the most exciting young voices in contemporary jazz. Described by The New York Times as a “wunderkind saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist”, his music blends expansive fusion grooves, jazz improvisation, hip-hop, R&B and electronic textures.

Sunday 22nd November 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
12pm (£20 – £30)
Alex Webb presents The Pocket Ellington
Born out of saxophonist Tony Kofi and pianist Alex Webb’s shared love of Duke Ellington, The Pocket Ellington manages what ought to be impossible – creating a classic Ellingtonian sound with just four horns and a rhythm section. Great compositions from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s - Main Stem, Rain Check, Cotton Tail, Chelsea Bridge, Such Sweet Thunder and others - are presented in clever new arrangements which evoke the period but also offer solo space to these top-flight musicians.

Monday 23rd November 2026
5.30pm (£40 – £55)
Tomasz Bura Group
London-based pianist, composer and synthesist Tomasz Bura leads an international quartet whose music sits at the intersection of cinematic composition, jazz improvisation and modern rock energy. Combining orchestral piano textures, expressive synthesis and adventurous interplay, the group creates a powerful sound that moves effortlessly between atmospheric passages and driving, high-energy moments.

Tuesday 24th November 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40 – £55)
Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet feat. Eric Alexander
A Grammy-winning producer, trombonist, composer and NEA Jazz Master, Delfeayo Marsalis has spent decades working with some of jazz’s greats, including Art Blakey, Max Roach, Elvin Jones and Ray Charles. For this European tour, he leads a new quintet featuring Eric Alexander, whose sophisticated hard-bop and post-bop playing has made him one of the most respected tenor saxophonists of his generation.

Wednesday 25th November 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£35 – £60)
Jeff Lorber
Grammy Award-winning keyboardist, composer and producer Jeff Lorber is one of the true pioneers of contemporary jazz fusion. Growing up in Philadelphia alongside future jazz legends Michael and Randy Brecker, Lorber developed a sound rooted in jazz, funk and groove that would go on to influence generations of musicians. Across a career spanning more than four decades, he has collaborated with leading artists across jazz, R&B and contemporary music, while his production work has included artists such as Dave Koz, Eric Marienthal, Karyn White, DeBarge and The Isley Brothers.

Wednesday 25th November 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Jamie Murray
Drummer Jamie Murray has a strong sense of writing; his compositions are personal and original with an electronic/jazz fusion style to them. Jamie has played with most of his contemporaries and peers in the new London Jazz scene, as well as crossing into the electronic pop world. Most recently, he has recorded with Binker Golding for Blue Note Re:Imagined. Currently Jamie is involved in several projects, and consistently touring Europe and the USA.

Thursday 26th – Saturday 28th November 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£45 – £65)
The James Taylor Quartet with special guest Yvonne Yanney
The James Taylor Quartet have set the standard for funky acid jazz and are largely responsible for the resurgence of the Hammond B3 in popular music. The James Taylor Quartet’s first single, Blow-Up (a funked-up version of Herbie Hancock’s main theme from the seminal 1960s film of the same name), was released in 1987 on the Re Elect The President label, which later became the Acid Jazz label. The track was championed by the NME and John Peel, appearing in Peel’s Festive Fifty chart for 1987.

Thursday 26th November 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Myele Manzanza
Energetic and exciting New Zealand-born, London-based drummer and producer Myele Manzanza has made a major impact upon the global musical landscape. A founding member of Electric Wire Hustle, Myele has released five solo albums, collaborating with Jordan Rakei, Theo Parrish, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Recloose and Amp Fiddler amongst others.

Friday 27th November 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Creature.
Creature. presents a fusion of club-ready jazz and broken beat, ready for London dancefloors. Creature. (AKA Jim Cornelissen) is a drummer, composer and producer presents his immersive, rhythm-led vibrations take elements from hip-hop, electronic and jazz-funk culture, inspired by his worldwide travels as a sideman.

Sunday 29th November 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
12pm (£20-£30)
Buena Vista Live
Formed in 1996 by American guitarist Ry Cooder and Cuban bandleader Juan de Marcos González, the original Buena Vista Social Club brought together Cuba’s finest veteran musicians to revive the island’s rich pre-revolutionary sounds. Their eponymous 1997 album became a global phenomenon, winning a Grammy and celebrating the timeless magic of Cuban music.

Sunday 29th November 2026
6.30pm (£35-£50)
W3 Funk Sessions
W3 was originally conceived amidst London’s vibrant jam nights, evolving into an innovative force in the world of funk. W3 is a collective of some of the finest musicians in the UK, fusing commanding riffs, dynamic sounds, and lively energy. Their boldness harks back to an era when the power of music was acknowledged and celebrated, a power that crosses generational barriers and remains relevant, regardless of the changing times.

Monday 30th November – Wednesday 2nd December 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£50 – £65)
The Best Of Natalie Williams’ Soul Family
Bringing together the very best of Natalie Williams’ Soul Family residencies in one unforgettable evening, celebrating the music that has shaped the band over nearly two decades at Ronnie Scott’s. Drawing on the sold-out Motown, Philly Soul and Donny & Roberta shows, the set journeys through the great American soul songbook, from the irresistible grooves of The Jacksons, Diana Ross and Martha and the Vandellas to the gospel-rooted power of Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight.

Main shows
Main shows at Ronnie’s are spread across two sittings, with early show doors at 5:30pm for a 6:30pm start and second house doors opening at 8:30pm for a 9:15pm start. On single houses on Mondays and Tuesdays (check website) doors open at 6pm for a 7.30pm start. On Sundays, doors open at 12pm and 6.30pm for one sitting.

The Late Late Show
Ronnie Scott’s famous Late Late Show is the hottest ticket in London for late night entertainment. Running Wednesday to Saturday and hosted by some of London’s coolest artists and stars, tickets cost £12 in advance and £12-25 on the door. With entry from 11.15pm until 3am, the Late Late Shows are a popular post-dinner destination for drinks and entertainment in the heart of Soho.

Ronnie Scott’s
47 Frith Street
Soho
London
W1D 4HT

https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/

606 Jazz Club, Chelsea, London - programme for September 2026.

Thursday, September 03, 2026

Laura Thorne of the 606 Club has forwarded details of the venue's programme for September 2026, plus a preview of the special events the Club has planned for its 50th anniversary in October.

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.

People, this is not your usual monthly mailing about what’s on at the Club… it’s so much MORE.

Yes, our September events are listed below but, in addition, the Club will kick off a year of special programming with 14 days of shows featuring over 50 artists from Monday 12th to Sunday 25th October. Details here: https://www.606club.co.uk/events/606-club-50th-anniversary-festival/

Owned and run by musician Steve Rubie for five decades, the 606 has remained true to the spirit that defined its beginnings: a place where musicians can connect, audiences can have authentic experiences discovering something new and creativity can continue to thrive. While the world around it has changed dramatically, the 606 Club’s sense of community and passion for live music has remained constant.

Reflecting on reaching this remarkable milestone, Steve Rubie says: “Keeping the Club going for 50 years is a triumph of optimism over experience!”

The 606 has nurtured the careers of many artists in their formative years, including Jamie Cullum, Claire Martin, Julian Joseph, Ian Shaw, Jason Rebello, Jeremy Stacey, Liane Carroll, Jim Mullen, Hamish Stuart, Polly Gibbons and many more. These musicians, along with many others such as Julian Joseph, Gwilym Simcock, Tim Garland, Kyle Eastwood, Tony Kofi and Gwyneth Herbert will feature at our 50th.

606 CLUB – SEPTEMBER 2026 GIG GUIDE

Tue 1st   8:00pm     SOPHIE ALLOWAY’S BIRTHDAY GIG
Drummer Sophie Alloway has been the musician of choice for a wide variety of high-profile artists. With appearances for the likes of Later with Jools Holland, the Mercury Music Prize, Glastonbury Festival and most recently King Charles III, her featured tracks on ‘Abbey Road Masters: The Drum Sessions’ have been used on radio and TV across the world. For this show Sophie has put together an outstanding band featuring Mornington Lockett (Ronnie Scott)-sax, Ross Stanley (Hamish Stuart)-piano & Laurence Cottle (Bill Bruford, Van Morrison)-bass to perform material from Pat Metheny to Herbie Hancock. And as it’s Sophie’s birthday expect something just that bit special!
“Goddess of groove…Sophie Alloway” Jazz FM;
“Lockett…one of the most complete masters of the instrument alive today” Observer;
“Stanley…a treat” Guardian;
“[Cottle]…one of the most incredible bassists I’ve ever heard” Global Bass

Wed 2nd   8:00pm   LINLEY HAMILTON QUINTET FT THE EDDIE GRIPPER TRIO
Veteran Belfast-born trumpeter Linley Hamilton has had a distinguished career as a recording artist, educator, broadcaster and now venue owner! Holding a PhD in jazz performance he lectured at Ulster University for many years while performing and recording with artists such as Van Morrison and the Commitments as well as releasing six of his own albums. In 2019 Linley and his wife opened “Magy’s Farm”, a destination venue that has hosted an impressive array of world-class musicians and in 2024 he was awarded an MBE. The programme tonight will showcase material from Linley’s various albums and feature Daniel Newberry-tenor sax with pianist Eddie Gripper’s trio. Eddie has been described by Jazzwise as having “already garnered comparisons with the greats” and this combination of talents promises to deliver a unique night of melodic, soulful, jazz.
“The music pulses with energy and dynamism” Jazz Views;
“beautifully performed…by trumpeter Linley Hamilton” UK Jazz News
 

Thu 3rd   8:00pm     THUNDERTHUMBS PLAY QUINCY JONES
Join us to celebrate great Soul and Funk songs with “Thunderthumbs”, the 10-piece band led by bassist Phil Mulford and inspired by the great US bassist Louis Johnson and the iconic producer Quincy Jones (Michael Jackson). The gig features three brilliant singers, Jacqui Hicks & Debbie Bracknell (Shakatak) & Simon Foster (Flying Pickets), a deeply grooving rhythm section and powerhouse horns! Tonight the band will be performing songs from 3 extraordinary albums, all produced by Quincy: “The Dude”, “Off the Wall”, (Michael Jackson) and “Give Me The Night” (George Benson). Epic!
“Hicks…one of the most soulful singers in Britain” MU Magazine;
“Take Stevie Wonder, Joe Cocker, that dude from The Commitments…roll them up into one and you get…the virtuosity that Simon Foster shows” RARB.org

Fri 4th   9:00pm     CHRIS GARRICK’S “STRING BAG”
An award-winning jazz violinist Chris Garrick joins us tonight with his exciting project ‘String Bag’, which he describes as a “band showcasing bowed strings outside their Classical comfort zone!” A three-string frontline of Chris on violin, Meg Rosaleen-viola and Rupert Gillett-cello is balanced with a jazz trio of David Gordon-piano, Laurence Ungless-bass & Tom Hooper-drums, performing a dynamically diverse playlist of Mahavishnu-inspired stylings, 70’s funk-fusion and originals from Chris and David. Chris has done much to revitalise the jazz violin, with violin icon Nigel Kennedy calling him one of the best in Europe. His impressive CV includes work with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, Nigel Kennedy & Van Morrison and in addition to his live performances he is a busy studio musician with a wealth of movie soundtracks to his name as well as regular guest spots on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing.
“exquisite musician…violin superstar” Guardian;
“He could easily emerge as one of the great jazz violinists of all time” Sir John Dankworth
 

Sat 5th   9:00pm     MORNINGTON LOCKETT’S “MILES AT 100” QUINTET FT ALISTAIR MARTIN
Jazz saxophonist, composer and teacher Mornington Lockett toured the world with the Ronnie Scott Quintet in the 1990’s before working with a host of high profile International artists. An integral part for many years of legendary British pianist/composer Stan Tracey’s bands, between 2000 and 2010 Mornington co-led the “New Jazz Couriers”, releasing four critically acclaimed albums and winning the 2002 British Jazz Award for Best Small Group. His fluent, creative and powerful post-bop playing is probably best known at the Club for over a decade of work here with the brilliant UK saxophonist, the late Peter King. Tonight, Mornington and up-and-coming trumpeter Alistair Martin revisit some of Miles Davis’s most memorable work from 1954 to 1968. With fascinating insights and anecdotes the quintet move through the chronology of some of the most influential jazz of all time, interpreting the music in the true spirit of Miles.
“Lockett…one of the country’s most accomplished…improvisers” Time Out;
“World class” Jazz Journal;
“Lockett…tremendous fluency and drive” Evening Standard
 

Sun 6th   1:30pm   SUNDAY LUNCH:    TONY O’MALLEY SINGS STANDARDS WITH JIM HUNT
A brilliant Groove and R&B singer/pianist we thought it would be fun to showcase Tony’s equally impressive jazz singing. Appearing as a duo with the equally impressive Jim Hunt (Amy Winehouse) on sax, Tony will be performing songs from his two jazz “Standards” albums along with his “swing” originals in a programme he’s dubbed “The Beautiful Tones”! A standout way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
“O’Malley…A hugely entertaining afternoon of music” The Jazz Mann;
“Hunt excelling on saxophone” Close up Culture  

Sun 6th 8:00pm     MARY PEARCE
Mary Pearce is the “Queen” of studio and backing vocals. You may not know her name, but you will certainly have heard her powerful, soulful vocals with the likes of Lionel Ritchie, Chaka Khan, Courtney Pine and Beverley Knight. As well as more than 20 years as a studio singer Mary has also featured as lead vocalist on a number of “Groove” and Dance hits and more recently toured with pop icon Boy George as an integral part of his (excellent) band. Really impressive Groove gig, this.
“[her voice] is powerful and always reliable…A fine set from some of the strongest musicians London has to offer” The House That Soul Built

Mon 7th   8:00pm     KATRIONA TAYLOR
A lovely singer/songwriter with a gentle but focused approach, Katriona Taylor’s smooth, sultry vocals have won her a myriad of admirers, not least George Benson who invited her to open his shows in Europe. Her music has earned rave reviews and extensive radio play and she has collaborated with artists including Jools Holland. This evening, Katriona presents her show “Love Lane - The Road to Devotion”, a programme of sultry standards and timeless tunes that capture the twists and turns of love. From the highs of “It Had to Be You” to gems like “Flowers” the set will also include original songs from Katriona’s latest albums “Daring Dreams” and “Blind Passion”. Featuring Peter Hammond-piano, Vasilis Xenopoulos-sax, Paul Michael-bass and Chris Nickolls-drums.
“sultry, smoky voice“ Jazzwise Magazine;
wonderful…top-flight” London Jazz News;
Her sultry voice is something… special” Telegraph
   

Tue 8th   8:00pm   ANDY LAFONE’S SOUTH ATLANTIC GROOVE PROJECT FT JOANNA EDEN
Andrés ‘Andy’ Lafone, Uruguayan bass player, co-founder and musical director of the highly regarded Negrocan, tonight introduces his latest venture SAGP (South Atlantic Groove Project). A leading light of the Latin American music scene in the UK and Europe he came to prominence in the late 80’s as part of the Jazz Dance/Acid Jazz movement and has since then toured and recorded worldwide with Basia (picking up a gold record along the way), New Orleans-based singer/pianist Jon Cleary, leading UK Latin musician/bandleader Snowboy and iconic Latin band Da Lata. Accompanied by fellow Uruguayans Guille Hill-guitar & Andres Ticino-percussion the band tonight also features the multi-award-winning Tony Kofi-sax & Kevin Robinson (Simply Red)-trumpet along with the highly respected Joanna Eden-piano/vocals. The programme revisits classic tunes by the likes of Airto, Santana & Negrocan as well as featuring original compositions with a distinct groove-based South American flavour. An incredible lineup!
“Lafone….formidable talent” LatinosInLondon;
“Eden…sings…with conviction” Evening Standard
 

Wed 9th   8:00pm     **ALBUM LAUNCH** TOMMASO STARACE
UK-based Italo-Australian saxophonist Tommaso Starace has performed at many of the top European jazz clubs and festivals and his flowing, incisive, sax has been heard with the likes of Billy Cobham, David Liebman & Kenny Wheeler. With 10 albums already to his name, tonight Tommaso is launching his latest ‘Live at the Beaver Inn’, featuring Martin Jenkins-Hammond organ and Pip Harbon-drums. The organ trio will perform tracks from the album as well as exploring some of the more unusual jazz repertoire from composers such as Monk, Kenny Barron, Cedar Walton & Benny Golson. Expect an evening of hard swinging, high energy, music.
“excellent album worthy of the vintage Blue Note…label” Bebop Spoken Here;
“Anyone who has experienced…Italy will understand the utter exuberance with which…Starace…runs with the…music” The Oxford Times;
“…a vehicle for high-energy improvisation, tough-sounding and intent…” Jazzwise

Thu 10th   8:00pm     PAUL BOOTH w. SPECIAL GUEST: ZOLTAN ZANA
Multi-award-winning saxophonist Paul Booth has toured the world as the featured sax player with the “Riverdance” show, worked with the likes of Eric Clapton and Matt Bianco and is currently a member of the Steve Winwood Band. Tonight, as part of our long-standing Cultural Exchange with the Budapest Jazz Club, he will be bringing his quartet to the Club alongside his Special Guest, the brilliant Hungarian saxophonist Zoltan Zana. An Award-winning musician, over the last 20+ years Zoltan has established himself as one of Hungary’s most sought-after saxophonists. His flowing, melodic and highly creative playing has been heard in an impressive variety of jazz ensembles, including as a regular member of Hungary’s leading big band, the Budapest Jazz Orchestra. Paul and Zoltan will be performing music from the jazz masters, including the likes of Joe Henderson & Thelonius Monk, plus some originals in that same “hard-bop”, melodic style.
“Paul Booth…a delight” Daily Telegraph;
“The country’s finest…saxophonist Zana is one of the most prominent practitioners of restrained, calm, thoughtful improvisation” Jazz.hu
Presented in association with The Harmónia Műhely Alapítvány
 

Fri 11th   9:00pm     ALEC HARPER QUINTET
Alec Harper has established himself as one of the leading tenor saxophonists of his generation. Formerly a member of the wildly popular UK outfit Kansas Smittys, you can also find him fronting his own group or appearing as an in-demand sideman for artists such as Tom Misch & Soft Cell. He has performed with the likes of Jamie Cullum, the WDR Big Band (Cologne) and at venues around the world, including North Sea Jazz Festival, the Albert Hall, Ronnie Scott’s & Dizzy’s (NYC). Tonight he brings his All-Star, swinging quintet to the Club featuring Nick Costley-White-guitar, Will Barry-piano, Dave Whitford-bass & Josh Morrison-drums.
“Harper…a leading contender among the heavies” BeBop Spoken Here

Sat 12th   9:00pm     VASILIS XENOPOULOS QUARTET
Saxophonist Vasilis Xenopoulos’s fluent, muscular, creative tenor sax has been heard with an impressive variety of leading UK and International musicians. Best known here at the Club for his regular appearances with “Five Way Split” tonight Vasilis brings his own quartet to the Club to perform a selection of Jazz standards plus Vasilis’s own arrangements of music inspired by legendary tenor saxophonists such as Dexter Gordon & Sonny Rollins. An evening of swinging, soulful and hard-driving straight-ahead jazz, combining the spirit of these iconic players with the energy and spontaneity of a contemporary jazz quartet. Also featuring Rob Barron-piano. “Xenopoulos…outstanding” Guardian;
“Xenopoulos…old-school warmth and modern day dynamism” Jazzwise

Sun 13th   1:30pm     SUNDAY LUNCH:  ELAINE DELMAR’S BIRTHDAY GIG!
After 60 years of performing at the highest level, Elaine Delmar is very much Jazz “Royalty”. From work at 16 with her father, the famous Leslie “Jiver” Hutchinson, through leading roles in musicals in London and Broadway to a successful recording career Elaine has established herself as an international artist of talent, poise and grace. The recipient of an APPJAG Special Award in recognition of her contribution to the UK music scene, today she will be appearing with the wonderful Barry Green-piano to celebrate her birthday in style, performing music from her latest album “Speak Low” along with a programme of swinging standards. And watch out for her Special Birthday Guests!
“Delmar…truly defines the word class” BBC Radio 2

Sun 13th 8:00pm       CLOSED – PRIVATE EVENT

Mon 14th     8:00pm       CLOSED – PRIVATE EVENT
 

Tue 15th   8:00pm   THE BLUE ORCHIDS TRIO WITH ROBERT FOWLER & ANNIE MAJIN
An exciting young talent pianist Cody Moss’s fluent, melodic, playing has already been heard with the likes of Sir Brian May, Van Morrison, Beverly Knight and the “Wonder of Stevie” band. Tonight he will be appearing with his Blue Orchids Trio featuring Sol Grimshaw-guitar & Ben Love-bass, performing music inspired by the classic jazz format of the drummer-less piano trios from the 1950’s & ‘60’s associated with the likes of Nat King Cole and Oscar Peterson. And watch out for their Special Guests: Robert Fowler-sax & Annie Majin-vocals…making this the biggest trio in the World!
“Moss on piano was constantly inventive” UK Jazz News;
“gorgeously expressive” The Jazz Mann;
“Majin…fine voice” Jazz Journal

Wed 16th   8:00pm     MARK EDWARDS “THE MUSIC OF DAVID FORMAN”
Tonight the brilliant pianist Mark Edwards, whose numerous credits include Katie Melua, Aztec Camera, Paul Weller and Claire Martin as well as his own band Cloggz, brings to the Club a project dedicated to the music of David Forman. Now 95 years old David is a remarkable man who not only worked as a dentist but, in an impressive alternative career, was also a highly respected travel, social and jazz photographer. However, if all that wasn’t enough, he is also a composer of real talent, writing music inspired by his enduring love for the Great American Songbook, where melody is everything. Mark so enjoyed David’s writing that he spent 5 years, as he says “arranging/reimagining the music, taking the tunes and creating a genre-blending journey from ballads to bossa nova and fusion influences”, the final product “The Golden Road - Mark Edwards plays the music of David Forman” being released as an album late last year on the Rubicon Jazz label. Tonight Mark has put together a selection of the A-list musicians from that album to perform these wonderful tunes live at the Club. Over to Mark: “David’s tunes are so diverse but every one has a wonderful melody and a kernel of harmony that’s perfect for jazz. The project has been a joy from start to finish”. The musicians featured this evening are: Paul Booth-saxes, Rob Luft-guitar, Conor Chaplin-bass & Darren Beckett-drums, along with vocalists Imogen Ryall & Kit Ashton who also contributed lyrics to the varied repertoire. David has been a regular at the 606 Club for many years, so it is with particular pleasure that we present this unique programme, performed by some of the finest musicians in the UK.
“Edwards combines the most heart-melting voicings, an unfailingly beautiful tone and a rare emotional directness…outstanding” Jazzwise
     

Thu 17th   8:00pm     **ALBUM LAUNCH** JON LLOYD QUARTET
Rising to prominence in the 1990’s as a saxophonist/composer of note Jon Lloyd and his quartet, featuring renowned pianist John Law, toured the UK and Europe prolifically. Over the years his style has evolved towards a more European jazz aesthetic while also incorporating touchpoints from American and contemporary jazz and the latest iteration of Jon’s quartet featured this evening reunites him with John (Law) alongside Nick Pini-bass & Alex Goodyear-drums. Tonight, following the success of their last album “Earth Songs” (also launched here at the Club), the quartet will be launching their latest album “Anima” to continue to promote their unique blend of European contemporary jazz. Featuring compositions by Jon he describes the music as “steeped in classic jazz, non-Western music, ECM melodic fusion and a hushed neo-classical grace”, creating a sound that is melodic, contemplative, and highly accessible to jazz and non-jazz audiences alike.
“Lloyd is one of the most striking writers…[in] British Jazz” Guardian;
“Lloyd’s tunes…make it sound like the only music you ever want to hear.” UK Jazz News;
“The interplay between the quartet members is magical” Jazzwise
 

Fri 18th   9:00pm     DAVE LEWIS’ “1UP” FT LIZZIE DEANE
Dave Lewis’s robust and melodic tenor playing has been heard with a notable list of artists including John Martyn, Bryan Ferry, Joan Armatrading, John Mayall, Eric Clapton and The Blockheads. His own band features an impressive array of talent fronted by the fabulous singer Lizzie Deane, who has worked with the likes of Carleen Anderson, Mica Paris and Jocelyn Brown. With a strong emphasis on groove, improvisation and spontaneous melodic interplay, 1UP is one of the tightest, funkiest bands on the scene.
“It’s a real treat…tight chunky grooves and… exciting…funky sax.” Blues and Soul;
“Deane…incredible” Cross Rhythms

Sat 19th   9:00pm     PETE HORSFALL
Trumpet player/singer/songwriter/producer Pete Horsfall is a wonderful musician who includes work with the likes of Kurt Elling, Jamie Cullum & De La Soul but is probably best known for his association with Kansas Smitty’s. He has performed at most major UK jazz venues and festivals and has made numerous international appearances, including a week at New York’s Jazz at Lincoln Center, while his album ‘Nighthawks’ was acclaimed as ‘ravishing’ (Guardian). Tonight he returns to the 606 with his outstanding ensemble featuring Tom Ward-piano, Ferg Ireland-bass & Kai Macrae-drums to “explore new material from their deep and eclectic engagement with the jazz tradition”.
“bittersweet beautiful voice…timeless trumpet” BBC Radio 2;
“unique new voice” Jazz FM;
“individual and refreshing” Jazz in Europe

Sun 20th   1:30pm:    SUNDAY LUNCH:  606 GOSPEL – CLIF & MARIE
Clif & Marie are a husband-and-wife vocal duo from South London whose sound blends Gospel and inspirational music. Their live shows are known for rich harmonies, heartfelt storytelling and effortless audience engagement, bringing authenticity, elegance and joy to every stage. For this special brunch performance they will present a collection of original music alongside carefully selected soulful favourites, creating the perfect soundtrack for a relaxed afternoon of great food and live music. Away from performance Clif & Marie believe that great music has the power to bring people together, so they also lead Mountain Movers Ministries, where they serve their community through teaching, pastoral care and relationship support. Promises to be a very special afternoon. And this is our family friendly gig so children of all ages are more than welcome.
“…vocals are crystal clear, carrying feeling and emotion, sung with commitment and conviction…has character and soul” Cross Rhythms

Sun 20th   8:00pm     POLLY GIBBONS
Polly Gibbons is a consummate performer with a rich, soulful voice and a truly distinctive style, as much at home singing tender jazz ballads as she is rockin’ R&B classics. Nominated for Vocalist of the Year by both Jazz FM and the BBC she was signed to US label Resonance Records, recording three critically acclaimed albums and touring extensively, including the legendary Birdland in NYC. In 2022 Polly fulfilled a long-standing ambition with the release of “As It Is” - an album of all-original songs written, arranged, and produced by Polly alongside co-producer and Artistic Director of Ronnie Scott’s, James Pearson, who is also featured in the band tonight. Performing what Polly describes as a “mix of soulful, swinging jazz and gospel-infused originals” it’s a lot of fun!
“a rare sense of joy…not to mention…depth of…feeling…remarkable” Evening Standard;
“a…phenomenon” Seattle Post;
“a class act” Guardian
 

Mon 21st   8:00pm   “TRIºMTRY”: YOLANDA CHARLES, NICK LINNIK & NICOLAS VICCARO
Tonight we are featuring bassist Yolanda Charles MBE and guitarist Nick Linnik’s latest project, the jazz/fusion trio TRIºMTRY. A world class player Yolanda’s bass lines have been the “heartbeat” for a host of high-profile artists, including Hans Zimmer, Mick Jagger, Robbie Williams & Eric Clapton…not to mention innumerable studio recordings, soundtracks, TV shows and stadium tours. Nick Linnik is a highly adept and gifted musician as well as a skilled arranger, songwriter, producer & engineer-programmer and French-born drummer Nicolas Viccaro includes work with the likes of John McLaughlin, Etienne Mbappe & Mike Mainieri. The trio will perform original material plus compositions by artists including John Scofield, Wayne Krantz and Weather Report. Mixing funk, fusion, jazz & blues the chemistry between these three musicians is exceptional…and fun!
“Charles…a player of phenomenal ability” Guitar World;
“The ace in the pack here is stellar guitarist Nick Linnik” Jazzwise
 

Tue 22nd   8:00pm   **ALBUM LAUNCH** BEN CROSLAND QUINTET
Bass player, composer and arranger Ben Crosland has been an ever-present force on the British jazz scene since the 1980s, working as a sideman with the likes of Spike Robinson, Harry Allen & Bobby Wellins as well as running his own label, Jazz Cat, since 1995. But it’s as a bandleader & recording artist that Ben has distinguished himself. His two volumes of the Ray Davies (Kinks) Songbook alongside Ben’s other albums have been enthusiastically received and tonight’s show heralds the release of his latest recording, “North York Skies”. Described by Ben as “a love letter to the North York Moors”, the compositions are inspired by their “beauty and majesty”. Featuring Quintet stalwarts Steve Waterman-trumpet, Steve Lodder-piano, Chris Allard-guitar and Nic France-drums this promises to be a heartfelt musical journey.
“An unaffectedly lyrical composer of direct and evocative melodies” UK Jazz News;
“rich…resonant and inventive” Jazzwise;
“colourful, beguiling and thoroughly musical” Jazz Journal

Wed 23rd   8:00pm     HARRY DIPLOCK TRIO
Co-founder of the highly regarded London Django Collective as well as his own trio, Harry Diplock’s fluent and creative acoustic guitar playing has been heard extensively in the UK and mainland Europe, with his music regularly played on TSF Jazz Radio (Paris), BBC Radio 3 and Jamie Cullum’s Radio 2 show. Tonight Harry’s excellent trio will be performing material from their latest recording “Swifts”. Rooted in the acoustic qualities of the guitar and heavily inspired by masters of the French, Brazilian and American Jazz scenes, the trio meld the classic concept of Gypsy swing with a contemporary approach, creating a unique and distinctly original sound. If you like swing guitar you’ll love this! Also featuring Sol Grimshaw-guitar & Ben Love-bass.
“a superb guitar soloist Diplock is also an intelligent composer who takes a refreshingly contemporary approach to the gypsy jazz tradition” The Jazz Mann
 

Thu 24th     8:00pm     BARRY GREEN “EXPANSIONS: A TRIBUTE TO McCOY TYNER”
Barry Green is a wonderful modern jazz pianist whose fluent and melodic playing has made a significant impact on the UK jazz scene. He performs regularly at all the major jazz venues in London and the UK as well as clubs and festivals in Spain, Slovenia, Sweden, Norway, Croatia, Turkey, Italy and France and his vast cv includes work with the likes of Bobby Watson, Charles McPherson and Us3. Tonight Barry will be showcasing his new “Expansions” project, an exploration of the late Blue Note era of the iconic pianist McCoy Tyner who found fame in the 1960’s as the pianist with John Coltrane before going on to a lengthy and storied career. To explore some classic and some lesser-known of McCoy’s tunes Barry has brought together a cross-generational band featuring Gareth Lockrane-flute, Oli Hayhurst-bass, Darren Beckett-drums and Special Guest the Award-winning young Dutch saxophonist Femke Mooren.
“Green…constantly inventive.” Jazz UK; Green…rock solid sense of form and swing” UK Jazz News;
“Lockrane…exceptional, combining a relaxed fluidity with an acute adventurousness” Jazzwise;
“Mooren’s lyrical tone and imaginative playing…shines” Jazzenzo

Fri 25th   9:00pm     SAMARA
Tonight we present an evening celebrating the joyous, rhythmic, delights of classic Brazilian MPB with the 606 Club’s outstanding Brazilian band “Samara”. Featuring the brilliant vocalist and old friend of the Club Rachael Calladine 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 26th   9:00pm     FRASER SMITH QUARTET
Over the last decade and a half Fraser Smith has built a fiery reputation as a leading tenor saxophonist on the UK scene. With a focus on swing and the straight ahead he channels the sound and language of the “big US Tenor men” and his debut album “Tiptop!”, released on Ubuntu Records, amassed an impressive 1.3 million streams. He includes work alongside the likes of US artists Harry Allen, Pat O’Leary, Chuck Redd and most recently here at the Club with iconic US bass player Chuck Israels’ (John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Stan Getz, Bill Evans) European quartet. Fraser’s latest album “Lifeline!” was added to The Times and Jazzwise ‘Best Jazz Albums of 2025’ lists, receiving a glowing 4-star review from each. Aside from his busy UK schedule Fraser continues to perform internationally, including clubs in Portugal, China, Beijing, Brussels, Paris, Mexico and more. Also featured tonight: Alex Bryson-piano, Simon Read-bass & Steve Brown-drums.
“Smith…confident and very hard swinging” UK Jazz News

Sun 27th   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 known and lesser-known jazz standards”.
“Paul Eldridge…accomplished piano” Time Out

Sun 27th   8:00pm   ACANTHA LANG “STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF SOUL LEGENDS”
Grammy-nominated New Orleans-born soul singer Acantha Lang has been hailed as one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary soul and funk. Her debut album, “Beautiful Dreams”, reached #3 on the Official UK Jazz & Blues Albums Chart and was the SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Award for “New Artist of the Year”. She made her US TV debut on CBS Saturday Morning, has performed at major venues across the UK, Spain, France and the Netherlands and her music can be heard on BBC Radio 2, 6 & Jazz FM. Her latest show performed tonight is a celebration of the voices that built soul music. Inspired by Acantha’s own YouTube series that has reached over 16 million views worldwide, it features music by legends from Gil Scott-Heron and Donny Hathaway to Aretha Franklin & Stevie Wonder. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Acantha and her band perform her own interpretations of some of the greatest soul songs of all time!
“One of the most exciting soul singers in the world” SoulTracks;
“She’s brilliant” BBC6;
“a soul singer of the highest order” Blues & Soul Magazine

Mon 28th   8:00pm     TONY WHITE SESSION BAND
The Tony White Session Band is an exciting six-piece ensemble, bringing together soulful vocals, exceptional playing and a repertoire that spans classic favourites and contemporary grooves. Led by keyboard player, musical director and educator Tony White, who is known to many for his work with Bonners Music and his popular YouTube channel, Tony has a lifelong passion for live performance. Joined by David French-guitar, Callum Poole-bass, Chris Makin-vocals/percussion, Pete Turtle-vocals/drums and Faye Streek-vocals the band plays choice songs from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Earth, Wind & Fire and Scary Goldings. A feel-good night of great music! 
   

Tue 29th   8:00pm     ADAM GLASSER QUARTET
A virtuoso on the chromatic harmonica Adam Glasser’s playing is eloquent, subtle and constantly inventive. Renowned as a leading exponent of South African township jazz, his albums ‘Free at First’ won the SA Music Awards Best Jazz Album 2010 and ‘Mzansi’ was nominated Best Jazz Album 2012. Across a rich career spanning over four decades Adam was for many years the MD for the iconic SA group The Manhattan Brothers, and includes work with the likes of Hugh Masekela, Sting, the Eurythmics, Joe Zawinul & Abdullah Ibrahim. Nominated for a 2026 SAMA Award Adam’s most recent album “SA & Beyond” won Best Traditional Jazz album at the Johannesburg Mzantsi Jazz Awards 2025. His latest quartet, performing this evening, features the Award-winning Ant Law-guitar, Steve Watts-bass and Corrie Dick-drums. Special stuff!
“[Glasser]...has brought a truly unique voice…to the…language of jazz” AllAboutJazz;
“Glasser…peerless virtuosity” UK Jazz News

Wed 30th     8:00pm   ALEX MERITT/STEVE FISHWICK QUINTET
Based in Bristol saxophonist Alex Merritt has, over the last few years, been steadily building a solid reputation as fluent and powerful improvisor, a composer of great skill and originality and a respected educator. He has recorded two albums for the Barcelona-based Fresh Sound New Talent label as well as producing, composing and performing on their 30th anniversary album “Common Threads”. Steve Fishwick is widely regarded as one of the finest jazz trumpeters to come from the UK, sharing the stage with the likes of Ron Carter, Anita O’Day & Cedar Walton. Alex and Steve take the tenor/trumpet frontline into fresh, exciting, directions drawing on a wide spectrum of influences from contemporary jazz to classical music, performing a mix of classic jazz quintet material as well as original material from themselves and award-winning pianist John Turville. Their debut album ‘Mind-Ear-Ladder’ was released on Fresh Sound New Talent in 2022 to significant critical acclaim and the gig tonight features the aforementioned John Turville-piano along with Connor Murray-bass and Ethan Sweeting-drums.
“A lovely example of contemporary British modern jazz by five of the UK’s best” Bebop Spoken Here;
“exquisite…consistently intelligent, sophisticated and varied” The Jazz Mann

606 Club
90 Lots Road
Chelsea
London
SW10 0QD

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

020 7352 5953

Jazz Leeds - Autumn Programme 2026.

Thursday, September 03, 2026

Jazz Leeds has announced its programme for September, October, November & December 2026. The majority of the events take place at Seven Arts, Chapel Allerton, Leeds. Schedule attached.

From;
https://www.jazzleeds.org.uk/whats-on/

Thu 03 Sep 2026, 7.30pm
JazzLeeds Presents
Matt Anderson’s “Wild Flower”: Celebrating 60 Years of Wayne Shorter
Matt Anderson’s Wild Flower Quintet celebrate the 60th anniversary of Wayne Shorter on Blue Note
Seven Arts

Sun 06 Sep 2026, 12.00am
JazzLeeds Presents
Jazz Sunday at the Chapel Allerton Arts Festival, Sunday 6 September
Two stages this year with jazz, latin, blues, big bands all from Leeds - loads of stalls, loads of fun
Chapel Allerton Arts Festival, Regent Street and Well Lane

Wed 09 Sep 2026, 6.00pm
Rush Hour Jazz
Esther Bennett and John Taylor
Esther Bennett is one of jazz’s most respected vocalists and sax player Jon Taylor is the ultimate jazz entertainer.
Seven Arts

Sun 13 Sep 2026, 1.30pm
Sunday Afternoons @ Seven
Emma Coates
Weaving jazz and folk, Leeds singer and saxophonist Emma Coates creates an intricate, intimate sound.
Seven Arts

Wed 16 Sep 2026, 7.30pm
Evenings @ Seven
Florian Arbenz / Chris Cheek / Arno Krijger Organ Trio
This trio promises a thrilling, boundary-pushing jazz experience that captivates ears, eyes, and imagination.
Seven Arts

Sun 20 Sep 2026, 1.30pm
Sunday Afternoons @ Seven
John “Papa” Gros
“Sharing New Orleans with the world is my calling” - John “Papa” Gros
Seven Arts

Wed 23 Sep 2026, 6.00pm
Rush Hour Jazz
Anna Chandler King Quartet
Anna Chandler leads a quartet playing both free form spontaneous composition and intricately arranged pieces
Seven Arts

Sun 04 Oct 2026, 1.30pm
Sunday Afternoons @ Seven
Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley Sextet
Josh Cavanagh-Brierley celebrates the music from his new album “The Mild Mannered and the Mortal”
Seven Arts

Wed 07 Oct 2026, 6.00pm
Rush Hour Jazz
Tony Burkill celebrates the great sax players
Tony Burkill is a phenomenal sax player known for his exuberant and earthy performances
Seven Arts

Thu 08 Oct 2026, 7.30pm
Evenings @ Seven
Mark Lockheart’s – Shapeshifter
If you liked Mark Lockheart with Polar Bear, you’ll love Shapeshifter. Composed, improvised, and deeply considered.
Seven Arts

Sun 11 Oct 2026, 1.30pm
Sunday Afternoons @ Seven
Nicolas Meier World Group
Nicolas Meier is a virtuoso guitarist. His group blends world music, exciting grooves and signature crazy solos.
Seven Arts

Wed 14 Oct 2026, 6.00pm
Rush Hour Jazz
Cherie Gears
Cherie Gears sings with the soulful depth of blues and the smooth elegance of jazz
Seven Arts

Sun 18 Oct 2026, 1.30pm
Sunday Afternoons @ Seven
Kevin Holbrough Sextet
Kevin’s new sextet, performing a programme of hard bop jazz from the likes of Art Blakey, JJ Johnson and Steve Davis
Seven Arts

Wed 21 Oct 2026, 6.00pm
Rush Hour Jazz
John and Kathy Dyson
A welcome rush hour return from jazz guitarist Kathy Dyson with saxophone player John Dyson
Seven Arts

Thu 29 Oct 2026, 7.30pm
Evenings @ Seven
Simon Spillett Quartet play the music of Tubby Hayes
A high-energy, authentic tribute to legendary British jazz icon Tubby Hayes
Seven Arts

Sun 01 Nov 2026, 1.30pm
Sunday Afternoons @ Seven
Sam Quintana’s Wandering Monster
Bassist Sam Quintana’s band features off-kilter grooves, infectious melodies and spontaneous improvisation
Seven Arts

Wed 04 Nov 2026, 6.00pm
Rush Hour Jazz
Trish Heenan with Mike Hall
Trish - “A wonderful singer” – Ian Shaw
Mike - “Fluent and powerful, a classic tenor sax sound” - Ian Mann
Seven Arts

Thu 12 Nov 2026, 7.30pm
Evenings @ Seven
Zoe Rahman trio
Zoe’s compositions encompass a wide pallet, with earthy blues influences, soulful melodies and cinematic textures
Seven Arts

Sun 15 Nov 2026, 1.30pm
Sunday Afternoons @ Seven
Jamil Sheriff’s 4 in 1
A swinging and joyful affair that promises to remind you of all your favourite jazz musicians
Seven Arts

Wed 18 Nov 2026, 6.00pm
Rush Hour Jazz
Emily Kent with Ed Kainiek
Emily Kent, a superb jazz and soul singer who last appeared for us at the Innervisions concert in April
Seven Arts

Wed 18 Nov 2026, 7.45pm
JazzLeeds Presents
Jasper Hoiby’s 3 Elements – joint concert with Howard Assembly Room
High-energy, contemporary jazz built on sharp intuition and rhythmic drive
Howard Assembly Room, 32 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU

Sun 22 Nov 2026, 1.30pm
Sunday Afternoons @ Seven
Jazz Main
One of Scotland’s leading modern jazz quartets with a passion for the music of the Blue Note catalogue
Seven Arts

Thu 26 Nov 2026, 7.30pm
Evenings @ Seven
Alina Bzhezhinska and Tony Kofi Duo
Music shaped by the unique chemistry between two master improvisers.
Seven Arts

Wed 02 Dec 2026, 6.00pm
Rush Hour Jazz
Jim Corry
Saxophonist for Jamiroquai, Mark Ronson and Corinne Bailey, Jim Corry is truly a world class sax player
Seven Arts

Sun 06 Dec 2026, 1.30pm
Sunday Afternoons @ Seven
Celebrating the Big Bands at Christmas – Ronnie Bottomley Jazz Orchestra
Classic big band arrangements from the legendary Ronnie Bottomley
Seven Arts

Thu 10 Dec 2026, 7.30pm
Evenings @ Seven
Celebrating the Big Bands at Christmas – Tom Sharp Big Band
A superb 16-piece line up taking on Duke Ellington’s ‘Nutcracker Suite’ along with other works by the composer
Seven Arts

Wed 16 Dec 2026, 6.00pm
Rush Hour Jazz
Dudley Nesbitt
Dudley Nesbitt is a feted Leeds pan player heard here the Jazzleeds house band
Seven Arts

Sun 27 Dec 2026, 1.30pm
Jam Sessions
Twixmas Jazz Jam
Our jazz jam session between Christmas and New Year - come and join in the fun at the Seven Bar
Seven Arts

Further information and tickets at;
https://www.jazzleeds.org.uk/whats-on

Seven Arts
31A Harrogate Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3PD
Seven Arts, our main venue has an excellent performance space with good acoustics and a Yamaha piano donated by Besbrode Pianos plus welcoming cafe/bar. We run jazz concerts in the Seven Concert Room on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons as well as Rush Hour Jazz gigs in the Seven Arts bar on Wednesdays.
Contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Tel: 0113 262 6777

NYJO announces autumn season.

Wednesday, September 02, 2026

The National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) has announced its autumn programme of concerts, workshops and other learning opportunities. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

NYJO announces a fresh, bold autumn season of live performance, learning and emerging professional talent

NYJO is powering into autumn with an ambitious programme of performances, learning and a brand- new orchestra. From rising young talent to world-class artists, NYJO is taking jazz to new audiences across the country and onto some of the UK’s most renowned stages and festivals. With activity spanning Chelsea Arts Festival, EFG London Jazz Festival, Windsor Festival, Leicestershire, Liverpool, and Manchester, as well as major London stages including the brand-new Blue Note London, Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho and Sinfonia Smith Square.

NYJO’s Chief Executive Yvette Griffith states,
“It’s hugely rewarding to see NYJO’s programme blossoming across the UK this autumn, from prestigious venues and major festivals to brilliant new locations and audiences. With the NYJO Blueprint Orchestra now hitting the road and the launch of NYJO North this autumn, we’re creating even more exceptional opportunities for our musicians to perform, develop and connect with audiences, and this is just the start, as we continue to grow on the breadth and ambition of what NYJO delivers.”

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra takes on four major dates
It’s a big season for the brilliant new NYJO Blueprint Orchestra, with four showstopping events. NYJO Blueprint Orchestra, which launched earlier this year, led by musical director Olivia Murphy, makes its world debut at Windsor Festival on Saturday 19 September, with a bold programme celebrating two of the most influential figures in big band jazz, Toshiko Akiyoshi and Duke Ellington. The orchestra then heads to Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho on Monday 5 October, once again celebrating the music of Toshiko Akiyoshi and Duke Ellington.
The NYJO Blueprint Orchestra makes its EFG London Jazz Festival debut this November at Milton Court, performing the music of jazz trombone pioneer and educator Bob Brookmeyer. The set will feature repertoire from the 1980 Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra album Live at the Village Vanguard, showcasing the instrumental prowess and creative solos developed through the ensemble’s intensive rehearsals.
The season rounds off with a special Christmas performance at Sinfonia Smith Square: NYJO Blueprint Orchestra – Ellington’s Nutcracker on Monday 7 December, with an uplifting and festive set of big band versions of seasonal favourites, including Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite.

NYJO joins Blue Note London’s opening season
Another major highlight, NYJO performs as part of the opening season of Blue Note London with Steam Down X NYJO Big Band on Thursday 22 October, enjoy this powerhouse collaboration for two unmissable nights. Steam Down is known for their spontaneous performances and ability to merge jazz with Afrobeat, grime, and soul. Bringing together the best of British jazz, international talent and the next generation of artists, Blue Note London is set to become another vibrant and exciting home for live jazz in the heart of the city, reflecting the spirit of its sister venues in New York, Los Angeles, Milan and beyond.

NYJO festival appearances
Alongside NYJO Blueprint Orchestra’s EFG London Jazz Festival and Windsor Festival shows, NYJO isproud to be part of Chelsea Arts Festival with a double bill at Cadogan Hall - Timeless Icons: The Music of Miles Davis & Nina Simone on Saturday 19 September. Celebrating two jazz legends, the evening features Fodder on My Wings, is a tribute to Nina Simone’s 1982 album conceived and musically directed by Olivia Cuttill, with special appearances from Nikki Yeoh, Cleveland Watkiss MBE, Tony
Kofi and Thanda Gumede.
NYJO’s Emerging Professional Musicians also mark Miles Davis’ 100th anniversary with a nine-piece band performing Birth of the Cool, alongside fresh arrangements of his iconic repertoire by band leader Tom Stringer.
On Saturday 19 September, NYJO Youth Takeover at Chelsea Arts Festival brings together over 50 young people following a summer of composing, learning and rehearsing. Expect a big band led by maestro Sam Eastmond, a New Orleans-style Second Line ensemble led by Resident MD Vij Prakash, and a vocal set of music arranged by NYJO’s own Daisy Houlder.
At this year’s EFG London Jazz Festival, NYJO’s Under 18s take over Toulouse Lautrec on Sunday 15 November. Two outstanding young ensembles, the Under 18s Ensemble led by Winston Clifford and the Under 18s Band led by Olivia Murphy, will perform an exciting programme of contemporary and classic jazz.

Learning and emerging professional opportunities
NYJO’s Learning and Emerging Professional opportunities are expanding nationally this autumn. First up, our Emerging Professional Musicians aged 18–25 hit the road for NYJO’s First Time Jazz Schools Tour, taking a series of workshops and performances to under-18s across Leicestershire. UK jazz scene one-to-watch trumpeter Olivia Cuttill will join four other NYJO Emerging Professionals to ignite the creative spark in secondary school audiences, working across eight schools from 8–11 September and
using the music of Charles Mingus as a starting point for their introduction to jazz.
Following a busy summer, the full roster of NYJO Under 18s ensembles will regroup as our Saturday programme begins a new term on 26 September.
October also marks the next dates for our Under 18s Manchester Collective, a regularly rehearsing programme in collaborative melody-making and building a jazz vocabulary for musicians aged 13–18 and the first of NYJO Under 18s Collectives to be created around the country.

Lead NYJO Educator and star alumnus of our Emerging Professional programme, Fergus Quill has an exciting season ahead, as he heads to Liverpool on 27 October to deliver a two-day Holiday Project focused on score reading and improvisation. This new Liverpool Under 18s Collective will explore music from across the history of jazz, with plenty of ensemble skills for young musicians to get their teeth into.

NYJO North launching in Manchester
NYJO North launches this year in Manchester, Fergus Quill once again teams up with NYJO to form a new 12-piece project exploring bespoke arrangements of the music of Carla Bley. Designed for 18–25 year olds in the North of England, the project will create new opportunities for jazz development, collaboration and performance. NYJO plans to take this model to other areas of the country, opening up valuable development and performance opportunities to young musicians across the UK.

NYJO Listings | September–December 2026

Tuba Workshops at Brassworks
Saturday 5 September | Woolwich Works
Following a tour of various festivals including We Out Here and Love Supreme, our Jazz Educators are back with the famous NYJO tubas. Showing the public how awesome this powerful element of the brass band can be, NYJO musicians will be on hand to teach total beginners how to play and make music together. Workshops will run in Woolwich Works, from 12 noon.

NYJO Miles Davis 100 + Second Line at Brassworks
Saturday 5 September | Woolwich Works
NYJO’s Emerging Professional Musicians honour the 100th anniversary of Miles Davis’ birth with a special nine-piece band, bringing to life the highly influential 1957 album Birth of the Cool, mirroring Miles Davis’ original nonet configuration.
As seen at Love Supreme, Cross the Tracks and Chelsea Arts Festival, NYJO are bringing their Second Line band to the streets of Woolwich! NYJO’s Second Line performance involves horns, trombones, saxophones and percussion and is inspired by the tradition of New Orleans street music. The music is loud, vibrant, and all about making its audience want to dance.

First Time Jazz Schools Tour
Tuesday 8 September | Leicestershire Secondary Schools
After last year’s successful schools’ tour in Humberside, we’re embarking on our next First Time Jazz excursion, this time in Leicestershire, from 8-11 September. The programme is a first-access project designed to introduce school pupils to jazz and creative music-making. This year, a team of 5 NYJO Emerging Professional musicians led by Olivia Cuttill will be delivering a series of gigs and workshops in 8 schools across Leicestershire, inspired by the music of Charles Mingus.

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra at Windsor Festival
Saturday 19 September, 8pm | Windsor Parish Church, High Street
NYJO Blueprint Orchestra makes its world debut at Windsor Festival with a bold programme celebrating two of the most influential figures in big band jazz, Toshiko Akiyoshi and Duke Ellington.

Timeless Icons: The Music of Miles Davis & Nina Simone
Saturday 19 September, 7.30pm | Chelsea Arts Festival, Cadogan Hall
A celebration of jazz legends Miles Davis and Nina Simone with a NYJO double bill at Chelsea Arts Festival. NYJO’s Emerging Professional Musicians honour the 100th anniversary of Miles Davis’ birth with a special nine-piece band, bringing to life the highly influential 1957 album Birth of the Cool, mirroring Miles Davis’ original nonet configuration. Plus, expect new arrangements of his iconic repertoire by bandleader and lead trumpet, NYJO’s own Tom Stringer.
Fodder On My Wings, a tribute to Nina Simone’s 1982 album, conceived and musically directed by NYJO Emerging Professional trumpeter Olivia Cuttill. Featuring Cleveland Watkiss MBE, Tony Kofi, Nikki Yeoh and Thanda Gumede, originally debuted for NYJO 60th anniversary celebrations.

NYJO Youth Takeover Day @ Chelsea Arts Festival
Saturday 19 September, 11am | Sloane Square, Chelsea
Presented in partnership with Chelsea Arts Festival, over 50 young musicians take to the stage following a summer of music making to showcase the results of their work in a vibrant celebration of creativity. From powerful big band jazz to stunning choral arrangements of Carole King classics, head down for this fantastic takeover.

NYJO Under 18s Programme
Saturday 26 September–Saturday 5 December | Woolwich Works
NYJO Under 18s is a Saturday programme for young people aged 11-18, offering training, ensemble-playing, performance opportunities and jams to develop technique and creativity.

NYJO Under 18s Manchester Collective
Saturday 3 October–Saturday 5 December | Band on the Wall, Manchester
NYJO’s Under 18s Manchester Collective is for those aged 13–18 who are interested in exploring the world of jazz, experimenting with improvisation and experiencing the excitement of playing live music with others. Participants should be able to play an instrument, including voice, to approximately Grade 3+ level.

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra at PizzaExpress Jazz Club (Soho)
Monday 5 October, 6.30pm | PizzaExpress Live Soho
Experience NYJO’s exciting new orchestra, NYJO Blueprint Orchestra and their bold programme, led by Musical Director Olivia Murphy, celebrating two of the most influential figures in big band jazz, Toshiko Akiyoshi and Duke Ellington.

Woolwich Works Songbirds
Wednesday 7 October–Wednesday 25 December | Woolwich Works
This group is NYJO’s singing group for adults aged 50+, delivered in partnership with our home venue Woolwich Works, who would like the opportunity to come together to sing, chat, and meet new people. It is a fun, inclusive learning environment suitable for beginners or those who have been singing for years.

October Liverpool Holiday Project
Tuesday 27–Wednesday 28 October, 12–4pm | Future Yard, Liverpool
For young people aged 13–18, Grade 3+ on their instrument (including vocalists), who want to explore jazz, ensemble playing and improvisation. Led by NYJO Lead Educator Fergus Quill, sessions cover ensemble playing, music reading and improvisation, with music spanning the history of jazz.

Steam Down X NYJO Big Band
Thursday 22 and Friday 23 October, 7pm & 9.30pm | Blue Note London
Steam Down and NYJO are back together in a powerhouse collaboration for two unmissable nights, ready to set the cities’ jazz scene alight at its newest venue, Blue Note London. 

NYJO Presents: Krówki
Thursday 29 October, 9pm | Smith Square Crypt
Experience the freshest sounds on the jazz scene in an intimate, candlelit setting as the ‘Jazz in the Crypt’ series continues platforming our Emerging Professionals own bands. With influences across British, Irish, and Polish folk music, Krówki traces a dynamic and energetic line through traditional folk tunes, jazz, and improvisational music.

EFG London Jazz Festival: NYJO Under 18s @ Toulouse Lautrec
Sunday 15 November, 1pm | Toulouse Lautrec, London
As part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, NYJO’s Under 18s take over Toulouse Lautrec in Kennington for an afternoon showcasing the next generation of jazz talent. Experience two outstanding young ensembles: the Under 18s Ensemble led by Winston Clifford and our Under 18s Band led by Olivia Murphy, performing an exciting programme of contemporary and classic jazz.

NYJO Presents: Kodie Kwartet
Thursday 19 November, 9pm | Smith Square Crypt
The second of our late night ‘Jazz in the Crypt’ events which showcase NYJO Emerging Professional’s bands, Kodie Kwartet makes music that bends genre norms, brings emotion to the listener and fuses different cultures into modern day music. Their repertoire consists of original music written by bandleader Spencer Sarkodie and other members of the band, alongside covers of Jazz Fusion standards and more.

EFG London Jazz Festival: NYJO Blueprint Orchestra
Saturday 21 November, 7.30pm | Milton Court
NYJO Blueprint Orchestra’s EFG London Jazz Festival debut. Our newest ensemble will perform the music of jazz trombone pioneer and educator, Bob Bookmeyer. This event is part of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama’s annual free Jazz Festival, celebrating the creativity and originality of the Guildhall Jazz community.

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra – Ellington’s Nutcracker
Monday 7 December, 7pm | Sinfonia Smith Square
Expect an uplifting and festive set, filled with big band versions of seasonal favourites, including Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite, Bing Crosby’s Winter Wonderland, Dean Martin’s Let It Snow and an English trad. version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.

 
 
About NYJO  
NYJO is a registered charity and an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation with a mission to bring jazz and improvised music to young musicians aged 14-25, and audiences across the country. We strongly believe in the power of jazz as a tool for social change and work to creatively nurture young people, empowering them to develop, personally and artistically, through high-quality, accessible, and inclusive learning programmes and professional live performances.  
With a strong commitment to making jazz and music making opportunities more evenly distributed across the UK, we work in collaboration with likeminded partners around the country to address access barriers to music education and deliver bespoke programmes that inspire young people to use jazz as a form of self-expression. 
 

Web:
http://www.nyjo.org.uk

 Instagram: @nyjouk 

Linkedin: nyjouk

Nominations announced for the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2026.

Wednesday, September 02, 2026

The nominations have today been announced for the 2026 Parliamentary Jazz Awards. The recipients will be announced on Tuesday 13th October 2026 at World Heart Beat, London.

We have received the following press release;

Nominations announced for the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2026.

The nominations have today been announced for the 2026 Parliamentary Jazz Awards. The Awards, are organised by the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG) and supported by the Musicians’ Union, the Royal Society of Musicians and UK Music. The recipients of the 2026 Parliamentary Jazz Awards will be announced on Tuesday 13th October 2026 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. The Martin Hummel Award to commemorate the life and work of Martin Hummel the CEO of Ubuntu Music will be announced on the night.

The Musicians’ Union is supporting the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2026 and in particular a new award to celebrate the work of Music Hubs and Schools Music Services. This new award is being organised by the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group with assistance of Music Mark and SoundStorm.

Following the online public vote for the Awards, the shortlist was then voted upon by a selection panel, representing a broad cross-section of backgrounds united in their passion and knowledge of jazz. The winners, chosen by members of the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG), will be announced on Tuesday 13th October 2026.

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 help keep jazz flourishing.  These shortlists demonstrate the wealth of talent and commitment that exists in the British jazz scene. Now in its 21st 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.”

“The Musicians’ Union is proud to support the 2026 Parliamentary Jazz Awards,” said Naomi Pohl, General Secretary of the MU. “This year’s shortlist showcases the phenomenal jazz talent thriving across the UK, as well as the vibrant communities that support them in every nation and region. Congratulations to all the nominees on their well-deserved recognition. Furthermore the MU is pleased to support the new award for music hubs at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards. Music hubs play a crucial role in the development of young talent and it is fantastic to see this work formally recognised”.

Charlotte Penton-Smith CEO of the Royal Society of Musicians said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the 2026 Parliamentary Jazz Awards for the first time and getting to play a part in recognising the finest jazz talent across the UK. Congratulations to all the nominees, we look forward to finding out who the winners are on the night from such a talented field.”

Tom Kiehl Chief Executive of UK Music said: “UK Music is delighted to again support the Parliamentary Jazz Awards. It is a fantastic celebration of Jazz’s contribution to our £8 billion music industry, and all the great achievements from the community over the past year.”

The Awards are supported by the Musicians’ Union who are a community of over 36,000 musicians working to protect their members’ rights and campaign for a fairer music industry. With additional support from the Royal Society of Musicians which provides vital financial assistance, advice and guidance to music professionals across the UK who have been impacted by physical or mental ill health. Our support is open to all professionals whether working as performers, teachers, technicians or anything in between. Further support is provided by UK Music which is the collective voice of the UK’s world-leading music industry. They represent all sectors of the UK music industry – bringing them together to collaborate, campaign, and champion music.
   

           
The full list of nominees is as follows:

Jazz Vocalist of the Year
Heidi Vogel
Lucy-Anne Daniels
Marvin Muoneke

Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year
Joe Webb
Yazz Ahmed
Deschanel Gordon

Jazz Album of the Year
“The Shieling” - Fergus McCredie
‘Sema4’ - ARQ
“Alleviate” - Donovan Haffner
“Riversphere Vol. 1” – Iain Ballamy

Jazz Ensemble of the Year
Knats
Tom Smith Big Band
Donovan Haffner Band

Jazz Newcomer of the Year
Olivia Cuttill
Sylvie Noble
Ursula Harrison

Jazz Venue of the Year
World Heart Beat (London)
The Sound Cellar (Poole)
Church of Sound (London)
Jazz Stroud (The Goods Shed)
The Bear Club (Luton)

Jazz Media Award
UK Jazz News
One Jazz
Richard Williams (The Blue Moment)

Jazz Education Award
Jazz at Leeds Conservatoire (Celebrating 60 years)
Julian Joseph Jazz Academy
New Generation Jazz -  Jazz Futures

Services to Jazz Award
Nikki Illes
Paul Jolly
Jean Toussaint

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 20th November 2025 are the Chair, Dame Chi Onwurah MP and Deputy Chair, Lord Mann. The Officers are Baroness Nicholson 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 Joe Paice.. 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/

Jazz North has announced the latest recipients of its promoter support scheme, New Northern.

Tuesday, September 01, 2026

Jazz North has announced the two jazz festivals & six jazz 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 jazz festivals and 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 two jazz festivals and six jazz promoters awarded bursaries to present emerging artists in their programmes through its support scheme, New Northern.

New Northern bursaries were awarded to -

Lancaster Jazz Festival

Leeds Jazz Festival

Jazz Coop, Newcastle upon Tyne

Parrjazz Limited, Liverpool

DJ Lubi Presents, Leeds

Footprints Jazz Club, Sheffield

Scarborough Jazz

North West Music Academy, Barrow-in-Furness

Chris Bye, Jazz North CEO, says:
“This round reminds us why New Northern really matters -  people backing people, and taking the risks that keep the northern jazz scene alive. Promoters and festivals are tackling real challenges on the ground to support the next generation - taking chances on new sounds, championing the underrepresented and making room for talent that might otherwise go unheard. That’s what this fund is for.
From grassroots spaces to integral festivals of the northern scene; from free community stages, to dedicated showcases, to whole fringe programmes; from Newcastle to Barrow, through Sheffield, Liverpool, Leeds and Lancaster, these bursaries will ease financial pressures, ensure fair pay for artists, and keep live jazz accessible for communities across our region.”

The 26/27 New Northern recipients will be using their bursaries in a range of ways to promote emerging talent across the north of England.

E Jamieson - Footprints Jazz Club, Sheffield
Footprints Jazz Club supports up-and-coming jazz bands and artists in Sheffield through regular jams and development activities. The New Northern bursary will be used to platform four of these acts in support slots for larger (touring) jazz artists over the coming months.

Jonathan Butters - Parrjazz Limited, Liverpool
The Liverpool International Jazz Festival Fringe, 26-28 February 2027, will provide paid performance opportunities for grassroots, jazz-spectrum artists from the Liverpool City Region. The programme will showcase original music and innovative collaborations, creating opportunities for artists to develop their performance skills, build audiences and connect with other musicians, venues and promoters.

Lesley Faulkner - North West Music Academy, Barrow-in-Furness
The bursary award will support Jazz@NWMA - their planned jazz music programme for 2026-27. Enabling them to platform emerging northern jazz artists alongside established performers and in addition to a programme of jazz workshops for young people in Barrow-in-Furness.

Debra Milne - Jazz Coop, Newcastle upon Tyne
The Globe, owned and run by Jazz Coop, has become the pre-eminent small venue for jazz in Tyneside, with a weekly Sunday night programme. In spring 2027 this will feature two special gigs, each a ‘Jazz North Double Header’, bringing to Newcastle two great emerging bands from the north of England. 

Lubi Jovanovic - DJ Lubi Presents, Leeds
DJ Lubi will present two exciting emerging artist shows; one celebrating the music and life of Xero Slingsby - one of Leeds’ cult jazz musicians and punk jazz pioneers of the 80s’ - and the second showcasing the growing interest in the Leeds jazz scene for world jazz - Latin jazz, Brazilian jazz, Afro jazz.

Bob Walker - Scarborough Jazz
The New Northern bursary will support Scarborough Jazz Presents Murray Robinson’s NPCs - an eleven-piece jazz collective dedicated to bringing original, high energy arrangements of video game music to all audiences, whether they are gamers or jazz lovers.

Lucy Woolley - Lancaster Jazz Festival
Lancaster Jazz Festival will use this bursary to expand the Ignite Programme; building on their commitment to platforming emerging artists. The Ignite programme supports opportunities for emerging artists to present exceptional performances and gives them resources to support their future development.

Kieron Ferries - Leeds Jazz Festival
Leeds Jazz Festival will return for its sixth edition in May 2027. With the support of Jazz North’s New Northern Fund, they’re excited to welcome back their community stage and provide new opportunities for emerging talent from across the North to play in Leeds.

Speaking about her bursary, successful New Northern promoter Debra Milne from Jazz Coop, Newcastle upon Tyne said:
“Jazz gigs, jam sessions and Learning & Participation have been a core part of The Globe’s multi-genre programme since it became the UK’s first Cooperative owned Grassroots Music Venue in 2014.  We are delighted to have support from Jazz North to host 2 special gigs to bring to Newcastle great emerging jazz artists from across the North of England”.

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

Guildford Jazz - Programme for October 2026.

Monday, August 31, 2026

Mick Thomas has forwarded details of forthcoming events at Guildford Jazz. Performers include Nicolas Meier, Martin Shaw, Five Way Split, Nigel Price, Libor Šmoldas. Fully detailed listings attached.

Mick Thomas writes;

Nicolas Meier World Group Sextet at Guildford Jazz, The Stoke Inn, Guildford,
Surrey
Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
More details
Nicolas Meier Sextet
Friday 2 October from 20.00 to 22.00 (doors open 19.00) at the Stoke Inn, Stoke Road Rd, Guildford GU1 4JN
This closing event of the Guildford Jazz & Soul Festival from guitarist Nicolas Meier’s Sextet includes the official launch of their latest album “Elysian Drift”, awarded ‘Editor’s Choice’ in September’s Jazzwise magazine. Featuring vocalist Randolph Matthews, violinist Richard Jones, percussionist Demi Garcia Sabat, pianist Alex Hutton and electric bassist Paul Michael.
Meier’s unique style of playing, incorporating jazz, classical and Turkish influences, came to the attention of Jeff Beck, who asked Nic to join his band for 3 world tours. For more details and to book tickets visit 
https://www.guildfordjazz.org.uk

Martin Shaw at Guildford Jazz, The Guildford Institute, Guildford, Surrey
Date: Monday, October 5, 2026
More details
Martin Shaw
Monday 5 October from 14.00 to 15.00 (doors open for lunch at 12.00) at the Guildford Institute, Ward St, Guildford GU1 4LH
Trumpeter Martin Shaw is one of our finest and most versatile jazz musicians, appearing in a wide range of musical settings from big bands to small ensembles, and playing everything from cutting-edge jazz to contemporary pop and classical music. He has also recorded with some of the biggest pop acts‚ including Sting, Jamiroquai and Natalie Cole. With the brilliant Robin Aspland, whose career includes six years as Musical Director for Van Morrison, on piano and Marianne Windham on bass.
For more details and to book tickets visit
 https://www.guildfordjazz.org.uk

Five-Way Split at Guildford Jazz, The Guildford Pavilion, Guildford, Surrey
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
More details
Five-Way Split
Thursday 8 October from 20.00 to 22.15 (doors open 19.00) at the Guildford Pavilion, Woodbridge Rd, Guildford GU1 4RP
Five-Way Split features some of the finest jazz musicians in the UK. Fronted by renowned trumpet star Quentin Collins and Greek saxophone phenomenon Vasilis Xenopoulos, the rhythm section features inspirational pianist Rob Barron, virtuosic bassist Matyas Hofecker and dynamic drummer Matt Home.
Inspired by classic bop outfits such as Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers the band have created exciting and innovative contemporary bop- based music, which you can hear on their two critically acclaimed albums or, better still, at this live concert.
For more details and to book tickets visit 
https://www.guildfordjazz.org.uk

Price-Smoldas Quartet at Guildford Jazz, The Guildford Pavilion, Guildford, Surrey
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
More details
Price-Smoldas Quartet
Wednesday 28 October from 20.00 to 22.15 (doors open 19.00) at the Guildford Pavilion, Woodbridge Rd, Guildford GU1 4RP
With their irrepressible will to play ‘no nonsense’ jazz, tinged with blues and soul, these two guitarists clicked immediately on first meeting. Prague-based jazz
guitarist Libor Šmoldas has worked and recorded with a range of international stars and released eight albums as a leader while multi-award-winning and world- class jazz guitarist Nigel Price has played on more than 60 albums including 10 as a leader and 5 with James Taylor’s band. With Marianne Windham on bass and Theo Hayhurst on drums.
For more details and to book tickets visit
 https://www.guildfordjazz.org.uk

World Heart Beat, London, Unveils Silk Road Music Festival Featuring International Artists from Across Asia, Europe and Africa, October - December 2026.

Friday, August 28, 2026

From 3 October to 12 December 2026, World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens in Nine Elms will host 9 exceptional concerts celebrating the rich artistic traditions that flourished along the historic Silk Road

We have received the following press release;

This autumn, World Heart Beat’s inaugural Silk Road Music Festival invites audiences on a remarkable musical journey across continents, cultures and centuries. From 3 October to 12 December 2026, World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens in Nine Elms will host nine exceptional concerts featuring internationally acclaimed artists, celebrating the rich artistic traditions that flourished along the historic Silk Road and exploring the creative exchanges and evolving musical dialogues that continue to connect and inspire musicians and audiences around the world.

The festival opens with the captivating devotional spirit of Sufi Qawwali Night (Saturday 3 October) performed by the Khan Brothers with Ustad Haji Ameer Khan combining powerful vocals, rhythmic percussion and soaring melodies; a vibrant fusion of Bengali song and London jazz with Sahana Bajpaie (Sunday 4 October); Olcay Bayir (Saturday 17 October) brings her distinctive contemporary take on Anatolian folk music, weaving together the rich musical traditions of her Turkish heritage with modern influence; Chinese classical traditions with Pianist Siqian Li and Guzheng Virtuoso Kang Yang (Friday 30 October) bring the elegance and expressive depth of Chinese classical traditions; Lucine Musaelian & The Khio Trio (Friday 6 November) bring the evocative beauty of Armenian folk music drawing on centuries-old melodies, rhythms and storytelling traditions through a vibrant contemporary ensemble sound; South-Asian classical masters Ustad Kamal Sabri and Ustad Tari Khan (Saturday 7 November) come together for an exceptional Peace Through Music Concert celebrating the rich traditions of Indian classical music, bringing the distinctive sounds of sarangi and tabla to the stage; Singer-songwriter Amira Kheir (Thursday 19 November) offers an intimate and captivating expression of Sudanese culture, identity and storytelling; Jazz Pianist Julian Joseph and Tabla Maestro Alok Verma (Friday 20 November) bring together the expressive language of jazz with the intricate rhythms of Indian classical music; Lydia Shariff (Saturday 12 December) brings diverse music traditions including Baroque opera and Persian poetry to Urdu ghazals, Armenian lullabies, jazz and contemporary works.

Programme Highlights
Saturday 3 October – Sufi Qawwali Night – The Khan Brothers with Ustad Haji Ameer Khan
Sunday 4 October – Where Bengal Meets London Jazz – Sahana Bajpaie
Saturday 17 October – Olcay Bayir – Contemporary Anatolian folk
Friday 30 October – Echoes of the Silk Wind – Siqian Li & Kang Yang
Friday 6 November – Music from Armenia – Lucine Musaelian & The Khio Trio
Saturday 7 November – Peace Through Music – Ustad Kamal Sabri & Ustad Tari Khan
Thursday 19 November – Amira Kheir – Nubian Jazz
Friday 20 November – When The Roads Meet – Julian Joseph & Alok Verma
Saturday 12 December - The Songs She Carried: Women’s Voices Across the Silk Road - Lydia Shariff

Since opening in 2023, World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens has become known by musicians and critics alike as one of South London’s finest hidden gems. Referenced by Jazzwise with its ‘new high-tech surround sound system as part of its diverse spring-summer jazz line-up’; UK Jazz News as “one of South London’s best kept secrets for serious music lovers”, the Camden New Journal as “an oasis of civilisation and humanity in a soulless world’ and ranked by Shortlist as ‘amongst London’s top jazz venues in 2025, praising its ‘astonishingly vivid’ sound’. 

Every ticket purchased supports more than an unforgettable evening of live music, with proceeds helping to fund World Heart Beat Music Academy’s bursary programme, giving young people facing financial or social barriers access to high-quality music education, instruments and performance opportunities, empowering them to discover their potential through music.

Sahana Gero, Artistic Director and Founder of World Heart Beat said:
“The Silk Road was a meeting place for the exchange of ideas, stories and cultures. Our inaugural Silk Road Festival celebrates that spirit by bringing together exceptional artists from around the world, combining traditional music with contemporary interpretations and fusions. Through their performances, we celebrate the power of music to spark curiosity, create connections, and bring people together across cultures.”

Silk Road Music Festival Programme

October

Saturday 3 October 2026 | 19:30 | Sufi Qawwali night performed by the Khan Brothers with Ustad Haji Ameer Khan
Global / Pakistani / Qawwali
The Khan Brothers Qawwali Group is the UK’s first professional qawwali ensemble to be established in more than three decades. Led by acclaimed Sufi maestro Ustad Haji Ameer Khan Qawwal, the group continues a distinguished musical lineage rooted in the renowned Rampur Gharana. As the son of the legendary Ustad Latafat Hussain Khan, whose students included celebrated Bollywood composer Naushad Ali and members of the Sabri Brothers, Ustad Haji Ameer Khan carries forward a rich musical heritage. Together, the ensemble brings the powerful devotional tradition of Sufi qawwali to contemporary audiences.

Sunday 4 October 2026 | 16:00 | Sahana Bajpaie: Where Bengal Meets London Jazz
Bengali Folk / Contemporary Jazz
Acclaimed vocalist Dr Sahana Bajpaie joins forces with an extraordinary trio of internationally respected musicians—saxophonist Idris Rahman, master percussionist Mawulikplimi (Noel) Dossavi, and a special guest pianist—to reimagine the rich traditions of Bengali music. Renowned for her distinctive contemporary interpretation of Bengali song, Bajpaie brings a fresh perspective to sacred and folk repertoire, blending timeless Eastern melodies with sophisticated jazz improvisation and contemporary Western harmonies. Together, they create a captivating cross-cultural performance that celebrates musical dialogue, innovation, and the enduring spirit of the Silk Road.

Saturday 17 October 2026 | 19:30 | Olcay Bayir
Contemporary / Folk
Celebrated singer-songwriter Olcay Bayir brings her distinctive blend of contemporary and Anatolian folk music drawing on the rich traditions and poetic heritage of her homeland while embracing the diverse influences of London. Seamlessly weaving traditional repertoire with original compositions, her music explores themes of exile, womanhood, memory and belonging. Anchored by her powerful yet intimate voice, Bayir’s emotionally charged performance offers a moving and deeply personal celebration of Anatolian musical traditions reimagined for contemporary audiences.

Friday 30 October 2026 | 19:30 | Echoes of the Silk Wind: Siqian Li + Kang Yang
Classical / Folk / Global
Echoes of the Silk Wind is a captivating musical journey curated by Chinese pianist Siqian Li, featuring guzheng virtuoso and baritone Kang Yang in the opening set. The programme traces the cultural pathways of the historic Silk Road, beginning with works inspired by China’s landscapes, poetry and Uyghur traditions before travelling westwards through the Caucasus and Anatolia to Andalusia. Featuring music by composers including Fazil Say, Albéniz, Babajanian and Chu Wanghua, the performance reveals the shared musical threads connecting diverse regions, celebrating centuries of cultural exchange and the enduring influence of the Silk Road across continents.

November

Friday 6 November 2026 | 19:30 | Lucine Musaelian & The Khio Trio (Music from Armenia)
Contemporary / Folk
The programme showcases Lucine Musaelian’s distinctive artistry, featuring her expressive vocals accompanied by the viola da gamba and enriched by an evocative ensemble of instruments including kaval, clarinet, piano, percussion and vielle. Audiences are invited into an intimate and immersive soundscape where Armenian musical traditions meet contemporary expression, unfolding through themes of memory, emotion and identity. This deeply atmospheric performance demonstrates how heritage can remain alive and evolving, continually reimagined for new generations.

Saturday 7 November 2026 | 19:30 | Ustad Kamal Sabri & Ustad Tari Khan: Peace through Music
Global / Pakistani / Indian
Two legendary figures of South Asian classical music, Ustad Kamal Sabri and Ustad Tari Khan, come together for a powerful Peace Through Music concert celebrating the unifying language of music. Internationally acclaimed sarangi maestro, composer and educator Ustad Kamal Sabri represents the seventh generation of the 400-year-old Moradabad Gharana, carrying forward a distinguished tradition of musical excellence. Joining him is world-renowned Pakistani tabla maestro Ustad Tari Khan, celebrated for his electrifying virtuosity and profound mastery of the Punjab gharana style.

Thursday 19 November 2026 | 19:30 | Amira Kheir
Jazz / Global / Rock
Described by BBC World News as “The Diva of the Sudanese Desert”, Amira Kheir has emerged as one of the most distinctive voices from Africa and the Middle East. Drawing inspiration from her Sudanese heritage, she creates a powerful fusion of jazz, soul, rock, desert blues and experimental sounds, a unique style she describes as Nubian Jazz. Since the release of her critically acclaimed 2011 album View From Somewhere, Amira has captivated audiences worldwide with music that honours tradition while embracing contemporary expression. Rich in storytelling, authenticity and emotional depth, her artistry offers a compelling celebration of Sudan’s cultural heritage and its global musical connections.

Friday 20 November 2026 | 19:30 | When The Roads Meet: Julian Joseph and Alok Verma
Jazz / Indian classical / electronic percussion
Acclaimed jazz pianist Julian Joseph, renowned for his deep appreciation of global folk traditions and their influence on jazz and classical music, joins forces with virtuoso tabla maestro Alok Verma for an inspiring musical collaboration. Following their acclaimed first encounter in Atmospheres in Audio Theatre, the duo continues to explore the rich possibilities of rhythm, improvisation and shared musical heritage in their Silk Road Duet—a powerful meeting of cultures, traditions and contemporary creativity.

December

12 December 2026 | 19:30 The Songs She Carried: Women’s Voices Across the Silk Road
Classical / Vocal / Opera
British mezzo-soprano Lydia Shariff, celebrated for her commanding stage presence and rich, expressive voice, presents a captivating musical journey along the Silk Road. Baroque opera, Persian poetry, Urdu ghazals, Armenian lullabies, jazz and contemporary works come together in a journey across cultures and centuries tracing women’s voices, stories and songs.

Venue Details:
Address: World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens, 3 Ponton Rd, Nine Elms, London SW11 7BD

About World Heart Beat
In 2023, World Heart Beat opened World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens, a state-of-the-art digital music education and concert venue in Nine Elms, featuring a 200-capacity auditorium and industry-standard recording studio. Through our Music Leader and EMERGE training programmes, and GLA-funded South London Music Mentors, programme we are supporting Black, culturally diverse, female, and LGBT+ South London talent to find their path in the music industry.
Wandsworth-based World Heart Beat Music Academy was founded in 2009 to meet the need for affordable music education, from grassroots to professional level, for South Londoners, no matter what their age, background, or skills. Fronted by award-winning musician and educator Sahana Gero MBE, World Heart Beat is a leading music educator and hub – supported by Arts Council England as an NPO, and known for its inclusive global music programmes, youth-led approach and contribution to a more diverse and representative music sector.
The charity provides music tuition and performances opportunities for c.446 young people each year outside of school hours. World Heart Beat’s mission is to provide opportunities for all, with an ‘open door’ approach that welcomes any young person interested in learning music. This commitment sees them providing bursaries and free instruments to more than half of the students that come through their door.
World Heart Beat Music Academy Ltd. is a registered charity in England & Wales. Registered Number: 1139579.

Kidderminster Jazz Club announces new shows for 2027.

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Kidderminster Jazz Club has announced two new shows for 2027 with Art Themen visiting in February and Sara Oschlag in March. Full details attached.

From;
https://www.kidderminsterjazzclub.co.uk/2026-2027-season-show

Art Themen Trio
Kidderminster Jazz Club
Fri, Feb 5, 2027 @ 7:00PM
£15.00
An exciting and inventive saxophonist, Art Themen has been an appealing presence on the British jazz circuit for over 60 years. 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 and shortlisted for the Jazz Instrumentalist of the year in the recent Parliamentary Jazz Awards, this living legend has famously combined his role as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with saxophone duties in the bands of Alexis Korner and Stan Tracey as well as recordings with Joe Cocker, Jack Bruce and even Bing Crosby. Described by THE OBSERVER as “One of the tiny handful of undeniably perfect jazz musicians”, he remains as brilliant and inimitable as ever. Themen’s organ trio features organist Pete Whittaker, formerly of The Nigel Price Organ Trio, and drummer George Double who has worked as sideman to Shirley Bassey and Jack Jones. The band’s groove-led re-imaginings of quirky curiosities from the jazz canon act as a perfect vehicle for the twinkly mischief of this genuine grandee of British jazz and have delighted crowds at over 100 gigs at Ronnie Scott’s, The Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room, the 606 club in Chelsea and across the UK.
The Band
Art Themen - Saxophonist
Pete Whittaker - Organist
George Double - Drummer

Sara Oschlag Trio
Kidderminster Jazz Club
Fri, Mar 5, 2027 @ 7:00PM
Danish-born Brighton resident Sara Oschlag has quietly established herself as is one of the UK’s premier jazz vocalists. She is a regular performer at leading jazz festivals and venues, including Ronnie Scott’s, Love Supreme Festival, Jazz at The Lincoln Center and Pizza Express, has sung at events all across Europe, and has built up a YouTube presence of over 12 million views. Equally at home in the role of band leader as she is as a much in-demand special guest, she has recently appeared as featured vocalist with the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, Pete Long’s Echoes of Ellington Big Band and Arnie Somogyi’s Scenes in The City Band, and duetted with US trumpet/vocal star Benny Benack III for Brighton Jazz Festival.
In 2024 Sara produced a new album, ‘YEAH!’. Released to widespread critical acclaim, it was chosen as ‘Album Of The Week’ on Danish Radio’s dedicated jazz channel, P8.
“A unique and individual voice making interesting material effortlessly her own. A singer with a natural musician’s ear and beautiful sense of swing.” Claire Martin – Five-time winner of the British Jazz Awards for Best Vocalist.
“Sara Oschlag, with her spot-on intonation, swinging feel and ability to get inside a song, has now firmly established herself in the front rank of U.K. jazz vocalists. She can handle with aplomb any situation from jam session to heavily arranged big bands and has the rare skill of instantly connecting with her audiences.” Alan Barnes – Multi award-winning jazz saxophonist and clarinettist.
The Band
Sara Oschlag • vocals
Marcus Coates • piano
Arnie Somogyi • bass

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

Brecon Jazz Club Diary Dates 2026/27.

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Brecon Jazz Club has announced its programme for September 2026 to February 2027. Schedule attached.

We have received the following information;

Brecon Jazz Club Diary Dates 2026/27

AUTUMN/WINTER 2026

TUESDAY EVENINGS
  Tuesday 15 September 8pm - Zoe Gilby & Dave Jones Trio
  Tuesday 13 October 8pm - ORGANIK Trio w/ Deirdre Cartwright (Supported by Arts Council Wales Noson Allan / Night Out Scheme)

SUNDAY AFTERNOONS
Sunday 15 November 2.30pm - Gareth Roberts’ Brass Band Bychan
Sunday 13 December 2.30pm - Little Rumba w/ vocalist

NEW YEAR 2027
Tuesday 12 January 8pm - Jack Pearce Band + Guest
  Tuesday 9 February 8pm - Jean Guyomarc’h & Friends

ALL WELCOME - SAVE THE DATES!

Doors open 30 minutes before start / Bar has hot & cold drinks

VENUE: The Muse, Glamorgan Street, Brecon LD3 7DW

Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)    Tickets: https://breconjazz.org/tickets

Tickets are £14 earlybird / £15 standard / £16 on the door / & PWYC/Youth option.

Dave Jones - forthcoming live dates.

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Port Talbot based pianist and composer has informed us his forthcoming live shows with a variety of different line-ups.

Dave Jones writes;

Re future gigs for my own bands, here’s what I have coming up very soon, and then also into next year for ‘Stratospheric’.

24 August: Noah’s Yard, Swansea Uplands (eve) - Dave Jones acoustic Quintet (ft. Andy Hague, Ben Waghorn etc)

4 Sept: Swansea Jazz Festival, The Observatory, 5pm - Trunk of Funk

6 Sept:  Swansea Jazz Festival, The Cross Keys, 2pm - ‘Stratospheric’

And then 2027…

22 Jan: Trowbridge, The Civic (eve) - ‘Stratospheric’
https://thecivictrowbridge.co.uk/tc-events/dave-jones-stratospheric/

EFG London Jazz Festival, 13th - 22nd November 2026, announces further names.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Among the most recent batch of names to be announced are Anoushka Shankar, Yazz Ahmed + Sarathy Korwar joining Asha Puthli. Press released attached.

We have received the following release;

EFG London Jazz Festival Announce further names and special guests for 2026 including Anoushka Shankar, Yazz Ahmed + Sarathy Korwar joining Asha Puthli Le Boom + AE MAK, Córas Trio, Memotone + Shell Company and more

Turkish Airlines returns as presenting partner of the Global Connections series for 2026
13 - 22 November

Tickets available here
https://efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk/

EFG London Jazz Festival today shares more new additions to its 2026 programme, including new shows, special guests and collaborations from across the UK and beyond. Returning from 13–22 November, the Festival continues to bring together world-renowned artists like Goldie, Melody Gardot, Fatoumata Diawara, Mariza and Brandford Marsalis & Dianne Reeves, emerging talent and ambitious new projects across venues throughout the capital.

Turkish Airlines returns as presenting partner of the Festival’s Global Connections series, celebrating the international collaborations and cross-cultural exchange at the heart of EFG London Jazz Festival. Delivered in partnership with the world’s most connected airline, this year’s series brings together an outstanding lineup of artists from across the globe, with performances by L’Antidote + Naïssam Jalal & Roberto Negro: Landscapes of Eternity (Cadogan Hall, 14 Nov), Mariza (Royal Festival Hall, 15 Nov), Roberto Fonseca & Vincent Segal (Cadogan Hall, 17 Nov), Fatoumata Diawara (Roundhouse, 18 Nov), and The Joy (Barbican, 22 Nov), reflecting the Festival’s commitment to showcasing exceptional international talent on London’s stages.

Among today’s announcements, sitarist Anoushka Shankar, trumpeter Yazz Ahmed and percussionist Sarathy Korwar are the first special guests confirmed to join pioneering vocalist, actor and producer Asha Puthli for The Cosmic Voyager at the Barbican (14 Nov). Announced last month, the concert celebrates Puthli’s extraordinary career spanning avant-garde jazz, Indian classical music, cosmic disco and electronic music, with the three acclaimed artists joining a specially curated cast of contemporary musicians for this rare UK performance.

At Village Underground, Irish electronic duo Le Boom join forces with multidisciplinary artist AE MAK (15 Nov), while Belfast’s Córas Trio perform at Vortex (19 Nov) who bring a striking contemporary approach to Irish traditional music by deconstructing traditional melodies with electronics and collective improvisation. Both shows are part of a wider strand of Irish music running through this year’s Festival including the previously announced Muireann Bradley - (Stone Nest, 13 Nov) and Robocobra Quartet (ICA, 19 Nov) with more to be revealed in September.

EFG London Jazz Festival will continue late into the night with an after party until 3am at Hackney Wick’s Colour Factory (20 Nov) with Marla Kether, Ri Mistry and powered by sound system collective Shortlist Sound. More names will be announced closer to the event.

EFG London Jazz Festival spans multiple London boroughs, and this year percussionist, composer and producer Sarathy Korwar - who has just been announced for the Asha Puthli show - is performing two sets at Barking Riverside on the opening day (13 Nov). The first set will be solo ahead of being joined by London-based saxophonist, woodwind player and composer Chris Williams for the closing set. The concert offers an early glimpse of the wider Barking Riverside programme, with further details set to be announced in September.

At Kings Place, participants of this year’s Milestones - a professional development programme run by Serious for young and emerging producers - take the lead on producing their own event. Memotone and Shell Company come together for an intimate matinee performance (21 Nov), bringing two distinctive voices from the UK’s ambient music landscape to the Festival. Moving between jazz, drone, psychedelic rock, contemporary classical music and atmospheric electronics, the concert creates a space for close listening and reflection. The event is the culmination of five months of work with Serious by the Milestones cohort, a programme supporting young people building careers across the live music industry, giving participants the opportunity to bring this one-off show to the stage.

A number of previously announced headline shows also welcome newly confirmed opening sets. South African Thanda Choir - who are also performing alongside Melody Gardot at the Royal Albert Hall - join Malian singer, songwriter and guitarist Fatoumata Diawara at the Roundhouse (18 Nov), while Argentine trio and new Verve Records signing TRÍADA support Norwegian-Brazilian singer and composer Charlotte dos Santos at Union Chapel the same evening. Scottish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alex Cornish opens for Morcheeba at Troxy on the Festival’s opening night (13 Nov); Cornish has previously toured and performed with artists including Kathryn Williams, Tom McRae, Alison Moyet and Amy Macdonald. British-Canadian vocalist Rian Peters will open for Lizz Wright with Kenny Banks Sr. at Cadogan Hall (14 Nov).

Together, these new additions join an already expansive 2026 programme featuring major performances from Goldie, Melody Gardot, Mariza, Fatoumata Diawara, Alfredo Rodrigues & Pedrito Martinez, Anouar Brahem, Branford Marsalis & Dianne Reeves, Samara Joy, Ben Folds, Morcheeba, GoGo Penguin and more. Across ten days and venues throughout the capital, EFG London Jazz Festival continues to bring together international icons, boundary-pushing collaborations and the next generation of artists, reflecting the breadth and ambition that has made it one of the world’s leading celebrations of jazz and creative music.

EFG London Jazz Festival 2026

Fri 13 Nov
Sarathy Korwar - Barking Riverside
Morcheeba + Alex Cornish - Troxy
Muireann Bradley - Stone Nest
Opening Gala: Jazz Voice - Royal Festival Hall
Coltrane 100: Joe Lovano, Melissa Aldana, Nduduzo Makhathini, Linda May Han Oh, Jeff “Tain” Watts - Both Directions at Once - Barbican
Emma-Jean Thackray presents Dear Miles - A Love Letter - EartH Theatre
Fergus McCreadie - Kings Place

Sat 14 Nov
Asha Puthli: The Cosmic Voyager with special guests Anoushka Shankar + Yazz Ahmed - Barbican
Faris Ishaq - Stone Nest (matinee)
L’Antidote + Naïssam Jalal & Roberto Negro: Landscapes of Eternity - Cadogan Hall
Goldie: ‘Dare to Dream’ - Royal Festival Hall (matinee and evening show)
Caravan Palace - British Airways ARC
Rita Wilson - Purcell Room

Sun 15 Nov
Le Boom + AE MAK - Village Underground
Constantinople: ESTUARY - Kiya Tabassian, Ablaye Cissoko, Patrick Graham - Kings Place Hall One
Mariza - Royal Festival Hall
Yasuaki Shimizu - Milton Court
Dave Okumu & Friends present DVTN: Music Changes the World: from Nina Simone to Sly Stone - Union Chapel
Manu Delago x Max ZT - Stone Nest (matinee and evening show)
Ambrose Akinmusire Quartet - Kings Place Hall One
Anouar Brahem - Barbican
Lizz Wright with Kenny Banks Sr. + Rian Peters - Cadogan Hall
Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez - KOKO
The Meltdown - Jazz Cafe

Mon 16 Nov
Tyreek McDole - Lower Third
Melody Gardot + Lubiana - Royal Albert Hall
GoGo Penguin - KOKO

Tue 17 Nov
Roberto Fonseca & Vincent Segal - Cadogan Hall
Maarja Nuut + Shards ‘Combing Hair Into Sand’ - Milton Court
Matt Carmichael - Cecil Sharp House
GoGo Penguin - KOKO
Sam Gendel & Sam Wilkes - Union Chapel

Wed 18 Nov
Fatoumata Diawara + Thanda Choir - Roundhouse
Charlotte dos Santon + TRÍADA - Union Chapel
Juliette Lemoine + Emyr Penry Dance + Lucy-Anne Daniels - Elgar Room
Andy Sheppard Trio + Norma Winstone & Kit Downes - Cadogan Hall
Ayanna Witter-Johnson - 93 Feet East
PREP - KOKO
Rymden - Jazz Cafe

Thu 19 Nov
Córas Trio - Vortex
Bongeziwe Mabandla + Zola Marcelle - Union Chapel
Martin Taylor & Guy Barker: The Spirit of Django - Smith Square Hall
Robocobra Quartet - ICA
Soweto Kinch x LSO - Barbican
Isaiah Sharkey - Jazz Cafe

Fri 20 Nov
Colour Factory x EFG LJF after party with Marla Kether Ri Mistry + more
Church Of Sound 10th Birthday | British Jazz Songbook - Barbican
Tania Giannouli & Nils Peter Molvaer - Cadogan Hall
Ben Folds - Royal Festival Hall
Kronos Quartet - Queen Elizabeth Hall

Sat 21 Nov
Memotone + Shell Company - Kings Place, Hall Two
Guildhall Session Orchestra presents Vangelis; Albedo 0.39 Directed by Mike Roberts - Queen Elizabeth Hall (matinee and evening show)
David Kayode + Marlon The Pannist -  The Pit (Barbican)
Haruki Murakami’s Jazz at Peter Cat: a Japanese Jazz Night - Barbican (matinee and evening show)
Gerald Clayton Trio - Cadogan Hall
Branford Marsalis + Dianne Reeves Celebrate John Coltrane - British Airways ARC
Emma Rawicz’s Cloudwalker - Kings Place

Sun 22 Nov
The Joy - Barbican
Olivia Cuttill Quintet + un.procedure - Kings Place Hall Two (matinee)
Swingin’ With Strings: Ella and Louis sing the George Gershwin Songbook - Cadogan Hall
Kyoto Jazz Massive ft. Echoes of a New Dawn Orchestra - Islington Assembly Hall
Vital Spark (Music of Kenny Wheeler) Dave Holland, Norma Winstone & London Vocal Project - Kings Place Hall One
Samara Joy - Royal Festival Hall
Cécile McLorin Salvant with BBC Concert Orchestra - Queen Elizabeth Hall

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://www.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

Music Spoken Here, Worcester -  ‘Basses Loaded!’ series 2026/27.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Music Spoken Here will present a series of concerts featuring bands led by electric bassists as part of its 2026/27 season. Events take place at The Marr's Bar, Worcester.

Dave Fuller of Music Spoken Here writes;

Basses Loaded!

We started our programme at The Marr’s Bar last year with a series of gigs celebrating drummers as composers and band leaders, with Jas Kayser & Chums (23/1), Impossible Conversations (13/3), Miranda Radford Quartet (27/2) and Sacred Funk Quartet (13/3).

Our upcoming Autumn / Winter season shifts our attention to another essential role of the rhythm section with four bands throughout the season featuring electric bassists as band leader and composer.

Boomslang open the season on Thursday 10th September, a jazz fusion powerhouse led by bassist Kyle Welch. I saw them play at Dead Wax in Digbeth earlier this year and they certainly deliver the goods, fusing high-intensity jazz virtuosity with the driving energy of drum & bass, the weight of hard rock and the sonic edge of electronic production.

As featured in last week’s newsletter, Brazilian bassist Frederico Heliodoro embarks on his European tour next month with just two dates in the UK. He’ll be with us on Thursday 17th September, performing progressive, modern music from Brazil, combining jazz, electronic music, rock and blues with echoes of Milton Nascimento, Toninho Horta and Beto Guedes.

On Thursday 28th January, Gloucestershire bassist Jules Jackson is set to bring his band Equal Measures, playing original jazz fusion that takes inspiration from Scott Henderson and Tribal Tech, The Yellowjackets, 70s-era Herbie Hancock, John Scofield, Lyle Mays, Vince Mendoza and Michael Brecker.

Last up in this series is Galway-based, in-demand session bassist Karl Clews, who will be performing with his trio on Thursday 25th February. Karl plays very much in the style of Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Mark King, featuring the bass as a lead instrument. In addition to four original music albums - Dissident (2020), Navigator (2021), Nomad (2022) and And/Or (2024), he’s released a three-volume series of ‘Essentials’ albums, covering jazz-funk / fusion classics (Vol 1), classic TV themes (Vol 2) and a tribute to Level 42 (vol 3). This is a very rare opportunity to see Karl perform live in the UK.

Don’t forget that our Club Members enjoy complimentary, guaranteed admission and seating for all our “Kind of Jazz” gigs on Thursday nights, for just £20 per month. Pricing will go up in January, but if you sign up before 31st December, you’ll pay £20 for as long as you keep your membership active. For more information, visit our website.

https://musicspokenhere.club/

Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music 2026, line-up announced.

Sunday, August 16, 2026

The line up has been announced for the Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music which will take places at various venues from 24th September to 4th October. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

We’re absolutely delighted to announce funding has been secured for Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music 2026 and gratefully acknowledge Arts Council England along with our partners and investors for their support. Tickets are now on sale.

More than 67 musicians will feature over 26 performances in 9 days across 7 of the region’s top music venues including Gosforth Civic Theatre, The Cluny, The Cumberland Arms, The Globe, The Lubberfiend, The Lit and Phil and Glasshouse International Centre for Music.

We’ve commissioned Manon McCoy and Emmy Lambert to create our festival interludes, Jon Bradley will make two performances at the historic Edith Adamson Carillon, and two great workshops lined up with Rachel Musson and Free The Aanimals.

It’s an absolutely fantastic programme with so many twists and turns, can’t wait to see you there!

As ever we feature an explosive mix of experimental and improvised music alongside some of the best contemporary jazz around.

Regular Portishead collaborators Get The Blessing are welcomed, this time with Radiohead regular Clive Deamer being replaced by Dave Smith, best known for his six years touring and recording with Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters. Sharing the bill will be the delectable art-pop sounds of Dilettante.

Adam Fairhall and Johnny Hunter bring their swinging tribute to Mary Lou Williams downstairs atthe legendary Cumberland Arms, and there’s a soft launch planned for the new album by John Pope Quintet, one of five releases coinciding with the festival through side hustle New Jazz and Improvised Music Recordings.

Internationally acclaimed Alex Hitchcock Quartet join us for a regular Sunday night jazz session at The Globe to close the festivals opening weekend.

Regular partners the South Asian GemArts organisation support us in promoting Arun Ghosh, Zoe Rahman, Urvashi and New Ways of Moving in the Counterworlds. Counterworlds also feature in the BBC Introducing From The Glasshouse programme with return visits from Helen Anahita Wilson and Juliana Day with Manon McCoy.

New to the festival this year is the DIY arts venue space Lubberfiend whose suggestion of the incredible Valentina Magaletti is to be complemented with the brand new duo of Steve Malley and Raymond MacDonald of Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra.

For our opening event at the festival’s spiritual home of the Lit and Phil, Alison Gill performs George Crumb’s Makrokosmos Book 1.

Andy Champion returns for one of his spellbinding double bass and electronics sets, joined by the compelling Zoë GIlby and Johnny Hunter voice and drums duo, having performed their first live dates in this pairing around the UK earlier this year.

Jeppe Zeeberg will be visiting us from Copenhagen to play one of his devastating solo piano shows, whilst accordionist Zbigniew Chojnacki will visit from Poland to play in an exclusive trio alongside Manon McCoy on harp and John Pope on double bass.

On Saturday we also see a rare outing from the Laura Cole driven Anemone Quartet, the night climaxes with the spiritual jazz sounds of Harper Trio, a rare Northern solo set from Alexander Hawkins, and closing with the powerhouse Olie Brice Quartet.

Our closing concert on Sunday afternoon will feature three acts who all feature in this years Jazz North artist development programme Ceitidh Mac, ATFK and Rivkala.

- Wesley Stephenson (Artistic Director and Festival Producer)

TICKETS

Most Tickets Available Through Jazz North East Seetickets
https://www.seetickets.com/tour/jazz-north-east

Tickets for Valentina Magaletti w/Steve Malley and Raymond MacDonald available through the Lubberfiend
https://www.fatsoma.com/e/wu6dtxes/newcastle-festival-of-jazz-and-improvised-music-presents-valentina-magaletti-w-steve-malley-and-raymond-macdonald

Tickets for BBC Introducing From The Glasshouse with artists from New Jazz and Improvised Music Recordings: New Ways of Moving in the Counterworlds / Juliana Day and Manon McCoy / Helen Anahita Wilson
https://theglasshouseicm.org/whats-on/bbc-introducing-from-the-glasshouse-jazz-north- east-30-09-26/

http://www.newcastlefestivalofjazzandimprovisedmusic.co.uk

CONCERTS
Arun Ghosh Sextet
Jon Bradley (The Edith Adamson Carillon)
Get The Blessing
Dilettante
Adam Fairhall and Johnny Hunter play Mary Lou Williams
John Pope Quintet
Urvashi
Alex Hitchcock Quartet
New Ways of Moving in the Counterworlds
Juliana Day and Manon McCoy
Helen Anahita Wilson
Valentina Magaletti
Steve Malley and Raymond MacDonald
Alison Gill (George Crumb Makrokosmos piano scores)
Zoë Gilby with Johnny Hunter
Andy Champion
Zoe Rahman Trio
Jeppe Zeeberg
Anemone Quartet
Zbigniew Chojnacki / Manon McCoy / John Pope
Harper Trio
Alexander Hawkins
Olie Brice Quartet
ATFK (Amy Thatcher and Francesca Knowles)
Ceitidh Mac
Rivkala

WORKSHOPS
Free The Aanimals at Ouseburn Farm (Tim Dalling / John Pope / Jeremy Bradfield)
Saxophone Choir at The Globe (Rachel Musson)

INTERLUDES (New Jazz and Improvised Music Recordings)
Manon McCoy with Emmy Lambert - Close In
https://newjazzandimprovisedmusicrecordings.bandcamp.com

NEWCASTLE FESTIVAL OF JAZZ AND IMPROVISED MUSIC 2026 - THE FULL SCHEDULE

Thursday 24th September: Doors 7.30pm (Gosforth Civic Theatre)
Arun Ghosh Sextet
https://www.seetickets.com/event/arun-ghosh-nfojaim-2026-/gosforth-civic-theatre/3668840

Friday 25th September: Performance 5.00pm - 6.00pm (Newcastle Civic Center)
Jon Bradley - The Edith Adamson Carillon
Free Entry - Just Show Up!

Friday 25th September: Doors 7.30pm (Cluny 2)
Get The Blessing + Dilettante (Solo)
https://www.seetickets.com/event/get-the-blessing-dilettante-nfojaim-2026-/the-cluny-2/3669621

Saturday 26th September: Doors 6.00pm (The Cumberland Arms - Downstairs Back Bar)
Adam Fairhall and Johnny Hunter play Mary Lou Williams
Free Entry - Just Show Up!

Saturday 26th September: Doors 7.30pm (The Cumberland Arms - Upstairs Room)
John Pope Quintet + Urvashi
https://www.seetickets.com/event/john-pope-quintet-urvashi-nfojaim-2026-/the-cumberland-arms/3672778

Sunday 27th September: Doors 11.15am / 12.15pm / 1.15pm (Ouseburn Farm Events Space)
Free The Aanimals - Music Workshop
https://www.seetickets.com/tour/jazz-north-east
Free Entry - Just Show Up! (Subject To Room Capacity / Advance Ticket Recommended)

Sunday 27th September: Doors 7.00pm (The Globe - Downstairs Bar)
Alex Hitchcock Quartet
https://www.seetickets.com/event/alex-hitchcock-quartet-nfojaim-2026-/the-globe/3670016

Wednesday 30th September: Doors 7.30pm (The Glasshouse)
New Ways of Moving In The Counterworlds + Juliana Day and Manon McCoy + Helen Anahita Wilson
https://theglasshouseicm.org/whats-on/bbc-introducing-from-the-glasshouse-jazz-north- east-30-09-26/

Thursday 1st October: Doors 7.00pm (The Lubberfiend)
Valentina Magaletti + Steve Malley and Raymond MacDonald
https://www.fatsoma.com/e/wu6dtxes/newcastle-festival-of-jazz-and-improvised-music-presents-valentina-magaletti-w-steve-malley-and-raymond-macdonald

Friday 2nd October: Doors 12.30pm (The Lit and Phil - Loftus Room)
Alison Gill - Makrokosmos
https://www.seetickets.com/event/alison-gill-makrokosmos-nfojaim-2026-/the-literary-and- philosophical-society/3675068

Friday 2nd October: Performance 5.00pm - 6.00pm (Newcastle Civic Center)
Jon Bradley - The Edith Adamson Carillon
Free Entry - Just Show Up!

Friday 2nd October: Doors 5.45pm (The Lit and Phil - Members Library Reference Room)
Zoe Gilby with Johnny Hunter + Andy Champion (Solo)
https://www.seetickets.com/event/gilby-and-hunter-andy-champion-nfojaim-2026-/the-literary- and-philosophical-society/3675069

Friday 2nd October: Doors 7.30pm (The Lit and Phil - The Loftus Room)
Zoe Rahman Trio
https://www.seetickets.com/event/zoe-rahman-trio-nfojaim-2026-/the-literary-and-philosophical-society/3672779

Saturday 3rd October: Doors 12.30pm (The Lit and Phil - Loftus Room)
Anemone Quartet + Jeppe Zeeberg (Solo)
https://www.seetickets.com/event/anemone-4tet-jeppe-zeeberg-nfojaim-2026-/the-literary-and-philosophical-society/3675074

Saturday 3rd October: Doors 5.30pm (The Lit and Phil - Members Library Reference Room)
Zbigniew Chojnacki / Manon McCoy / John Pope
https://www.seetickets.com/event/zbigniew-chojnacki-mccoy-pope-nfojaim-2026-/the-literary- and-philosophical-society/3700929

Saturday 3rd October: Doors 6.45pm (The Lit and Phil - Loftus Room)
Olie Brice Quartet + Alexander Hawkins (Solo) + Harper Trio
https://www.seetickets.com/event/olie-brice-4-hawkins-harper-trio-nfojaim-2026-/the-literary-and-philosophical-society/3675073

Sunday 4th October: Doors 1.30pm (The Globe - Upstairs Room)
Saxophone Choir Workshop with Rachel Musson
Free Entry - Just Show Up!

Sunday 4th October: Doors 2.00pm (The Globe - Downstairs Room)
Rivkala + Ceitidh Mac (Solo) + ATFK
https://www.seetickets.com/event/rivkala-ceitidh-mac-atfk-nfojaim-2026-/the-globe/3700931

Music Spoken Here, Worcester announces new shows, October and November 2026.

Friday, August 07, 2026

Music Spoken Here has added three new shows for October and November 2026. Performers include Klara Devlin, Tristan Banks and Baiana. Events take place at The Marr's Bar, Worcester.

From;
https://musicspokenhere.club/events/

Klara Devlin Quartet
October 8 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
£17
“One of the most amazing and unique new trumpet voices to emerge onto the UK jazz scene…I’ve never been this excited about a young musician” – Tony Kofi
We’re really excited to welcome rising star trumpeter Klara Devlin back to The Marr’s Bar for what will be her third appearance, having made her Worcester debut with the Miranda Radford quartet in February 2025 and returning with the phenomenal 8-piece Ankora a year later. This time she brings her own quartet, featuring Chris Outhwaite (keys), Tom Sheen (bass) and Emmanuel Ampong (drums).
Klara was a 2024 BBC Young Jazz Musician finalist, currently studying jazz at the Royal Academy of Music. She began playing trumpet at five and discovered jazz at eight. Her quartet, formed through Tomorrow’s Warriors, performs her original compositions and arrangements inspired by bebop, blues and free jazz. The Klara Devlin Quartet has appeared across numerous jazz venues and festivals, including The Jazz Café, Jazz In The Round, Pizza Express Soho, JazzLive at the Crypt and performances at the Brick Lane, We Out Here and Brecon Jazz festivals.
In the words of Tony Kofi: “Klara Devlin, remember her name, she is in my opinion one of the most amazing and unique new trumpet voices to emerge onto the UK jazz scene. To coin the famous quote ‘if ya ain’t got it in ya, ya can’t blow it out’. Klara Devlin definitely has it, and definitely blows it out of her horn! I’m about 2-3 jazz generations in front of her and I’ve never been this excited about a young musician, definitely a stylist who’ll be making new waves for the next generation.”
TICKETS
Admission for this event is complimentary for Music Spoken Here Club Members.
Non-members are welcome – just show up and pay £17 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/

Tristan Banks Quartet
October 22 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
£17
Blending the vibrant languages of jazz, Latin, and fusion with high-octane virtuosity and musical sensitivity from one of the most sought-after players on the international scene.
We’re delighted to welcome back drummer, composer and proprietor of Brighton’s award-winning Verdict Jazz Club Tristan Banks, following his first appearance with us in April 2023 on the album launch tour for ‘View From Above’, released on Ubuntu Music.
Tristan draws on over 30 years of experience as a sideman for many grammy award winning and multi-platinum selling artists (Roy Ayers, Steve Winwood, Dave Valentin, David Gilmour, Beverley Knight, Hexagonal, Peter King, Lewis Taylor, Guy Barker, Marcos Valle, Liane Carroll, Mike Lindup, Terry Callier, Da Lata, Jim Mullen, Carleen Anderson and Mayra Andrade). Since he was last with us, he has toured globally with Steve Winwood and James Mason.
Mixing influences from jazz, Latin and fusion, the Tristan Banks Quartet features Latin-jazz piano sensation John Crawford and bassist Davide Mantovani. This will be Davide’s fourth appearance, having returned with Minas Project in January 2026 and the Neil Angilley Trio in September and will be making his fifth appearance with Baiana in November. This performance will also feature the UK’s premier jazz flautist Gareth Lockrane.
TICKETS
Admission for this event is complimentary for Music Spoken Here Club Members.
Non-members are welcome – just show up and pay £17 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/

Baiana
November 12 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
£18
Brazilian jazz fusion, a vocal style reminiscent of Elza Soares and Gal Costa and a first-class lineup of the UK’s leading jazz musicians
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see this hugely popular band in The West Midlands!
Baiana is the Brazilian influenced project fronted by charismatic vocalist Laura Doyle, who has been winning fans across the country with her unique blend Latin jazz fusion. Singing in both Portuguese and English, Laura evokes a vocal style reminiscent of the great romantic torch singers of the 40s and 50s and the Brazilian greats such as Elza Soares and Gal Costa, singing of lost love and broken hearts.
Described as “The band we are all obsessed about” by 6 Music DJ Deb Grant, Baiana were a hugely popular draw at Love Supreme and Ealing Jazz festival, opened for Brazilian mega star Gilberto Gil on his UK tour, were awarded “Album of the week” on Jazz FM as well as spending and unprecedented 25 weeks collectively on the station’s A-List with three of their breakthrough tracks.
With a first-class line-up of the UK’s leading jazz musicians – Neil Angilley (keys), John Wheatcroft (guitar), Andres Lafone (bass) and Davide Giovannini (drums) –  the show will feature songs from their standout self-titled album as well as some of the much-loved jewels from the treasure chest of Brazilian music.
This promises to be an unforgettable night of infectious rhythm, superb musicianship and beautiful song.
TICKETS
Admission for this event is complimentary for Music Spoken Here Club Members.
Non-members are welcome – just show up and pay £18 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/

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

Jazz Sabbath - latest newsletter.

Thursday, August 06, 2026

Jazz Sabbath's label Blacklake Records has forwarded the group's latest news, including an extensive list of UK and European tour dates from August 2026 to April 2027.

We have received the following information;

Special edition from Jazz Sabbath
JAZZ SABBATH
Hole in the Sky
Impacting
August 7th, 2026
Format: Jazz
Get It Now!
https://linktr.ee/JazzSabbath

Jazz Sabbath is led by 2026 Grammy winner Adam Wakeman. They have released 3 Billboard charting albums with new jazz arrangements of Black Sabbath songs.

A MONO version of their third album ‘The 1968 Tapes’ was released on vinyl only as a special Record Store Day edition in 2024.
From August 7th this mono edition will be available on all music streaming and download platforms. The album features the RSD exclusive bonus track ‘Hole in the Sky’ and a few alternate mixes including the saxophone mix of Electric Funeral. 

Stream or download now on your preferred service; Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple…it’s all good.
https://linktr.ee/JazzSabbath

LIVE SHOWS

This year Jazz Sabbath toured Canada for the first time and they played their biggest show yet for 10,000 people in São Paulo, Brazil. Their upcoming EU/UK tour will visit the UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Austria, Czechia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
­

We are preparing an all-new live show with many songs we’ve never played before.
We’d love to see you out there.

3 Aug Mostar BA
Mostar Jazz Fest

2 Sep Ghent BE
Arca Theater

4 Sep Eindhoven NL
Muziekgebouw

5 Sep Arnhem NL
Musis

6 Sep Groningen NL
De Oosterpoort

7 Sep Hamburg DE
Nica Jazz Club

8 Sep Sønderborg DK
Sønderborghus

9 Sep Malmö SE
Inkonst

10 Sep Göteborg SE
Skeppet

11 Sep Oslo NO
Herr Nilsen

12 Sep Jönköping SE
Spira -LAST TICKETS-

15 Sep Berlin DE
ZigZag Jazz Club -LAST TICKETS-

16 Sep Prague CZ
Výstaviště Gauč

17 Sep Vienna AT
Porgy & Bess -LAST TICKETS-

18 Sep Munich DE
Unterfahrt

19 Sep Stuttgart DE
BIX Jazz Club

20 Sep Leverkusen DE
Scala

22 Sep Windsor UK
The Old Court

23 Sep Liverpool UK
The Music Room -LAST TICKETS-

24 Sep Manchester UK
Band on the Wall -LAST TICKETS-

25 Sep Gateshead UK
The Glasshouse -LAST TICKETS-

26 Sep Brampton UK
Union Lane

27 Sep Kinross UK
Backstage

30 Sep Bristol UK
Bristol Beacon -LAST TICKETS-

1 Oct Luton UK
The Bear Club -LAST TICKETS-

2 Oct Cambridge UK
Cambridge Junction

3 Oct Canterbury UK
Gulbenkian

4 Oct Nottingham UK
Peggy’s Skylight -LAST TICKETS-

6 Oct Birmingham UK
Eastside Jazz Club -LAST TICKETS-

7 Oct Stowe UK
Ugland Auditorium

8 Oct Worcester UK
Huntingdon Hall

9 Oct Cardiff UK
Acapela Studio

10 Oct London UK
Hoxton Hall -LAST TICKETS-

16 Oct Cromer UK
Community Centre

17 Oct Didcot UK
Cornerstone Theatre

18 Oct Basingstoke UK
The Haymarket

22 Oct Norwich UK
Arts Centre

2027

7 Jan Karlsruhe DE
Tollhaus

8 Jan Marburg DE
KFZ

9 Jan Nordhausen DE
Cyriaci Kapelle

10 Jan Poznan PL
Blue Note

12 Jan Gdańsk PL
Scena Monk

13 Jan Warsaw PL
Jassmine

14 Jan Bochnia PL
Kino Regis -LAST TICKETS-

16 Jan Vilnius LT
Šv. Kotrynos bažnyčia

18 Jan Võru EE
Võru Kannel

19 Jan Espoo FI
Sellosali

20 Jan Pori FI
Validi Karkia

22 Jan Stockholm SE
Kulturhuset Hörsalen

24 Jan Halmstad SE
Kulturhuset Najaden

2-4 Apr Reichenbach DE
ArtRock Festival

More to be announced

Tickets links at;
http://www.jazzsabbath.net/live.php

Christ-Stéphane Boizi - Debut album and UK tour.

Wednesday, August 05, 2026

Ttrombonist, composer and bandleader Christ-Stéphane Boizi will release his debut album "As The Spirit Leads" on October 2nd 2026. He will be touring the UK from October 2026 to January 2027.

We have received the following press release;

CHRIST-STÉPHANE BOIZI unveils new music on Banger Factory Records

CHRIST-STÉPHANE BOIZI
The Sustainer Of My Faith
Feat. Ruben Fox and Jonny Mansfield
31 July
single release taken from the album
As The Spirit Leads
Released on Banger Factory Records
2 OCTOBER 2026

London-based trombonist, composer and bandleader Christ-Stéphane Boizi makes a striking debut with As The Spirit Leads, released on Banger Factory Records. An album of deep spirituality and fearless musicality, it showcases Boizi’s distinctive compositional voice. His arrival is championed by label boss and leading UK jazz figure Mark Kavuma, whose Banger Factory Records has become a trusted home for exceptional new talent.

As The Spirit Leads is a collection of original compositions rooted in Boizi’s gospel upbringing and the bedrock of his faith. Drawing further inspiration from his family, his community of young players and deep love and respect for the jazz tradition, it captures his boundless creative curiosity and sense of musical adventure.

“When I was thinking about what I use as inspiration for everything I write, nothing really spoke more to me than my faith” says Christ-Stéphane, “I wanted to show everyone in their best light - the band, my mentors, my influences, everything that came together to make this music shine.”

Released on 2 October, the album is preceded by the first single release, The Sustainer of My Faith on 31 July. As a Tomorrow’s Warriors alumnus, Boizi also tours the UK from 15 October to 13 November as part of their touring initiative, Warriors Rise.

On As The Spirit Leads, music simply leaps from the grooves with energy, commitment and passion. Featuring an exceptional ensemble of emerging and established talents, it showcases Boizi’s ability to unite musicians around a shared sense of purpose, trust and creativity.  Saxophonists Lauren Breen and Jacob Wilson join Kezia Abuoma on piano and the bass and drum team of Tom Sheen and Sacha Harlan. Established young maestros Jonny Mansfield on vibes and Ruben Fox on tenor sax complete the line-up bringing Christ-Stéphane’s strikingly assured compositions to life, blending the classic acoustic jazz tradition with the cutting edge of New York innovation and the power and simplicity of church music.

The Sustainer Of My Faith (single release, 31 July) is the album’s joyous closing track, with all players joining together to lift their voices in a Gospel-inflected celebration. Titled, as Boizi says “because I believe God sees everything—the good, the bad, my struggles and my victories. Through my journey, even the most difficult moments, I feel God’s presence and He sees me through. It’s one of the fulfilling ways He works in my life”. Inspired by his childhood church memories, the track captures the joy, connection, and release found in collective worship and the shared power of song, enriched by Mansfield’s elegant, imaginative vibraphone and Fox’s warm, expressive tenor saxophone, lending richness to the performance.

Elsewhere on the album listeners can discover the solemn rubato of Lamentations with horns over thunderous backing and the hard swinging Raymond featuring thrilling sax solos alongside Christ Stéphane’s own full-voiced trombone. Grant Us Peace Our Father with its solemn, hymnal feeling features some harmonically imaginative vibes, while the leader’s trombone is front and centre beside some sparkling piano in the title track. The loping swing of Golgotha shadowing from darkness to light is in contrast to Seeds Of Gratitude, a heartfelt declaration of thanks and an emotional high point of to the album.

As The Spirit Leads marks the arrival of a remarkable new talent. Rooted in community and guided by faith, Christ-Stéphane Boizi puts deep listening, spontaneity and collective expression at the heart of his music. Already establishing himself as one of the most compelling new voices in British jazz, Christ-Stéphane is at the beginning of what promises to be a significant career.

‘In-studio’ video for The Sustainer of My Faith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myetoqVgA6g

The Sustainer of My Faith live at Kings Place, 2026.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA-n4jTLVhA

TOUR DATES - WARRIORS RISE

Christ-Stéphane Boizi has earned recognition for performances of rare intensity, spiritual depth and collective energy. His UK tour is part of Warriors Rise, a touring initiative organised by acclaimed jazz talent development organisation Tomorrow’s Warriors that sees them providing three artists (including David Kayode and Mali Sheard) with valuable tour support, as well as planning and marketing mentoring. 

15th October 2026       Southend Jazz Festival     Southend

30th October 2026       Turner Sims                   Southampton

3rd November 2026       PizzaExpress Live Soho   London*

6th November 2026       SoundCellar                 Poole

7th November 2026       The Bear Club               Luton

12th November 2026     The Goods Shed             Stroud

13th November 2026     St George’s Church         Bristol

14th November 2026     Hull Jazz Festival           Hull

22nd January 2027       B:Music                         Birmingham

*Date not part of Warriors Rise

Warriors Rise is supported by Music Venues Trust in association with Liveline and LIVE Trust, the Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation and is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Network Partner initiative supported by PPL.

Banger Factory Records: Built by Community. Shaping the Future.
Banger Factory Records was founded by Mark Kavuma in 2021 as a natural evolution from The Banger Factory, an ensemble he started in 2015 that quickly established itself as a cradle for young talent. With the inception of Banger Factory Records, Kavuma has established a direct link to the legendary musicians that pioneered the sound, the look, the language and the swagger of the whole culture. His vision is to pass it on to the generations to come and while he is at it unashamedly showcase the London jazz community and its herds of exceptionally dexterous, accomplished, brilliant players and singers.
https://bangerfactoryrecords.com/

Jazz at Wolverhampton announces expanded jazz programme.

Wednesday, August 05, 2026

Jazz at Wolverhampton have announced that they are launching a new line of Saturday evening gigs at Thimblemill Library in Smethwick in addition to their programme at Wolverhampton Arts Centre.

Dave Fuller of Music Spoken Here, Worcester has supplied the following information;

Wolverhampton Arts Centre, in association with the charity Jazz at Wolverhampton and their Jazz Development Officer Steve Bradley, have been delivering an outstanding monthly programme of jazz for many years, typically on the last Thursday of the month. In the last couple of years, they introduced an additional Sunday afternoon Cafe Spotlight series that runs through the autumn, to showcase young artists primarily from the Birmingham Conservatoire in the smaller Cafe space at the centre. The upcoming Cafe Spotlight season will feature the V6 Organ Trio (4/10), Wishbone (8/11) and Sophie Laird with Ben Shankland and Tom Henery (13/12)

This week, Jazz at Wolverhampton announced on their new Facebook page that they are launching a new line of Saturday evening gigs at Thimblemill Library in Smethwick. Planned gigs include Alice Zawadzki and Rob Luft (24/10), Impossible Conversations (21/11), Trish Clowes and Ross Stanley (20/3) and SkunkS (17/4). I wonder if this has been aided with the new funding for libraries to run programmes and activities, including live gigs, to engage young people in making and enjoying music in their local area, as highlighted in the Government’s Plan for Music published last month.

Saturday evening gigs at Thimblemill Library in Smethwick

October 24 - Alice Zawadzki and Rob Luft

November 21 - Impossible Conversations

March 20 - Trish Clowes and Ross Stanley

April 17 - SkunkS feat Mick Hutton, Julian Nicholas, Tobie Carpenter, Mark Edwards and Corrina Silvester.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592823202530

https://wolverhamptonartscentre.co.uk/guides/jazz-wolverhampton

The Joy - UK live dates, November 2026.

Tuesday, August 04, 2026

South African acapella group The Joy return with three shows across the UK this Autumn. Details attached.

From;
https://serious.org.uk/events/the-joy-3

The Joy
Sun 22 Nov 2026–Wed 25 Nov 2026

The Joy is a South African band redefining global music through soul-stirring harmonies, rich cultural expression, and a deeply human sense of connection. Hailing from a small town in KwaZulu-Natal, the group has captured hearts around the world through their meteoric rise – marked by critical acclaim, viral moments, and high-profile collaborations.

From their breakout single Isencane Lengane and debut EP Amabutho (2021) to electrifying performances on The Jennifer Hudson Show and Later… with Jools Holland, The Joy has earned praise from global icons including Alicia Keys, Sam Smith, and Jennifer Hudson, who called them her “favorite band” and featured them on her Christmas album The Gift of Love.

Their collaborations span global stars, from a 2023 release with The Blessed Madonna (Shades of Love) to a feature on Doja Cat’s Scarlet 2 CLAUDE album, further cementing their place on the global stage.

Their commanding live performances have graced iconic stages around the world – from London’s Church Studios, where they recorded The Joy (Live Album), to festivals including Glastonbury, Coachella, WOMADELAIDE, Sziget, Green Man, Pukkelpop, and Way Out West. Most recently, they brought their vibrant vocal arrangements and compositions to Global Citizen Africa 2026 and Together for a Better Day, the annual tribute concert in honour of Avicii.

As their sound continues to grow, The Joy are finding new ways to bring their Zulu musical roots into contemporary global sounds and the modern Afropop landscape – creating music that feels both anchored in home and resonant across borders. The reach of The Joy’s music extends far beyond the stage – moving across languages, cultures, and digital spaces – carrying their sound and spirit to audiences around the world. Yet at the centre of it all remains something far more grounded.

Sun 22 November
Stage time / 7:30pm
Doors / 7:00pm
Location
Barbican,
Silk Street
EC2Y 8DS
Visit Website
https://www.barbican.org.uk/
Tickets
£31.50 - £41.50 incl fees
https://serious.org.uk/events/the-joy-3

Mon 23 November
Stage time / 7:30pm
Doors / 7:00pm
Location
Strange Brew, Bristol
10-12 Fairfax St
BS1 3DB
Visit Website
https://www.strangebrewbristol.com/
Tickets
£24.40 incl. fees
Book Tickets
https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/strange-brew/mon-23-nov-the-joy-south-africa-special-guests-159402

Wed 25 November
Stage time / 7:30pm
Doors / 7:00pm
Location
MANCHESTER Band on the Wall,
25 Swan Street
M4 5JZ
Visit Website
https://bandonthewall.org/
Tickets
£20 - £24 + booking fee
Book Tickets
https://bandonthewall.org/events/the-joy-3/

Burt Bacharach Songbook To Head Out On Major UK Tour - October 2026.

Tuesday, August 04, 2026

Following a sold-out performance at London's Royal Albert Hall, What The World Needs Now – The Burt Bacharach Songbook embarks on a major UK tour this October. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Following Sold-Out Royal Albert Hall Concert, Burt Bacharach’s Songbook Heads Out On Major UK Tour

The Burt Bacharach Songbook - What The World Needs Now will tour the UK in October 2026, led by Bacharach’s longtime musical director Rob Shirakbari and featuring the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra alongside special guests Rumer, Shaun Escoffery, Ed Harcourt and more

“One standing ovation after another”
The Times ★★★★

“With songs and musicians this fine, it would be hard to go wrong”
The Telegraph ★★★★

THE BURT BACHARACH SONGBOOK – WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW - UK TOUR 2026:

5 October – Southend, Cliffs Pavilion (not featuring Ed Harcourt)

6 October – Manchester, Bridgewater Hall

7 October – Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall

8 October – Birmingham, Symphony Hall

10 October – Gateshead, The Glasshouse

11 October – Halifax, Victoria Theatre

12 October – Leicester, De Montfort Hall

13 October – Bournemouth, BIC

Following a sold-out performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall, What The World Needs Now – The Burt Bacharach Songbook embarks on a major UK tour this October.

Led by Burt Bacharach’s longtime musical director Rob Shirakbari and performed by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, the production will feature special guest performances from Rumer, newly announced Olivier Award-nominated singer and The Lion King star Shaun Escoffery, Mercury Prize-nominated singer-songwriter Ed Harcourt, bringing together musicians who either worked closely with Burt Bacharach or have been profoundly influenced by his songwriting.

Audiences can expect to hear many of Bacharach’s most celebrated compositions, including Walk On By, The Look Of Love, Anyone Who Had A Heart, Make It Easy On Yourself, Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head and What The World Needs Now Is Love.

Few musicians are more closely connected to Burt Bacharach’s musical legacy than Rob Shirakbari. Having spent more than four decades working alongside both Bacharach and Dionne Warwick, first as a pianist before becoming the composer’s trusted arranger, orchestrator and musical director, Shirakbari developed an unparalleled understanding of the music, from Bacharach’s own intentions to the interpretations that brought his songs to life. Across his career he has also collaborated with artists including Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Adele, Ray Charles, Sting and Elvis Costello, and served as one of the musical directors for the 72nd Academy Awards alongside Burt Bacharach and Don Was.

Bacharach himself said of Shirakbari:
“A man so instrumental in helping me put this show together… writing the arrangements, writing the orchestrations. I couldn’t have done it without him.”

For Shirakbari, the tour is about honouring the songs above all else.
Rob Shirakbari said:
“It’s not about any one person onstage. The goal is to honour the songs, keep the catalogue alive, and serve Burt Bacharach’s musical legacy.”

Among the evening’s special guests is acclaimed British singer-songwriter Rumer, whose celebrated album This Girl’s In Love (A Bacharach & David Songbook) was championed by Bacharach himself, who described her as “a lady with a golden voice”. Her long association with his music has included performing at the White House tribute concert honouring the songwriting partnership of Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

Also joining the tour is acclaimed singer and Olivier Award-nominated actor Shaun Escoffery, best known to many audiences for his long-running role as Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King. A longtime admirer of Bacharach’s work, Escoffery had the opportunity to perform directly for Bacharach, who praised his rendition of A House Is Not A Home as “fantastic”.

The guest line-up also includes Mercury Prize-nominated singer-songwriter, producer and BAFTA-nominated composer Ed Harcourt, whose acclaimed career spans more than two decades across music, film and television. Alongside his own celebrated solo work, Harcourt has written and produced music for artists including Marianne Faithfull, Paloma Faith, James Bay and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Burt Bacharach remains one of the most celebrated and influential songwriters of the modern era. Across a career spanning more than 70 years, he wrote or co-wrote 73 US Top 40 and 52 UK Top 40 hits, earned six Grammy Awards, three Academy Awards and an Emmy, and created a body of work that continues to resonate across generations.

Combining symphonic arrangements, exceptional musicianship and songs that have defined generations of popular music, What The World Needs Now - The Burt Bacharach Songbook offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience this extraordinary music performed by artists with a direct connection to its creator and those continuing to champion his enduring legacy.

Tickets available from venue box offices and http://www.ticketline.co.uk.

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Soho, London - Programme August - October 2026.

Friday, July 31, 2026

Ronnie Scott's has announced its full programme until the end of October 2026. Fully detailed listings attached.

We have received the following press release;

Ronnie Scott’s | August – October 2026 | Kyle Eastwood, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Christian McBride, Claire Martin, Sir Trevor McDonald

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
August 2026 – October 2026

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club has announced its programme for August through October 2026, with another varied season spanning jazz, soul, blues, funk and contemporary music.

Highlights include performances from Kyle Eastwood, The Blackbyrds, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Christian McBride, Curtis Stigers, Marisha Wallace, Sullivan Fortner, Claire Martin, Butcher Brown, the Emma Rawicz Jazz Orchestra and Bokani Dyer.

The season also sees the expansion of the club’s Saturday Brunch series, hosted by vocalist and broadcaster Ian Shaw. Blending live music with candid conversation, upcoming events welcome special guests including Mica Paris, Omar, Julian Clary andSir Trevor McDonald, offering audiences a unique insight into the lives and careers of some of Britain’s best-loved cultural figures.

Further details for all upcoming shows available from http://www.ronniescotts.co.uk.

August 2026

Saturday 1st August 2026
11.30am (FREE)
Ronnie Scott’s Street Party
Back by popular demand, Ronnie Scott’s Street Party returns to Soho on Saturday 1 August, bringing another free day of live music to Frith Street. From 11.30am – 4.30pm, two outdoor stages will showcase some of the UK’s most exciting names in jazz, soul, R&B and hip hop, alongside DJs, family-friendly entertainment and outdoor bars – all completely free. This year’s line-up features Blue Lab Beats, Daniel Casimir Big Band, Shae Universe, Guvna B, Summer Pearl, NEONE the Wonderer, GRAMN., Jackson Mathod, Marlon the Pannist and the Ronnie Scott’s Gospel Choir, with DJs Jon Jules and Mike Vitti keeping the music going throughout the day.

Saturday 1st August 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£55-£70)
Kenny Barron: Songbook
14-time GRAMMY nominee Kenny Barron returns to Ronnie Scott’s with music from his 2025 album Songbook. The album represents the fulfilment of a decades-long dream for the piano maestro who has graced the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Yusef Lateef and Stan Getz as well as leading his much-acclaimed trio.  Joined by acclaimed bassist Kanoa Mendenhall, powerhouse drummer Gregory Hutchinson, and rising vocal talent Tyreek McDole - a standout voice from the album - Barron presents a set that blends vocal interpretation with the intimacy of his celebrated trio.

Saturday 1st August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Future Movers
Future Movers, directed by award-winning saxophonist Phil Meadows, are an ever-evolving ensemble featuring the UK’s finest breakthrough jazz musicians. They play a mix of jazz, hip-hop, Afrobeat, funk and soul, drawing influence from Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, Maceo Parker and more.

Sunday 2nd August 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
12pm (£20-£30)
Olivia Cuttill Quintet
A graduate of Leeds Conservatoire and an emerging voice on the UK jazz scene, Olivia Cuttill presents an evening of spirited, song-led jazz. Trumpeter and composer Olivia Cuttill brings music from her latest album ...And Writing And Singing And Tunes To Be Swingin’ to Ronnie Scott’s. Leading a dynamic quintet, Cuttill draws on the sounds of New Orleans and the Great American Songbook, blending original compositions with inventive arrangements inspired by artists including Louis Armstrong, Nina Simone and Randy Newman.

Sunday 2nd August 2026
6.30pm (£40-£65)
Ronnie Scott’s Blues Explosion
Blues Explosion perform a night of electrifying blues encompassing all styles from Delta Blues to New Orleans funk. Since its inception in 2008, our monthly blues night has remained a firm favourite on the club calendar, bringing top performers from the world of jazz and blues. Co-led by guitarist/vocalist Marcus Bonfanti (Ten Years After), pianist/vocalist Paddy Milner (Tom Jones) and featuring the dynamic Tony Remy (Jack Bruce) also on guitar, the Blues Explosion performs the music of BB King, Buddy Guy, Peter Green, Albert Collins, Dr. John and many more.

Monday 3rd – Tuesday 4th August 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40-£65)
The Blackbyrds
Formed in 1973 by legendary trumpeter Donald Byrd, The Blackbyrds helped define jazz-funk, R&B and soul in the 70s. Assembled from the most talented students at Howard University, the band struck gold with their eponymous debut and classics like Do It Fluid, Walking in Rhythm, Happy Music and the iconic Rock Creek Park. After reforming in 1999, the current line-up includes original members Keith Killgo and Joe Hall alongside younger musicians.

Monday 3rd August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£10)
Late Late Show Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Jam
Hosted by trumpeter and raconteur, Andy Davies, expect a high‑energy night of burning bebop from the greats - Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Charlie Parker and more - performed by a rotating house band of top British jazz stars. A breeding ground for rising talent and a late‑night playground for London’s jazz elite, the jam has welcomed surprise drop‑ins from global stars like Esperanza Spalding, Jon Batiste and Christian Scott.

Wednesday 5th – Thursday 6th August 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40-£55)
Denny Ilett’s Electric Lady Big Band plays the music of Jimi Hendrix
During one of his final interviews in 1970, Jimi Hendrix spoke of his desire to lead “a big band that I can write and conduct for”. More than fifty years later, Denny Ilett’s Electric Lady Big Band brings that vision thrillingly to life. Formed by guitarist and lifelong Hendrix devotee Denny Ilett, this explosive 16-piece ensemble reimagines Hendrix’s groundbreaking music through the lens of the modern jazz orchestra.

Wednesday 5th August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Mark Kavuma’s Banger Factory
Recently named Instrumentalist of the Year at the 2025 Jazz FM Awards and Jazz Ensemble of the year at the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2025, trumpeter Mark Kavuma has established himself as a key player in London’s rapidly expanding jazz scene.

Thursday 6th August 2026 *EXTERNAL LOCATION*
6.00pm (£65)
Members’ Exclusive | A Salute to the Songwriters at Yamaha’s Piano Hall, Wardour Street
Following a series of sold-out performances, Ronnie Scott’s Artistic Director James Pearson and acclaimed pianist Jamie Safir return to Yamaha’s Piano Hall for another exclusive Members-only evening, celebrating the art of songwriting through the interplay of two grand pianos.

Thursday 6th August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Jackson Mathod
As well as a key performer in the London jazz scene, Jackson is a respected session musician, playing for high-profile artists such as Stormzy and Jordan Rakei.

Friday 7th August 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40-£55)
Kinga Głyk
Bassist and composer Kinga Głyk is one of the most distinctive voices of modern jazz, known for her unmistakeable funk-driven sound. Kinga returns to Ronnie Scott’s off the back of releasing her fifth studio album, Real Life, co-produced by Michael League (founder of Snarky Puppy). Performing with the likes of Marcus Miller, Kinga has received worldwide recognition, including nominations from Deutscher Jazz Preis, the ECHO Jazz Award, and the Koryfeusz of Polish Music Award.

Friday 7th August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Electronic hosted by Chiminyo
Chiminyo - London drummer, percussionist and electronic producer - delivers explosive, fully improvised sets fusing jazz‑infused grooves with the futuristic edge of electronic production. A core member of Maisha and Cykada, he’s collaborated with Gary Bartz, Nubya Garcia and Shabaka Hutchings.

Saturday 8th August 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
11am (£15-£25)
Saturday Brunch: Songs & Stories with Ian Shaw and Jay Rayner
Multi-award-winning singer, pianist and broadcaster Ian Shaw’s guest is the award-winning journalist, broadcaster and Financial Times restaurant critic Jay Rayner, known for his work on MasterChef and as presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Kitchen Cabinet. He was named Critic of the Year in the UK Press Awards in both 2023 and 2025, and since 2012 has also led his own band from the piano, mixing jazz classics with ace new takes on 80s chart hits with jazz in their bones, delivered with the same passion, warmth and wit as his other work.

Saturday 8th August 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£45-£65)
Morgan James
Called “a phenomenal talent whose feel for classic soul music is bone deep” by The New York Times, singer Morgan James has built a reputation for a voice that stops people in their tracks. From singing standards as a child to performing on Broadway, she has forged a career on her own terms.

Saturday 8th August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Electronic with Blue Earth Sound
Blue Earth Sound is the instrumental project of Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist and composer James Weir, blending cinematic jazz, soul and psychedelic instrumental textures into richly atmospheric soundscapes. Signed to London’s DeepMatter Records, their critically acclaimed debut Cicero Nights blends soulful grooves, cinematic textures and intuitive musicianship, drawing on 70s American soul, Japanese jazz, vintage film scores and the introspective moods of cult 80s post-rock band Talk Talk.

Sunday 9th August 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
12pm (£20-£30)
Shane Hampsheir
Spend an afternoon in the company of timeless music as Shane Hampsheir and his superb swing band bring the golden age of swing to life. Featuring songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, Dean Martin, Mel Tormé, Nat King Cole and Tony Bennett, this live show celebrates some of the greatest voices and songs ever recorded.

Sunday 9th August 2026
5.30pm (£40- £60)
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra
Directed by wise-cracking MD Pete Long, the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra’s exciting brew of virtuoso ensemble playing with killer solo contributions from across all sections of the band has been delighting jazz fans across the board, from newcomers to regulars. Expect the power of a big band across all jazz genres. The band’s shows have made national press for their ability to change styles, so expect roaring swing, sassy vocals, fabulous funk and delicious Latin flavours with first-class arrangements of classic big band hits by the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, The Rat Pack and Benny Goodman!

Monday 10th August 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£35-£55)
Francesca Tandoi Trio
Italian jazz pianist and singer Francesca Tandoi has been hailed by critics and peers alike as a rising jazz star and one of the most captivating young talents on the international scene. In just a few short years, she has earned widespread acclaim as a world-class pianist and vocalist, performing alongside some of the finest musicians in jazz.

Monday 10th August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£10)
Late Late Show Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Jam
Hosted by trumpeter and raconteur Andy Davies, expect a high‑energy night of burning bebop from the greats - Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Charlie Parker and more - performed by a rotating house band of top British jazz stars. A breeding ground for rising talent and a late‑night playground for London’s jazz elite, the jam has welcomed surprise drop‑ins from global stars like Esperanza Spalding, Jon Batiste and Christian Scott.

Tuesday 11th August 2026
5.30pm (£35-£55)
TRYPL
Three of the UK’s most in-demand musicians unite for the launch of Phantasticus, the vibrant new album from TRYPL. Trumpeter Ryan Quigley, trombonist Trevor Mires and saxophonist/flautist Paul Booth have built stellar international reputations as first-call performers, working with artists including Incognito and Robben Ford, but when their schedules align they channel their shared passion for Latin jazz into this powerhouse collective.

Wednesday 12th August 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£45-£60)
Philip Lassiter
Trumpeter, composer and arranger Philip Lassiter has been knee-deep in the funk since his days as horn arranger and section leader for Prince’s New Power Generation. An 11-time Grammy Award-winning musician, Lassiter’s sound is rooted in Texas funk, Alabama gospel, New Orleans jazz and Nashville soul. He has collaboratd with an extraordinary range of artists, including Kirk Franklin, Jill Scott, The Isley Brothers, Roberta Flack, Ariana Grande, Anderson .Paak and Cory Henry.

Wednesday 12th August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Rachael Cohen
Rachael Cohen is one the most sought-after players on the London jazz scene. Her critically-acclaimed debut album ‘Halftime’ in 2012, on Michael Janisch’s Whirlwind Recordings, gained her a reputation as one of the premier new voices of her generation in the UK’s jazz and improvised music scene.

Thursday 13th August 2026
5.30pm (£35-£55)
Mama Terra: ‘Inner Space’ Album Launch
Mama Terra return with Inner Space, the latest release from the Glasgow jazz-soul collective led by pianist and composer Marco Cafolla alongside saxophonist Konrad Wiszniewski. Following their acclaimed debut The Summoned and a breakthrough year that saw them tipped by Jazz FM, nominated for Breakthrough Act at the Jazz FM Awards and signed to Acid Jazz Records, the group continue to carve out a singular space in contemporary UK jazz.

Thursday 13th August 2026
8.30pm (£30-£45)
Mackwood
Dubbed “UK music’s best kept secret” (Clash Magazine), drummer and producer Mackwood is rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting voices in the new wave of UK jazz and beyond. With roots in jazz but a sound that bridges hip hop, electronic and bass culture, Mackwood’s music crosses scenes and audiences alike.

Thursday 13th August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Vula & Friends
Vula Malinga, the queen of RnB and an integral part of Soul Family, brings her 90s groove and soul to this popular late-night slot. At her Late Late Shows, Vula curates a unique line-up of emerging soul and RnB talent, with some special guests often dropping in.

Friday 14th August 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£35-£55)
Allysha Joy
A leading voice in the contemporary jazz-soul scene, Allysha Joy has built an international reputation through her distinctive blend of husky vocals, raw poetic lyricism and formidable Fender Rhodes prowess. Hailing from Naarm (Melbourne), the singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist is known both for her acclaimed solo work and as frontwoman of future-soul collective 30/70, forging a sound that moves fluidly between jazz, soul, broken beat and R&B.

Friday 14th August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Electronic with Setwun & the Soulstranauts
Setwun is the musical brainchild of Josh Panakera-Molony - singer-songwriter, composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and DJ - sitting at the crossroads of contemporary jazz, beats and electronica, shaping a futurist fusion that moves fluidly between psychedelic neo-soul, broken beat and rhythmic experimentation.

Saturday 15th August 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
11am (£25-£35)
Members’ Brunch: In Conversation with Mica Paris
Join us for an exclusive Members’ Brunch with the UK’s undisputed Queen of Soul, Mica Paris, joined by her long-time musical director and pianist, Howard Francis. In conversation with Ronnie Scott’s Music Programmer & Legacy Manager, Paul Pace, and accompanied by live performances from across her acclaimed career, Mica will reflect on her extraordinary journey in music, her longstanding relationship with Ronnie Scott’s, and the songs that have shaped her life.

Saturday 15th August 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40-£60)
Marcus Machado: Purple Vibes - Featuring the Music of Jimi Hendrix
World-renowned guitarist Marcus Machado, hailed by Rolling Stone as ‘The Next Young Gun’, returns to Ronnie Scott’s with an electrifying homage to Jimi Hendrix, alongside music from his albums Aquarius Purple and Blue Diamonds.

Saturday 15th August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Manfredo Lament
Manfredo Lament bring their “100% improvised music” ethos to the Late Late Show — a genre-fluid collision of jazz, fusion, ambient electronics and spontaneous groove, led by synth player Kurt Lam and drummer Gabriel Haslam.

Sunday 16th August 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
12pm (£15-£30)
TJ Johnson & his Band
TJ Johnson is widely considered to be one of the UK’s most charismatic and highly revered jazz & blues singers. In this concert, TJ and his Band will be performing songs from his new album, Down Home Blues, plus alongside jazz and blues favourites.

Sunday 16th August 2026
6.30pm (£40-£60)
Natalie Williams’ Soul Family
Natalie Williams’ Soul Family is a 10-piece band with a 16-year monthly residency, performing original music alongside classic soul, neo-soul, jazz, and R&B. Led by Natalie Williams, known for her rich, soulful voice, the band features talented singers including Vula and Brendan Reilly. Soul Family Sundays have become a key platform for emerging and established talent, hosting artists such as Amy Winehouse, Jamie Woon, Emeli Sandé, Lalah Hathaway, and Omar.

Monday 17th August 2026
5.30pm (£35-£55)
Finn Rees
Finn Rees is a Tasmanian-born, Melbourne/Narrm-based keyboardist, composer and producer who has been a creative force behind some of the most forward-thinking projects coming out of the Australian jazz scene over the last decade.

Monday 17th August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£10)
Late Late Show Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Jam
Hosted by trumpeter and raconteur, Andy Davies, expect a high‑energy night of burning bebop from the greats - Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Charlie Parker and more - performed by a rotating house band of top British jazz stars. A breeding ground for rising talent and a late‑night playground for London’s jazz elite, the jam has welcomed surprise drop‑ins from global stars like Esperanza Spalding, Jon Batiste and Christian Scott.

Wednesday 19th August 2026
5.30pm (£35-£50)
Charlotte Colace
Charlotte Colace is a Berlin-based independent soul artist whose music blends her French-Cuban roots with vintage soul nostalgia. After establishing herself on Berlin’s vibrant soul and jazz scene, Charlotte has shared stages with artists including Omah Lay and Nick Hakim, while also contributing her voice to projects spanning boogie, jazz-funk, gospel and neo-soul.

Wednesday 19th August 2026
8.30pm (£40-£55)
Greg Spero’s Spirit Fingers
Pianist Greg Spero brings his Spirit Fingers project - a boundary-pushing vision of future jazz fusion - back to Ronnie Scott’s. Conceived during Spero’s 2016 world tour with pop phenomenon Halsey, the project emerged as a creative counterpoint to the polished simplicity of arena pop: an outlet for intricate compositions, fearless improvisation and genre-defying musical exploration.

Wednesday 19th August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Nikki Yeoh’s Nucleus Sessions with Charlie Ballamy Quartet
This exciting young ensemble bring their individuality, soul and sensitivity to the music, collectively creating a balance of energy, exploration, empathy and interaction. Originally from Frome in Somerset, Ballamy now studies in London at the Royal Academy of Music where he met his fellow like-minded musicians, gradually establishing and sharing musical bonds before forming his quartet.

Thursday 20th August 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40-£55)
Mark de Clive-Lowe
A Japanese-New Zealand pianist, composer, producer and live performer, de Clive-Lowe has built an internationally respected career through his distinctive fusion of jazz, electronic music and real-time production. Emerging from London’s influential broken beat movement before spending fifteen years in Los Angeles, he has developed a singular musical language that bridges acoustic improvisation, contemporary composition, electronic innovation and cinematic soundscapes.

Thursday 20th August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Patterns
Originally from Naples, guitarist, producer, and songwriter Dani Diodato leads London-based, jazz-fusion outfit PYJAEN, quartet SUNAAT, as well as with indie-pop singer-songwriter Arlo Parks. Co-founder Nicola Guida is a free-thinking, genre-bending pianist. A multi-award winner, his unique approach combines jazz, film scores, R&B leanings and hip-hop atmospheres, mixed with a fascinating use of sampling.

Friday 21st August 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£35-£60)
Butcher Brown
Butcher Brown are a multifaceted quintet from Richmond, Virginia, whose sound blends jazz, hip hop, funk, R&B, soul, rock, bossa nova, and more into what they call “Solar Music”. Marcus “Tennishu” Tenney (trumpet, saxophone, vocals), Morgan Burrs (guitar), Andrew Randazzo (bass), Corey Fonville (drums) and Devonne “DJ Harrison” Harris (multi-instrumentalist) draw on wide-ranging influences - from D’Angelo and The Roots to Weather Report - to create an irresistible, boundary-pushing mix. Taking careful note of the history and legacy of jazz, then throwing caution to the wind, Butcher Brown make every performance an experience.

Friday 21st August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Malika Collective
Malika Collective are a South London-based group lead by guitarist and composer George Risk. Now featured in its core rhythm section is Henry Lawry on keys, Nim Sadot on bass and Jack Robson on drums.

Saturday 22nd August 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40-£55)
Tenderlonious: 65 years of John Coltrane - Africa/Brass
In 1961, John Coltrane made history with Africa/Brass - his first record on Impulse! - capturing the sound of a continent in the midst of revolution (17 African countries had gained independence the year before). Sixty-five years later, contemporary London jazz figurehead Tenderlonious sets out to invoke that moment, honouring the original recording while pushing it forward with a Coltrane-like fervour.

Saturday 22nd August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Electronic with Horatio Luna
Horatio Luna returns to Ronnie Scott’s to celebrate the release of his new album Ciccin on 22a. An Australian multi-genre bassist, producer and composer, Luna has built a prolific catalogue of releases spanning jazz, broken beat, house and hip hop. He is a founding member of the 30/70 Collective and has collaborated with artists including Jaubi, Tenderlonious, Alexander Flood and Jitwam.

Sunday 23rd August 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
12pm (£20-£30)
QCBA play Blue Note
Celebrate the 1960s golden era of the legendary Blue Note Records label with QCBA, the explosive jazz group best known for collaborating with Omar, led by trumpeter Quentin Collins and saxophonist Brandon Allen, backed by the powerhouse rhythm team of Hammond organist Ross Stanley and drummer Ian Thomas.

Sunday 23rd August 2026
6.30pm (£35-£50)
W3 Funk Sessions
W3 was originally conceived amidst London’s vibrant jam nights, evolving into an innovative force in the world of funk. W3 is a collective of some of the finest musicians in the UK, fusing commanding riffs, dynamic sounds, and lively energy. Their boldness harks back to an era when the power of music was acknowledged and celebrated, a power that crosses generational barriers and remains relevant, regardless of the changing times.

Monday 24th – Wednesday 26th August 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£50-£65)
Natalie Williams’ Soul Family present: A Philly Soul Summer Festival
Soul Family are delighted to bring their signature soaring gospel-inflected vocals, driving bass lines, pounding rhythms and all-round joyful musicianship for a Summer Festival of Philadelphia Soul. Expect to hear modern masterpieces and influential classics, from Jill Scott’s ‘It’s Love’ and Jazmine Sullivan’s ‘Bust Your Windows’ to the O’Jays ‘Back Stabbers’, The Spinners ‘Working My Way Back to You’, and ‘Could it Be I’m Falling in Love’’ to Sister Sledge’s disco classic ‘Thinking of You’.

Monday 24th August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£10)
Late Late Show Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Jam
Hosted by trumpeter and raconteur Andy Davies, expect a high‑energy night of burning bebop from the greats - Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Charlie Parker and more - performed by a rotating house band of top British jazz stars. A breeding ground for rising talent and a late‑night playground for London’s jazz elite, the jam has welcomed surprise drop‑ins from global stars like Esperanza Spalding, Jon Batiste and Christian Scott.

Wednesday 26th August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Jamie Murray
Drummer Jamie Murray has played with the likes of Gary Husband, Tim Lefebvre, Donny McCaslin, and most recently David Binney. A forward-thinking and conceptual player with a solid groove style, he also has an open-minded approach to free experimentation.

Thursday 27th August 2026
5.30pm (£35-£55)
April Varner
April Varner has been steadily gaining momentum as a supreme vocalist, bebop technician and contemporary storyteller. Varner was the winner of the 2023 International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, Honorable Mention in the ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composers Competition in 2025, and most recently named in the 2025 Annual Critics Poll in DownBeat Magazine as a “Rising Star Female Vocalist of the Year”.

Thursday 27th August 2026
8.30pm (£40-£55)
Rita Satch
Named Soul Artist of the Year and Soul Album of the Year 2025 by the UK’s Echoes Magazine, Rita Satch has emerged as one of the most compelling new voices in contemporary soul. Born in Uzbekistan and raised in Melbourne/Naarm, she blends soul, jazz and orchestral influences into a richly expressive sound that is both intimate and cinematic. Her acclaimed debut album, Meet Me in the Garden, earned a nomination for the 2025 Australian Music Prize and widespread critical praise, including multiple five-star reviews.

Thursday 27th August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Myele Manzanza
Energetic and exciting New Zealand-born, London-based drummer and producer Myele Manzanza has made a major impact upon the global musical landscape. A founding member of Electric Wire Hustle, Myele has released five solo albums, collaborating with Jordan Rakei, Theo Parrish, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Recloose and Amp Fiddler amongst others.

Friday 28th August 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£45-£60)
Josh Smith Trio
Guitarist and bandleader Josh Smith began playing at six and was already working professionally in his early teens, building his reputation on the U.S. blues circuit before going on to tour internationally. Over the years he has performed and recorded with a wide range of artists, including B.B. King, Mick Jagger, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Johnson and Raphael Saadiq, appearing at major events such as the Grammy Awards and the Kennedy Center Honors. His playing is rooted in the blues but draws equally on jazz and rock, with a focus on phrasing, rhythm and musical interaction.

Friday 28th August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by TUCAN
TUCAN’s sound brings you a melting pot of contemporary sonics, fusing hard hitting grooves, experimental chords and captivating melodies. The band’s fresh take on jazz fusion sees their music incorporating soul, funk and R&B, while drawing inspiration from the likes of Snarky Puppy, Robert Glasper and Cory Henry.

Saturday 29th August 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40-£60)
Earl Thomas & The Gospel Ambassadors ft. Sister Leola
A truly distinctive voice in modern blues, Earl Thomas brings his self-described “gospel with a bluesy beat” style to the stage - music rooted in Southern tradition, shaped by lived experience, and delivered with uncompromising intensity. From foot-stomping gospel to deep, slow-burning blues, the performance celebrates the shared lineage of African American sacred and secular music, “talking to the ancestors” through rhythm, harmony and raw vocal power.

Saturday 29th August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Nim Sadot
Bass-led, Blue Note–inspired fusion from one of London’s most distinctive groove merchants. Nim Sadot leads an exceptional band, delivering deep, melodic soundscapes and bass-heavy instrumental magic. Expect a dynamic blend of jazz, fusion, funk and prog, with echoes of Miles Davis, E.S.T., Marcus Miller and Jaco Pastorius.

Sunday 30th – Monday 31st August 2026
12pm & 6.30pm [Sunday]; 5.30pm & 8.30pm [Monday]
Emma Smith with Horns - Doing It My Way
Award-winning, internationally acclaimed vocalist Emma Smith returns to her home club, Ronnie Scott’s, with Doing It My Way, a thrilling new octet show celebrating the glamour, power and sophistication of the great jazz and big band tradition. Winner of the 2024 Parliamentary Jazz Vocalist of the Year award and recently named runner-up in the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, Smith has performed everywhere from the Royal Albert Hall to many of the world’s leading jazz clubs, collaborating along the way with artists including Michael Bublé, The Quincy Jones Orchestra, Jeff Goldblum and Postmodern Jukebox.

Monday 31st August 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£10)
Late Late Show Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Jam
Hosted by trumpeter and raconteur, Andy Davies, expect a high‑energy night of burning bebop from the greats - Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Charlie Parker and more - performed by a rotating house band of top British jazz stars. A breeding ground for rising talent and a late‑night playground for London’s jazz elite, the jam has welcomed surprise drop‑ins from global stars like Esperanza Spalding, Jon Batiste and Christian Scott.

September 2026

Tuesday 1st September 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40-£60)
Nicolas Meier World Group
Celebrated Swiss guitarist Nicolas Meier presents his World Group for the launch of his new album, Elysian Drift. Renowned for his virtuosic technique and unique approach to the guitar that encompasses a mastery of jazz with Turkish, flamenco, classical and rock.

Wednesday 2nd September 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£35-£55)
Natalie Duncan
Singer-songwriter Natalie Duncan produces music described as genuine, heartfelt, and resonating with a voice whose honeyed, silky caresses are to die for. Duncan stepped into the music world in 2009 with her debut EP and gained recognition through the BBC show Goldie’s Band: By Royal Appointment in 2011. After her successful participation, she joined Decca Records, releasing her praised first album, Devil in Me, in 2012 and appearing on Later… with Jools Holland.

Wednesday 2nd September 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Mark Kavuma’s Banger Factory
Recently named Instrumentalist of the Year at the 2025 Jazz FM Awards and Jazz Ensemble of the year at the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2025, trumpeter Mark Kavuma has established himself as a key player in London’s rapidly expanding jazz scene.

Thursday 3rd September 2026
5.30pm (£35-£55)
Ancient Infinity Orchestra
Spiritual jazz ensemble Ancient Infinity Orchestra make their Ronnie Scott’s debut to celebrate the launch of their new album, It’s Always About Liberation, with a special one-off performance from a bespoke eight-piece edition of the North of England collective. Their sound world reflects the influence of artists including Alice and John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, Don Cherry, Matthew Halsall and Alabaster dePlume, combining spiritual depth with a distinctly contemporary sound.

Thursday 3rd September 2026
8.30pm (£35-£50)
Gabriele Poso: Maraviglia Live
Gabriele Poso’s live show is an electrifying fusion of rhythm, melody, and cultural heritage, transporting audiences into a world where percussion takes centre stage. A multi-instrumentalist, composer, and master percussionist, Poso seamlessly blends Afro-Cuban traditions with jazz, soul, and electronic elements.

Thursday 3rd September 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Jackson Mathod
A true performer, trumpet player Jackson Mathod has a sensibility for songwriting and undeniable skills on his instrument. As well as a key performer in the London jazz scene, Jackson is a respected session musician, playing for high-profile artists such as Stormzy and Jordan Rakei.

Friday 4th September 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£35-£55)
Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
The Jonathan Scales Fourchestra is a power trio led by steel pannist Jonathan Scales, with E’Lon JD on electric bass and Maison Guidry on drums, who create a sound that defies easy categorisation. Blending jazz, classical and progressive rock with Latin rhythms and bursts of funk, the Fourchestra moves effortlessly between explosive solos and quiet, meditative passages, drawing audiences into a musical world that will be unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

Friday 4th – Saturday 5th September 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Future Movers
Future Movers, directed by award-winning saxophonist Phil Meadows, are an ever-evolving ensemble featuring the UK’s finest breakthrough jazz musicians. They play a mix of jazz, hip-hop, Afrobeat, funk and soul, drawing influence from Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, Maceo Parker and more.

Saturday 5th September 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
11am (£15 – £25)
Saturday Brunch: Songs & Stories with Ian Shaw and Omar
For this special edition of Songs & Stories, acclaimed singer, songwriter and broadcaster Ian Shaw welcomes Omar for an intimate afternoon of conversation and music. One of the most influential figures in British soul, Omar has spent more than three decades building a body of work that has helped shape the sound of UK soul and R&B. Since the release of his landmark debut There’s Nothing Like This in 1990, he has recorded a series of acclaimed albums including Music, Best By Far, Sing (If You Want It) and The Man, earning multiple MOBO Awards and an international following along the way.

Saturday 5th September 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£45-£60)
Emma Rawicz Jazz Orchestra
Saxophonist, composer and bandleader Emma Rawicz continues to relish the challenge of writing for and leading a big band. Formed in 2023, the Emma Rawicz Jazz Orchestra (ERJO) brings together a 20-piece ensemble of established figures and some of the most exciting young musicians on the scene, ERJO showcases the full breadth of Rawicz’s distinctive writing. Expect everything from edgy, high-energy originals and Afro-Cuban-inspired rhythms to ballads, with Rawicz featuring as a soloist throughout the evening.

Sunday 6th September 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
12pm (£15 – £30)
Nick Tomalin’s Shades of Shearing Quintet
Nick Tomalin’s Shades of Shearing band celebrates the musical legacy of iconic British-born jazz pianist George Shearing. The group features the classic quintet line-up, and for this performance will be joined by singer Lily Dior to perform selections from the much-loved Beauty and the Beat album recorded with Peggy Lee, and The Swinging’s Mutual album with Nancy Wilson. The band also features internationally acclaimed vibraphonist Nat Steele.

Sunday 6th September 2026
6.30pm (£40-£65)
Ronnie Scott’s Blues Explosion
Blues Explosion perform a night of electrifying blues encompassing all styles from Delta Blues to New Orleans funk. Since its inception in 2008, our monthly blues night has remained a firm favourite on the club calendar, bringing top performers from the world of jazz and blues. Co-led by guitarist/vocalist Marcus Bonfanti (Ten Years After), pianist/vocalist Paddy Milner (Tom Jones) and featuring the dynamic Tony Remy (Jack Bruce) also on guitar, the Blues Explosion performs the music of BB King, Buddy Guy, Peter Green, Albert Collins, Dr. John and many more.

Monday 7th September 2026
5.30pm (£40- £60)
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra
Directed by wise-cracking MD Pete Long, the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra’s exciting brew of virtuoso ensemble playing with killer solo contributions from across all sections of the band has been delighting jazz fans across the board, from newcomers to regulars. Expect the power of a big band across all jazz genres. The band’s shows have made national press for their ability to change styles, so expect roaring swing, sassy vocals, fabulous funk and delicious Latin flavours with first-class arrangements of classic big band hits by the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, The Rat Pack and Benny Goodman!

Monday 7th September 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
9.30pm (£10)
Late Late Show Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Jam
Hosted by trumpeter and raconteur, Andy Davies, expect a high‑energy night of burning bebop from the greats - Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Charlie Parker and more - performed by a rotating house band of top British jazz stars. A breeding ground for rising talent and a late‑night playground for London’s jazz elite, the jam has welcomed surprise drop‑ins from global stars like Esperanza Spalding, Jon Batiste and Christian Scott.

Tuesday 8th – Sunday 13th September 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm [12pm & 6.30pm on Sunday] (£60- £85)
Curtis Stigers
Curtis Stigers has had top ten hits; written and sung an Emmy-nominated TV theme song; recorded a track for one of the biggest-selling pop albums of all time; and he’s released nine critically-acclaimed, award-winning jazz albums. He’s played for presidents and princes, and appeared in Seth MacFarlane movies Ted and Ted 2. He has toured with symphony orchestras, written songs with Carole King and duetted with Al Green, Shawn Colvin and Tom Jones.

Wednesday 9th September 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Rachael Cohen
Rachael Cohen is one the most sought-after players on the London jazz scene. Her critically-acclaimed debut album ‘Halftime’ in 2012, on Michael Janisch’s Whirlwind Recordings, gained her a reputation as one of the premier new voices of her generation in the UK’s jazz and improvised music scene.

Thursday 10th September 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Vula & Friends
Vula Malinga, the queen of RnB and an integral part of Soul Family, brings her 90s groove and soul to this popular late-night slot. At her Late Late Shows, Vula curates a unique line-up of emerging soul and RnB talent, with some special guests often dropping in.

Friday 11th September 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Creature.
Creature. presents a fusion of club-ready jazz and broken beat, ready for London dancefloors. Creature. (AKA Jim Cornelissen) is a drummer, composer and producer presents his immersive, rhythm-led vibrations take elements from hip-hop, electronic and jazz-funk culture, inspired by his worldwide travels as a sideman.

Saturday 12th September 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with The Boom Yeh
Stalwarts of the London music scene, The Boom Yeh are at the forefront of redefining British Jazz-Funk. Expect a powerhouse performance mixing jazz-funk, Afrobeat, rock and global rhythms. Garnering the praise and support of BBC Radio 6, Jazz FM and club DJs, the band is led by guitarist/composer Jon Speedy in collaboration with saxophonist/horn arranger Ian Bailey.

Monday 14th September 2026
5.30pm (£35- £50)
Jamie Safir: Momentism Album Launch ft. Graeme Blevins
Celebrating his brand new release, Momentism on Chilltone Records, “one of the biggest talents of British jazz piano” (The Observer), Jamie Safir brings the hugely in-demand bass player Conor Chaplin (Jacob Collier, Marius Neset, Bobo Stenson), dynamic young drummer Luke Tomlinson (Labbi Siffre, Callum Au) and tenor saxophonist Graeme Blevins (RAYE, Yellowjackets) to Ronnie Scott’s for the UK launch of his debut recording as a bandleader and composer.

Monday 14th September 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£10)
Late Late Show Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Jam
Hosted by trumpeter and raconteur, Andy Davies, expect a high‑energy night of burning bebop from the greats - Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Charlie Parker and more - performed by a rotating house band of top British jazz stars. A breeding ground for rising talent and a late‑night playground for London’s jazz elite, the jam has welcomed surprise drop‑ins from global stars like Esperanza Spalding, Jon Batiste and Christian Scott.

Tuesday 15th September 2026
5.30pm (£35- £55)
Harry Allen & Martin Sasse Quartet
American tenor saxophonist Harry Allen joins acclaimed German pianist Martin Sasse for a rare UK appearance as part of their 2026 European tour, celebrating their album Live at Bird’s Eye. Allen is renowned for his appearances with artists including Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, John Pizzarelli and Kenny Barron. Joining him is Martin Sasse, one of Europe’s leading jazz pianists. Together, Allen and Sasse share a musical rapport rooted in the Great American Songbook and the classic small-group jazz tradition.

Wednesday 16th September 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£35- £55)
Peter Bernstein Quartet
Fluidly improvising guitarist Peter Bernstein is committed to swinging jazz in its most direct and expressive form, whether through his own compositions, works by the great jazz composers, or standards from the Great American Songbook. For this quartet, Bernstein is joined by Sullivan Fortner (piano), Doug Weiss (bass) and Kush Abadey (drums) - a line-up of musicians whose collective experience spans generations of modern jazz.

Wednesday 16th September 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Nikki Yeoh’s Nucleus Sessions with Oli FitzGerald Trio
Bassist Oli FitzGerald is joined by his trio for a special Late Late Show performance hosted by Nikki Yeoh. Following the release of their debut album What Might Have Been in January 2026, the Oli Fitzgerald Trio has quickly made a name for themselves with inventive interpretations of both classic and contemporary jazz.

Thursday 17th September 2026
5.30pm (£30- £45)
Nigel Price Organ Trio
The Nigel Price Organ Trio is perhaps one of the most hard hitting, dynamic and exciting jazz groups on the UK scene today. The group was nominated for the 2021 Parliamentary Jazz Award for ‘Best Ensemble’ (which the trio won in 2010) and winner of the 2016 British Jazz Award for ‘Best Small Group’.

Thursday 17th September 2026
8.30pm (£35- £50)
PYJÆN
Join PYJÆN for the exclusive launch of their new album Welcome to the Citadel. Blending the band’s signature high-energy jazz, groove and electronic textures, this release marks an exciting new chapter in their evolution. PYJÆN reach inside the deep, multidimensional well of what is broadly called Jazz and bring together all its diverse components in a singular, emotional sound.

Thursday 17th September 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Patterns
Originally from Naples, guitarist, producer, and songwriter Dani Diodato leads London-based, jazz-fusion outfit PYJAEN, quartet SUNAAT, as well as with indie-pop singer-songwriter Arlo Parks. Co-founder Nicola Guida is a free-thinking, genre-bending pianist. A multi-award winner, his unique approach combines jazz, film scores, R&B leanings and hip-hop atmospheres, mixed with a fascinating use of sampling.

Friday 18th September 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£35- £55)
The Smoogies
The Smoogies: a vibrant ensemble with Vaughn V.KEYS Henry on keys and vocals, Dion Kerr on bass, Harvel Nakundi and David Chiverton on drums. Embodying a fusion of eclectic influences, they are preparing to unveil their third album—a vibrant live recording captured in their home state of Florida. Each member has performed on stages worldwide, contributing their talents to acclaimed acts like Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, Marcus Strickland, Richard Bona, Ettiene Charles and Kirk Franklin.

Friday 18th September 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Electronic hosted by Chiminyo
Chiminyo - London drummer, percussionist and electronic producer - delivers explosive, fully improvised sets fusing jazz‑infused grooves with the futuristic edge of electronic production. A core member of Maisha and Cykada, he’s collaborated with Gary Bartz, Nubya Garcia and Shabaka Hutchings.

Saturday 19th September 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
11am (£20 – £30)
Members’ Brunch: In Conversation with Sir Trevor McDonald & Linda Duberley
Join us for a special Desert Island Discs-style Members’ Brunch with Sir Trevor McDonald, hosted by Linda Duberley. Through a handpicked selection of favourite recordings played throughout the conversation, Sir Trevor will reflect on his distinguished career, lifelong love of music and jazz, and his connection to Ronnie Scott’s. Expect an intimate and entertaining morning of stories, memories and the soundtrack to an extraordinary life.

Saturday 19th September 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40- £60)
When Bowie Met Joni: Ian Shaw Sings David Bowie and Joni Mitchell
Award-winning vocalist and “a true song stylist for our times” (DownBeat), Ian Shaw returns to Ronnie Scott’s for two special nights, reimagining the songs of David Bowie and Joni Mitchell with a full live band.

Saturday 19th September 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Jemima Whyte
25 year-old Jemima Whyte is the newest alto saxophonist, singer and composer bringing a refreshing voice to the UK jazz, funk and soul scene. Her distinctive sound, rich arrangements and captivating live shows have been exciting audiences in venues across the UK.

Sunday 20th September 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
12pm (£20 – £30)
Georgina Jackson’s Sass and Brass
Top singer and trumpeter Georgina Jackson presents her ‘Mighty Mini Big Band’, a swinging, brass-led set of iconic songs delivered with her trademark velvet voice and flair for storytelling. Expect a ‘pick and mix’ of bluesy swing, classic ballads and up-tempo big band arrangements, drawing on the “Vintage Vegas” sounds that have shaped her style - from Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald to Ray Charles, Sinatra and Adele, all delivered with a hefty dose of sizzling brass.

Sunday 20th September 2026
6.30pm (£40-£60)
Natalie Williams’ Soul Family
Natalie Williams’ Soul Family is a 10-piece band with a 16-year monthly residency, performing original music alongside classic soul, neo-soul, jazz, and R&B. Led by Natalie Williams, known for her rich, soulful voice, the band features talented singers including Vula and Brendan Reilly. Soul Family Sundays have become a key platform for emerging and established talent, hosting artists such as Amy Winehouse, Jamie Woon, Emeli Sandé, Lalah Hathaway, and Omar.

Monday 21st — Tuesday 22nd September 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£35- £55)
Judi Jackson Sings The Blues
A Jazz FM Vocalist of the Year winner, Judi Jackson returns with a deeply personal exploration of the blues. Born in Virginia, Judi’s early breakthrough saw her open for Mavis Staples at 16 and later record with Snarky Puppy on their Grammy-winning album Family Dinner: Volume One. Now based in London, she has gone on to perform at the Southbank Centre for the London Jazz Festival and Chaka Khan’s Meltdown Festival, appear on Later… with Jools Holland, and present a string of sold-out shows at Ronnie Scott’s.

Monday 21st September 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£10)
Late Late Show Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Jam
Hosted by trumpeter and raconteur, Andy Davies, expect a high‑energy night of burning bebop from the greats - Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Charlie Parker and more - performed by a rotating house band of top British jazz stars. A breeding ground for rising talent and a late‑night playground for London’s jazz elite, the jam has welcomed surprise drop‑ins from global stars like Esperanza Spalding, Jon Batiste and Christian Scott.

Wednesday 23rd September 2026
5.30pm (£35- £55)
Jackson Mathod
A key figure on the London jazz scene, Mathod has earned a reputation as both a compelling bandleader and one of the UK’s most in-demand session musicians, performing with artists including Stormzy, Jordan Rakei, Alex Isley and Julian Joseph. Mirage marks the next chapter in Jackson’s musical journey, expanding his sound into more psychedelic territory inspired by artists such as Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Buckley. This special album launch performance combines virtuosic musicianship, infectious grooves and adventurous improvisation.

Wednesday 23rd September 2026
8.30pm (£35- £55)
LOX – The Eight Gates
One of the most exciting emerging voices on London’s contemporary jazz scene, drummer, composer and bandleader LOX presents The Eight Gates: a deeply personal new project that marks the culmination of six years of writing, reflection and artistic growth. Rooted in jazz while drawing on funk, soul and hip-hop, the music balances powerful grooves with rich melodic writing and fearless improvisation.

Wednesday 23rd September 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Hans Luchs
The Late Late Show welcomes New York–based guitarist and composer Hans Luchs and his quartet. Originally from Chicago, Luchs has become a regular presence on the New York jazz scene, performing with artists including Pepe Aguilar, Martha Reeves and Shirley King. As a bandleader and recording artist, Luchs brings together original compositions, jazz standards and imaginative reworkings of pop songs.

Thursday 24th September 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£35- £55)
Anthony Joseph
Celebrated as “the leader of the black avant-garde in Britain”, Anthony Joseph is an award-winning Trinidadian poet, novelist and musician whose singular body of work fuses spoken word, jazz, Afrobeat, funk and the rhythms of the Caribbean. Winner of the 2022 T.S. Eliot Prize and a collaborator with artists including Meshell Ndegeocello, Archie Shepp and Shabaka Hutchings, Joseph has established himself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Black music and literature.

Thursday 24th September 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Myele Manzanza
Energetic and exciting New Zealand-born, London-based drummer and producer Myele Manzanza has made a major impact upon the global musical landscape. A founding member of Electric Wire Hustle, Myele has released five solo albums, collaborating with Jordan Rakei, Theo Parrish, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Recloose and Amp Fiddler amongst others.

Friday 25th – Saturday 26th September 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40- £55)
Ilhan Ersahin’s Istanbul Sessions
Frontman Ilhan Ersahin is one of those rare moguls of the New York underground scene - the creative force behind the iconic Nublu club and record label, and a true global citizen of sound. Since 2008, Istanbul Sessions have been setting fire to stages around the world with performances that blur lines and defy definition. The one guarantee is master-level musicianship meeting pure eclecticism: the true expression of an “east-to-west crossover”, cinematic in scope and full of rhythm and life.

Friday 25th – Saturday 26th September 2026
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Tanhai Collective
London six-piece Tanhai Collective fuse classic soul jazz, jazz-funk and the atmospheric edge of post-rock into a groove-heavy, high-energy instrumental sound. Drawing on the warmth of 70s production with infectious melodies and explosive rhythms, they’ve built a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting new jazz acts.

Sunday 27th September 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
12pm (£20- £30)
Coltrane and Hartman on Impulse! feat. Mark Lockheart and Marvin Muoneké
In John Coltrane’s centenary year, this special concert revisits his iconic 1963 collaboration with Johnny Hartman, reimagining the timeless Impulse! recordings live on stage. Rising UK vocalist Marvin Muoneké (Jazz FM: “A new vocal sensation”) leads the performance alongside acclaimed tenor saxophonist Mark Lockheart, with a world-class rhythm section featuring Gary Crosby (bass), Alex Webb (piano) and Alfonso Vitale (drums).

Sunday 27th September 2026
6.30pm (£35-£50)
W3 Funk Sessions
W3 was originally conceived amidst London’s vibrant jam nights, evolving into an innovative force in the world of funk. W3 is a collective of some of the finest musicians in the UK, fusing commanding riffs, dynamic sounds, and lively energy. Their boldness harks back to an era when the power of music was acknowledged and celebrated, a power that crosses generational barriers and remains relevant, regardless of the changing times.

Monday 28th September 2026
5.30pm (£35- £55)
Charlie Bates Big Band
Composer and pianist Charlie Bates brings his big band to Ronnie Scott’s for a performance featuring guest vocalists and a programme of original music. Known for his work as a composer and arranger with ensembles including NDR Big Band, the BBC Symphony Orchestra and UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, Bates has developed a distinctive voice as a writer for large ensembles, drawing together influences from jazz, orchestral music and songwriting.

Tuesday 29th September 2026
5.30pm (£35- £55)
Jalen Baker Quartet
Jalen Baker is an acclaimed American vibraphonist, composer and bandleader making his mark on the international jazz scene, praised by DownBeat as “a bold new vibraphonist in jazz town who warrants an ear”. Baker has performed with leading artists including Jeremy Pelt, Johnathan Blake, Ulysses Owens Jr. and Tim Warfield, while also establishing himself as a distinctive voice with his own quartet. The Jalen Baker Quartet celebrate the release of their new album RePaved, a deeply reflective suite inspired by the history and cultural legacy of Jalen’s hometown Houston, Texas’s 3rd, 4th and 5th Wards.

Wednesday 30th September 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£35- £55)
Alex Garnett presents the London Supersax Project
Miles Davis famously said, “You can tell the history of jazz in four words: Louis Armstrong. Charlie Parker.” Few musicians changed the course of jazz as profoundly as Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker. In 2013, saxophonist Alex Garnett created a UK incarnation of the project: London Supersax. Drawing on a lifelong admiration for Parker’s music, Alex assembled an outstanding ensemble dedicated to celebrating Bird’s enduring legacy through these remarkable arrangements. Expect classic Parker repertoire including Cool Blues, Star Eyes, Lover Man, Salt Peanuts, Parker’s Mood, A Night in Tunisia, Moose the Mooche and more.

Wednesday 30th September 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Jamie Murray
Drummer Jamie Murray has a strong sense of writing; his compositions are personal and original with an electronic/jazz fusion style to them. Jamie has played with most of his contemporaries and peers in the new London Jazz scene, as well as crossing into the electronic pop world. Most recently, he has recorded with Binker Golding for Blue Note Re:Imagined. Currently Jamie is involved in several projects, and consistently touring Europe and the USA.

October 2026

Thursday 1st – Friday 2nd October 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£60-£75)
Christian McBride and Ursa Major
Widely considered one of the best bassists of his generation, Christian McBride is an eleven-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. He has performed and recorded with jazz legends like Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Roy Haynes and Chick Corea. In Ursa Major, he is joined by four rising young master instrumentalists: saxophonist Nicole Glover, guitarist Ely Perlman, pianist Mike King, and drummer Savannah Harris.

Friday 2nd – Saturday 3rd October 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Future Movers
Future Movers, directed by award-winning saxophonist Phil Meadows, are an ever-evolving ensemble featuring the UK’s finest breakthrough jazz musicians. They play a mix of jazz, hip-hop, Afrobeat, funk and soul, drawing influence from Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, Maceo Parker and more.

Saturday 3rd October 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40-£55)
Claire Martin with the Martin Sjöstedt Trio
Claire Martin returns with the Martin Sjöstedt Trio, reuniting with one of her favourite formats - the classic jazz piano trio. Widely regarded as one of the UK’s foremost jazz vocalists, Martin has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, winning the British Jazz Awards eight times and earning a reputation for her thoughtful interpretations and impeccable musicianship.

Sunday 4th October 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
12pm (£20-£30)
Catherine Lima - The Allure of Miss Lee
Jazz vocalist Catherine Lima and her quartet present The Allure of Miss Lee. Peggy Lee’s voice was distinctive, understated but full of subtlety with a breathy tone that became her trademark. With trademark Peggy Lee hits such as Fever, Black Coffee and Is That All There Is? this show also embraces some of Lee’s lesser-known repertoire. Catherine is a charismatic and entertaining performer, with a warm expressive tone which she uses to create moods from sultry to joyous.

Sunday 4th October 2026
6.30pm (£40-£65)
Ronnie Scott’s Blues Explosion
Blues Explosion perform a night of electrifying blues encompassing all styles from Delta Blues to New Orleans funk. Since its inception in 2008, our monthly blues night has remained a firm favourite on the club calendar, bringing top performers from the world of jazz and blues. Co-led by guitarist/vocalist Marcus Bonfanti (Ten Years After), pianist/vocalist Paddy Milner (Tom Jones) and featuring the dynamic Tony Remy (Jack Bruce) also on guitar, the Blues Explosion performs the music of BB King, Buddy Guy, Peter Green, Albert Collins, Dr. John and many more.

Monday 5th October 2026
5.30pm (£35- £55)
Cédric Hanriot: Time Is Color
Time Is Color is the flagship project of acclaimed pianist, composer and producer Cédric Hanriot, one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jazz. Internationally recognised for his work with Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, Terri Lyne Carrington, Donny McCaslin, Robert Glasper and Ibrahim Maalouf, Hanriot has established a career at the highest level of global jazz and contemporary music. He notably contributed as pianist and sound designer to Dianne Reeves’ Grammy Award-winning album Beautiful Life.

Tuesday 6th October 2026
5.30pm (£35- £55)
Bokani Dyer
Bokani Dyer is an acclaimed pianist, composer and bandleader, and one of the leading voices in contemporary South African jazz. Hailed as the future of the genre after winning the Standard Bank Young Artist Award in 2011, Dyer has continued to build an internationally celebrated career, with his trio album Neo Native winning the South African Music Award for Best Jazz Album in 2019.

Wednesday 7th October 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£35- £55)
Koch Marshall Trio featuring Greg Koch
Koch Marshall Trio consists of American guitarist Greg Koch, his son Dylan Koch on drums, and Hammond B3 specialist Toby Lee Marshall. At the heart of this organ trio is a deep blues sensibility, but Greg’s compositions also draw on rock, funk, jazz and country, all delivered with heavy grooves, dynamic improvisation, a healthy dose of humour and occasional wild abandon.

Wednesday 7th October 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Mark Kavuma’s Banger Factory
Recently named Instrumentalist of the Year at the 2025 Jazz FM Awards and Jazz Ensemble of the year at the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2025, trumpeter Mark Kavuma has established himself as a key player in London’s rapidly expanding jazz scene.

Thursday 8th October 2026
5.30pm (£35- £55)
Chico Pinheiro Quartet
Chico Pinheiro is an outstanding guitarist widely acclaimed for his exquisite sound and remarkable fluidity. He is equally admired as a distinctive composer blending Brazilian, classical, and jazz influences. Chico has received two Grammy Award nominations, both in the Best Latin Jazz Album category, in 2020 and 2021. Ed Motta aptly described him as the “Brazilian Wayne Shorter”.

Thursday 8th October 2026
5.30pm (£35- £50)
Robert Mitchell’s Little Black Book
Robert Mitchell presents Little Black Book, a new power trio featuring guitarist Zayn Mohammed and drummer Laurie Lowe. Bringing together two of Mitchell’s long-standing musical partnerships for the first time, the group draws on the heavy fusion of Chick Corea and Allan Holdsworth, the psychedelic blues swagger of Jimi Hendrix and the fearless multi-media explorations of Cecil Taylor.

Thursday 8th October 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Vula & Friends
Vula Malinga, the queen of RnB and an integral part of Soul Family, brings her 90s groove and soul to this popular late-night slot. At her Late Late Shows, Vula curates a unique line-up of emerging soul and RnB talent, with some special guests often dropping in.

Friday 9th October 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40- £60)
Greg Foat
UK jazz pianist Greg Foat brings his trademark blend of cinematic jazz explorations and spacey, euphoric atmospheres, backed up by a band of multi-generational UK jazz stars. Greg originally studied with UK jazz luminaries like pianist Gordon Beck, before his Greg Foat Group came to renown by tapping into the sound of Britain’s late-60s jazz-rock heyday. Expect a delicate balance of jazz with synth-laden funk grooves, spacey cinematic tones and modulated electronic melodies.

Friday 9th October 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Creature.
Creature. presents a fusion of club-ready jazz and broken beat, ready for London dancefloors. Creature. (AKA Jim Cornelissen) is a drummer, composer and producer presents his immersive, rhythm-led vibrations take elements from hip-hop, electronic and jazz-funk culture, inspired by his worldwide travels as a sideman.

Saturday 10th October 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
11am (£15-£25)
Saturday Brunch: Songs & Stories with Ian Shaw and Julian Clary
For this special edition, Shaw is joined by Julian Clary, one of the UK’s most enduring entertainers, celebrated for his razor‑sharp wit, impeccable timing and a stage persona that blends elegance with fearless irreverence. A natural raconteur with a lifelong love of live performance, Julian is no stranger to Ronnie Scott’s, having twice appeared with Ian Shaw and The London Gay Big Band for the club’s celebrated Pride events. Shaw and Clary are longtime friends and collaborators, and this promises to be an afternoon of sharp humour, unexpected songs, backstage stories and joyful mischief.

Saturday 10th October 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£70- £85)
The Blind Boys of Alabama
The Blind Boys of Alabama are living legends of gospel music. With a career spanning more than 70 years, the group have earned six GRAMMY Awards, a Gospel Music Hall of Fame induction and Lifetime Achievement Awards from both the National Endowment for the Arts and The Recording Academy. From their roots singing in the Jim Crow South to performing for presidents and audiences around the world, The Blind Boys have played a defining role in the evolution of modern gospel.

Saturday 10th October 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Electronic with Willy Delphia
Willy Delphia is the London-based project of New Zealand-born producer and keyboardist Ben Stewart. Blending jazz harmony with old-school house, deep grooves and soulful vocals, his music offers escapism through dance, drawing inspiration from artists including Close Counters, Dan Kye, Kerri Chandler and Peven Everett. With his debut EP All In arriving in 2026, Willy Delphia brings a fresh take on jazz-infused house. Performed live by a five-piece band, Delphia’s high-energy shows sit at the intersection of a late-night club set and live jazz performance.

Sunday 11th October 2026
12pm & 6.30pm (£40-£55)
Marisha Wallace
Marisha Wallace is a North Carolina–born West End and Broadway star known for a voice that moves from musical theatre, gospel-tinged soul and contemporary pop. She has built her career across major productions including Dreamgirls, Hairspray, Waitress, Oklahoma! and Guys & Dolls, earning her Olivier Award nominations for the latter two. Most recently, Marisha returned to Broadway to take on the role of Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, with her performance being featured as one of the best theatre moments of 2025 by the New York Times.

Monday 12th October 2026
5.30pm (£40- £60)
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra
Directed by wise-cracking MD Pete Long, the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra’s exciting brew of virtuoso ensemble playing with killer solo contributions from across all sections of the band has been delighting jazz fans across the board, from newcomers to regulars. Expect the power of a big band across all jazz genres. The band’s shows have made national press for their ability to change styles, so expect roaring swing, sassy vocals, fabulous funk and delicious Latin flavours with first-class arrangements of classic big band hits by the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, The Rat Pack and Benny Goodman!

Monday 12th October 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£10)
Late Late Show Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Jam
Hosted by trumpeter and raconteur, Andy Davies, expect a high‑energy night of burning bebop from the greats - Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Charlie Parker and more - performed by a rotating house band of top British jazz stars. A breeding ground for rising talent and a late‑night playground for London’s jazz elite, the jam has welcomed surprise drop‑ins from global stars like Esperanza Spalding, Jon Batiste and Christian Scott.

Tuesday 13th – Wednesday 14th October 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40- £60)
Kyle Eastwood
Bassist and composer Kyle Eastwood returns with his long-standing quintet, bringing together contemporary jazz, classic hard bop and the cinematic influences that have shaped his musical journey. The son of filmmaker Clint Eastwood, Kyle has forged his own reputation as a world-class musician, bandleader and composer, developing a distinctive sound that reflects his lifelong connection to both jazz and film.

Wednesday 14th October 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Rachael Cohen
Rachael Cohen is one the most sought-after players on the London jazz scene. Her critically-acclaimed debut album ‘Halftime’ in 2012, on Michael Janisch’s Whirlwind Recordings, gained her a reputation as one of the premier new voices of her generation in the UK’s jazz and improvised music scene.

Saturday 17th October 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£45- £65)
Erik Truffaz & Antonio Lizana - New Sketches of Spain
To mark the centenary of Miles Davis’ birth, celebrated trumpeter Erik Truffaz and flamenco-jazz artist Antonio Lizana present New Sketches of Spain: a contemporary reimagining of one of the trumpeter’s most iconic recordings. One of Europe’s leading voices in electro-jazz, Erik Truffaz joins forces with acclaimed saxophonist and flamenco singer Antonio Lizana to revisit this masterpiece.

Sunday 18th October 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
12pm (£20-£30)
Pamela Knowles
With a voice described by critics as “husky, mysterious, playful, clear, and swinging”, be prepared for a musical feast of jazz gems as well as original songs from New York-based singer Pamela Knowles. Her latest work, Thirteen Kinds of Desire is a unique collaboration between Knowles and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa, with 13 original compositions produced and co-composed by Pamela.

Sunday 18th October 2026
6.30pm (£40-£60)
Natalie Williams’ Soul Family
Natalie Williams’ Soul Family is a 10-piece band with a 16-year monthly residency, performing original music alongside classic soul, neo-soul, jazz, and R&B. Led by Natalie Williams, known for her rich, soulful voice, the band features talented singers including Vula and Brendan Reilly. Soul Family Sundays have become a key platform for emerging and established talent, hosting artists such as Amy Winehouse, Jamie Woon, Emeli Sandé, Lalah Hathaway, and Omar.

Monday 19th – Saturday 24th October 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£55- £75)
Mingus Big Band
The acclaimed 14-piece Mingus Big Band returns to celebrate the enduring musical legacy of composer, bassist and visionary Charles Mingus. Created in 1991 by Sue Mingus, the ensemble grew out of the posthumous Mingus Dynasty and Epitaph projects, bringing to life the larger-scale arrangements and expansive ensemble sound that Mingus himself long envisioned. With twelve recordings to their name, including the Grammy-winning Live at Jazz Standard and the Grammy-nominated The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, the Mingus Big Band continues to reinterpret this extraordinary catalogue with energy, imagination and individuality.

Monday 19th October 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£10)
Late Late Show Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Jam
Hosted by trumpeter and raconteur, Andy Davies, expect a high‑energy night of burning bebop from the greats - Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Charlie Parker and more - performed by a rotating house band of top British jazz stars. A breeding ground for rising talent and a late‑night playground for London’s jazz elite, the jam has welcomed surprise drop‑ins from global stars like Esperanza Spalding, Jon Batiste and Christian Scott.

Thursday 22nd October 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Taylor/Gedrych/Wood & Friends
Taylor/Gedrych/Wood is a fusion trio made up of three of the most in-demand musicians on the London jazz scene. Between them, they have performed and recorded with artists including Emma-Jean Thackray, Neue Grafik, Oscar Jerome, Alfa Mist, Energy Exchange Ensemble, Allysha Joy, margomool, Vels Trio and New Movement Ensemble, among many others. Joined by special guests Jake Burgess on tenor saxophone and Lyle Barton on percussion, Taylor/Gedrych/Wood deliver a fiery, dynamic performance that places a contemporary spin on jazz fusion.

Friday 23rd – Saturday 24th October 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by TUCAN
TUCAN’s sound brings you a melting pot of contemporary sonics, fusing hard hitting grooves, experimental chords and captivating melodies. The band’s fresh take on jazz fusion sees their music incorporating soul, funk and R&B, while drawing inspiration from the likes of Snarky Puppy, Robert Glasper and Cory Henry.

Sunday 25th October 2026 *LUNCHTIME*
12pm (£30 – £45)
Deirdre Cartwright & Alison Rayner Celebrate 50 Years of Music
Join multi-award-winning musicians Deirdre Cartwright and Alison Rayner as they celebrate 50 years of musical partnership and collaboration. From meeting in a shed in Peckham in the summer of 1976 to becoming two of the UK’s most respected jazz musicians, Cartwright and Rayner have shared an extraordinary musical journey. Together they have played in groundbreaking groups including Jam Today, The Guest Stars, The Electric Landladies, and, more recently, the Deirdre Cartwright Group and Alison Rayner Quintet (ARQ).

Sunday 25th October 2026
6.30pm (£35-£50)
W3 Funk Sessions
W3 was originally conceived amidst London’s vibrant jam nights, evolving into an innovative force in the world of funk. W3 is a collective of some of the finest musicians in the UK, fusing commanding riffs, dynamic sounds, and lively energy. Their boldness harks back to an era when the power of music was acknowledged and celebrated, a power that crosses generational barriers and remains relevant, regardless of the changing times.

Wednesday 28th October 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40- £55)
Sullivan Fortner Trio
GRAMMY Award-winning pianist and composer Sullivan Fortner brings his new trio album Leave That In There to Ronnie Scott’s for its London launch. Joined by bassist Tyrone Allen II and drummer Kayvon Gordon, Fortner presents a set of contemporary jazz shaped by deep musical knowledge, rhythmic invention and the spontaneous interaction of three exceptional musicians.

Wednesday 28th October 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Leo Richardson
The Leo Richardson Quartet have been a regular feature of Ronnie Scott’s Late Late shows for the last 10 years. Expect a night of hard-bop originals with toe tapping melodies, exciting interaction and fast tempos.

Thursday 29th October 2026
5.30pm (£40- £55)
Timo Lassy Trio
Timo Lassy is one of Europe’s leading saxophonists, a commanding performer whose rich tone and total dedication to his art, whatever the setting, have earned him widespread acclaim across the international jazz scene. Winner of Finland’s prestigious EMMA and Yrjö awards for Jazz Album of the Year and Jazz Musician of the Year respectively, Timo has also drawn praise from tastemakers including Gilles Peterson and DownBeat magazine.

Thursday 29th October 2026
8.30pm (£35- £55)
Zohar & Adam feat. NORY and Ben Mizrach
At the start of their OSMOSIS tour, Brothers Zohar and Adam Cabo are emerging as one of the most exciting new acts in contemporary jazz. With Zohar on keyboards and Adam on drums, the duo brings a lifetime of shared musical experiences and influences to their eclectic, genre-crossing performances. Drawing on jazz, Latin rhythms, hip hop and global music, their music combines adventurous improvisation with a remarkable musical connection forged through years of playing together.

Thursday 29th October 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show hosted by Myele Manzanza
Energetic and exciting New Zealand-born, London-based drummer and producer Myele Manzanza has made a major impact upon the global musical landscape. A founding member of Electric Wire Hustle, Myele has released five solo albums, collaborating with Jordan Rakei, Theo Parrish, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Recloose and Amp Fiddler amongst others.

Friday 30th – Saturday 31st October 2026
5.30pm & 8.30pm (£40- £55)
Mark Lettieri Group
Known to millions around the world for his work with leading instrumental bands Snarky Puppy and The Fearless Flyers, Mark Lettieri is a prolific guitarist and composer in his own right. Proficient in a multitude of styles, he has recorded and performed in virtually every genre of popular music with both independent and major-label artists.

Friday 30th October 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Electronic hosted by Chiminyo
Chiminyo - London drummer, percussionist and electronic producer - delivers explosive, fully improvised sets fusing jazz‑infused grooves with the futuristic edge of electronic production. A core member of Maisha and Cykada, he’s collaborated with Gary Bartz, Nubya Garcia and Shabaka Hutchings.

Saturday 31st October 2026 *LATE LATE SHOW*
11.15pm (£12)
Late Late Show with Don Glori
Traversing jazz, funk, soul, RnB, samba and beyond, his music is hard to describe, but harder to forget. Gordon leads an all star band of Myele Manzanza, Eddie Lee and Grifton Forbes-Amos, road testing new compositions from his forthcoming record ‘Paper Can’t Wrap Fire’.

Main shows
Main shows at Ronnie’s are spread across two sittings, with early show doors at 5:30pm for a 6:30pm start and second house doors opening at 8:30pm for a 9:15pm start. On single houses on Mondays and Tuesdays (check website) doors open at 6pm for a 7.30pm start. On Sundays, doors open at 12pm and 6.30pm for one sitting.
Full listings HERE.
https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/find-a-show

The Late Late Show
Ronnie Scott’s famous Late Late Show is the hottest ticket in London for late night entertainment. Running Wednesday to Saturday and hosted by some of London’s coolest artists and stars, tickets cost £12 in advance and £12-25 on the door. With entry from 11.15pm until 3am, the Late Late Shows are a popular post-dinner destination for drinks and entertainment in the heart of Soho. Late Late Shows listed HERE.
https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/find-a-show?order=show-date&when=all&show-type%5b%5d=6&loadmore=1&page=2

Ronnie Scott’s
47 Frith Street
Soho
London
W1D 4HT

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

Friday, July 31, 2026

Laura Thorne has forwarded details of the venue's full programme for August 2026 plus a preview of some of the events coming up in September and October, when the 606 celebrates its 50th anniversary.

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 August 2026, as well as a preview of upcoming September highlights and 50th Anniversary News!

The Club’s 50th Anniversary celebrations are now taking shape and we are in the process of sending out the “save the date” announcements! Officially beginning in October with a series of performances from the 12th-25th, this is a lovingly curated gathering of the many musicians who have played a part in the longevity of the 606 and its history, as well as the history of the UK jazz and live music scene, for which the Club has been a champion. We’ll be starting to release programme details soon.

Now on to our August shows at the 606 and a few September “amuse bouches”. For more info about these performances including photos, video clips and the rest go to https://www.606club.co.uk/events/

606 CLUB AUGUST 2026 – GIG GUIDE

Sat 1st     9:00pm   ALEX GARNETT: TRIBUTE TO HORACE SILVER  
Alex Garnett’s powerful, flowing, hard bop sax has been heard with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, Kurt Elling, & Van Morrison. He has performed in over 30 countries appearing at such prestigious venues in the US as the Blue Note, Lincoln Center and Birdland as well as playing at Umbria Jazz, Cork, Rochester NY, Barcelona, Montreux and the North Sea Jazz Festivals.  Tonight Alex, along with Leon Greening-piano, Simon Read-bass and Mark Taylor-drums, will be performing some of their favourite and funkiest compositions from the great pianist, composer and arranger Horace Silver, who Alex credits with “putting the funk in hard bop before anyone called it that!” “Garnett…one of Great Britain’s most accomplished post-bop musicians” AllAboutJazz;
“Alex Garnett held the audience spellbound” The Jazz Mann  

Sun 2nd   1:30pm   SUNDAY LUNCH: CLOSED – PRIVATE EVENT

Sun 2nd   8:00pm   PETER CHURCHILL    
Pete Churchill has been working as a composer, pianist, singer and educationalist for almost 30 years. Currently Professor of Jazz Composition at the Royal Academy of Music and Head of Jazz Voice at the Brussels Royal Conservatoire, he has performed with the likes of legendary Jazz singers Mark Murphy and Sheila Jordan, has been a member of both Kenny Wheeler’s and Abdullah Ibrahim’s Vocal Projects and is the Founder/director of ‘The London Vocal Project’ (LVP). Collaborating with the iconic Jazz singer/lyricist Jon Hendricks, Pete and LVP travelled to New York to present the world premiere of Jon‘s “Miles Ahead” to huge acclaim. Look forward to a night of carefully chosen gems from the Great American Songbook, accompanied by Pete’s trademark stories of life as a jazz musician. Also featuring Julian Nicholas-sax.
“Churchill has a warm, rough-edged, lived-in voice which brings added resonance to the lyrics…”  All About Jazz
         

Mon 3rd   8:00pm     TOM WATERS BAND PLAYS DAVID SANBORN
Saxophonist Tom Waters is a rising star in the worlds of R&B, Jazz, Funk & Blues. The son of the renowned blues & boogie pianist Ben Waters, Tom toured the world with his Dad before graduating from the Royal Academy of Music. Since then he has gone on to work with the likes of the Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck and Jools Holland. His own band has appeared at the likes of the London Jazz Festival, Cork Jazz Festival, Glastonbury, & the London Blues Festival and tonight they will celebrate the music of the legendary saxophonist David Sanborn. Described as “the most influential saxophonist on pop, R&B and crossover…of the past 20 years”, Sanborn won 6 Grammys and worked with everyone from Stevie Wonder to Sting. Expect classic Sanborn favourites performed by musicians who share his passion for groove, soul and improvisation! “Tom Waters doesn’t just play the saxophone-he ignites it” Blues In Europe

Tue 4th   8:00pm     GRAHAM HARVEY TRIO    
Graham Harvey is a wonderful pianist with a spirited style and graceful touch who has worked successfully in both the pop and jazz worlds, including recording and touring with acid jazz innovators Incognito in the 90’s and US vocalist Stacey Kent since 2007. Currently a member of the Matt Bianco Band Graham also leads his own jazz piano trio featuring the excellent Geoff Gascoyne-bass and Seb de Krom-drums that will be appearing this evening. Existing in the sweet spot between Oscar Peterson’s swing and Bill Evans’ poetry, they will be playing tasty arrangements of well-loved standards as well as little-known gems.
“notably tasteful” Jazzwise;
“strutting vivacity…a virtuoso display of locked hands” UK Jazz News
     

Wed 5th   8:00pm     KAIDI AKINNIBI    
Although his fluent and thoughtful playing is rooted in the classic jazz genres, growing up in South London and learning from the Kinetika Bloco and the Jazz Warriors families, saxophonist Kaidi Akinnibi has always had a multi-faceted outlook on music. This can be seen in the eclectic variety of artists he works and writes with, including the likes of Tom Misch, Blue Lab Beats, Jason Moran & the Mercury Prize-winning Ezra Collective. In 2023, Kaidi released new music with his own band, the single ‘Real Enough’ and music video/ second single ‘Devices’, which saw him reveal his talent as a vocalist and guitarist, as well as deeply emotive lyricist and songwriter. A magnetic presence on London’s vibrant, creative jazz scene.
“The saxophone performance by Kaidi Akinnibi was stunning” emmiemusic.com
     

Thu 6th   8:00pm     TRISH CLOWES ft. JOHN PARRICELLI
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. A former BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist she received the British Composer Award (BASCA) in 2015 with notable performances including the Barbican, Rochester International Jazz Festival (US), Royal Festival Hall & Wigmore Hall. 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, NDR Big Band (Germany) and the London Sinfonietta. For this show Trish is excited to be featuring one of the great UK jazz guitarists John Parricelli (Loose Tubes, Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone). Remarkably this is the first time these two wonderful musicians have actually performed together so Trish is organising something a bit special to mark this new partnership. Expect joyous, exciting, music from originals to Jazz standards performed at the very highest level.
“Clowes…bristles with uncommon genius” JazzDaGama;
“an improviser to be reckoned with” Downbeat;
“Parricelli seems capable of endless feats of subtlety and control. Having Parricelli in the band is like having several world class musicians, all in the one chair.” UK Jazz News

Fri 7th     9:00pm   ERROL LINTON
Born and raised in Brixton, singer/harmonica player Errol Linton got his first break 30 years ago when heard busking by a BBC producer and has steadily built 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 has been championed by radio presenters John Peel, Paul Jones, & Cerys Matthews. He has toured the world opening for artists including Bo Diddley, Dr John and Blind Boys of Alabama and released seven albums, with several including his latest, “Break the Seal”, produced by Grammy-winning producer Liam Watson (White Stripes). Home grown blues at its best.
“The finest blues and reggae harmonica player in Europe” BBC Radio 3;
“harmonica wizard” The Observer

Sat 8th     9:00pm   TONY KOFI‘s “STANDARD TIME QUARTET”     
Saxophonist Tony Kofi first came to prominence in the 1990’s as a member of The Jazz Warriors and Gary Cosby’s Nu Troop as well as playing with high profile musicians including Courtney Pine. In 2009, his quartet headlined the Rochester Jazz Festival in New York and just to emphasise his international status, Tony was the first UK saxophonist to be featured with David Murray’s iconic US band the World Saxophone Quartet. Awards include the 2005 Parliamentary Jazz Award, Radio 3 Jazz Line-Up “Album of the Year” 2005 and 2008 BBC Jazz Awards - Best Instrumentalist. The quartet that Tony leads this evening celebrates the enduring legacy of the jazz standard. Joined by Federico De Vittor-piano, Mikele Montolli-bass and Alfonso Vitale-drums, the ensemble brings together four exceptional musicians whose collective artistry breathes fresh life into the Great American Songbook. Drawing on the rich traditions of bebop, hard bop and the classic jazz canon, “Standard Time” explores music made famous by the great masters, while embracing the spontaneity and creativity that lie at the heart of jazz.
“Kofi’s full-bodied sound, clear articulation and committed attack carry the immediacy and impact of the established masters of the jazz saxophone” Financial Times; “There is so much respect in jazz circles for Tony Kofi” Jazzwise:
“Passionate…superb…heartfelt” Guardian

Sun 9th   1:30pm   SUNDAY LUNCH: YUKO YOKOI  
The Award-winning Japanese singer Yuko Yokoi arrived in London to complete her Masters in Jazz…and never left. Since then she has performed at renowned venues in the UK, Europe and Brazil. Her debut album ‘Verde’ captured her love of both Brazilian music and jazz, and she describes her approach as “full of improvisation and musical shades of light and colour.” Joining Yuko on the stand is her impressive band, Luiz Morais-guitar; Adam Dyer-piano, Max Luthert-bass, Marcinho Pereira-drums. A lovely show.
“Creative and engaging” Jazz Journal UK;
“Highly sophisticated” Jazz Japan Magazine

Sun 9th       8:00pm   LOUISE BALKWILL
The 2022 winner of the Riga International Jazz Voice competition, Louise Balkwill has been hailed as one of the finest singers of her generation. Most recently touring with celebrated vocal harmony trio The Puppini Sisters tonight Louise will be featuring songs from her brand-new album, “Chatterbox”, a vibrant love letter to classic vocal jazz. Following its release earlier this year it received widespread critical acclaim; “a delightful celebration” Jazzwise & “a top contender for Vocal Album of the Year” Bebop Spoken Here. Known for her powerful stage presence Louise brings her trademark warmth, wit and thrilling musicianship to the gig, with a collection of sparkling new compositions and fresh re-tellings of beloved standards. Expect an evening of captivating delivery, dazzling vocalese, exhilarating scat singing, heartfelt ballads and joyful swing. Also featuring Jonathan Bauer-trumpet.
“a vocalist who possesses an impeccable sense of time and a gift for storytelling” UK Jazz News;
“Balkwill…incredible vocals and engaging stage presence” Jazzwise
   

Mon 10th   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.
“The GAB Trio put on a thrilling gig which blended the boundaries of jazz, samba, tango, flamenco, and bossa nova…a sophisticated respect for world musical traditions was matched by their virtuosic improvisational abilities” Jazzwise    
 

Tue 11th   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 - Tim Lapthorn-piano, Steve Rose-bass & Mark Mondesir-drums - have performed here for the last 23 years. The repertoire consists of best-loved jazz standards from the 50’s through the 90’s from artists including Miles, Hancock, Silver and more.
“…impressive hard-bop saxophonist” Time Out

Wed 12th   8:00pm   MARK CROOKS ORGAN QUARTET
A terrific, tasteful player on both saxophone and clarinet, Mark Crooks has forged an unrivalled reputation on the UK music scene. Mark’s considerable talent has seen him performing alongside artists such as Tony Bennett, Sir Simon Rattle, Lady Gaga and Dame Cleo Laine and for this 606 show Mark has teamed up with the fantastic organist Pete Whittaker to “explore some of the grooviest tenor sax/organ repertoire from the likes of Stanley Turrentine, Shirley Scott and Jimmy Smith.” Also featuring the excellent Colin Oxley-guitar and Matt Home-drums.
“The phenomenally gifted Mark Crooks…the quartet is everything you could wish for” Jazz Journal;
“virtuoso perfection” Jazzwise

Thu 13th   8:00pm   JONNY LIEBECK QUINTET
Keyboardist Jonny Liebeck has performed at the likes of the Purcell Room & Royal Albert Hall as well as playing alongside Cuban Jazz legend Omar Puente & Soul icon Mica Paris. Jonny’s latest EP “Influences” mixes 20th century-influenced jazz & fusion with electronic dance music to create a contemporary, swinging sound. Joining him on the stand are four outstanding musicians including rising star Donovan Haffner-sax. Expect an exciting fusion of lush synth pads, deep & soulful jazz harmonies, lyrical guitar & sax melodies and grooving bass & drums.
“There is almost certainly no other musician on the London…scene…who has found such…musical ways to combine jazz and electronic dance music” UK Jazz News

Fri 14th   9:00pm   LEX CAMERON’S PRE-BIRTHDAY GIG!   
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 Susan Allotey. This gig is just before Lex’s birthday, so expect some extra fun and maybe the odd guest or two! Groove at its very best.
“Lex Cameron…quality old school soul” UK Vibe

Sat 15th   9:00pm   ALAN BARNES: KINGS OF THE ALTO/BARITONE SAX
Alan Barnes has been recognized as a virtuosic sax/clarinet player, composer, arranger and bandleader for more than 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 Alan pays tribute to the titans of the alto and baritone saxophones, from the lightning-fast bebop lines of Charlie Parker to the lush, complex harmonic stylings of Gerry Mulligan, the programme will showcase the versatility and expressive power of these instruments. Also featuring Robin Aspland-piano.
“His stylistic range is quite phenomenal” Masters Of The Jazz Saxophone

Sun 16th   1:30pm   SUNDAY LUNCH: FLEUR STEVENSON FT. ART THEMEN
Singer Fleur Stevenson is gifted with a honeyed vocal tone, sparkling presentation and a strong grasp of the jazz idiom. She has appeared at many prestige venues and has released 2 highly regarded albums including ‘For All We Know’, which was amongst Jazz Views’ ‘Best Albums of the Year’. Also featured will be Art Themen-sax, a leading light of the British jazz scene for over 50 years. Lively arrangements of jazz favourites and Fleur’s gift for storytelling alongside Art’s inventive playing create a unique and exciting sound.
“Stevenson…phenomenal” UK Jazz News;
“Themen, a veteran master…in such eloquent form” Jazzwise

Sun 16th   8:00pm   “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 17th   8:00pm   AROUND ABOUT DUSK
Making their debut here at the Club, Around About Dusk blend New Orleans jazz, European folk, roots and blues influences into a captivating sound. Their music weaves enchanting melodies that tell stories of wonder, humanity and heartache. With humour and folklore they conjure the romance of old cafés, the spirit of New Orleans and the intimacy of campfire songs. Including performances at festivals such as Glastonbury, Cambridge, Bristol and Secret Garden Party this Bristol-based ensemble featuring Rachel Lawrence-accordion/vocals, Gus Dolding-clarinet/guitar, Bill Frampton-double bass, James French-trumpet and Steve Fry-drums bring charm, authenticity and a distinctive presence to every gig they do.
“There’s an idiosyncratic feel to their sound that’s refreshing and the delivery sounds effortless. It’s playful and fun” BBC Radio 6

Tue 18th   8:00pm   KLARA DEVLIN QUARTET
A 2024 BBC Young Jazz Musician finalist, 19-year-old jazz trumpeter and composer Klara Devlin is making her debut tonight at the Club with her quartet. Featuring Chris Outhwaite-piano, Tom Sheen-bass and Emmanuel Ampong-drums she will perform original compositions and arrangements inspired by bebop, blues and just a touch of free jazz. Having already appeared at numerous jazz venues and festivals this is an exciting group of seriously talented, highly regarded, young players. Well worth checking out.
“Devlin‘s…take on the classic small band format was…powerful, exuberant and transformative” UK Jazz News;
“Devlin…one of the most amazing…unique new trumpet voices to emerge onto the UK jazz scene” Tony Kofi

Wed 19th   8:00pm   **606 SPECIAL**: RAY BEADLE
The multi-award-winning singer/guitarist Ray Beadle is one of Australia’s foremost Blues & Americana artists. A precocious talent, Ray spent 20+ years working with and learning from the best and is now an established solo artist in his own right who is widely respected on the International Blues scene. An exhilarating guitarist, enthralling singer-songwriter and consummate performer his three-month residency with the house band in BB King’s Club in Memphis has been a defining moment during Ray’s three tours of the US. With 15 albums to his name, he’s been recognized with multiple Australian Blues awards – his first Award, “New Male Artist”, in 1997 was followed by Best Artist, Best Album, Best Guitarist & Best Vocalist, and most recently being inducted into the Australia Blues Hall of Fame. If you’re into Blues you will definitely want to catch this!
“Beadle is the real deal” Blues Blast Magazine (USA);
“One of the finest blues guitarists Australia has ever produced” Rhythms Magazine (Australia);
“He doesn’t just play the blues-he lives it” AustralianJazz.net

Thu 20th   8:00pm   NIGEL PRICE/PAUL EDIS QUARTET PLAY GERSHWIN
Recipient of the Parliamentary Jazz Award for Best Jazz Ensemble and the British Jazz Award for ‘Best Small Group’, Nigel Price is a highly skilled guitarist as well as an accomplished composer whose swinging bebop approach combined with flawless control is a delight. Pianist/composer/educator Paul Edis has released numerous original albums, toured the UK, Europe and the US and includes performances at the likes of Dizzy’s New York, SF Jazz, Jazzhus Montmartre and the Royal Albert Hall. Tonight these two masters join forces to perform the music of George Gershwin, who wrote some of the most iconic songs of the 20th Century (think “Rhapsody in Blue”, “Summertime”, “Porgy & Bess”…) in their own, unique, way. A very special night from two of the finest musicians on the UK scene!
“Price…fluent, imaginative and technically impeccable” Evening Standard;
“A major voice in British Jazz…Edis is an incredibly fertile composer and improviser” Jazz Journal

Fri 21st   9:00pm   BEVERLEY SKEETE
Beverley Skeete’s career is the stuff 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. And watch out for her Special Guest, the brilliant Mary Pearce-vocals.
“Skeete…came into her own with a perfectly paced version of James Brown’s ‘It’s a Man’s Man’s World’” UK Jazz News;
“Skeete is born to entertain. She’s vibrant, she has attitude and she brings a genuine passion to her music…magical” Close-Up Culture;
“...the majestic soul and gospel singer Mary Pearce” Guardian

Sat 22nd   9:00pm   DEREK NASH SAX APPEAL FT. MARTIN DALE
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. And watch out for his Special Guest, saxophonist Martin Dale.
“bravura display of contemporary saxophone” The Observer;
“breathtaking” Sunday Times;
“the music fizzes with energy” Observer

Sun 23rd   1:30pm   SUNDAY LUNCH: HELENA DEBONO/CHARLIE BATES
This promises to be a wonderful afternoon of great music featuring two highly accomplished musicians, vocalist Helena Debono & pianist/arranger Charlie Bates with their quintet. Charlie has been the recipient of the Dankworth Award, the Eddie Harvey Award and an Ivor Novello award and in-demand singer Helena has performed at Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Manchester Jazz Festival, Buckingham Palace & Wembley Stadium. Their album “A Thousand Nights” was chosen as Jazz FM’s “Record of the Week” and the show today will include a selection of music from that album plus a mix of original songs and re-imagining of jazz classics. Also featuring Miguel Gorodi (Jamie Cullum)-trumpet.
“[Bates] Impressive and inventive” Guardian;
“Helena’s singing displays great musicality, relaxed beauty and tone and…immaculate timing” UK Jazz News

Sun 23rd   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 24th   8:00pm   ARTHUR LEA’S BOOTLEG TRIO
Well known here at the Club as the former keyboardist/singer with the ever-popular Coalminers, Arthur Lea combines eclectic rhythm and blues with New Orleans southern soul. He has played everywhere from Ronnie Scott’s to the Olympic Stadium, with everyone from Kate Tempest to Kylie Minogue and has recorded in studios from Nashville to Berlin. The trio also features Chris Barrett-tuba & fellow Coalminer Pat Levett-drums/harmonica. Arthur now lives in the US so this is a rare chance to catch him live in the UK.
“Arthur Lea…a great singer and songwriter…fantastic” Evening Standard

Tue 25th   8:00pm   BOOMSLANG
Boomslang is an impressive UK-based jazz fusion band led by upcoming bassist Kyle Welch. Featuring some of the finest young musicians around Kyle describes the music as “fusing high-intensity jazz virtuosity with the driving energy of drum & bass and the sonic edge of electronic production”. The band also features the excellent saxophonist Nat Evans on EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument), which adds a unique colour to the original music, alongside Nathan Thomas-keyboards and Dom Holyoake-drums. A highly musical, free flowing, jazz fusion/groove band that is making quite a name for itself on the contemporary jazz scene…well worth checking out.

Wed 26th   8:00pm   BECKY ALICE
A finalist in the Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Competition in Washington D.C, singer Becky Alice was named as “one to discover” by UK Jazz News. Her soulful interpretations, creative scat singing and emotional storytelling breathe life into both well-known classics and her own originals, with her first EP, released in 2025, being featured on BBC Radio 3. Accompanied by Bruno Heinen-piano, Oli Hayhurst-bass & Tim Sampson-drums the theme will be songs written by women, some well-known (Betty Carter, Abby Lincoln) and others less so (Ann Ronnell, Maria Greber & more). Expect to hear these standards lovingly reimagined in a new light!
“Great young vocalist” Phil Robson

Thu 27th   8:00pm   ALEX BRYSON TRIO
Fluent and original, jazz pianist Alex Bryson’s much anticipated debut album “The Alexander Bryson Trio” was hailed as a triumph and the follow up, “Live at Mike’s”, showcased not only his impressive jazz piano playing but also his very impressive singing & songwriting skills! His poignant and often wryly comic songs present reflections on love and romance and draw inspiration from the American Songbook, Musical Theatre, Country, Blues and more. Alex’s Trio, featuring Ben Love-bass & Joe Dessauer-drums, will perform a selection of Alex’s songs alongside some of their favourite jazz standards. Look forward to an engaging evening of songs, stories and exceptionally swinging jazz.
“Dazzling…You’d have to think back a long way to name a jazz piano trio with a more impressive début than this” The Observer;
“The ease in which the trio move from one composition to the next is impressive” Jazz Views

Fri 28th   9:00pm   SAMARA FT. FRANCESCA CONFORTINI & STEVE RUBIE
Tonight we present an evening celebrating the joyous, rhythmic, delights of classic Brazilian MPB with the 606 Club’s outstanding Brazilian band “Samara”. Featuring the wonderful 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 29th   9:00pm   RILEY STONE-LONERGAN
The multi-award-winning saxophonist Riley Stone-Lonergan is widely regarded as one of the leading lights of his generation. Named a Yamaha Jazz Scholar in 2011 his work with the highly regarded, generation-spanning QOW Trio was described by BBC Music Magazine as “a stunning achievement”. Tonight Riley is planning a programme dedicated to the iconic US saxophonist Joe Henderson alongside the Award-winning pianist Will Barry, Fergus Ireland-bass & Will Cleasby-drums. Riley says that improvisation ‘brings him the most joy’ so expect a night of exciting, swinging music.
“Stone-Lonergan’s big, generous tone and unfailing response to…melody invests…his…explorations with an emotional directness that’s utterly compelling” Jazzwise

Sun 30th   1:30pm   SUNDAY LUNCH: ZOE FRANCIS FT JIM MULLEN
Zoe Francis started singing jazz while living in New York where she developed a love for the great, classic, songwriters from the American Songbook. Now back in the UK, Zoe’s knack for capturing the bittersweet, poignant nature of these songs brings them to life and elevates her performances to the truly exceptional. For this show, Zoe will be joined by iconic guitarist Jim Mullen (Morrissey/Mullen) and her trio as they perform songs from her latest album, “Somewhere in the Night”.
“Francis…great interpreter of the Great American Songbook” Jazz Journal;
“a classy, poised singer” London Jazz News

8:00pm   MO PLEASURE BAND
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. And watch out for Mo’s special guest vocalist.
“Pleasure proves that jazz can still be made which is smooth yet textured…varied and interesting… Superb” Soul Express

Mon 31st     8:00pm   CARNIVAL NIGHT: SHIREEN FRANCIS’ CARIBBEAN ISLAND PROJECT
In honour of this Carnival weekend tonight we are featuring 606 favourite The Caribbean Island Project, an exciting group put together and fronted by the multi-talented singer Shireen Francis. Integrating jazz harmonies with the Afro-Caribbean/Brazilian rhythms of Reggae, Calypso and Samba, the band create an unusual but highly accessible musical hybrid. Featuring Dominic Grant-guitar and Mark Cherrie-steel pan this is a great way to spend Bank Holiday Carnival Monday!
“brilliant vocalist” Jazzwise;
“A beautiful artist with real depth and heart” Jazz UK

Coming up in September– for the diaries, more information to follow:

Wed 9th: Album Launch: Tommaso Starace – Italian saxophonist Starace has worked with Billy Cobham, David Liebman, Kenny Wheeler, Stan Sulzmann & more. Described as “hard swinging music fueled by lots of energy and adrenaline”, Tommaso & his Organ Trio launch their new record, “Live at the Beaver Inn”.

Wed 16th: Mark Edwards – The Music of David Forman – pianist Edwards leads an all-star lineup ft Paul Booth-sax, Rob Luft-guitar and Imogen Ryall-vocals as they play the music of the 95-year-old jazz composer & photographer David Forman, featured on their 2025 recording for the Rubicon Jazz label

Thu 17th: Album Launch – Jon Lloyd Quartet - Rising to prominence in the 1990’s as a saxophonist/composer of note associated with free jazz, Jon Lloyd now describes his style as “ECM-style European contemporary jazz”. Along with his quartet featuring renowned pianist John Law they play music from their new album “Anima”.

Tue 22nd: Album Launch: Ben Crosland Quintet - Bass player, composer and arranger Ben Crosland has been an ever-present force on the British jazz scene for over thirty-five years. As well as running his own Jazz Cat label, he’s played with the likes of Spike Robinson, Harry Allen, Ken Peplowski, Bobby Wellins and more. Perhaps best known for his two volumes of the Ray Davies Songbook - an adventurous reimagining of beloved British pop songs written by the Kinks - Ben describes his latest recording, ‘North York Skies” as “a love letter to the North York Moors”.

Thu 24th: Barry Green’s “Expansions” Tribute to McCoy Tyner - Barry’s CV is vast, including work with the likes of Bobby Watson, Charles McPherson, Richie Cole and Us3 as well as with his own trio. This performance showcases his new “Expansions” project, an exploration of the late Blue Note era of McCoy Tyner with a cross generation, international band: Gareth Lockrane-flute, Femke Mooren-sax (Holland), Oli Hayhurst-bass and Darren Beckett-drums (Northern Ireland).

606 Club
90 Lots Road
Chelsea
London
SW10 0QD

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

020 7352 5953

SMOKE Jazz Club, New York City, Programme for September 2026.

Monday, July 27, 2026

SMOKE Jazz Club has announced its schedule for September 2026. Performers include George Cables, Steve Davis, Steve Turre, Walter Smith III, Mark Turner, Eddie Henderson, Renee Rosnes, Jon Faddis,.

We have received the following press release;

Just Announced - Smoke Jazz Club September Shows including Mark Turner Album Release, Trombonists Steve Turre and Davis, and More

SMOKE Jazz Club Announces September 2026 Line-up Highlighted by Two of Today’s Leading Trombonists and Mark Turner Quartet’s Album Release Show

George Cables Quartet, The George Cables Songbook featuring special guest Sarah Elizabeth Charles (Sep 2-6)

Steve Davis “We See” Sextet featuring Renee Rosnes, Eddie Henderson & More (Sep 9-13)

Steve Turre All-Star Sextet featuring Jon Faddis, James Carter & ELEW (Sep 16-20)

Walter Smith III CMA Premiere Ensemble featuring Jason Moran, Matthew Stevens, Matt Brewer and Bill Stewart (Sep 23-27)

Mark Turner Quartet Patternmaster (ECM) Record Release (Sep 30-Oct 4)

NEW YORK, NY — Hailed as the “#1 Jazz Club in New York City (SecretNYC),” SMOKE Jazz Club today announced an exciting line-up for September 2026. The month kickstarts with a longtime SMOKE audience favourite: pianist George Cables leading his Quartet with soulful vocalist Sarah Elizabeth Charles (Sep 2-6). For two consecutive weeks, a pair of master trombonists lead their respective sextets: Steve Davis (Sep 9-13) followed by Steve Turre (Sep 16-20). The month concludes with the return of Walter Smith III debuting an incredible ensemble slated to premiere a Chamber Music America-commissioned work (Sep 23-27) followed by an album release celebration for Mark Turner (pictured above) Quartet’s latest ECM recording Patternmaster (Sep 30-Oct 4). For the most up-to-date September schedule, please visit http://www.smokejazz.com. As always, all Friday night concerts are livestreamed!

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.

SEPTEMBER 2026 @ SMOKE Jazz Club

When: Wednesday-Sunday at 6:30 p.m. + 8:30 p.m. and additional 10:00 p.m. (Fri & Sat only). Doors open at 4:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted).
Where: SMOKE Jazz Club, 2751 Broadway (between 105/106th Streets),
New York, NY, Train: 1 to 103rd Street.
Tickets: General $25+. Livestream $15 (Fri only). For more information and to make reservations, please visit http://www.smokejazz.com.

Wed-Sun Sep 2-6 GEORGE CABLES QUARTET THE GEORGE CABLES SONGBOOK featuring special guest SARAH ELIZABETH CHARLES
George Cables – piano
Craig Handy – tenor saxophone & flute
Essiet Okon Essiet – bass
Jerome Jennings – drums
with special guest
Sarah Elizabeth Charles – vocals
“Anyone serious about jazz will tell you that George Cables belongs in the pantheon of the greatest jazz pianists.” – All About Jazz
Legendary pianist George Cables performs music from his acclaimed 2016 release, The George Cables Songbook featuring his beloved compositions. Cables will be joined by his incredible quartet with saxophonist Craig Handy, bassist Essiet Okon Essiet, and drummer Jerome Jennings, with the very special addition of guest vocalist Sarah Elizabeth Charles.
A major voice in modern jazz, Cables is celebrated for his fresh interpretations of classic compositions and innovative compositional style. In addition to composing and arranging for his own albums, Cables has contributed to recordings by Dexter Gordon, Art Pepper, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Bobby Hutcherson, and many others.
Recently named an inaugural recipient of the 2025 Jazz Legacy Fellowship by the Mellon Foundation and the Jazz Foundation of America, Cables is described as a “humble keyboard genius with impeccable technique and a unique songbook.” The New York City Jazz Record hails him as “a piano giant,” while National Public Radio notes that his solos “reveal a deep sense of groove and pacing and a mind at work.”

Wed-Sun Sep 9-13 STEVE DAVIS “WE SEE” SEXTET featuring RENEE ROSNES,
EDDIE HENDERSON and MORE
Steve Davis – trombone
Eddie Henderson – trumpet, (Wed–Thu)
Jeremy Pelt – trumpet (Fri–Sun)
Ralph Moore – tenor saxophone
Renee Rosnes – piano
Essiet Okon Essiet – bass
Lewis Nash – drums
“Steve Davis is the Poet Laureate of the trombone.” – Chick Corea
Acclaimed trombonist and composer Steve Davis leads his celebrated “We See” sextet, featuring trumpeter Eddie Henderson (Wednesday–Thursday), trumpeter Jeremy Pelt (Friday–Sunday), tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore, pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Essiet Essiet, and drummer Lewis Nash.
A longtime SMOKE Jazz Club favorite and one of the most accomplished voices on the trombone, Davis has been a major presence in jazz since joining Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers in 1990. The New York City Jazz Record calls him “a major jazz trombonist,” while JazzTimes notes that he “has established himself as one of the most accomplished and lyrical improvisers on his instrument as well as a prolific composer.” Downbeat adds that Davis “thoughtfully balances modernism, lyricism, and drive—as a writer and a player.”

Wed-Sun Sep 16-20 STEVE TURRE ALL-STAR SEXTET featuring JON FADDIS, JAMES CARTER & ELEW
Steve Turre – trombone & seashells
Jon Faddis – trumpet
James Carter – tenor saxophone
ELEW – piano
Peter Washington – bass
Orion Turre – drums
Steve Turre is widely considered to be the finest jazz trombonist in the world. – All About Jazz
Steve Turre, renowned modern master of the trombone and seashells, leads a momentous, all-star sextet with special guests Jon Faddis on trumpet, James Carter on saxophone, and ELEW on piano.
Turre’s storied career includes work alongside legends such as Ray Charles, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and Woody Shaw. A versatile performer and bona fide jazz original, he’s equally at home on everything from swinging classic bop lines to conjuring Rahsaan over a deep groove. 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 units, his voice is distinctive and memorable.”
The Washington Post writes, “To hear saxophonist James Carter is to be blown away,” and The Wall Street Journal declares, “ELEW plays with fire, style, and relentless energy.” And the Chicago Tribune states, “Few living musicians come closer to capturing the spirit and technical brilliance of trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie’s work than Jon Faddis.” Turre’s sextet is completed by recent GRAMMY-winning bassist Peter Washington and Turre’s rising star son and drummer, Orion.

Wed-Sun Sep 23-27 WALTER SMITH III CMA PREMIERE ENSEMBLE featuring JASON MORAN, MATTHEW STEVENS, MATT BREWER & BILL STEWART world premiere
Walter Smith III – tenor saxophone
Matthew Stevens – guitar
Jason Moran – piano
Matt Brewer – bass
Bill Stewart – drums
“A tenor saxophonist for our times.” – The Guardian
Acclaimed tenor saxophonist and composer Walter Smith III returns to SMOKE Jazz Club, debuting a phenomenal group featuring pianist Jason Moran, guitarist Matthew Stevens, bassist Matt Brewer, and drummer Bill Stewart. Smith will premiere a major new work commissioned through Chamber Music America’s prestigious New Jazz Works program, supported by the Doris Duke Foundation. Selected as one of only 14 recipients nationwide, he will premiere the music throughout this special week-long engagement before recording the project to complete the commission.
One of the most compelling voices in contemporary jazz, Smith has spent nearly two decades at the forefront of the music as both a bandleader and sought-after collaborator. His distinctive sound has been heard alongside Roy Haynes, Terence Blanchard, Eric Harland, Ambrose Akinmusire, Jason Moran, Christian McBride, Gerald Clayton, and many others. As a composer, he continues to expand the language of modern jazz with music that is at once sophisticated, lyrical, and expressive.
JazzWise praises Smith for expressing his deep modern jazz roots with “an airy tenor sax tone and a ferocious yet understated technique.” Meanwhile, Downbeat highlights his “killing” tone and melodicism, noting his “vast and beautiful flow of ideas.”

Wed-Sun Sep 30-Oct 4 MARK TURNER QUARTET PATTERNMASTER (ECM) record release
Mark Turner – tenor saxophone
Jason Palmer – trumpet
Joe Martin – bass
Jonathan Pinson – drums
“One of the most influential saxophonists of his generation.” – The New York Times
Tenor saxophonist Mark Turner makes his SMOKE Jazz Club debut as a leader with his quartet featuring trumpeter Jason Palmer, bassist Joe Martin, and drummer Jonathan Pinson. The group celebrates the New York release of Turner’s ECM recording Patternmaster.
The New York Times writes, “Every jazz musician strives to establish a voice. Some go so far as to create a language. Mark Turner is one of those: a tenor saxophonist with a vocabulary and syntax so personal that he’s recognizable within a single phrase.”
Throughout his career, Turner has collaborated with artists including Billy Hart, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Larry Grenadier, Jeff Ballard, Ethan Iverson, and many others, while creating a celebrated body of work as both a leader and collaborator. On Patternmaster, Turner, Palmer, Martin, and Pinson further develop their quartet sound. JazzWise praises the group’s “phrasal eloquence and narrative drive,” describing an ensemble with “a bracing, at times danceable, swinging energy.” Downbeat notes that “Turner’s sound is unmistakable—yielding, vocal, a bit matte, with a beautiful lyricism and remarkable control above the natural range of the horn.”

Finn - Keeble Group to appear at Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho, London on Monday, October 19th 2026.

Thursday, July 23, 2026

The North East based quartet the Finn - Keeble Group, co-led by drummer Abbie Finn and saxophonist Harry Keeble, is scheduled to make a rare London appearance in October. Full details attached

We have received the following information;

This North-Eastern group is co-led by the renowned jazz couple, Abbie Finn on drums and Harry Keeble on sax, also featuring hugely admired performers, John Pope on bass, and Dean Stockdale on keys.

The last time Abbie and Harry were at the Pizza Express, was in 2024 when they released their third trio album alongside bassist Paul Grainger. The trio were dubbed ‘Exceptional British Jazz’ by Chris Phillips of Jazz FM. They now return with a new outfit, on the 19th October; The Finn-Keeble Group.

Their original compositions form a set of highly energetic and engaging contemporary jazz, performed by some of the finest musicians in the North-East. These highly established players deliver top-drawer performance, with deep roots in improvisation, and extraordinarily high-quality musicianship that will be a surprise to no one who knows the work of these artists as individuals.

The ensemble has performed at jazz clubs and festivals across the UK in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Hexham, Wakefield and more. They are very excited to be bringing the project to the iconic Pizza Express Live, Dean St, Soho.

A link to an original tune ‘Unsteady State’ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEIWykpTHNM&list=RDFEIWykpTHNM&start_radio=1

Pizza Express Live link - https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/whats-on/finn-keeble-group

From;
https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/whats-on/finn-keeble-group

Finn – Keeble Group
PizzaExpress Jazz Club (Soho)

This North-Eastern group is co-led by the renowned jazz couple, Abbie Finn on drums and Harry Keeble on sax, also featuring hugely admired performers, John Pope on bass, and Dean Stockdale on keys. Their original compositions form a set of highly energetic and engaging contemporary jazz, performed by some of the finest musicians in the North-East. These highly established players deliver top-drawer performance, with deep roots in improvisation, and extraordinarily high-quality musicianship that will be a surprise to no one who knows the work of these artists as individuals.

19 October 2026 6:30pm 8:00pm PizzaExpress Jazz Club (Soho)
Available
£20.00
https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/whats-on/choose-seats/finn-keeble-group/1769408
£20.00

Full Biography

Abbie is a drummer from the North-East, who gained a 1st Class Degree in Jazz from Leeds Conservatoire and a Masters degree from Trinity Laban in London. Her current main projects are her Trio and the Finn-Keeble Group. She performs with a range of other bands, and is a regular drummer for artists visiting the area including Vasilis Xenopoulos, Andrea Vicari, Alan Barnes, Art Themen, Greg Abate and more. Abbie had a feature in Jazzwise, and was dubbed the ‘one to watch this month’ and a ‘crucial member of the thriving North-East scene.’ She has released four albums to date with her trio, who have been dubbed ‘Exceptional British Jazz’ by Chris Phillips of Jazz FM. Alongside jazz, Abbie performed live in 2018 in the Jamie Lloyd production of ‘Pinter Four: Moonlight/Night School’ as part of the prestigious Pinter at the Pinter season on London’s West End. “Abbie Finn’s impeccable drumming is vivifying” - Marissa Khaos_TheUpComing.

Harry, originally from East Sussex, is known for a strong tone and style, he cites a wide array of inspirations from Joe Henderson, to Coltrane, through to Chris Potter and Allan Holdsworth. He is the saxophonist for the Finn-Keeble Group, Abbie Finn Trio, Russ Morgan Quartet, Zoe Gilby Quintet, and has performed with some of the finest musicians in the UK and beyond, including Alan Barnes, Andrea Vicari, Art Themen, Greg Abate, and others. Harry was described as “A remarkably versatile and assured musician” by the Jazz Mann. He runs the Harry Keeble Quartet, who have their first full album in the works, after their highly successful E.P. ‘The Beacon’.

They are joined by highly regarded musicians Dean Stockdale and John Pope.

Dean continues to be in demand as a performer with his trio and quartet, and as pianist for touring jazz artists, accompanist for vocalists and as a teacher and session pianist. 2021 saw the release of his second trio album entitled ‘Promise the Moon’. His latest release ‘Celebrating Oscar’ features new quartet arrangements of Oscar Peterson’s rarely heard compositions and new arrangements.

John is an artist with a diverse and expansive creative practice, who currently composes and leads his own chordless jazz quintet, as well as being one third of garage-jazz trio Archipelago. He has performed and collaborated with artists including Roger Turner, Mick Beck, Rhodri Davies, Greg Spero, Field Music, Anton Hunter, Chris Biscoe, Joe McPhee, Laura Cole and many others.

Band Lineup
Harry Keeble (tenor saxophone)
Dean Stockdale (piano)
John Pope (double bass)
Abbie Finn (drum kit)

Pizza Express Jazz Club,
Dean Street,
Soho,
London,
W1D 3RW.

Geoff Wright stands down from Derby Jazz and MJAZZ.

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Long serving jazz promoter and administrator Geoff Wright is taking a step back after fifty years of involvement with jazz in Derby and the wider East Midlands.

Geoff Wright has issued the following statement;

Geoff Wright is standing down from Derby Jazz and MJAZZ.

Geoff Wright is standing down as Development Director of Derby Jazz and as a director of Derby Jazz and MJAZZ, the development agency for jazz in the East Midlands.

Geoff started promoting in Derby in 1976 with a concert and workshop for schools by Graham Collier Music. Over more than a thousand gigs since then Geoff and his teams at Derby Jazz have presented a “Who’s Who?” of British jazz and improvised music.

Early shows featured John Stevens SME and Derek Bailey’s COMPANY as well as Stan Tracey, Barbara Thompson’s PARAPHERNALIA and Ian Carr’s NUCLEUS. That diversity has continued for fifty years with shows in 2025 featuring Pat Thomas’ AHMED and Charlotte Keefe’s RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW alongside HEJIRA and The POCKET ELLINGTON.

As an unpaid promoter with professional attitude and skills Geoff also showed continued commitment to developing talented musicians from Derby. Properly paid gigs for bands from the East Midlands have always featured along with star names. Hundreds of children and adults have benefitted from various workshops, education projects and summer schools. Mentoring schemes have helped many to develop into professional musicians and commissions have been significant in the careers of Phil Robson, Julian Siegel and Corey Mwamba.

Geoff leaves Derby Jazz with sound finances, an experienced team of volunteers and an ongoing programme of shows and workshops in place.

Geoff is also standing down from the Board of MJAZZ, the regional support agency for jazz in the East Midlands which he helped set up in 2009.

EFG London Jazz Festival announce new names for 2026 including Asha Puthli, The Joy, Roberto Fonseca & Vincent Segal + lots more.

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

EFG London Jazz Festival has announced more of its programme for 2026. Returning from 13-22 November, the Festival brings together world-renowned artists, emerging talent and ambitious new projects.

We have received the following press release;

EFG London Jazz Festival

Announce new names for 2026 including
Asha Puthli, The Joy, and Roberto Fonseca & Vincent Segal
London Philharmonic Orchestra, Ibrahim Maalouf, Thanda Choir & Lubiana joining Melody Gardot
along with Goldie, Mariza, Morcheeba, Samara Joy, Fatoumata Diawara, Ben Folds and more

13 - 22 November

Tickets available here
https://efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk/

EFG London Jazz Festival is sharing more of its programme for 2026, unveiling this year’s EFG Elements Series, the first names for Jazz Voice, and the return of The Jazz Social pop-up venue alongside another wave of artists, and more. Returning from 13-22 November, the Festival brings together world-renowned artists, emerging talent and ambitious new projects across venues throughout the capital, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s leading celebrations of jazz and creative music.

Opening the festival on 13 November is Jazz Voice, the Festival’s much-loved gala, with Guy Barker once again leading the EFG London Jazz Festival Orchestra at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall. The first vocalists to be announced are acclaimed singer-songwriter and actor Rita Wilson, revered vocalist and songwriter Lizz Wright, powerhouse vocalist Liv Warfield, bass-baritone jazz singer and trumpeter Marvin Muoneké and one of the UK’s leading jazz singers Emma Smith, bringing together an extraordinary cast for one of the Festival’s defining annual events.

Jazz Voice is one of three EFG Elements Series shows, a hand-picked series spotlighting unique collaborations and unmissable shows that showcase the richness of the Festival programme. This year’s highlights include major headline events with Goldie (14 Nov) joined by Elysian Collective and Choir at the Royal Festival Hall, and Melody Gardot at the Royal Albert Hall (16 Nov) who has announced that she will be joined by the London Philharmonic Orchestra alongside South African Thanda Choir, trumpet superstar Ibrahim Maalouf, with Belgian singer and kora player Lubiana opening the concert.

One of the Festival’s standout events welcomes the pioneering vocalist, actor and producer Asha Puthli for a rare UK performance at the Barbican (14 Nov). Following a major renaissance that has introduced her work to a new generation of listeners, the Mumbai-born artist traces an extraordinary career spanning avant-garde jazz, Indian classical music, cosmic disco and electronic music, from her collaborations with Ornette Coleman to the timeless disco anthem Space Talk. Joined by a specially curated cast of contemporary British artists, the evening promises a fitting celebration of one of music’s true visionaries.

Returning to the festival after a mesmering appearance in 2024, South African vocal group The Joy bring their soul-stirring harmonies to the Barbican (22 Nov). Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, the group have become one of the most exciting voices in contemporary African music, with their rich Zulu vocal traditions, breathtaking live performances and collaborations with artists including Doja Cat and The Blessed Madonna earning them a devoted global following.

Legendary east London DIY organisation Church Of Sound celebrates their 10th birthday at the Barbican (20 Nov), presenting a programme of works both old and new. British Jazz Songbook: The reverberations of British Jazz 1965-1975 show will situate Church Of Sound and its widespread community as a significant movement in the British jazz continuum whilst also celebrating a decade of pioneering British jazz from 1965 onwards. With Jas Kayser, Daniel Casimir, Tamar Osborn, Oscar Jerome, Cassie Kinoshi and Norma Winstone in the line up, the concert’s musical director is Byron Wallen.

The Jazz Social returns for its third year as the Festival’s pop-up hub, running ahead of and throughout the Festival (9–22 Nov). Located just minutes from the Barbican, it offers a programme of live music, workshops, talks and special events, alongside a record shop, bar, radio broadcasts and more; bringing together audiences, artists and the wider jazz community in one vibrant space throughout the Festival. The full programme will be revealed in September.

A cornerstone of each Festival is the presentation of that year’s Take Five alumni, Serious’ flagship artist development programme, which has supported generations of leading UK jazz musicians for more than two decades. This year’s showcases spotlight the remarkable breadth of artists emerging from the programme, from the contemporary folk-inflected writing of Juliette Lemoine, Emyr Penry Dance and rising jazz songstress Lucy-Anne Daniels at the Elgar Room (18 Nov), to the narrative-led jazz of Olivia Cuttill alongside the audiovisual experimentation of un.procedure at Kings Place (22 Nov), and a vibrant Barbican double bill in The Pit (21 Nov) from saxophonist David Kayode and steelpan innovator Marlon the Pannist, whose music draws on Afro-diasporic, Caribbean and contemporary jazz traditions. Palestinian nay player Faris Ishaq premieres a new trio format at the beautiful Stone Nest (14 Nov), just off Shaftesbury Avenue, celebrating the release of his new album, JASAD. This show is presented in collaboration with MARSM.

Many of the new artists further the Festival’s international outlook. Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca joins forces with French cellist Vincent Segal for an intimate duo show at Cadogan Hall (17 Nov), Brazilian-Norwegian jazz singer Charlotte Dos Santos plays the Union Chapel (18 Nov), while South African singer-songwriter Bongeziwe Mabandla brings his deeply personal blend of Xhosa folk, electronics and soul to same venue (19 Nov) with Zola Marcelle opening. Elsewhere, L’Antidote and Naïssam Jalal & Roberto Negro present two immersive performances at Cadogan Hall (14 Nov) exploring music as a space for healing, contemplation and cross-cultural dialogue. Presented in collaboration with Artstage, Constantinople: ESTUARY (15 Nov) brings together Persian and West African musical traditions in a celebration of cultural exchange at Kings Place.

The Festival always showcases the best new talent, and among the new exciting artists performing this year are Belfast collective Robocobra Quartet with their thrilling collision of jazz, punk and spoken word at the ICA (19 Nov), and Tyreek McDole, one of the most exciting young vocalists to emerge from New York’s jazz scene, who makes his Festival debut at The Lower Third (16 Nov). The programme also includes once-in-a-generation Irish guitarist and singer Muireann Bradley (13 Nov) at Stone Nest, in collaboration with Communion One. Aged just eighteen, she has captivated audiences worldwide with her interpretations of classic blues songs.

Elsewhere, the programme continues to explore musical boundaries. Martin Taylor reunites with Guy Barker and Sinfonia Smith Square for The Spirit of Django at Sinfonia Smith Square Hall (19 Nov), revisiting the orchestral work they first premiered at the BBC Proms, while Guildhall Session Orchestra celebrates fifty years of Vangelis’ landmark Albedo 0.39 at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall (21 Nov) with a newly imagined performance for electronics, jazz quartet and orchestra. The Festival will close at Cadogan Hall with Swingin’ with Strings, celebrating the timeless recordings of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong through the music of George Gershwin (22 Nov).

Returning to the Barbican Cinema throughout the festival, Jazz on Screen explores the enduring relationship between jazz and film through a specially curated programme of screenings. This year’s edition celebrates the centenaries of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, bringing together rare BBC archive footage, Spike Lee’s Mo’ Better Blues, Louis Malle’s Ascenseur pour l’échafaud and landmark films exploring the history of jazz and blues on screen.

EFG London Jazz Festival recently introduced the Serious Youth Network, a new community for music lovers aged 16–25 offering £5 tickets to selected EFG London Jazz Festival shows, alongside exclusive perks including discounts on festival merchandise and offers at The Jazz Social. Designed to open up world-class live music to a new generation of audiences, the network will continue year-round across Serious programmes and events.

EFG London Jazz Festival 2026 to date (Including New Additions)

Fri 13 Nov
Muireann Bradley - Stone Nest
Jazz Voice - Royal Festival Hall
Coltrane 100: Joe Lovano, Melissa Aldana, Nduduzo Makhathini, Linda May Han Oh, Jeff “Tain” Watts - Both Directions at Once - Barbican
Morcheeba - Troxy
Emma-Jean Thackray presents Dear Miles - A Love Letter - EartH Theatre
Fergus McCreadie - Kings Place

Sat 14 Nov
Asha Puthli: The Cosmic Voyager - Barbican
Faris Ishaq - Stone Nest (matinee)
L’Antidote + Naïssam Jalal & Roberto Negro: Landscapes of Eternity - Cadogan Hall
Goldie: ‘Dare to Dream’ - Royal Festival Hall (matinee and evening show)
Caravan Palace - British Airways ARC
Rita Wilson - Purcell Room

Sun 15 Nov
Constantinople: ESTUARY - Kiya Tabassian, Ablaye Cissoko, Patrick Graham - Kings Place Hall One
Mariza - Royal Festival Hall
Yasuaki Shimizu - Milton Court
Dave Okumu & Friends present DVTN: Music Changes the World: from Nina Simone to Sly Stone - Union Chapel
Manu Delago x Max ZT - Stone Nest (matinee and evening show)
Ambrose Akinmusire Quartet - Kings Place Hall One
Anouar Brahem - Barbican
Lizz Wright with Kenny Banks Sr. + Rian Peters - Cadogan Hall
Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez - KOKO
The Meltdown - Jazz Cafe

Mon 16 Nov
Tyreek McDole - Lower Third
Melody Gardot + Lubiana - Royal Albert Hall
GoGo Penguin - KOKO

Tue 17 Nov
Roberto Fonseca & Vincent Segal - Cadogan Hall
Maarja Nuut + Shards ‘Combing Hair Into Sand’ - Milton Court
Matt Carmichael - Cecil Sharp House
GoGo Penguin - KOKO
Sam Gendel & Sam Wilkes - Union Chapel

Wed 18 Nov
Charlotte Dos Santos - Union Chapel
Juliette Lemoine + Emyr Pency Dance + Lucy-Anne Daniels - Elgar Room
Andy Sheppard Trio + Norma Winstone & Kit Downes - Cadogan Hall
Ayanna Witter-Johnson - 93 Feet East
Fatoumata Diawara - Roundhouse
PREP - KOKO
Rymden - Jazz Cafe

Thu 19 Nov
Bongeziwe Mabandla + Zola Marcelle - Union Chapel
Martin Taylor & Guy Barker: The Spirit of Django - Smith Square Hall
Robocobra Quartet - ICA
Soweto Kinch x LSO - Barbican
Isaiah Sharkey - Jazz Cafe

Fri 20 Nov
Church Of Sound 10th Birthday | British Jazz Songbook - Barbican
Tania Giannouli & Nils Peter Molvaer - Cadogan Hall
Ben Folds - Royal Festival Hall
Kronos Quartet - Queen Elizabeth Hall

Sat 21 Nov
Guildhall Session Orchestra presents Vangelis; Albedo 0.39 Directed by Mike Roberts - Queen Elizabeth Hall (matinee and evening show)
David Kayode + Marlon The Pannist -  The Pit (Barbican)
Haruki Murakami’s Jazz at Peter Cat: a Japanese Jazz Night - Barbican (matinee and evening show)
Gerald Clayton Trio - Cadogan Hall
Branford Marsalis + Dianne Reeves Celebrate John Coltrane - British Airways ARC
Emma Rawicz’s Cloudwalker - Kings Place

Sun 22 Nov
The Joy - Barbican
Olivia Cuttill Quintet + un.procedure - Kings Place Hall Two (matinee)
Swingin’ With Strings: Ella and Louis sing the George Gershwin Songbook - Cadogan Hall
Kyoto Jazz Massive ft. Echoes of a New Dawn Orchestra - Islington Assembly Hall
Vital Spark (Music of Kenny Wheeler) Dave Holland, Norma Winstone & London Vocal Project - Kings Place Hall One
Samara Joy - Royal Festival Hall
Cécile McLorin Salvant with BBC Concert Orchestra - Queen Elizabeth Hall

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

Kings Place, London Announces Major Autumn/Winter 2026 Jazz Season.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Kings Place will present an ambitious season of jazz performances featuring internationally acclaimed artists including Dave Holland, Norma Winstone, Bill Laurance, Fergus McCreadie, Matt Carmichael.

We have received the following press release;

Kings Place Announces Major Autumn/Winter 2026 Jazz Season Featuring Dave Holland, Bill Laurance, Fergus McCreadie, Matt Carmichael and more

With its most ambitious EFG London Jazz Festival programme to date, major new commissions and the continued development of the Kings Place Jazz Orchestra, Kings Place further strengthens its position as one of London’s leading destinations for contemporary jazz.

This Autumn/Winter, Kings Place will present an ambitious season of jazz performances featuring internationally acclaimed artists, exclusive premieres and major new collaborations, underlining the venue’s growing reputation as one of London’s leading destinations for live jazz. With one of its most expansive EFG London Jazz Festival programmes to date, alongside year-round programming spanning established international artists and emerging UK talent, Kings Place continues to expand its commitment to presenting jazz in all its forms.

Opening the season on Sunday September 20th, Scottish saxophonist and composer Matt Carmichael joins the Kings Place Jazz Orchestra for a special performance showcasing his acclaimed blend of contemporary jazz and Scottish folk traditions. Praised by BBC Music Magazine as “a distinctive new voice in a crowded scene”, Carmichael has emerged as one of the most compelling young artists in British jazz, known for his deeply melodic and emotionally resonant compositions.

The performance marks an important chapter in the development of the Kings Place Jazz Orchestra (KPJO), the venue’s ambitious resident ensemble founded in 2025 by arranger and composer Callum Au, producer and Jazz Programmer Hannah Hutton and Kings Place Artistic Director Sam McShane. Bringing together leading UK jazz and big band musicians alongside rising young artists, KPJO was created to bring the immersive power of large ensemble jazz to the heart of a contemporary arts centre. Through open rehearsals, educational initiatives and a dedicated Young Artist Platform offering paid opportunities to early-career musicians, the orchestra aims to nurture the next generation of jazz talent while championing ambitious new writing and collaborations. More than a resident ensemble, KPJO represents a long-term investment in the future of jazz at Kings Place.

On Sunday November 1st, Kings Place hosts the closing concert of London Piano Festival 2026 with pianist, composer and original Snarky Puppy member Bill Laurance. A multi-Grammy Award-winning musician whose work moves effortlessly between jazz, classical and contemporary music, Laurance has built an acclaimed solo career alongside collaborations with artists including David Crosby, Terence Blanchard, Jacob Collier, Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke, Metropole Orkest and WDR Big Band.

As part of Kings Place’s biggest-ever EFG London Jazz Festival programme, Mercury Prize-shortlisted pianist Fergus McCreadie will present the London premiere of Flight Pass on Friday November 13th - a bold new commission co-created with Chamber Music Scotland and Kings Place. Fusing jazz improvisation with the textures and storytelling of Scottish folk music, McCreadie has established himself as one of the UK’s most distinctive musical voices. Flight Pass expands that world into a new chamber setting while retaining the melodic clarity, rhythmic energy and sense of place that define his work.

Kings Place’s EFG London Jazz Festival programme will also feature a major new project from legendary bassist and composer Dave Holland on Sunday November 22nd. Presented as part of the venue’s Edition Records Series, Vital Spark sees Holland, Norma Winstone and the London Vocal Project celebrate the music of the late Kenny Wheeler through a collection of his final compositions. Featuring new lyrics by Winstone and arrangements by Pete Churchill, the project offers a rare opportunity to experience previously unheard works by one of the most singular and influential figures in modern jazz.

The Autumn/Winter season at Kings Place also includes performances from Ambrose Akinmusire Quartet, Emma Rawicz’s CLOUDWALKER featuring Philip Dizack, Beyond Category & Jeru The Damaja: Honouring Duke Ellington, Kaidi Akinnibi x Mackwood, DREAMSCAPES, Jonny Mansfield Quartet featuring Emmanuel Michael, the Polish Jazz Festival, alongside further artist announcements to come.

Sunday 20 September
Kings Place Jazz Orchestra featuring Matt Carmichael
Hall One, 4.30pm

Sunday 1 November
Bill Laurance (Closing Concert – London Piano Festival)
Hall One, 7.30pm

Friday 13 November
Fergus McCreadie – Flight Pass (EFG London Jazz Festival)
Hall One, 7.30pm

Sunday 22 November
Dave Holland, Norma Winstone & London Vocal Project – Vital Spark (Edition Records Series / EFG London Jazz Festival)
Hall One, 7.30pm

Details of all upcoming shows at King’s Place are available [HERE].
https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on

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

Chesterfield Jazz Club - Programme July - December 2026.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Cheltenham Jazz Club, run by musicians Wendy Kirkland and Pat Sprakes, has announced its programme for the second half of 2026. Events take place at The Olde House, Chesterfield.

From;
https://chesterfieldjazz.wpcomstaging.com/about/

and;
https://www.ticketsource.com/wendykirkland

Chesterfield Jazz Club presents Stephanie Mair, accordion and vocals
Olde House Chesterfield
Chesterfield
Thu 16 Jul 2026, 8:00PM

Chesterfield Jazz Club presents Zoe Gilby, vocals
Olde House Chesterfield
Chesterfield
Thu 20 Aug 2026, 8:00PM

Chesterfield Jazz Club presents Alan Barnes, saxophone with Organ Trio: The Benson Cookbook
Olde House Chesterfield
Chesterfield
Thu 17 Sep 2026, 8:00PM

Chesterfield Jazz Club presents Paul Jefferies, double bass
Olde House Chesterfield
Chesterfield
Thu 15 Oct 2026, 8:00PM

Chesterfield Jazz Club presents Edison Herbert, guitar
Olde House Chesterfield
Chesterfield
Thu 19 Nov 2026, 8:00PM

Chesterfield Jazz Club Christmas Spectacular featuring Rob Cope, saxophone
Olde House Chesterfield
Chesterfield
Wed 16 Dec 2026, 8:00PM

Book for £12.50 through Ticketsource (plus online booking fee) above.

Where – at The Olde House, Loundsley Green Road, Chesterfield S40 4RN

What time – doors open at 7:30pm and the performance starts at 8:00pm until approx 10:00pm

How often – on the third Thursday of the month – occasional special nights planned in addition. Contact us to be added to our mailing list.

How much for a ticket – £12.50 in advance from Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre, £12.50 plus booking fee from Ticketsource or £15.00 on door, £10 for under 18s

Jazz at Progress, Progress Theatre, Reading, Berkshire -  Programme 2026 - 2027.

Monday, July 13, 2026

Jazz at Progress has announced its programme for September 2026 to March 2027. Events take place at the Progress Theatre, Reading. Fully detailed schedule attached.

From;
https://www.jazzinreading.com/

Jazz at Progress | Five-Way Split | Tickets on sale soon
Friday 18 September 2026 | Progress Theatre, Reading | 7: 30pm | £20.00, £18.00 concessions, £10 under 16 plus 3.5% booking fee.
Vasilis Xenopoulos sax | Quentin Collins trumpet, flugelhorn Rob Barron piano | Matyas Hofecker bass | Matt Home drums
We start the new season with the fantastic Five-Way Split, featuring their 2026 album, “Modus Operandi”. The band has been playing together since 2020 and as is the case with jazz musicians, they have developed the understanding that makes a brilliant experience for us jazz fans. May 2024 was the last time at Progress and Trevor Bannister’s review of the gig ended; “The band launched into a blues. It was ‘All hands to the pumps’ as the excitement mounted for the grand finale – blistering solos, high speed exchanges, dramatic top notes … still the audience called ‘more!”. Nothing less is anticipated in 2026.
The new album contains original compositions from Rob Barron, Quentin Collins and Vasilis Xenopoulos alongside arrangements of tunes by Henry Mancini, Jimmy Van Heusen. Most compositions are of the rousing “hard bop” variety, if one has to use such terms. However, whatever term you use, a guaranteed night of great jazz is assured.
A final quote from The Jazzmann who attended the band’s London Jazz Festival gig in November 2025, when they played tunes from the yet to be released “Modus Operandi”.
“This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, the quality of the playing and the enthusiasm of the audience combining to create an unforgettable atmosphere”.

Jazz at Progress: Olie Brice Quartet | Reading | Tickets on sale soon
Friday 23 October 2026 | Progress Theatre, Reading | 7: 30pm | £20.00, £18.00 concessions, £10 under 16 plus 3.5% booking fee.
Alexander Hawkins piano, Rachel Musson tenor sax, Olie Brice bass, Will Glaser drums |
The Olie Brice Quartet play music from their 2025 debut album ‘All It Was’. Brice’s most personal album to date – with most of the music written shortly after the death of his father – ‘All It Was’ combines powerful freedom and exploration with memorable melodies, driving swing and emotional intensity.
The quartet features three of Brice’s closest colleagues, all among the most exciting and creative improvisers around; Alexander Hawkins on piano, Rachel Musson on tenor sax and Will Glaser on drums. Alex is recognised as one of the most important improvisers and composers of his generation, leading his own bands as well as working with the likes of the late Louis Moholo, Evan Parker, Anthony Braxton and Wadada Leo Smith. Rachel recently received the prestigious Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award, and collaborates with Mark Sanders, Pat Thomas and Cath Roberts among others and Will is possibly the most in-demand young drummer in the UK, working widely in both the jazz and creative music scenes.
“The work of a truly extraordinary quartet. All It Was will be one of the records of the year” – Richard Williams, The Blue Moment
“With this album, Olie Brice achieves a remarkable synthesis of composition and improvisation, intellect and emotion—reaffirming his place as one of the most versatile and compelling voices in contemporary creative music” – All About Jazz

Jazz at Progress | Nick Tomalin’s ‘Shades of Shearing’ Quintet |  Tickets on sale soon
Friday 27 November 2026 | Progress Theatre, Reading | 7: 30pm | £20.00, £18.00 concessions, £10 under 16 plus 3.5% booking fee.
Nick Tomalin formed his ‘Shades of Shearing’ Quintet in 2021 to celebrate the remarkable musical legacy of iconic British-born, blind-from-birth, jazz pianist George Shearing. The band features the same line-up as his classic quintet which captured the imagination of fans world-wide with hit recordings like ‘September in the Rain’, ‘Conception’ and ‘Lullaby of Birdland’.
As a Guildhall School of Music student in 1994, Nick enjoyed the thrilling opportunity to feature in a televised masterclass with George Shearing himself.
Nick has been working as a professional jazz pianist in London for nearly thirty years. His tasteful bebop-inspired piano style has made him a regular on the London scene and he’s worked with some of the biggest names in UK jazz including Jim Mullen, Mark Lockheart, Alan Barnes, Stan Sulzman among many others.
“Well worth checking out, especially if you’re a Shearing fan. If you’re not, I guarantee you soon will be!” –  Lance Liddle (Bebop Spoken Here)

Jazz at Progress | The Songs of Satchmo and Sinatra | Tickets on sale soon
Friday 18 December 2026 | Progress Theatre, Reading | 7: 30pm | £20.00, £18.00 concessions, £10 under 16 plus 3.5% booking fee.
Denny Ilett vocal and guitar | Enrico Tomasso trumpet and vocal Colin Good piano | Stuart Barker bass | Sebastiaan de Krom drums
The Songs Of Satchmo and Sinatra is an intimate, heartwarming celebration of two musical legends who shaped the golden age of jazz and swing : Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong.
Denny Ilett is a self-confessed ‘Sinatraphile’ who has performed his personal take on the music of Frank Sinatra at festivals and clubs across the UK, Europe, the US and Australia.
Enrico Tomasso is an acclaimed trumpeter and vocalist who was personally mentored by Louis Armstrong in the late 1960s. From the great man, Enrico learned lessons that he continues to bring to every performance.
Together, they present the timeless hits of Frank and Louis backed by a world class rhythm section featuring Colin Good (piano) Stuart Barker (bass) and Sebastiaan de Krom (drums)

Jazz at Progress | Martin Speake’s Charukesi | Tickets on sale soon
Friday 29 January 2027 | Progress Theatre, Reading | 7: 30pm | £20.00, £18.00 concessions, £10 under 16 plus 3.5% booking fee.
Martin Speake alto saxophone | Alyson Cawley tenor saxophone | Mike Outram guitar | Richard Fox tuba | Tom Hooper drums.
For 30 years alto saxophonist, composer and improviser Martin Speake has been exploring non-Western rhythmic and melodic approaches inspired by the music of many cultures. In particular Indian, Arabic, Turkish, African and Jazz traditions.
The latest incarnation is Charukesi, named after an Indian raga. It is direct, groove-based music with compelling and memorable melodies rooted in a dynamic tuba and drums rhythm section with impassioned soloing and interaction from Alyson Cawley’s tenor, Mike Outram’s guitar and Martin’s alto saxophone.
“Martin Speake is one of the most interesting and rewarding alto saxophonists now playing jazz on any continent.” – Thomas Conrad (Jazz Times)
“Speake is a strikingly talented improviser with a seemingly bottomless well of inspiration.” – Encyclopaedia of Popular Music

Fri 19 Feb 2027 – Coltrane and Hartman on Impulse!
Mark Lockheart sax, Marvin Muoneké vocals, Gary Crosby bass, Alex Webb piano, Alfonso Vitale drums
Information soon

Jazz at Progress | Jazz at Progress | Benn Clatworthy Quartet | Tickets on sale soon
Friday 19 March 2027 | Progress Theatre, Reading | 7: 30pm | £20.00, £18.00 concessions, £10 under 16 plus 3.5% booking fee.
Benn Clatworthy tenor sax | Alex Hutton piano | Simon Thorpe bass | Matt Home drums
Benn was active in the London Music Scene in the 1970’s and was a protégé of Ronnie Scott. He moved to L.A. California in 1980 where he is now based. He was recommended for Horace Silver’s band and recordings followed. Having skills as a multi-instrumentalist (tenor, alto, baritone sax, flute, clarinet, bass clarinet) he has carved a career in the L.A music scene. He has worked with a huge array of class A musicians from the LA Philharmonic Orchestra to Cab Calloway. However, his main passion is playing Tenor Sax in a quartet setting – and his approach is unique. Playing from the songbook of Blue Note and more contemporary jazz, his tone is extraordinarily beautiful, and his melodic ideas come from the heart. As someone said recently ‘It’s as though he’s talking to us and telling us a story through the saxophone!’
Benn is joined by Alex Hutton (piano), Simon Thorpe (bass) and Matt Home (drums).
Alex Hutton is an established pianist on the London Jazz scene. Over the past 10 years, he has worked with most of the leading figures including Jim Mullen, Pete King and more. He began playing piano at the age of five. After completing a BA Hons degree in American studies, he turned his focus fully to jazz piano – winning praise from the late Ronnie Scott.
Simon Thorpe has worked with many of the great UK and US names in jazz, recording and touring. Outside the jazz sphere he has played with artists as diverse as Amy Winehouse, Imelda Staunton, Alexander Armstrong, Mica Paris, Sean McGowan, Rick Astley and more. He writes the music arrangements for Mitch Winehouse’s 7-piece band and he has also been a composer. Simon has written music for theatre, jazz ensembles, BBC TV and BAFTA award winning short film Wedding Espresso.
Matt Home was born in West Yorkshire. He started playing drums at the age of eight. After taking private lessons, he enrolled on a course in Jazz and popular music, graduating in 1994. He soon began playing professionally in Leeds, before moving to London. Matt has played with many of the leading musicians in London, UK and Europe including Alan Barnes, Jim Mullen and more. He has played with many US artists and has played in clubs, theatres and jazz festivals.

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.

Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music in autumn 2026.

Friday, July 03, 2026

The Royal Academy will open the 2026/27 academic year with a programme of concerts spanning musical genres. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music in autumn 2026

The Academy opens the 2026/27 academic year with a programme of concerts spanning musical genres, including anniversary celebrations for Steve Reich and Janáček, concerts ranging from early music to world premieres, a fully staged opera and a tribute to a musical theatre legend.

Jakub Hrůša, Semyon Bychkov, Ralph Kirshbaum, Véronique Gens, Femi Temowo and Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood are named as just some of the world-class artists to make music with Academy students this term.

The Academy’s commitment to establish students’ industry connections continues with opportunities to perform at leading venues and festivals such as Wigmore Hall, Crazy Coqs, the Royal Festival Hall and EFG London Jazz Festival concerts.

Royal Academy Opera stage Strauss’ Capriccio, conducted by the Academy’s Head of Opera Christopher White and directed by Olivia Fuchs.

Online booking opens via the Academy’s website on Monday 13 July - view the full list of events here.
https://www.ram.ac.uk/whats-on

The Royal Academy of Music announces its autumn 2026 season which features the music of Strauss, Stravinsky and Steve Reich through to Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie, all showcasing the breadth of Academy talent.

World-class musicians continue to collaborate with Academy students in the 2026/27 academic year. Jakub Hrůša, Chief Conductor of the Bamberg Symphony, Music Director of The Royal Opera and Honorary Member of the Academy, conducts the Academy Symphony Orchestra (ASO) for the first time on 16 October in a concert featuring Janáček’s rhapsody and music from Bartók’s pantomime ballet, The Miraculous Mandarin. On 4 December the Academy’s Klemperer Chair of Conducting and Chief Conductor/Music Director of the Czech Philharmonic, Semyon Bychkov, returns to the Academy to conduct the ASO for a programme opening with the music from Wagner’s opera Tristan und Isolde.

The Academy’s SIDE-BY-SIDE series provides students with further invaluable opportunities to perform alongside artists at the top of their profession. On 27 September, just days before Steve Reich’s 90th birthday, the Academy Manson Ensemble will perform Reich’s works in a SIDE-BY-SIDE concert with the London Sinfonietta and Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood at the Royal Festival Hall. 

On 10 November the Autumn Piano Festival marks 100 years since Janáček’s visit to the Academy. Students from the Piano Department perform his complete solo piano and chamber duo music, as well as ensemble pieces including the Concertino.

Academy jazz students will also perform at prestigious London music venues. The Academy Jazz Ensemble will take to the Crazy Coq’s stage on 14 November, led by composer and guitarist Femi Temowo, and the Academy Jazz Orchestra perform a special EFG London Jazz Festival concert on 22 November, celebrating the lives and music of Dizzy Gillespie and Duke Ellington. At the Academy, Gareth Lockrane leads the Academy Jazz Orchestra in a double bill (9 October). These projects are a chance to see intergenerational music-making with established musicians and emerging young jazz stars.

Audiences can observe Academy students as they learn from great musicians in our series of public masterclasses with award winning cellist Ralph Kirshbaum (17 November), the Academy’s Dame Myra Hess Chair of Piano Professor Joanna MacGregor (29 September) and leading sopranos Susan Bullock (5 November) and Véronique Gens (6 November).

Royal Academy Opera presents Strauss’ Capriccio on the Susie Sainsbury stage between 23-27 November. Premiered at the height of the Second World War, Strauss’ introspective and poignant final opera contemplates the creation of art, and how theatre and music ultimately mirror the ‘mystery of reality’.

Following Capriccio, the Royal Academy Musical Theatre Company will take to the Susie Sainsbury stage on 8 December to perform a celebration of an extraordinary life devoted to the stage with Georgie: A Tribute to George Hall. A teacher at the Academy until the age of 101, George Hall shaped generations of many of the UK’s leading actors both at the Academy and as Head of Acting at Central School of Speech and Drama for 25 years. His legacy lives on, honoured in an evening of song, story and tribute.

Find out more at http://www.ram.ac.uk

The Royal Academy of Music moves music forward by inspiring successive generations of musicians to connect, collaborate and create. It is the meeting point between the traditions of the past and the talent of the future.
The Academy has had an inestimable impact on British and international musical life by training outstandingly talented musicians for fulfilling careers for over 200 years. From its outset, Britain’s oldest conservatoire has been associated with some of the greatest names in music including Mendelssohn, Liszt and Sir Henry Wood. More recent alumni include Sir Elton John, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Harrison Birtwistle, Edward Gardner, Max Richter, Lucy Crowe, Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Jacob Collier. Today 750 students from over 50 countries are enrolled on undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes.

National Youth Jazz Orchestra unveils NYJO Blueprint Orchestra.

Thursday, July 02, 2026

NYJO has announced the launch of NYJO Blueprint Orchestra, an innovative Big Band project for emerging professional musicians, aged 18 - 25. Press release, including details of live shows, attached.

We have received the following press release;

NYJO Launches NYJO Blueprint Orchestra
A New Forward-Looking Big Band Programme for Emerging Musicians

NYJO is proud to announce the launch of NYJO Blueprint Orchestra, an innovative Big Band project for emerging professional musicians, aged 18 - 25. Designed to support musicians in developing high-level large ensemble skills, the programme creates a forward-looking artistic context that reflects today’s jazz landscape.

Led by Musical Director Olivia Murphy, NYJO Blueprint Orchestra reprises NYJO’s big band model through consistent rehearsal, creative ambition, and a focussed commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Meeting weekly across four ten-week terms, the ensemble focuses on trust, cohesion, and the technical and creative skills required to perform at the highest professional standard.

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra forms an integral part of NYJO’s development pathway, forming a continuation of each musician’s development from earlier programmes into professional life. Orchestra members were recruited via a national call-out earlier in 2026 and their chairs are held for one year, reinforcing the ensemble as an ongoing training opportunity rather than an end point.

The orchestra will take a deep dive into both legacy and contemporary large ensemble music, with works by composers including Duke Ellington, Gil Evans, Maria Schneider, Bob Brookmeyer, Toshiko Akiyoshi, with the orchestra’s first live show debuting in September 2026.

We are thrilled to announce the orchestra’s debut performance at Windsor Festival on Sat 19 Sep. Launching with a bold programme that celebrates two of the most influential figures in big band jazz, Toshiko Akiyoshi and Duke Ellington, and showcases the power, innovation and lasting appeal of large-ensemble jazz. Over the year, Murphy will also compose a new large-scale work written specifically for the orchestra, culminating in a major summer performance in 2027.

Olivia Murphy, NYJO Blueprint MD, says:
“I’m really looking forward to working with NYJO to create this new ensemble. Blueprint will be a band which strives for excellence and beauty; refining and performing a variety of the brilliant jazz orchestra works from over the last 75 years. A positive and inspiring learning environment, Blueprint will allow emerging professional musicians to reach their full potential.”

Yvette Griffith OBE, NYJO Chief Executive, says:
“Returning to the roots of our name, in 2026 NYJO is creating a National Youth Jazz Orchestra - NYJO Blueprint Orchestra, led by Olivia Murphy. Together, they will set a high standard of musical excellence, showcasing phenomenal performance skills while offering young musicians exemplary training and opportunities. We will upskill young musicians to professional performance level, preparing them for careers in jazz and beyond. NYJO Blueprint musicians will learn from and alongside leading national and international artists. The result is a flagship youth orchestra that reflects the gender and cultural diversity of today’s society and illustrates the blueprint for what jazz youth orchestras should look like while holding firm to the highest standards of excellence. I couldn’t be happier that NYJO alumna Olivia Murphy, already part of our artistic faculty, is leading the work that will shape highly skilled young NYJO musicians, ready to contribute to tomorrow’s contemporary music landscape.”

Committed to representing the diversity of the society it serves, NYJO Blueprint Orchestra brings together musicians from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, demonstrating that artistic excellence and inclusivity are intrinsic aspects of NYJO’s mission. Through this programme, NYJO continues to shape the future of British jazz by creating new models, new opportunities and new possibilities for large ensemble music.

UPCOMING EVENTS;

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra at Windsor Festival
Windsor Parish Church, High Street, Sat 19 Sep 2026
NYJO Blueprint Orchestra makes its world debut at Windsor Festival with a bold programme celebrating two of the most influential figures in big band jazz, Toshiko Akiyoshi and Duke Ellington.

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra at PizzaExpress Live Soho
10 Dean Street, London, W1D 3RW, Mon 5 Oct
NYJO Blueprint Orchestra takes the stage at PizzaExpress Live Soho with its exciting brand of large ensemble music.

NYJO Blueprint Orchestra: A Christmas Celebration
Smith Square Hall, Mon 7 Dec
NYJO Blueprint Orchestra presents a Christmas Big Band celebration. Expect a festive set, featuring Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite & Christmas classics and more.

About NYJO
NYJO is a registered charity and an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation with a mission to bring jazz and improvised music to young musicians aged 14-25, and audiences across the country. We strongly believe in the power of jazz as a tool for social change and work to creatively nurture young people, empowering them to develop, personally and artistically, through high-quality, accessible, and inclusive learning programmes and professional live performances.
With a strong commitment to making jazz and music making opportunities more evenly distributed across the UK, we work in collaboration with likeminded partners around the country to address access barriers to music education and deliver bespoke programmes that inspire young people to use jazz as a form of self-expression.
Web
http://www.nyjo.org.uk

Orchestra Bios:

Olivia Murphy NYJO Blueprint MD
Composer, conductor, and improviser Olivia Murphy is an innovative and colourful artist, with her music hailed as “some of the most exciting large ensemble jazz emerging from the London scene today” (UK Jazz News). Her main focus is large ensemble composition, and she has performed with her jazz orchestra across the UK including Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Birmingham Symphony Hall and Pizza Express Jazz Club. Murphy has been funded by Help Musicians and the PRS Foundation, and awarded the Musicians’ Company Eddie Harvey Award for arrangement and the Dankworth Award for jazz composition. She has been commissioned to write for and work with various ensembles and institutions such as Cambridge University, University of Birmingham, Sonorite Saxophone Quartet and her works have been published by the ABRSM. Her most recent orchestral album Fateful Birds And Fledgling Stories was awarded 4.5 stars in Downbeat Magazine, described as “nothing short of a revelation” and featured on BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 3.

Sheen Bendon Trombone 2
Sheen Bendon is a jazz trombonist who performs regularly across Oxford, London, and Manchester. He currently serves as Vice-President of the Oxford University Jazz Orchestra (OUJO) and will join the orchestra on its September 2026 tour to Tokyo and Kansai. Sheen features on OUJO’s recent album Checkmate, which includes works composed and arranged by jazz pianist Gwilym Simcock alongside other selections from the orchestra’s repertoire. His musical influences span bebop, contemporary jazz, folk, and modern improvisatory styles. More recently, he has been exploring sounds inspired by Indian classical music and is keen to develop these influences further in his work. Alongside his musical pursuits, Sheen is studying Physics at the University of Oxford and looks forward to balancing his final year of study with weekly NYJO Blueprint Orchestra rehearsals in London.
Instagram: @s.bendon

Sacha Bistany -  Guitar
Sacha Bistany is an Irish jazz and classical guitarist based in London. A graduate of the Royal College of Music, he currently balances a career as both a performer and educator across the city. His playing is influenced by bebop and modern jazz traditions while also drawing upon his background in classical music, often incorporating a distinctive fingerstyle technique. Sacha has performed in a wide variety of venues, ranging from The Mildmay Club and Alfie’s Soho to Wigmore Hall and the Southbank Centre. As a composer, he is currently developing a collection of original works inspired by his love of Brazilian music.
Instagram: @sachabistany_guitar

Ellie Bradshaw -  Trumpet, Trumpet 1/2
Ellie Bradshaw is a trumpet player and composer based in London. After completing her undergraduate degree in Music at the University of York, she worked as a freelance trumpet player and teacher before relocating to London to further develop her performance and compositional practice. She is currently studying for a Master’s degree in Composition at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, supported by the John Lunn Scholarship. Ellie enjoys performing a wide variety of music alongside some of London’s most exciting musicians and considers it a privilege to continue her musical development as a member of NYJO’s Blueprint Orchestra.
Instagram: @ebradshawmusic

Lydia Cochrane -  Tenor 2
Lydia Cochrane is a multi-woodwind player who originally trained as a classical saxophonist before becoming involved in the jazz scene through the National Youth Jazz Orchestra in 2021. Since then, she has immersed herself in improvisation, performing extensively across jazz, contemporary classical, and folk-improvisation settings. Her diverse musical interests continue to shape a creative and exploratory approach to performance and collaboration.
Instagram: @lydiascochrane

Sophie Ford Piano (shared chair)
Sophie Ford began her musical journey as a classical pianist before discovering jazz several years ago. Having recently completed her first year studying Jazz at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, she has embraced every opportunity to explore new music and develop her artistry. Sophie finds her greatest inspiration through performance and values music as her primary means of self-expression. Influenced by musicians including Kenny Kirkland, Kenny Wheeler, Bud Powell, and Wayne Shorter, she enjoys performing in both small ensemble and big band settings. Her favourite aspect of making music is the interaction between musicians and the spontaneity of collective improvisation.
Instagram: @sophie.ford__

Emma Foulds Tenor Sax 1
Emma Foulds is an undergraduate student at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama with a passion for both performing and composing jazz. Originally from Tadcaster in Yorkshire, Emma draws inspiration from saxophone greats Joe Lovano and Joe Henderson. Alongside her studies and musical projects, she enjoys playing board games and drinking tea.

Elliot Hampton Bass Trombone
Elliot Hampton is a low brass player and singer from the South East of England. Although classically trained, his interest in jazz developed through lessons with a trombone teacher who was actively involved in the jazz world. This growing fascination led him to study on the Junior Guildhall Jazz Programme before accepting a place on the undergraduate Jazz course at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, where he is currently continuing his studies and developing his musical voice.
Instagram: @elliot.hampton

Jamie Harms Alto 1 - Alto and Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
Jamie Harms is a saxophonist from South East London and has been a member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra since 2023. He is currently completing a Master’s degree in Jazz at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Alongside his studies, Jamie leads his original project, CLIO, which has been performing across London in recent months. Drawing inspiration from artists including Norman Willmore, Kenny Wheeler, and Angine de Poitrine, his music seeks to channel chaotic energy through a contemporary jazz lens. CLIO’s latest release, Demo Tape Volume 3, was featured on TIDAL’s Out There – Best New Jazz playlist. Jamie is also developing a project centred on the music of John Zorn’s Masada, co-arranged with Sam Eastmond and performed by a dedicated quintet.
Instagram: @111jamieharms

Poppy Helmer Flute
Poppy Helmer is a flautist and saxophonist from Brighton, now based in London, where she recently completed a BMus in Jazz Flute at Trinity Laban Conservatoire. During her studies, Poppy performed with the Trinity Laban Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Byron Wallen, Bruno Heinen, and Percy Pursglove. She recently recorded flute on Olivia Murphy’s Siren Cycle and has performed as part of Murphy’s jazz orchestra. Leading her own quartet and, at times, sextet, Poppy regularly performs her original music. Career highlights to date include appearances at We Out Here Festival, Brick Lane Jazz Festival, and the Vortex Jazz Club.
Instagram: @poppyhelmer

Poppy Hughes Trumpet 4
Poppy Hughes is a trumpet player currently studying on the Master’s Performance programme at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. She previously completed her undergraduate studies at Leeds Conservatoire on the Classical with Jazz course, where she developed a versatile approach to performance across multiple musical styles. Drawing on experience in both classical and jazz settings, Poppy has developed a particular passion for performing in big bands and pit orchestras, which remain her favourite musical environments. She is delighted to be performing as part of NYJO’s Blueprint Orchestra.
Instagram: @poppytrumpet

Stan Lawrence 1st/2nd Trumpet
Stan Lawrence is a trumpet player and composer who began playing the trumpet at the age of eight. Originally trained as a classical musician, he now primarily performs jazz and jazz- adjacent music. After graduating from the University of Manchester in 2024, Stan established himself as a freelance musician, performing both on land and aboard cruise ships. His recent creative interests focus on the intersections between jazz, folk, and contemporary classical music, though he remains passionate about exploring music of all styles and discovering new sounds and ideas. Outside of music, Stan enjoys art, cooking, philosophy, and hiking.
Instagram: @stan.lawrence_

Josh Mitchell-Rayner Piano
Josh Mitchell-Rayner is a jazz pianist and composer originally from Newcastle upon Tyne. Passionate about collective creativity and spontaneity in music, he spent two years performing with Knats before leaving his hometown to explore a broader range of musical styles. Developing a particular interest in contemporary classical music, Josh went on to study composition with Mark-Anthony Turnage and Errollyn Wallen, alongside piano with Mike Moran, at the Royal College of Music in London. He currently focuses on writing original music for his jazz trio, Common Ground, teaching young musicians, and contributing to a wide variety of independent musical projects. He is due to graduate from the Royal College of Music in July 2026.
Instagram: @joshdoesjazz

Benjamin Moss 1st Trombone
Benjamin Moss is a 24-year-old trombonist from Cheshire and holds a Master of Music degree from the Royal Northern College of Music, where he studied with Carol Jarvis and Iain Dixon. Inspired by musicians including Dexter Gordon, Bill Watrous, and Sammy Nestico, Ben has built a busy and varied performance career across the UK, appearing at venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and Matt & Phred’s. Alongside performing, he has developed a strong passion for arranging and bandleading, with original works and arrangements performed by big bands across the North of England and several RNCM ensembles. Outside of music, Ben enjoys travelling and is on a continuing quest to brew the perfect flat white.
Instagram: @benmoss24

Miles Pillinger Drums
Manchester-born drummer, composer, and winner of the 2025 Peter Whittingham Award, Miles Pillinger intertwines raw improvisation with the rich, uplifting rhythms and melodies of Brazil. Drawing influence from Brian Blade, Hermeto Pascoal, Max Roach, and Chick Corea, his playing presents a melodic and creative sound described by Nikki Yeoh as “the voice of the youth.” At just 24, Miles has already made a significant impact on the UK jazz scene, performing with artists including Olivia Cuttill, Tara Lily, Mica Millar, Chip Wickham, and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. His upcoming debut album, Belonging, explores the importance of identity and self-expression through Afro-Brazilian jazz-inspired compositions.
Instagram: @miles.pillinger

Maisie Riley -  Baritone saxophone
Maisie Riley grew up in a highly musical family and began learning the piano from an early age. After completing her classical piano grades, she joined the Junior RNCM Saturday School, where she was encouraged to take up the saxophone. This experience marked the beginning of her deeper connection with music and ultimately led her to study at Chetham’s School of Music for sixth form, where she was first introduced to jazz. Since then, her musical knowledge and interests have continued to evolve. Maisie draws inspiration from saxophonists including Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan, and Hank Mobley, and the music of this era continues to play a significant role in shaping her sound and artistic approach.
Instagram: @maisierileysaxrileysax

Holly Shearsmith -  Alto Sax 2
Holly Shearsmith began her musical journey as a classical pianist before moving to clarinet and eventually finding her primary musical voice on the saxophone. Alongside her musical pursuits, Holly studied Chemistry at university, where her research focused on photo-activated drug delivery methods. As a performer, she draws inspiration from artists including Cannonball Adderley, Jackie McLean, Sonny Stitt, Joe Henderson, John Hicks, McCoy Tyner, Gwilym Simcock, and Rachael Cohen. Having performed in big bands and large ensembles since the age of ten, Holly continues to value the energy, camaraderie, and collective musical experience that these groups provide.

Luca Santos Sims -  Drum Kit
Luca Santos Sims has been passionate about music for as long as he can remember, tapping rhythms on his knees from the age of four before being introduced to the drum kit at seven. Since then, he has sought to channel that passion through his playing and musical expression. After discovering jazz drumming at the age of 14, inspired in part by the film Whiplash and his experiences on the Guildhall Summer Course, Luca became committed to developing his craft and finding his own unique voice as a musician. Alongside performing, Luca is an arranger and currently works with a 70-piece orchestra as both drummer and arranger, contributing to projects including a large-scale Radiohead programme. His compositional style is heavily influenced by film music and anime soundtracks, drawing inspiration from artists and composers including Joe Hisaishi, Larnell Lewis, Roni Kaspi, C418, Hans Zimmer, Ludwig Göransson, Kohei Tanaka, and Yoshimasa Terui. He hopes to release a wealth of original music in the near future, driven by a simple goal: bringing entertainment, joy, and excitement to audiences.
Instagram: @luca.santos.sims

Benny Tayler Trumpet 3
Benny Tayler is a singer, trumpet player, and violinist currently studying Jazz Trumpet at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. During his studies, he has enjoyed a wide range of performance opportunities with the Guildhall Big Band, working alongside acclaimed musicians including Helen Sung, Billy Childs, and Fabian Almazan. He is also a member of the Guildhall Jazz Singers and has performed at notable events, including the reopening of the LSO St Luke’s venue. Benny’s musical journey began in Salisbury Cathedral Choir, where he developed a love of choral singing from a young age. He has also participated in programmes and ensembles including Junior Royal Academy of Music (JRAM), the West of England Youth Orchestra (WEYO), and the National Youth Orchestra Inspire programme. He is currently a member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra for the upcoming academic year. Outside of music, Benny is an enthusiastic chess player and enjoys baking.

Lexi Turvey Trombone
Lexi Turvey began their journey with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra over a decade ago as a member of the NYJO Academy. The experience played a formative role in their development as a musician and helped shape their career as a freelance performer and brass teacher. Since studying at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, Lexi has worked extensively across NYJO’s flagship ensembles and educational programmes, performing and teaching throughout the UK. They have appeared with pit orchestras, symphony orchestras, and big bands, while sharing their passion for music in classrooms and workshop settings nationwide.
Instagram: @alexturveytrombone

Macy Wright Double bass
Macy Wright is a bassist whose musical influences stem from a childhood surrounded by reggae, hip-hop, disco, and funk—genres that continue to shape her musical identity today. She began playing the flute at the age of eleven before joining an after-school music programme a year later, where the only available instrument was the bass guitar. Quickly embracing the opportunity, she began taking lessons and performing with a variety of ensembles despite not coming from a musical background. Following studies at GCSE level, the completion of a music teaching apprenticeship, and four years studying Jazz at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Macy’s passion for music continues to grow. She is excited to dedicate herself fully to her musical career and looks forward to seeing where the journey will lead.
Instagram: @macywrightbass

Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music, London in autumn 2026.

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

The Academy opens the 2026/27 academic year with a programme of concerts spanning musical genres. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music in autumn 2026

The Academy opens the 2026/27 academic year with a programme of concerts spanning musical genres, including anniversary celebrations for Steve Reich and Janáček, concerts ranging from early music to world premieres, a fully staged opera and a tribute to a musical theatre legend.

Jakub Hrůša, Semyon Bychkov, Ralph Kirshbaum, Véronique Gens, Femi Temowo and Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood are named as just some of the world-class artists to make music with Academy students this term

The Academy’s commitment to establish students’ industry connections continues with opportunities to perform at leading venues and festivals such as Wigmore Hall, Crazy Coqs, the Royal Festival Hall and EFG London Jazz Festival concert

Royal Academy Opera stage Strauss’ Capriccio, conducted by the Academy’s Head of Opera Christopher White and directed by Olivia Fuchs.

Online booking opens via the Academy’s website on Monday 13 July - view the full list of events here.
https://www.ram.ac.uk/whats-on

The Royal Academy of Music announces its autumn 2026 season which features the music of Strauss, Stravinsky and Steve Reich through to Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie, all showcasing the breadth of Academy talent.

World-class musicians continue to collaborate with Academy students in the 2026/27 academic year. Jakub Hrůša, Chief Conductor of the Bamberg Symphony, Music Director of The Royal Opera and Honorary Member of the Academy, conducts the Academy Symphony Orchestra (ASO) for the first time on 16 October in a concert featuring Janáček’s rhapsody and music from Bartók’s pantomime ballet, The Miraculous Mandarin. On 4 December the Academy’s Klemperer Chair of Conducting and Chief Conductor/Music Director of the Czech Philharmonic, Semyon Bychkov, returns to the Academy to conduct the ASO for a programme opening with the music from Wagner’s opera Tristan und Isolde.

The Academy’s SIDE-BY-SIDE series provides students with further invaluable opportunities to perform alongside artists at the top of their profession. On 27 September, just days before Steve Reich’s 90th birthday, the Academy Manson Ensemble will perform Reich’s works in a SIDE-BY-SIDE concert with the London Sinfonietta and Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood at the Royal Festival Hall. 

On 10 November the Autumn Piano Festival marks 100 years since Janáček’s visit to the Academy. Students from the Piano Department perform his complete solo piano and chamber duo music, as well as ensemble pieces including the Concertino.

Academy jazz students will also perform at prestigious London music venues. The Academy Jazz Ensemble will take to the Crazy Coq’s stage on 14 November, led by composer and guitarist Femi Temowo, and the Academy Jazz Orchestra perform a special EFG London Jazz Festival concert on 22 November, celebrating the lives and music of Dizzy Gillespie and Duke Ellington. At the Academy, Gareth Lockrane leads the Academy Jazz Orchestra in a double bill (9 October). These projects are a chance to see intergenerational music-making with established musicians and emerging young jazz stars.

Audiences can observe Academy students as they learn from great musicians in our series of public masterclasses with award winning cellist Ralph Kirshbaum (17 November), the Academy’s Dame Myra Hess Chair of Piano Professor Joanna MacGregor (29 September) and leading sopranos Susan Bullock (5 November) and Véronique Gens (6 November).

Royal Academy Opera presents Strauss’ Capriccio on the Susie Sainsbury stage between 23-27 November. Premiered at the height of the Second World War, Strauss’ introspective and poignant final opera contemplates the creation of art, and how theatre and music ultimately mirror the ‘mystery of reality’.

Following Capriccio, the Royal Academy Musical Theatre Company will take to the Susie Sainsbury stage on 8 December to perform a celebration of an extraordinary life devoted to the stage with Georgie: A Tribute to George Hall. A teacher at the Academy until the age of 101, George Hall shaped generations of many of the UK’s leading actors both at the Academy and as Head of Acting at Central School of Speech and Drama for 25 years. His legacy lives on, honoured in an evening of song, story and tribute.

Find out more at http://www.ram.ac.uk

The Royal Academy of Music moves music forward by inspiring successive generations of musicians to connect, collaborate and create. It is the meeting point between the traditions of the past and the talent of the future.
The Academy has had an inestimable impact on British and international musical life by training outstandingly talented musicians for fulfilling careers for over 200 years. From its outset, Britain’s oldest conservatoire has been associated with some of the greatest names in music including Mendelssohn, Liszt and Sir Henry Wood. More recent alumni include Sir Elton John, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Harrison Birtwistle, Edward Gardner, Max Richter, Lucy Crowe, Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Jacob Collier. Today 750 students from over 50 countries are enrolled on undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes.

An appeal from Alsager Jazz Club.

Monday, June 29, 2026

Alsager Jazz Club, near Stoke-on-Trent, has issued an appeal for support in the light of dwindling audience numbers. Please help the Club to keep going if you can. Message from Alsager Jazz Club att.

From;
https://www.facebook.com/alsagerjazz/

Hello Facebook friends,

This is just a quick message to everyone about the club.

There has been a lot of change at Alsager Jazz Club this year. Sadly, we lost Roger, our much-loved house drummer, also Sarah passed the baton of organising the bookings over to Gaz and at the same time, we lost our venue at the golf club but we gained another amazing venue just down the road, the Thirteen Club.

Unfortunately, our audience numbers are down. Some people haven’t made the move with us to the Thirteen Club, and we’re finding things quite difficult. In all honesty, if things continue as they are, we may struggle to make it to the end of the year.

We’re looking at ways to improve things, including collecting contact details so we can better communicate who’s coming up and keep everyone informed about future events.

Most importantly, though, we need your support. We’re asking if you’ll work with us to help keep the club going. If you only come along occasionally, we’d love to see you more often. Every person through the door makes a difference.

We’ve worked hard to maintain the quality of the music, keeping many of your regular favourites while also introducing some fantastic new musicians. Every artist we’ve booked is a truly outstanding player, and we believe there’s something special at every gig.

Jazz clubs like ours are becoming increasingly rare, and we’d hate to lose this wonderful community. If you enjoy live jazz and value having a local club, please come along when you can, bring a friend, tell others about it and help us keep the music alive.

Thank you for your attention and hopefully see you on Thursday!

The Alsager Jazz Club team

See also;
https://alsagerjazz.org.uk/

Shrewsbury Jazz Network - Programme July - November 2026.

Friday, June 26, 2026

Shrewsbury Jazz Network has announced its next three live jazz events. Events take place at The Hive Music & Media Centre, Shrewsbury. Performers include Josephine Davies, Tom Thorp, Trish Clowes.

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

Jul
11
Sat
19:00
Josephine Davies Satori Quartet
Tickets from £12
Saturday July 11 £25/£12 U22
Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start.
Award winning saxophonist & composer Josephine Davies brings her dynamic ensemble Satori to SJN at the Hive to perform the music from ‘Weatherwards’. The album is inspired by Josephine’s Nordic roots in the Shetland Islands, and beautifully weaves together the band’s contemporary jazz background with a hauntingly evocative folk influence. The intricate compositions, coupled with the thrilling interplay between Pianist Alcyona Mick, Bassist Dave Whitford & drummer Jay Davis, evokes the interconnection of Shetland sea, land, sky, and ever-present wind.

Tom Thorp & ILLUMETRIS
Oct 10 £25/£12 U22
In a first for SJN at the Hive you are invited to enter the murky and fantastical world of mythical beings with ILLUMETRIS. Internationally award winning composer Tom Thorp (saxophones & bass clarinet) is joined by Neil Yates (trumpet), Andy Stamatakis-Brown (piano), Grant Russell (bass) & John Arnesen (drums). ILLUMETRIS will
present music from their critically acclaimed album ‘Here, there be Monsters…’ in a new multi-media show in collaboration with illustrator Steve Bridger. Musicreviews
‘His music and performances are sparkling jewels..’ BBC Jazz World

Trish Clowes – My Iris Quartet
Nov 14 £25/£12 U22
Trish Clowes ‘My Iris quartet, an intense and thrilling band that represents the front rank of the contemporary UK jazz scene, returns to SJN at the Hive with new compositions from their latest album ‘Try me’. With an international reputation for intricate writing and adventurous improvisation, saxophonist Trish Clowes provides her incredible band members Ross Stanley (Hammond organ), Mike Outram (guitar) and Joel Barford (drums) with an abundance of space for exploration, spontaneity and kinetic provocation. Expect ballads, melodic invention and excitement.
‘Not for nothing is she considered as one of the UK’s best Jazz musicians… Ian Patterson..All about jazz

Professor Mykaell Riley awarded MBE in King’s Honours.

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Professor Mykaell Riley, musician, producer and academic, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding services to research and education around Black British Music.

We have received the following press release;

Professor Mykaell Riley awarded MBE in King’s Honours for services to Research & Education in Black British Music

) The University of Westminster is proud to announce that Professor Mykaell Riley, pioneering musician, producer and academic, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding services to research and education around Black British Music.

A founding member of the Grammy‑winning reggae band Steel Pulse, Professor Riley has spent more than four decades shaping the sound, study and understanding of Black British music. His career spans chart‑topping production, groundbreaking cultural research, and transformative leadership in higher education, he continues to bridge music, academia and cultural policy, shaping how Black British music is understood, valued and taught.

Riley is the first Professor of Black British music in the UK. As Director of the Black Music Research Unit (BMRU) at the University of Westminster, Professor Riley has led landmark research projects that have reshaped national conversations about Black British cultural history. In 2024, he curated the Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music at the British Library - the first major exhibition of its kind, attracting national acclaim and international attention. Most recently, Riley contributed to the UK Music Black Music Means Business Report. Riley is currently Principal Investigator on the AHRC-funded EQUALIZE project, in collaboration with music charity Young Sounds, to research access to electronic and Black music in schools, with a focus on influencing government policy to diversify music curriculums across the country.

Alongside his research leadership, Professor Riley has played a central role in developing one of the UK’s most innovative music degree programmes at University of Westminster, which recently marked the 30th anniversary of its Music BA Honours course, the only degree in the country offering real‑time learning, professional work placements and on‑screen credits on a major TV drama. Under Professor Riley’s musical direction, students composed and produced the entire original soundtrack for the BBC’s hit comedy‑drama BOARDERS (Series 1–3). The BOARDERS Original Soundtrack album is composed entirely by Westminster students - a sector‑leading model of industry‑embedded education.

Professor Riley’s influence extends far beyond academia. He created Britain’s first Black pop string section, the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra, and his work as a writer/producer includes UK No. 1 hits for Mark Morrison, East 17 and Soul II Soul.

Speaking about the honour, Professor Mykaell Riley said:
“From Steel Pulse to the Palace - who would have thought the Prince’s Trust sponsorship of the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra in the early 90s, followed by the Prince’s Trust event at our University of Westminster Harrow campus in 2004 with the then Prince Charles attending, alongside Jay‑Z, Russell Simmons and Reverend Run, meant I was on this trajectory before even realising it.”

Dr Lucy Harrison, Assistant Head of School of Arts (Head of Music) University of Westminster said
“Professor Riley’s contribution to British music and to the study of Black British cultural history is unparalleled. His leadership, research and mentorship have shaped generations of artists, scholars and industry professionals. We’re so thrilled for Mykaell and the recognition that he has received through this honour. The work of the BMRU, through his strategic leadership, has been game changing! We’re so pleased that Mykaell has received this recognition and that our students continue to learn from his expertise!”

About University of Westminster Music BA Hons Course - The University of Westminster’s Music: Production, Performance and Business BA (Hons) is a dynamic course that brings together creative practice and industry insight, combining music production, live performance, songwriting, and the business skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving music landscape. Students develop their artistry alongside real-world knowledge of branding, distribution, and entrepreneurship. The University of Westminster has a strong track record of nurturing exceptional talent across the creative industries, with alumni including Amir Amor (Rudimental), Bree Runway, Estelle, Jake Nava, Al Shux, Ben Wynter, Luke McGrellis, Jin Jin and Remi Harris.

The 15th EJN Award for Adventurous Programming goes to Südtirol Jazzfestival Alto Adige.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Established by the Europe Jazz Network (EJN), this annual Award honours a European festival, club, or venue that succeeds in delivering visionary and compelling musical experiences for its audience.

We have received the following press release;

Young voices and unexpected encounters: the 15th EJN Award for Adventurous Programming goes to Südtirol Jazzfestival Alto Adige

Established by the Europe Jazz Network (EJN), this annual Award honours a European festival, club, or venue that succeeds in delivering visionary and compelling musical experiences for its audience.

Südtirol Jazzfestival Alto Adige was praised by the jury for its long-standing commitment to young European artists, its courageous and coherent artistic vision, and its ability to create meaningful musical encounters across the entire South Tyrol, from urban spaces to remote and unconventional locations.

The award winner was selected through a two-phase process: initially, the 200+ EJN member organisations from 38 countries nominated potential awardees, including non-members. Subsequently, a jury comprising EJN members and other respected music professionals convened online in May 2026 to select the winner from a shortlist of 21 nominees.

Comment by the 2026 Award jury
“The EJN Award for Adventurous Programming 2026 is presented to Südtirol Jazzfestival Alto Adige for its commitment to artistic encounters, innovative curatorial vision, and long-standing support for young European artists.
For many years, the festival remained faithful to a bold artistic direction, championing new generations of European improvisers and creative musicians even when safer and more commercial choices would have been easier. The jury particularly recognised the festival’s coherence, youthful spirit, and its ability to create meaningful encounters between artists, audiences, and places.
Beyond its programming approach, Südtirol Jazzfestival Alto Adige has developed a unique decentralised format, bringing music to unusual locations across the area, from mountain huts and caves to public squares in small towns, transforming the entire province into a space for discovery and artistic exploration.
The festival also inspires programmers and artists across Europe, demonstrating how a strong artistic identity can shape the evolution of a festival and contribute to the vitality of the European jazz scene.”

The jury 2026 was composed by: Enrico Bettinello (Circolo Controtempo, Italy), Frank van Berkel (BIMHUIS, Netherlands), Silvia Bolognesi (Artist & educator, Italy), Simon Kenda (Jazz Cerkno, Slovenia), and Mario Steidl (Previous award winner, Saalfelden Jazzfestival, Austria).

Comment by Max von Pretz, Stefan Festini Cucco and Roberto Tubaro, artistic directors of the festival
“We are honoured and delighted to receive this year’s EJN Award for Adventurous Programming. This prestigious European recognition encourages us in our future endeavours and reinforces our confidence that we are on the right path with our festival, something that matters when you are situated in the middle of the mountains.
Our approach to programming is only possible thanks to all the wonderful artists who are willing to embark on challenging adventures with us and our audience, at times despite uncertain outcomes. Working with these artists, with our partners and supporters, and with the EJN community is a constant source of inspiration. Envisioning new projects together fills us with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Klaus Widmann, the festival’s former President and Artistic Director. For almost twenty years, he remained deeply committed to his artistic vision and paved the way for the festival we continue to shape today.”

The EJN Award winners will be celebrated during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Südtirol Jazzfestival Alto Adige, on 26 June in Bolzano, and at the 12th European Jazz Conference in Cologne, Germany, on 26 September 2026, bringing together EJN members and creative music professionals from across Europe and beyond.

About Südtirol Jazzfestival Alto Adige
Today’s Südtirol Jazzfestival Alto Adige traces its history back to 1982 and the launch of “Jazz Summer”, which later became “Jazz & Other”. While in its early years the concerts were held only in Bolzano, today the festival extends across the whole region of South Tyrol.
Many concerts are unique and inseparable from their specific settings and venues. South Tyrol itself becomes a stage, with jazz music blending into its landscapes. Concerts take place in towns and villages, on mountains and alpine meadows, beside lakes and rivers, in town squares and on city streets, in parks and castles, and in historic inns and industrial spaces. The combination of urban settings, picturesque mountain locations, culinary delights and captivating music creates a distinctive festival experience. The Südtirol Jazzfestival Alto Adige runs for ten days each year, from the last Friday in June to the first Sunday in July.

In 2026, it will take place from 26 June to 5 July, presenting 52 concerts at 35 venues across South Tyrol, with more than 100 artists taking part. The opening concert at the NOI Techpark in Bolzano will feature the captivating Gard Nilssen Supersonic Orchestra. This large ensemble will not only deliver a spectacular opening concert but also set the tone for the first festival weekend. After the opening night, the musicians will appear in various formations across different festival spaces, creating a dynamic opening chapter for the ten-day programme.

Full programme: https://www.suedtiroljazzfestival.com/

About the EJN Award for Adventurous Programming
Established in 2012, the EJN Award for Adventurous Programming recognises European promoters who exemplify EJN’s core values through visionary and engaging musical programming.
Previous winners of the EJN Award for Adventurous Programming include: Saalfelden Jazzfestival in Austria (2025), Budapest Music Centre in Hungary (2024), A L’Arme! Festival in Germany (2023), Le Guess Who? festival in the Netherlands (2022), Jazzfest Berlin in Germany (2021), Victoria-Nasjonal Jazzscene in Norway ex-aequo with Porgy and Bess in Austria (2020), JazzFest Sarajevo in Bosnia Herzegovina (2019), Jazz Festival Ljubljana in Slovenia (2018), Tampere Jazz Happening in Finland (2017), Manchester Jazz Festival in the UK (2016), Moers Festival in Germany (2015), Jazz em Agosto in Portugal (2014), Bimhuis in the Netherlands (2013), and 12 Points Festival in Ireland (2012).
More info: https://www.europejazz.net/activity/ejn-awards

About the Europe Jazz Network
Europe Jazz Network (EJN) was founded in 1987 as a non-profit association of promoters and presenters of live music. EJN currently 208 organisations (festivals, clubs, concert venues, and national/regional support organisations) across 38 countries and is supported by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union as a cultural network (2025-2028).
EJN’s mission is to support, promote, and develop jazz, creative and improvised music across Europe, facilitating connections between artists, organisers, and audiences from diverse backgrounds.
More info: https://www.europejazz.net/

Jasper Hoiby’s 3 Elements - UK & European live dates, July- December 2026.

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Bassist & composer Jasper Høiby's 3Elements trio have a number of live dates scheduled in the UK and Europe from July to December 2026. Schedule attached.

Jasper Hoiby writes;

Here’s an overview of the cities I’ll be playing with 3Elements -
Jasper Hoiby (bass), Xavi Torres (piano) and Naíma Acuña (drums)

21-26 July - SLIGO JAZZFESTIVAL, Ireland

10.10 - Breda, Netherlands

27.10 - Stockholm, Sweden

28.10 - Malmø, Sweden

29.10 - Gøteborg, Sweden

30.10 - Ålborg, Denmark

01.11 - Århus, Denmark

13.11 - Sardinia, Italy

14.11 - Sardinia, Italy

17.11 - Southampton, UK

18.11 - Leeds, UK

19.11 - London, UK

20.11 - Brighton, UK

09.12 - Tilburg, Netherlands

10.12 - Amsterdam, Netherlands

11.12 - Den Haag, Netherlands

12.12 - Rotterdam, Netherlands

More info and links to tickets coming soon.

https://www.jasperhoiby.com/

Azymuth announce exclusive London & Hastings concerts.

Saturday, June 13, 2026

The long running Brazilian jazz-funk ensemble Azymuth have announced two UK dates in London and Hastings in October 2026. Press release and ticket links attached.

AGMP Concerts have forwarded the following press release;

Brazilian jazz-funk legends announce exclusive London & Hastings concerts.

Azymuth started their career under the name Group Projeto 3 in 1968.

The debut Azymuth LP featured classics like ‘Manha’ (a standard on the jazz-dance club scene) and ‘Faca De Conta’. This was quickly followed by their second album ‘Agua Nao Come Mosca’ which was was also released in the USA and Japan on Atlantic Records, bringing international attention.

In 1979 their first Milestone Records release, Light As A Feather became one of the best-selling LPs of the year. It featured the worldwide disco/fusion hit single ‘Jazz Carnival’, which sold more than half a million copies internationally, and stayed in the UK Top 20 for eight weeks.

Azymuth went on to record a string of albums on Milestone in the mid-80s, including the cult classic Outubro. Over this period of time Azymuth established themselves as one the world’s great jazz bands, playing at the Monterey and Montreux Jazz Festival alongside legendary musicians Chick Corea, Joe Henderson, George Duke, and
Stevie Wonder.

Far Out Recordings released the first Azymuth album in decades Carnival (1996) to critical acclaim. Since then Azymuth have recorded multiple new studio albums for Far Out: Woodland Warrior (1998), Pieces of Ipanema (1999), Before we Forget (2000), Partido Novo (2003), Brazilian Soul (2004), Butterfly (2008), Aurora (2011) ‘Fenix’ (2016) and ‘Marca Passo’ (2025).

Azymuth have also been remixed by some of the finest remixers in the world including Theo Parrish, 4hero, Peanut Butter Wolf, Kirk Degiorgio, Zed Bias, Yam Who, Ashley Beedle, Jazzanova, London Elektricity, and Roni Size.

OCT 10th 2026
The Piper, St. Leonards, Hastings, Sussex

OCT 12th 2026
Union Chapel, Islington, London

Tickets;
https://www.seetickets.com/tour/azymuth

Kidderminster Jazz Club - Programe for September, October and November 2026.

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Kidderminster Jazz Club has announced the first three shows of its 2026 - 27 season. Events take place at St. Ambroses's Parish Centre, Kidderminster.

From;
https://www.kidderminsterjazzclub.co.uk/2026-2027-season-show

IGU (Instrutmential Groove Unit)
Kidderminster Jazz Club
Fri, Sep 4 @ 7:00PM
Bryan Corbett presents The ‘Instrumental Groove Unit’
“The Bomb” – Courtney Pine “Something special” – Michael Parkinson
Renowned Birmingham-based trumpeter and flugelhorn player Bryan Corbett presents a new original project full of improvisation, hip grooves, beautiful melodies, unique musicianship, interplay and virtuosity. Bryan’s musical journey is a tapestry of diverse collaborations and artistic pursuits. As a sought-after session musician, he has lent his talents to some of the biggest names and acclaimed artists across various genres. From The Brand New Heavies, Ben E King,
This exciting new project introduces original material and a repertoire with emphasis on the ‘pocket’ of groove and freedom of improvisation. Bryan introduces the project as “A chance to play some original tunes and ideas coming to it from a different angle than I normally would”.
Band
Brtan Corbett - trumpet, flugel
Lke Harris - Drums
Wayne Matthews - Bass
Paul Deats - Fender Rhodes
£15.00

Terence Collie Quartet
Kidderminster Jazz Club
Fri, Oct 2 @ 7:00PM
With the summer release of his new album, DNA, pianist Terence Collie brings his quartet to Kidderminster Jazz Club for an evening of melodic, engaging jazz.
Alongside original compositions, the band will perform a selection of well-loved standards, often woven into inventive medleys and approached with warmth, taste and a fresh perspective. Collie’s playing combines lyrical phrasing, strong groove and a natural sense of storytelling.
In this more intimate quartet setting, the music opens up for expressive interplay and engaging improvisation, with each member of the band contributing to a dynamic and responsive group sound.
Expect an evening of accessible jazz, memorable tunes and inventive solos from a band performing with energy, sensitivity and flair.
Band
Terence Collie - Piano
Nick Lenner-Webster - Double Bass
Ted Carrasco - Drums
Cosimo Keita Cadore - Percussion
£15.00

Aurelius Trio
Kidderminster Jazz Club
Fri, Nov 6 @ 7:00PM
Cornish double bassist and composer Marcus Penrose left the wild Atlantic coast for the bustle of London aged just 18. His trio, Aurelius grew from a long-standing musical bond with pianist Will Butterworth, forged twenty years ago in a smoky West London bar where they played together six nights a week. Performing there to the likes of Mick Jagger, Madonna, and Annie Lennox, along with pilgrimages to hear Paul Motian in mid-2000s New York shaped their jazz education. These experiences echo through the music of Aurelius, as they seek out beauty within the corners of their improvisations. Joined by kindred spirit drummer Peter Ibbetson, they embrace a sense of limitless musical possibility
‘‘I think it sounds fantastic. All three are playing beautifully. Great sounds, compositions and beautiful use of space. Very happy to have heard it‘‘……. Larry Grenadier
” There’s a sense that this trio are being completely true to their musical selves. It’s a beautiful album, to be listened to again and again”…… London Jazz News
Band
Marcus Penrose - Double Bass
Will Butterworth - Piano
Peter Ibbetson - Drums
£15.00

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

Bring Your Own Bottle/Drinks

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist, first broadcast 07/06/2026.

Monday, June 08, 2026

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 04/06/2026, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from June 7th 2026

Available now at http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Robinson Khoury
Taxi Brousse
Transara
ACT

Luke Bainbridge
Septstep
Petstep
Crossing Styx Records

Fuchsthone Orchestra
Capricorn & Aries
Peaks and Plots
Unit Records

Hans Lüdemann TransEuropeExpress Ensemble
Simple Song
On the Edges 4
BMC

Hilary Jeffrey
Dancing
Green Prism: music by Keith Tippett
Discus

Paul Dunmall
The doubt rises in my mind
Afraid to Speak
Discus

Giordano Grossi
Africans
In the Name of the Father, Daughters & White Wine
Alfa Music

Johanna Summer
Allegro con Brio + Sergei’s Spirit
Dialoge
ACT

Mahan Mirarab
Choopan 42
Unspoken
ACT

3 Days of Maceration
Spontaneous Frermentation
Harvest Blues
Bandcamp

NL-SWITCH Orchestra
Fun with the Happy Healing Rollercoaster
Rising Call
Northern Light Switch Records

Bushmans Revenge
And Gullit was his Name
Ah Les Vaches
Is It Jazz

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

listen.camp/ Sundays 4pm onward

Radio Hereford FC – Wednesday 10pm

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

EFG London Jazz Festival announces new names for 2026 including Goldie, Mariza, Caravan Palace, Gerald Clayton and Kyoto Jazz Massive.

Friday, June 05, 2026

The EFG London Jazz Festival has announced a new wave artists scheduled to appear at the Festival, which will take place at venues across the city 13 - 22 November 2026.

We have received the following press release;

EFG London Jazz Festival
Announces New Names For 2026
Including Goldie, Mariza, Caravan Palace, Gerald Clayton and Kyoto Jazz Massive
Joining Melody Gardot, Morcheeba, Samara Joy, Fatoumata Diawara, Ben Folds and more
13 - 22 November
Tickets available here;
https://efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk/

EFG London Jazz Festival continues to expand its 2026 programme, announcing a new wave of artists spanning global jazz, contemporary composition and boundary-pushing improvisation. Following the recent announcement of a special one-off performance from Melody Gardot at the Royal Albert Hall (16 Nov), the festival returns from 13–22 November with ten days of adventurous music across venues throughout the capital, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s leading celebrations of jazz and creative music.

Leading the new announcements is Goldie, the pioneering British DJ, producer, visual artist, and actor who presents ‘Dare To Dream’, a special orchestral project bespoke to the Festival with Elysian Collective, live band, choir, and very special guests. With two shows at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on the opening Saturday of the Festival (14 Nov), this is set to be one of the most star studded line-ups of the Festival, full of surprises.

Long admired by UK audiences, Mariza is returning to the Festival with a much anticipated new album expected to be released later this year. Born in Mozambique and raised in Mouraria, one of the most emblematic and traditional neighbourhoods of Lisbon, Mariza grew up surrounded by the voices, guitars and memories of Fado. She will bring that intimacy to the opulence of the Royal Festival Hall (15 Nov) to close the opening weekend of the Festival.

Music has long been central to the work and imagination of iconic Japanese author Haruki Murakami, whose novels are threaded with jazz references, record collections and late-night listening sessions. In a special event at the Barbican (21 Nov) Haruki Murakami’s Jazz at Peter Cat: a Japanese Jazz Night invites audiences into the world that shaped Murakami’s writing, inspired by the Tokyo jazz club he ran from 1974 to 1981, Peter Cat. Across two performances, audiences will step inside an immersive Japanese listening club experience, with acclaimed Japanese ensembles Junko Onishi Trio, Sachi Hayasaka/TReS and Yoshio Suzuki’s The Blend featuring Kosuke Mine, Keisuke Nakamura, Hakuei Kim and Tamaya Honda, reinterpreting the jazz records and sonic worlds that informed Murakami’s literary universe, alongside spoken word, newly commissioned visuals and unique stage design. The project promises to be one of the festival’s most transportive and imaginative events. While Haruki Murakami himself will not appear in person, the celebrated author has given his blessing to the performance.

Parisian phenomenon Caravan Palace bring their euphoric blend of electronic music, jazz and swing to the new British Airways ARC in Olympia (14 Nov), channelling the spirit of the Roaring Twenties through pulsing modern production and dazzling live energy.

Meanwhile, Cadogan Hall once again becomes a home for some of the festival’s most refined and exploratory musicians. Newly announced performances include the Andy Sheppard Trio (18 Nov), bringing together the master saxophonist with Italian piano virtuoso Rita Marcotulli and acclaimed French bassist Michel Benita, while opening the evening is one of Britain’s most distinctive vocalists, a seminal artist of the UK jazz scene Norma Winstone, joined by pianist Kit Downes.
Kicking off the final weekend (20 Nov) Greek pianist Tania Giannouli and Norwegian trumpeter Nils Petter Molvær meet in a shared language of atmosphere, improvisation and cinematic minimalism, before six-time Grammy nominated pianist and Blue Note artist Gerald Clayton (21 Nov) arrives with his celebrated trio featuring Joe Sanders on bass and Jeff Ballard on drums.

The Barbican’s sister venue Milton Court is a key space for the festival, and this year the festival has invited Japanese composer and saxophonist Yasuaki Shimizu (15 Nov), widely known for his interpretations of J.S. Bach. Two days later (17 Nov) experimental Estonian composer Maarja Nuut presents Liivast juukseid kammides (Combing Hair into Sand), a song cycle for vocal ensemble, percussion, violin and electronics performing alongside London-based choir Shards and drummer Nicolas Stocker. Shards will also perform an opening set blurring the lines between contemporary classical, experimental and choral music. In the Barbican main hall saxophonist, rapper and composer Soweto Kinch (19 Nov) revisits the trilogy of works he has created with LSO, starting from The Black Peril co-commissioned by Serious in 2019, to the White Juju and Soundtrack to the Apocalypse.

Grammy nominated innovators Manu Delago (handpan) and Max ZT (hammered dulcimer) come together in a bold new duo that reimagines the sonic possibilities of their instruments. Drawing from a lifetime of global collaboration, deep improvisation, and refined compositional craft, the two virtuosos bring their immersive, meditative soundscapes to Stone Nest for two special in-the-round performances (15 Nov). Following acclaimed performances of A Prayer for D’Angelo, Dave Okumu heads to the Union Chapel (15 Nov) to celebrate the artists who have shaped his musical world like Nina Simone, Sly Stone, Prince, D’Angelo and Kendrick Lamar. The performance brings together a stellar cast of London musicians and a 20-piece choir led by ESKA and Alice Grant for an uplifting exploration of resistance, hope and resilience. Elsewhere, pioneering Japanese collective Kyoto Jazz Massive return to London featuring Echoes of a New Dawn Orchestra for a rare live performance at Islington Assembly Hall (22 Nov), celebrating 30 years of their genre-defying fusion of jazz, house, broken beat and cosmic groove that helped shape the global crossover scene.

Scottish jazz-folk saxophonist and Take Five alumni Matt Carmichael will bring his group to the Cecil Sharp House in Camden (17 Nov). Acclaimed singer-songwriter, cellist and composer Ayanna Witter-Johnson launches her new album at 93 Feet East (18 Nov) with her intimate blend of soul, jazz and folk storytelling. Pulitzer Prize-winning trumpeter and composer Ambrose Akinmusire brings one of the most singular voices in contemporary jazz to Kings Place (15 Nov), with work that transcends genre, moving between contemporary chamber music, orchestral commissions, dance, film, and improvisation. Also at Kings Place (22 Nov), jazz heavy-weights Dave Holland and Norma Winstone join the London Vocal Project for Vital Spark, a deeply personal celebration of the final compositions of Kenny Wheeler, brought to life through choral arrangements, new lyrics and decades of musical friendship. Grammy winning guitarist, vocalist and composer Isaiah Sharkey, best known for work with D’Angelo, John Mayer and Common, brings his unmistakable blend of soul, RnB and jazz to the Jazz Cafe (19 Nov) with a powerful new live show.

Serious are proud to introduce the Serious Youth Network, a new community for music lovers aged 16–25 offering £5 tickets to selected EFG London Jazz Festival shows alongside exclusive perks including discounts on festival merchandise and offers at the Jazz Social. Designed to open up world-class live music to a new generation of audiences, the network will continue year-round across Serious programmes and events.

EFG London Jazz Festival 2026 (New Additions in Bold)

Fri 13 Nov
Jazz Voice - Royal Festival Hall
Coltrane 100: Joe Lovano, Melissa Aldana, Nduduzo Makhathini, Linda May Han Oh, Jeff “Tain” Watts - Both Directions at Once - Barbican
Morcheeba - Troxy
Emma-Jean Thackray presents Dear Miles - A Love Letter - EartH Theatre
Fergus McCreadie - Kings Place

Sat 14 Nov
Goldie: ‘Dare to Dream’ - Royal Festival Hall (matinee and evening show)
Caravan Palace - British Airways ARC
Rita Wilson - Purcell Room

Sun 15 Nov
Mariza - Royal Festival Hall
Yasuaki Shimizu - Milton Court
Dave Okumu & Friends present DVTN: Music Changes the World: from Nina Simone to Sly Stone - Union Chapel
Manu Delago x Max ZT - Stone Nest (matinee and evening show)
Ambrose Akinmusire Quartet - Kings Place Hall One
Anouar Brahem - Barbican
Lizz Wright with Kenny Banks Sr. - Cadogan Hall
Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez - KOKO
The Meltdown - Jazz Cafe

Mon 16 Nov
Melody Gardot - Royal Albert Hall
GoGo Penguin - KOKO

Tue 17 Nov
Maarja Nuut + Shards ‘Combing Hair Into Sand’ - Milton Court
Matt Carmichael - Cecil Sharp House
GoGo Penguin - KOKO
Sam Gendel & Sam Wilkes - Union Chapel

Wed 18 Nov
Andy Sheppard Trio + Norma Winstone & Kit Downes - Cadogan Hall
Ayanna Witter-Johnson - 93 Feet East
Fatoumata Diawara - Roundhouse
PREP - KOKO
Rymden - Jazz Cafe

Thu 19 Nov
Soweto Kinch x LSO - Barbican
Isaiah Sharkey - Jazz Cafe

Fri 20 Nov
Tania Giannouli & Nils Peter Molvaer - Cadogan Hall
Ben Folds - Royal Festival Hall
Kronos Quartet - Queen Elizabeth Hall

Sat 21 Nov
Haruki Murakami’s Jazz at Peter Cat: a Japanese Jazz Night - Barbican (matinee and evening show)
Gerald Clayton Trio - Cadogan Hall
Branford Marsalis + Dianne Reeves Celebrate John Coltrane - British Airways ARC
Emma Rawicz’s Cloudwalker - Kings Place

Sun 22 Nov
Kyoto Jazz Massive ft. Echoes of a New Dawn Orchestra - Islington Assembly Hall
Vital Spark (Music of Kenny Wheeler) Dave Holland, Norma Winstone & London Vocal Project - Kings Place Hall One
Samara Joy - Royal Festival Hall
Cécile McLorin Salvant with BBC Concert Orchestra - Queen Elizabeth Hall

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

Tomorrow’s Warriors and Bank of America launch young artist development partnership.

Thursday, June 04, 2026

Tomorrow’s Warriors & Bank of America will provide young musicians in the Tomorrow’s Warriors (TW) Big Band with performance & mentoring opportunities through a new ‘Side by Side’ development program.

We have received the following press release;

Tomorrow’s Warriors and Bank of America launch young artist development partnership

Tomorrow’s Warriors, the pioneering talent development organisation and charity shaping the sound and future of UK jazz, has announced, during the organisation’s 35th anniversary year, a new partnership with Bank of America that will strengthen the progression pathways for its young musicians into professional careers.

Through the partnership, Tomorrow’s Warriors and Bank of America will provide young musicians in the Tomorrow’s Warriors (TW) Big Band with performance and mentoring opportunities through a new ‘Side by Side’ development programme. The initiative focuses on developing vital skills and experiences and enabling artists to learn alongside musicians from the Tomorrow’s Warriors professional ensemble Nu Civilisation Orchestra (NCO), known for its acclaimed performances with Chaka Khan, Corinne Bailey-Rae, Laura Mvula and this summer with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Over the course of one year, young musicians will follow a development programme that will see them connect with and be mentored by professional players, sit and shadow in rehearsals, and participate in sight-reading, composition, and arrangement workshops. With a focus on musicality and professional readiness, it will even see some of them deputising for NCO players in rehearsals, sessions and concerts. 

The TW Big Band is a flagship ensemble of the organisation with 17 young players at a critical point in their artistic journeys. Selected from the 120 students on the Tomorrow’s Warriors free-to-access Young Artist Development Programme for 11-25 year old musicians hosted at the Southbank Centre, membership is a coveted milestone. The TW Big Band serves as a vital training ground and gateway into the profession, as well as a longstanding community for alumni and members of the Nu Civilisation Orchestra, including recent TW Big Band member saxophonist Donovan Haffner, winner of the 2026 Jazz FM Breakthrough Act award.  The band performs annually at Love Supreme and We Out Here Festival and appears regularly at leading venues such as Ronnie Scott’s and the Jazz Cafe alongside a wide range of performance opportunities.

Bank of America’s sustained commitment to the arts helps expand access to high-quality music education, supporting the next generation at pivotal moments in their development. By investing in initiatives that nurture talent, remove barriers and create real pathways into the profession, the bank plays a meaningful role in strengthening the cultural ecosystem and ensuring that emerging artists can thrive, reach new audiences and shape the future of the industry.

For 35 years, Tomorrow’s Warriors has powered the next generation of artists and this celebrates a legacy of transforming lives through music, while building a more inclusive and equitable future for UK jazz and beyond. The organisation is guided by a simple belief: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Its intergenerational model supports young musicians held back by race, gender or background to define their careers, grow and pursue their ambitions.

Janine Irons OBE, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Tomorrow’s Warriors, said;
“This partnership comes at a pivotal time for Tomorrow’s Warriors as we mark 35 years of championing excellence, widening access and challenging inequity in the music industry. Bank of America’s support strengthens our ability to provide a progression pathway for the incredible young musicians in our Big Band to develop into professional musicians in our world class professional ensemble Nu Civilisation Orchestra. Through this partnership, we will see the first cohort of musicians flourish in real world learning, developing the vision for their professional futures. Tomorrow’s Warriors champions young musicians with extraordinary talent - regardless of race, gender or background - to build the skills, confidence, agency and connections that they need to thrive.”

Fernando Vicario, UK Country Executive at Bank of America, said;
“We believe talent should never be limited by background. We’re honoured to support Tomorrow’s Warriors in creating pathways for exceptional young musicians to develop the skills, confidence and experience to shape their futures and reach new audiences. Tomorrow’s Warriors is changing lives through music, and we look forward to seeing these talented young people excel.”

The partnership marks the beginning of an exciting series of Big Band performances this year at Foyles (31 July), The Southbank Centre (2 August), Kings Cross Summer Sounds (16 August), We Out Here Festival (21-22 August), the Jazz Café (2 October) and Pizza Express (15 November). Tomorrow’s Warriors will soon announce its full Summer of live events as part of its 35th anniversary year. 

About Tomorrow’s Warriors:

Founded in 1991 by Queen’s Medal for Music recipient Dr Gary Crosby OBE and Janine Irons OBE, Tomorrow’s Warriors is a pioneering music charity specialising in jazz, providing young people locked out of opportunity with access to the resources, networks and platforms they need to flourish in music and live into their full creative potential. Intergenerational by design, Tomorrow’s Warriors’ has a principle of ‘Each one teach one’ and a focus across three roles: meet young people where they are to discover their potential in music and make dedicated space for them to learn together and re-imagine their futures; develop their skills and talent and make sure they are platformed; and produce professional ensembles and orchestral work to international acclaim.

In building the change, Tomorrow’s Warriors works in partnership with industry leaders and national institutions, professional training providers and schools, cultural education hubs and community youth networks towards an ecosystem that over 35 years, has seen the organisation make radical shifts to lives and livelihoods, with over 20,000 young people engaged in its learning programmes so far. Tomorrow’s Warriors produces over 200 performances per year to audiences over 30,000, championing the voices and visibility of young Black, Global Majority, and female musicians. The organisation creates clear progression routes to successful and sustainable careers in the music industry with alumni including Femi Koleoso and the BRIT Award and Mercury Prize winning Ezra Collective, as well as Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia, Sheila Maurice-Grey, Cassie Kinoshi, Shabaka Hutchings, ESKA, Denys Baptiste, Soweto Kinch, Ben Burrell, Zara McFarlane, Camilla George, CHERISE, Peter Edwards, Sultan Stevenson, Binker Golding, Shirley Tetteh, Blue Lab Beats…and more.

TW is proud to be a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England and a member of the PRS Foundation Talent Development Network. Tomorrow’s Warriors is also the home of professional ensemble, Nu Civilisation Orchestra. Tomorrow’s Warriors is a not-for-profit company and a Registered Charity No 1153613. tomorrowswarriors.org/  Give today to Tomorrow’s Warriors at http://www.cafdonate.cafonline.org/13423

Young musicians and actors in Leicester build confidence and creativity through Guildhall Young Artists residency.

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Guildhall Young Artists (GYA), the youth division of London's Guildhall School of Music & Drama, brought its specialist performing arts training to Leicester over the May bank holiday weekend.

We have received the following press release;

Young musicians and actors in Leicester build confidence and creativity through Guildhall Young Artists residency.

Guildhall Yong Artists (GYA)  the youth division of Guildhall School of Music & Drama, brought its specialist performing arts training to Leicester over the May bank holiday weekend, welcoming 43 young people aged 10-18 to a three-day music and drama residency designed to develop confidence, creativity and artistic skills.

GYA provides inspiring performing and production arts training through five Saturday centres and one online centre, offering high-quality teaching, creative opportunities and support for young people up to the age of 18. The network creates opportunities that enrich young people’s creative journeys and broaden access to the arts.

Delivered in partnership with De Montfort University and National Youth Jazz Collective, the Leicester residency gave students the opportunity to work with specialist tutors from across the GYA network while meeting like-minded peers in a friendly and supportive environment.

Students could choose from one of four courses in either Music Ensemble, Jazz, Vocals and Drama, and spent three days exploring performance, storytelling and creative collaboration. Music students developed instrumental and vocal skills through hands-on performance and creative exploration, while drama students entered an energising world of storytelling, performance and creative play.

For many participants, the experience also helped build confidence and create lasting friendships:

Riya, aged 12, and a participant during the residency said: “I liked how fun it is, how nice the tutors are and how they help you and make you improve”.

11-year-old Hallie, another participant said: “I’ve kind of learnt to not be embarrassed speaking out to other people. I’ve got more confident now I don’t feel judged and I can just be myself.”

Reflecting on the past weekend, Julie Beaman, Head of Guildhall Young Artists Online, says:
“Guildhall Young Artists (GYA) has had a great experience making music and drama over the bank holiday weekend, at the brilliant De Montfort University. We’ve seen students not just from GYA, but new students from the local community too, for many of whom, this was their first time accessing this provision. It’s been really rewarding to witness; not only have aspirations been raised, friendships have been made that will last long into the future.
It’s our ambition to make sure that GYA, Guildhall’s network for ages 4 – 18, can be accessed by all, regardless of circumstances. As Head of Guildhall Young Artists Online this is really important to me.”

Professor Jonathan Vaughan FGS, Principal, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, says:
“I’m very pleased to see Guildhall Young Artists taking up residency in Leicester, in partnership with De Montfort University. The city played a formative role in my own musical development, with the opportunities I received through Leicestershire’s music service setting the course for my career.
“As a trustee of the National Youth Jazz Collective, I’m delighted it is partnering with GYA for this exciting residency, including its brilliant Executive Artistic Director Issie Barratt, whom I’ve known since our time in Leicestershire’s youth orchestras. I know Issie, and everyone involved in the residency, will make it an inspiring and meaningful experience for the next generation of young artists taking part.”

Guildhall School of Music & Drama is ranked third globally for performing arts in the QS World University Rankings 2026. As part of Guildhall School’s commitment to lifelong learning and continuous education, Guildhall Young Artists supports children and young people to build confidence, creativity and valuable life skills, while also offering pathways into further study and careers in the arts. Participants benefit from exclusive opportunities, performances and workshops, across the wider Guildhall network.

Guildhall School of Music & Drama is provided by the City of London Corporation.

About Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Guildhall School is where passion meets purpose. We deliver world-class professional training in music, drama, production and design, across our iconic, state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of the City of London. For almost 150 years, we have shaped the craft and careers of countless talented performers and artists who have gone on to forge successful paths on stage, on screen and behind the scenes. Our international community of emerging creatives is guided by expert teaching staff, renowned visiting practitioners and industry partners, supporting students to unlock their highest potential. The quality of Guildhall School’s training is recognised globally, with our programmes ranked in the top three in the world for Performing Arts and the top four in the world for Music by the QS World University Rankings 2026. We push the boundaries of artistic practice, championing innovation and experimentation, and our research impact is recognised as world-leading – the highest of any UK music conservatoire. Guildhall School is also one of the UK’s leading providers of lifelong learning in the performing arts, igniting a passion for creativity through inspiring courses and training for children, young people and adult learners, including transformational professional development. The power of the arts is unleashed at Guildhall School. http://www.gsmd.ac.uk

About Guildhall Young Artists
Guildhall Young Artists (GYA) provides inspiring performing and production arts training for children and young people up to the age of 18. Formed of five Saturday centres and one online centre, the GYA network offers high-quality teaching and support. Each centre is run and overseen by Guildhall School, in partnership with arts venues and local providers of education, including schools, local authorities and Music Hubs. These partnerships ensure that children and young people attending GYA centres have access to opportunities that develop and enrich their experiences as creative individuals. Guildhall Young Artists is part of Guildhall School’s commitment to lifelong learning and continuous education for all, introducing children and young people to a range of artforms and genres, with means-tested bursaries available for tuition and travel. The network aims to build children’s confidence, creativity and give them valuable life skills, as well as support to pursue the artform as a career or further study if they wish. By being part of the Guildhall Young Artists network, participants benefit from exclusive opportunities, performances and workshops, including competitions, invites to concerts, gigs and performances from students at Guildhall School.

Tickets On Sale for New Jersey’s TD James Moody Jazz Festival, Nov 6th-22nd 2026.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) today announced the line-up for the 2026 TD James Moody Jazz Festival which will be taking place Friday, November 6th to Sunday, November 22nd 2026.

We have received the following press release;

Just Announced - Tix On Sale for New Jersey’s TD James Moody Jazz Festival, Nov 6-22

THE 15TH ANNUAL TD JAMES MOODY JAZZ FESTIVAL-NEW JERSEY’S LARGEST GATHERING OF JAZZ ARTISTS —NOVEMBER 6-22, 2026
Sponsored in part by TD Bank

A Landmark Year for the Preservation and Celebration of Musical Legacies

NEWARK, NJ (For Release 05.27.26) – The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) today announced the line-up for the highly anticipated 2026 TD James Moody Jazz Festival taking place Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 22, 2026. Attracting thousands of fans to the city of Newark for the past 14 years, this year’s Festival presents the world’s preeminent jazz and jazz-adjacent artists in manifold events including world premiere concerts, debut collaborations, and free performances too. This year’s lineup bridges the gaps between historic icons and the visionaries of tomorrow, featuring tributes to Miles Davis, Zakir Hussain, and the Festival’s namesake James Moody as well as a rare performance by Tony Award-winning Ben Vereen in a special 80th birthday celebration. Scroll down for a preliminary schedule of Festival events with more details to be announced later this summer.

Quote from John Schreiber, NJPAC President and CEO:         
“What we deliver every year at the TD James Moody Festival is the music you love, performed in new ways; the artists you cherish in surprising and unexpected combinations; as well as new faces and new sounds you’ll want to hear more of.”

Quote from Christian McBride, TD James Moody Jazz Festival Advisor and 11x GRAMMY® Award-Winning Bassist: 
“This year at the TD James Moody Jazz Festival, we’ll be remembering and celebrating some of the world’s best musicians. Legendary sitar player Niladri Kumaar will pay tribute to one of the Arts Center’s much-loved regular visitors, tabla superstar Zakir Hussain, who passed in 2024. The Moody All-Star Band will salute our festival’s namesake, James Moody. We’ll all help blow out the candles when Ben Vereen celebrates his 80th birthday the best way he knows how—on stage! And Jon Faddis will lead ‘Miles at 100,’ a concert in honor of the great Miles Davis’s centennial year. So many of your favorite jazz musicians will be on hand at the festival, from Gregory Porter to Charles Lloyd. I’ll be there too, playing with my good friend Bruce Hornsby as well as with the New Jersey Symphony. This is a lineup of one-of-a-kind performances you don’t want to miss.”

Quote from Martin Melilli, TD Bank Commercial Market President: 
“TD is honored to once again support NJPAC and the TD James Moody Jazz Festival, a celebration of music, culture and community that continues to inspire audiences year after year. We believe the arts play an important role in building stronger, more connected communities, and this festival is a powerful example of how jazz can educate, uplift and bring people together.”

2026 TD JAMES MOODY JAZZ FESTIVAL ARTISTS
Andy Farber Orchestra · April May Webb · Ben Vereen · Bill Frisell · Bob Stewart · Bruce Hornsby · Charles Lloyd · Chris Komer · Christian McBride · Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars · Erena Terakubo · Eric Jacobsen · Gary Smulyan · Gregory Porter · Jesse Cook · John Clark · John Riley · Jon Faddis · Kweku Sumbry · Larry Grenadier · Lillias White · Melba Moore · Mike LeDonne · Moody All-Star Band · Niladri Kumaar · NJMEA All-State Jazz Band & Choir · New Jersey Symphony · Shoshana Bean · Stephanie Pope · Steve Turre · Todd Coolman · Wallace Roney Jr.
plus surprise special guests and more!

2026 TD JAMES MOODY JAZZ FESTIVAL LINE-UP
(subject to change)
When: November 6 – 22, 2026
Where: Multiple venues in Newark, New Jersey, including NJPAC (One Center Street), Clement’s Place (15 Washington Street), and Bethany’s Baptist Church (275 West Market Street)
Tickets: Free-$79. To purchase, contact NJPAC at 1.888.GO.NJPAC/1.888.466.5722
or visit http://www.njpac.org/jazz.

Fri 11.06 at 7:30 p.m. | Victoria Theater, NJPAC
NILADRI KUMAAR: THE SPACE BETWEEN THE NOTES HONORING ZAKIR HUSSAIN
A must-see for Indian classical music fans: The sitar star pays tribute to the late table player Zakir Hussain. Sitar star Niladri Kumaar is a musical maverick, redefining the classical Indian sound for the next generation. In this concert, he pays tribute to his friend, mentor and frequent collaborator, the late tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. Before Hussain’s passing, the sitar-tabla duo was captured in the wonderful 2017 documentary The Space Between the Notes. Kumaar will perform original compositions and revisit some of his favorite collaborations with Hussain.
Niladri Kumaar, sitar
Satyajit Talwalkar, table
Charlie Lindner, keys
Dèmitrio Albano, drums

Sat 11.07 at 6:00 p.m. | Bethany Baptist Church free
BETHANY BAPTIST JAZZ VESPERS: DIZZIE GILLESPIE ALL-STARS TRIBUTE TO JAMES MOODY
Co-presented by the Bethany Baptist Church Jazz Vespers, NJPAC begins its season-long free concert series at Newark’s Bethany Baptist Church. Since 2000, Newark’s historic Bethany Baptist Church has hosted free concerts that combine jazz and worship. This special performance by the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars ensemble pays tribute to the Festival’s namesake: jazz legend James Moody (1925-2010).

Thu 11.12 at 7:30 p.m. | Victoria Theater, NJPAC
MILES @ 100 | JON FADDIS & FRIENDS
CELEBRATING BIRTH OF THE COOL AND KIND OF BLUE
This one-night-only jazz supergroup honors the legendary Miles Davis (1926-2026) whose Centennial is currently being celebrated worldwide.
Jon Faddis, trumpet
Erena Terakubo, saxophones/flute
Gary Smulyan, baritone saxophone
Steve Turre, trombone
John Clark, French horn
Bob Stewart, tuba
Mike LeDonne, piano
Todd Coolman, bass
John Riley, drums

Fri 11.13 at 7:00 p.m. | Chase Room, NJPAC
NJMEA ALL-STATE JAZZ BAND AND NJMEA ALL-STATE JAZZ CHOIR
Catch the next generation of great jazz artists from New Jersey. This annual concert event, co-presented by NJPAC’s Arts Education Department and the New Jersey Music Educators Association, brings together some of the very best young musicians and vocalists from across the state for a dynamic group performance. Performers include NJMEA All-State Jazz Band and NJMEA All-State Jazz Choir

Fri 11.13 at 8:00 p.m. | Prudential Hall, NJPAC
GREGORY PORTER
The two-time GRAMMY®-winning singer returns to NJPAC with his deep, warm, soulful jazzy voice. Experience “a jazz singer of thrilling presence, a booming baritone with a gift for earthy refinement and soaring uplift” (The New York Times). Gregory Porter sings with passion — and compassion — on studio albums including Liquid Spirit, Nat King Cole & Me and All Rise. This year, he’s celebrating a decade of his album Take Me to the Alley. It was an instant classic in 2016, jammed with gems like “Holding On,” “Don’t Lose Your Steam” and the indelible title track.

Sat 11.14 at 8:00 p.m. | Victoria Theater, NJPAC
JESSE COOK
A global artist in every sense of the term, Jesse Cook redefines music’s power to connect people across cultures and continents. The Paris-born, Toronto-raised master of the Spanish guitar weaves together flamenco, samba, jazz and world folk traditions into something spellbinding and uniquely his own. On stage, Cook radiates infectious energy — collaborating with his band to craft immersive experiences celebrated for their warmth, precision and emotional depth. With over a billion streams and views across platforms, his sound remains as relevant as it is revered.

Sun 11.15 at 3:00 p.m. | Victoria Theater, NJPAC
BRUCE HORNSBY WITH CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE ONE ON ONE
The GRAMMY®-winning artists jam together and talk about life, music and collaboration. Singer-songwriter/pianistBruce Hornsby and NJPAC Jazz Advisor/bassist Christian McBride will jam and chat on the intimate Victoria Theater stage, in celebration of Hornsby’s 2026 album, Indigo Park. The two artists share plenty in common: Musical adventurousness that transcends genre. Constant collaboration with the biggest names on the scene. And many well-earned GRAMMY® Awards between them. Pitchfork hails Hornsby as “a solitary spirit drifting through time, bringing people together and bringing out their best, finding the strange resolution in all the dissonance.”

Wed 11.18 at 7:30 p.m. | Clement’s Place free
JAZZ JAMS
Co-presented by NJPAC’s Jazz Advisory Committee and Rutgers Institute for Jazz Studies, Jazz Jams at Clement’s Place is a free Jazz Jams Session concert series featuring top-flight New Jersey musicians directed by pianist and bandleader, James Austin, Jr.  Audience members immerse themselves in the relaxing sounds of jazz music that stimulate the players’ and listeners’ minds. All novice and seasoned jazz musicians and singers are welcomed to jam and improv with the professional band throughout the night. Co-producers: Wayne Winborne, Executive Director, IFJS and Eyesha Marable, AVP, Comm Engagement, NJPAC.

Thu 11.19 at 1:30 p.m. | Prudential Hall, NJPAC
NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY
CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE, bass
ERIC JACOBSEN, conductor
Jazz and classical meet in this genre-defying program full of color, rhythm, and fun. Montclair’s own jazz legend Christian McBride debuts with the New Jersey Symphony in a concerto tailor-made for his unique groove and virtuosity. Program includes McBride soloing in George Duke’s Dark Wood: Bass Concerto for Christian McBride (2015) and McBride’s first work for symphony orchestra, Fried Bacon (2022). Eric Jacobsen, hailed by The New York Times as “an interpretive dynamo,” returns with the perfumed hues of Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and Rachmaninoff’s final orchestral work, written in New York City and full of longing for his Russian home.

Sat 11.21 at 8:00 p.m. | Prudential Hall, NJPAC
BEN VEREEN’S 80TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT
It’s a birthday bash for the Broadway icon! The illustrious Ben Vereen has appeared in some of the most groundbreaking works in musical theater and film. He originated Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, won a Tony Award for Pippin and dazzled in everything from Hair to Fosse to Wicked. In addition, there have been his unforgettable roles in the Bob Fosse film All That Jazz, the landmark TV series Roots and the 2026 hit series The Gray House. On stage or screen, Ben Vereen has been at the center of American cultural history. He’ll be joined by an all-star lineup of special guests and the Andy Farber Orchestra, performing songs from Vereen’s career on Broadway, film and TV.
Ben Vereen, vocals (Pippin, Hair, Fosse, Wicked)
Shoshana Bean, vocals (Wicked, Mr. Saturday Night, The Lost Boys)
Melba Moore, vocals (Hair, Purlie, Les Miserables)
Stephanie Pope, vocals (Chicago, Fosse, Kiss of the Spider Woman)
Lillias White, vocals (The Life, Dreamgirls, Fela!, Hadestown)
Andy Farber Orchestra
and more TBA…

Sat 11.21 at 3:00 p.m. | Victoria Theater, NJPAC
CHARLES LLOYD QUARTET FEATURING BILL FRISELL, LARRY GRENADIER &  KWEKU SUMBRY
The pioneering NEA Jazz Master Charles Lloyd is at the top of his game. On sax and flute, “he has no peer save himself” (Jazzwise). At 88, Lloyd has a lifetime of achievements to look back on — but looking back isn’t his style. He’s forever moving forward, earning his crown again and again as “one of America’s most influential, experimental and spiritual musicians” (Memphis Music Hall of Fame). Over his career, he has played everything (free jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, world music, psychedelia) with everyone (B.B. King, Cannonball Adderley, Jimi Hendrix and Brian Wilson, just to name a few). Among his many accolades, he won DownBeat’s 2024 quadruple crown: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Tenor Saxophonist of the Year and Hall of Fame.
Charles Lloyd, saxophone/flute
Bill Frisell, guitar
Larry Grenadier, bass
Kweku Sumbry, drums

Sun 11.22 at 2:00 p.m. | Prudential Hall, NJPAC
NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY / CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE / ERIC JACOBSEN
See Nov 19 for event description.

Sun 11.22 at 11:00 a.m. + 1:00 p.m. | NICO Kitchen + Bar, NJPAC
DORTHAAN’S PLACE / WALLACE RONEY JR. QUARTET
NJPAC continues Dorthaan’s Place, its popular Sunday jazz brunch series at NICO Kitchen + Bar curated by Newark’s First Lady of Jazz, Dorthaan Kirk. The series made its debut during NJPAC’s 2012-13 season and has grown ever since. This edition presents the bold, forward-looking sound of electrifying young trumpeter Wallace Roney Jr., leading his Quartet. He comes from a renowned jazz family — his parents are late jazz luminaries Wallace Roney and Geri Allen. His quartet explores the music of Miles Davis, with fearlessly fresh improvisational talent.
“The finest in jazz is on the menu… anticipation runs high at Dorthaan’s Place, whether you’re there for the music, the food, the scene, Dorthaan, or all of the above.” (All About Jazz)
There are two brunch seatings: 11:00 a.m. (music begins at 11:30 a.m.) and 1:00 p.m. (music begins at 1:30 p.m.).

Sun 11.22 at 3:00 p.m. | Victoria Theater, NJPAC
15th ANNUAL SARAH VAUGHAN INTERNATIONAL JAZZ VOCAL COMPETITION
The divine Sarah Vaughan—Newark’s greatest musical gift to the world—got her start as the winner of a talent contest. NJPAC honors her legacy every year with the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, the only global jazz vocal contest of its kind, open to all genders and nationalities. This event offers outstanding jazz singers a one-of-a-kind platform for embarking on a career in the music business—and offers audience members a chance to discover the jazz stars of tomorrow. For this 15th annual “The SASSY Awards” event, WBGO Radio’s Gary Walker will host and 2024 SVVC winner April May Webb will perform. A panel of all-star judges—Jose James, Gretchen Parlato, Jason Olaine, Lillias White, and T.S. Monk—will select the winner. Gifted young contestants from around the world are evaluated on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, and ability to swing. The winner receives a $5,000 cash prize. Past winners include Samara Joy, Cyrille Aimée, Jazzmeia Horn, Quiana Lynell, Laurin Talese, and more. For more information or to enter the competition, visit SarahVaughanCompetition.com.

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®     
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About NJPAC
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is an 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 both on and off our campus – on stages, in schools and community settings – providing access to the arts for 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 Social Impact programs, NJPAC leverages the arts to advance positive outcomes in education, health and well-being, civic engagement and community development. NJPAC has attracted more than 12.7 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997. Learn more at http://www.njpac.org.           

Gŵyl ABERTEIFI LIVE Festival announced for 2026 while Other Voices Cardigan takes a fallow year.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Gŵyl ABEREIFI LIVE 2026 is scheduled for October 30th and 31st, a special event to ensure that the music continues until Other Voices can return. The event will take place at five venues in Cardigan.

We have received the following press release;

Gŵyl ABERTEIFI LIVE Festival Announced for 2026 While Other Voices Cardigan Takes a Fallow Year

• Gŵyl ABERTEIFI LIVE to take place 30 + 31st October
• First Wave artists to be announced in June
• 40+ performances around Cardigan
• Limited number of special price advance tickets on sale now

It has been announced today by the producing partnership that Other Voices Cardigan festival will take a fallow year for 2026.

The decision was released in a statement on behalf of the producing partnership:
‘Regrettably, this year’s Other Voices Cardigan will not take place due to a late and reduced funding decision. The late announcement has left the organisers with insufficient time to secure the alternative funding necessary for hosting an event of this scale. The Producing Partnership—comprising Mwldan, South Wind Blows, and Triongl—has collectively made the difficult decision to take a fallow year for 2026. During this time, we will continue to pursue a multi-year funding agreement to ensure Other Voices Cardigan can return to West Wales. We remain grateful to Welsh and Irish Governments, Cynnal y Cardi and our national broadcast partners BBC, S4C and RTÉ for supporting Other Voices to date, and we look forward to bringing Other Voices / Lleisiau Eraill back home to Aberteifi in the near future.’

In an effort to keep the spirit alive, ABERTEIFI LIVE a collaborative partnership initiative between local promoters - The Cellar, Mwldan, Small World Theatre, Fflach Cymunedol and GRAIN – born from Other Voices and the town’s rich musical heritage, have announced a placeholder event to keep momentum going.

Gŵyl ABEREIFI LIVE 2026 is scheduled for October 30th and 31st, a special event to ensure that the music and magic continues until Other Voices can return. The event will feature 40+ performances from both new talent and favourite artists from past Other Voices festivals. The two-day event will take place in five beautiful locations across town, including Mwldan, Small World Theatre, Bethania Chapel, GRAIN, and The Cellar, with late-night sessions including live sets and DJs at Mwldan into the early hours.

Philip King, Founder of Other Voices says:
‘We’re proud of what our partnership with Mwldan and Triongl has achieved in establishing Other Voices/Llesiau Eraill in Aberteifi. Our ambition is to be back in Cardigan again in 2027 for another cycle of Other Voices events, and in the meantime, we wish our friends and colleagues in Cardigan every success with Gŵyl Aberteifi Live.’

Dilwyn Davies, CEO of Mwldan, says:
‘Since its inception, both the team and town have invested heavily into the event Other Voices Cardigan, which has become a firm and important fixture in the town’s calendar, and we remain fiercely committed to the festival’s future in Aberteifi. The festival has had a profoundly positive impact on the local community, economically and culturally, as providing a significant platform for a diverse line-up of artists and emerging talent from both sides of the Irish Sea. It has produced countless incredible performances and unforgettable experiences since its inception in 2019. It was almost unthinkable to have a year without it, so we’re delighted that the ABERTEIFI LIVE partnership should come together and create a smaller-scale event, but with the same passion and high-quality values, to keep the fire burning’.

Mair Bell, Managing Director of Small World Theatre, said:
‘More than ever people need connection and a chance to come together. Other Voices Cardigan provided that conduit for conversation and community, so we are excited to work together on Gŵyl ABERTEIFI LIVE.’

Steve Greenhalgh, who runs the legendary Cardigan venue The Cellar said:
‘Cardigan’s independent spirit and rich musical history, along with its great venues, help us drive a thriving music community. Cardigan is a unique and beautiful place for artists to perform; hence, this year, in the absence of Other Voices Cardigan, we are delighted to be able to present an exciting alternative event for our community.’

Nico Dafydd, who leads Ffach Cymunedol, said:
‘Aberteifi is a music town. As a community company that works directly with the community creatively, we are excited to be part of the buzz of Gŵyl Aberteifi Live.’

Ben Washbrook (GRAIN Cardigan) & Emily Hutchinson (Bluestone Brewing Co.)
‘We are thrilled that GRAIN will be one of the host venues for Gŵyl ABERTEIFI LIVE 2026! Having the ‘Other Voices’ festival feature in our town has been an incredible experience, and we just weren’t ready for that energy to be over! Cardigan is a special place and a fantastic hub for musicians, artists, and the community. Seeing everyone come together to share their passions for music and celebrate our local culture is something truly special.’

A limited number of advance tickets at a special price of £40 are available now via mwldan.co.uk; full-price tickets will be released thereafter at £55. A limited number of tickets for under-18s are on sale now at £15.

Gŵyl ABERTEIFI LIVE will take place with no public subsidy, and will be funded solely by ticket sales and community support, and festival organisers have worked to keep ticket prices as low as possible. Early ticket purchases are essential, as reduced venue capacity means tickets are expected to sell out quickly.

Further information will be available as it is announced via the Aberteifi Live website http://www.aberteifilive.co.uk, where you can also subscribe the festival e-list for updates.  Community members are encouraged to follow Aberteifi Live on Instagram @aberteifilive for the latest news and festival updates. Information will also be available via the Aberteifi Live partners social media channels.

Sponsorship packages will also be available for local businesses and individuals wishing to support the festival. Interested parties can contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for further details.

Visit the festival website http://www.aberteifilive.co.uk for further information and ticket sales.

Weirdshire, Hereford - Programme for June to November 2026.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Herefordshire promoters Weirdshire have announced their programme for June to November 2026. Events take place at various venues in the city of Hereford.

An update for June 2nd, and a full list for the rest of the year.

benjin at De Koffie Pot, 2nd June TICKETS
https://wegottickets.com/f/17068

De Koffie Pot
Left Bank
Bridge Street
Hereford
HR4 9DG
http://www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk/de-koffie-pot
01432 353552

A quick one here - just to say we now have an opening act for the benjin show. Dave Nock and Mike Bethel - acoustic guitar improvisations. Beautiful and highly regarded stuff from one of the members of Taverner’s Teapot (remember when they supported Plague Doctors Cure All at the Speakeasy?). Anyway, it’ll be a perfect opening for this evening.

And a quick reminder about benjin in case anyone missed the previous email…

He’s based in London, and he’s a multi-instrumentalist, storyteller, and composer who blends folk, jazz, and classical music with field recordings. He was formerly principal musician at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

He is a highly accomplished player of the nyckelharpa (Swedish keyed fiddle) and blends field recordings, story telling and samples into his performances.

The nyckelharpa is a bowed instrument with three melody strings, one drone and twelve sympathetic strings (which give it its unique ethereal sound). The left hand operates three (or four) separate rows of keys which then press directly onto the strings and change the notes. This keyed mechanism means that all ornamentation on the ‘harpa’ is without vibrato and imbued with a distinct percussive aesthetic. Over the last two centuries, the nyckelharpa has been primarily upheld as the national instrument of Sweden where it is generally played in a variety of folk-dance music contexts. However, traces of premodern iterations of the keyed fiddle can be found across Europe.

Here’s a full performance with cello and nyckelharpa - maybe jump in at about 1hr…. for this performance benjin isn’t using samples but that’s likely to be part of his performance for Weirdshire:
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9fx1m0

Hope to see lots of you soon -

And in case anyone like to plan their diary further into the future (and why wouldn’t you?), here’s the rest of the year as we currently have it:

7th July Sproatly Smith at De Koffie Pot

10th August Jeffrey Alexander and Christina Carter at De Koffie Pot

15th September Peiriant at the Jam Factory

28th September Lavinia Blackwall at De Koffie Pot

11th October Kavus Torabi at De Koffie Pot

17th October Robin and Bina Williamson at De Koffie Pot

12th November - Rattle with Hurricane Tapes opening at the Jam Factory

Take care of each other
The Weirdshire Crew

https://weirdshire.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/357644304368277/

https://www.instagram.com/weirdshire_hereford/

The Brubeck Living Legacy Prize Returns to Support the Next Generation of Jazz Artists.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Brubeck Living Legacy, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Music & ECN Music, has announced the 2nd edition of The Brubeck Living Legacy Prize, supporting the next generation of jazz artistsion

ECN Music has supplied the following press release;

The Brubeck Living Legacy Prize Returns to Support the Next Generation of Jazz Artists

Brubeck Living Legacy, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Music and ECN Music, is delighted to announce the second edition of The Brubeck Living Legacy Prize, continuing its mission to support the next generation of outstanding jazz artists.

Founded in 2019, Brubeck Living Legacy was established by the family of Dave Brubeck to promote awareness, interest and understanding of jazz and its role in American and international culture. The organisation continues the lifelong dedication of Dave and Iola Brubeck to music, creativity, education and the promotion of social justice through performance and outreach.

The inaugural Brubeck Living Legacy Prize was awarded to saxophonist and composer Kasper Rietkerk, whose album The Happy Worrier was released to critical acclaim in 2025.  The recording features John Parricelli (guitar), Tom Herbert (double and electric bass), Jonah Evans (drums) and guest vocalist Rebecka Edlund.

The biennial prize will again be awarded to a deserving jazz musician from the student body of the Royal Academy of Music in London, recognising excellence in both performance and composition. The award is open to students in their final two years of study in the Academy’s Jazz Department, as well as musicians in the first year following graduation.

The recipient will receive funding and professional support to create and release a recording delivered by ECN Music. The album will be produced by the company’s Artistic Director, internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist and producer Claire Martin OBE, while the team oversees all aspects of the project, including production, design, marketing, manufacturing and distribution.

Each award cycle carries funding of up to £7,000, supporting the full production of the recording. The winning artist will retain full ownership of the master recording created through the prize and will receive professional guidance in bringing the album to release. As part of the award, the artist will also engage with outreach and widening participation activities at the Royal Academy of Music, which may include workshops, mentoring or other educational initiatives, and will be supported in presenting an album launch event in London following the release.

Eligible musicians will submit an online application for consideration in June 2026, which will then be reviewed by a panel of music professionals. The judging panel for this year’s prize is Darius Brubeck (Brubeck Living Legacy), Nick Smart (Head of Jazz, Royal Academy of Music) and Emma Perry (Director, ECN Music).

This edition of the prize is dedicated to the memory of Martin Hummel, founder of Ubuntu Music, whose vision helped establish the original Brubeck Living Legacy Prize in partnership with Brubeck Living Legacy and the Royal Academy of Music. His commitment to nurturing emerging jazz talent continues to inspire this award.

Online application details via Royal Academy of Music

Brubeck Living Legacy: https://www.brubecklivinglegacy.com/

Royal Academy of Music: https://www.ram.ac.uk/

ECN Music: https://ecnmusic.com/

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

Nick Dewhurst - forthcoming live events, May to October 2026.

Monday, May 18, 2026

Lichfield based trumpeter / guitarist Nick Dewhurst has forwarded details of some of his forthcoming live appearances in the Staffordshire area.

Nick Dewhurst writes;

Lichfield Jazz Weekender & More!

Plenty of jazz updates to let you all know about - so here goes!

This Wednesday 20th May the regular Lichfield Jazz series continues at the Cathedral Hotel with special guest vocalist Louis Connor joined as always by the Lichfield Jazz House Band, this month featuring Tom Morgan (guitar), Bill Hayes (piano) & Tash Buxton (drums). Tickets are £15, available exclusively on the door.  Doors open 7pm, and the music starts at 7.30pm.  For more information please see here: https://nickdewhurst.com/lichfield-jazz/

Then next month the Lichfield Jazz Weekender debuts, taking place from Thursday 4th through to Sunday 7th of June.  There’s a great line up of artists and bands playing, and I’m delighted to be kicking off the festival with my band, plus special guest vocalist Lydia Rae.  Tickets and more information can be found here: https://thehubstmarys.co.uk/events/lichfield-jazz-weekender/

Our regular series at the Cathedral Hotel on the 3rd Wednesday of the month then continues in June, as we welcome jazz drummer Ian Palmer to play with the Lichfield Jazz House Band.  The date for this gig is Wednesday 17th June. 

Into July, on Monday 6th July I’m delighted to be taking my 6-piece ND Band back to St Anne’s Church in Burntwood, where we’ll be playing our ‘Jazz & Funk Roadshow’! For tickets & more information, please see https://nickdewhurst.com/box-office/

And finally, looking much further ahead, on Thursday 22nd October the ND Band will be making it’s debut in Stafford, as we take our ‘Jazz & Funk Roadshow’ to the MET Studio at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre! Tickets & more information available here: https://www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk/whatson-event/jazz-and-funk-roadshow/

That’s all for now - plenty of great live music to look forward to!

Hopefully see you at a gig soon.

All the best,
Nick

Nick Dewhurst Music
@nickdewhurstmusic
http://www.nickdewhurst.com

Will Barnes Quartet - forthcoming UK live dates.

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Guitarist and composer Will Barnes, the subject of a recent feature in Jazzwise Magazine, will lead his quartet on a series of UK live dates between May 2026 and January 2027.

Zoe Barnes has forwarded the following information;

Will Barnes - guitar
Jack Gonsalez - piano
Aidan Thorne - bass
James Batten - drums

Upcoming dates:

22/05/2026 Hay Festival, St. Mary’s Church
07/07/2026 Upstairs @ Ronnie Scott’s, London
10/07/2026 Lichfield Music Festival, The Hub at St Mary’s
11/07/2026 Lincoln Jazz Festival, Lincoln Cathedral
17/07/2026 Sesiwn Fawr, Dolgellau
08/08/2026 Brecon Jazz Festival, Theatr Brycheiniog
21/09/2026 Cheltenham Jazz Club, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
16/10/2026 Leyburn Jazz Festival, St. Matthew’s Church
24/10/2026 Jazz @ St Giles, Oxford
24/01/2027 Acapela Studio, Pentyrch, Cardiff

Ticket links at;
https://www.willbarnesmusic.co.uk/live-dates

Zoe adds;

In this month’s issue of Jazzwise Magazine Peter Jones dives into Will Barnes’s eclectic history in music and the path that’s lead him to his latest release, Outside the Light (★★★★ Review in Dec Issue of Jazzwise), a contemporary and cinematic album drawing influence from rural Welsh folklore and mythology.

https://www.jazzwise.com/content/features/taking-off-will-barnes-from-death-metal-to-django

https://www.jazzwise.com/reviews/will-barnes-quartet-outside-the-light

I currently have a couple of dates to fill in November 2026 and am looking at early 2027 onwards for bookings. If you are interested in booking the quartet please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Kind Regards
Zoe Barnes
Will Barnes Music Management
07581420865

http://www.willbarnesmusic.co.uk

Endorsed by Rob Williams Guitars and a Rotosound Artist

Miller Theatre at Columbia University, New York City announces 2026-27 season.

Friday, May 15, 2026

Miller Theatre has announced a premiere-filled 2026-27 season—a mix of new music, early music, and jazz, as well as the free programs Morningside Lights and Pop-Up Concerts. Press release attached.

Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts announces

The 2026-27 Season

“A hotbed of musical exploration.”
— THE NEW YORKER

* Subscriptions on sale now *
* Single tickets on sale: Monday, July 13 at 12 Noon *

Miller Theatre, under the exuberant leadership of Executive Director Melissa Smey, announces a premiere-filled 2026-27 season—an invigorating mix of new music, early music, and jazz, as well as the free programs Morningside Lights and Pop-Up Concerts.

Since 2009, Smey has been known for the integrity of her curating with an authentically warm, informal vibe. Under her guidance, Miller’s consistently engaging offerings have not only recalibrated the gender imbalance in classical music, but have had a “transformative impact on musical culture in New York City,” exerting an “oversize influence on tastes and trends” (The New York Times). Miller often gives listeners their first major encounter with lesser-known composers who are thereafter programmed by the bigger organizations.

Smey has commissioned over 60 major works, and five more will be premiered across the 2026-27 season: three on the covetable Composer Portraits series (by Clara Iannotta, Sam Pluta, and Katherine Young) and two on the world-class Early Music series (Stile Antico presents a new piece by Christopher Cerrone, and The Tallis Scholars premiere one by Matthew Martin). It’s remarkable that Miller has found a way to commission composers even on Early Music, a substantial series that explores the rich history of medieval and Renaissance polyphony. Another premiere on Composer Portraits is the concert version of Suzanne Farrin’s new opera Macabéa, an electro-sonic experience that examines the cultural, psychological, and spiritual manifestations of poverty and power, based on Clarice Lispector’s final novel.

This spirit of discovery extends to the fabulous Bach series as well, with highlights that include Simone Dinnerstein juxtaposing Bach’s Inventions and Sinfonias with works by jazz pianist-composers profoundly influenced by the master: Brad Mehldau and Keith Jarrett. “Miller Theater’s most important offerings are its contemporary Composer Portraits, but in a way, Bach is a stealth addition: as the only composer of any era with an annual series of his own at the hall, he could be seen as the subject of an expansive, multiseason Portrait,” wrote The New York Times.

Composer-performers are also the focus of Miller’s Jazz series. Two of the four concerts feature trios of brilliant experimental jazz minds: Kris Davis, Tyshawn Sorey, and Ingrid Laubrock, and Craig Taborn, Tomeka Reid, and Ches Smith.

While the cost of everything goes up, two of Miller’s most popular series remain absolutely free (and the top price of a ticket to a Composer Portrait is still $30): Morningside Lights and Pop-Up Concerts are people-gathering programs that Melissa Smey created early in her tenure, and both turn 15 this season. Pop-Ups are free, short, and intense 6PM concerts where the audience sits on stage, just inches from the city’s most brilliant new music virtuosos. Announced throughout the year, these “cocktail hour” performances of experimental music “feel closer to a loft party than a formal concert” (ODEA). The magnificent large-scale Morningside Lights began in 2012 as a small neighborhood lantern procession and has grown into a beloved annual tradition of collective creativity. It brings the people of Morningside Heights together for a beautiful illuminated outdoor procession featuring dozens of handmade lanterns built during free workshops. (This fall, Miller also unveils a Morningside Lights exhibition in the lobby, on display throughout the year.)

In the words of Melissa:
“Miller Theatre’s 2026–27 season is driven by a spirit of discovery, pairing immersive concerts of living composers with fresh and contemporary perspectives on the canon. Audiences will have the rare opportunity to encounter artists who are actively shaping the field, often at pivotal moments before they gain wider recognition. This season also celebrates the 15th anniversary of two programs that are very close to my heart, Pop-Up Concerts and Morningside Lights. Both bring the community onto Miller’s stage through free concerts and workshops that make the arts accessible to all—up close in real time.”

The 2026-27 Season

COMPOSER PORTRAITS

Each composer to attend their Portrait and engage in an onstage conversation Single tickets from $20
Series tickets from $64 for all four 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 single living composer’s work, often with world premieres commissioned by Miller Theatre. The series has been repeatedly hailed as “utterly indispensable,” “covetable,” “essential,” “endlessly important,” and “invaluable” by The New York Times and The New Yorker, among others. After 27 years, it continues to reward curious listeners with meaty, thought-provoking concerts.

(Miller Theatre commissions original portrait photography to go with each Composer Portrait concert, furthering its efforts to place creators front and center. Below are the 2026-27 portraits.)

Thursday, October 29, 2026, 7:30PM
Suzanne Farrin (b. 1976)
Miller audiences will be among the first to experience the Concert Premiere of Macabéa, a powerful new 75-minute opera by Suzanne Farrin. Inspired by Clarice Lispector’s final novel, The Hour of the Star, the deeply moving work confronts the forces of poverty and power with striking emotional intensity. Performed by the Talea Ensemble, this special presentation offers an exclusive preview before the opera’s full premiere in Brazil in 2028.
Opera by Suzanne Farrin
Libretto by Sergio Chejfec
Based on The Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector
ARTISTS
Charlotte Mundy, soprano
Christopher Herbert, baritone
Talea Ensemble
Eduardo Leandro, conductor
Commissioned by the Talea Ensemble with funding from Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation. Early conceptual phase support provided by American Opera Projects. The development of Macabéa received funding from OPERA America’s Opera Grants for Women Composers: Discovery Grants program, supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation

Thursday, February 4, 2027, 7:30PM
Sam Pluta (b. 1979)
Sam Pluta, a Guggenheim Fellow, is a composer, sound artist, and electronics performer whose work explores the visceral interplay between live musicians and reactive computerized sound. He joins Yarn/Wire for a dynamic program of his music, including a new work commissioned by Miller Theatre.
PROGRAM
new work (2027), world premiere, Miller Theatre commission
Seven Systems (2015)
Tile Mosaic (after Chagall) (2010)
ARTISTS
Sam Pluta, electronics
Yarn/Wire

Thursday, March 25, 2027, 7:30PM
Katherine Young (b. 1980)
Katherine Young is a bassoonist and composer whose electroacoustic music explores curious timbres, expressive noises, and kinetic structures. Recognized with awards, fellowships, and commissions from organizations including the Guggenheim Foundation and the Fromm Music Foundation, she performs with her longtime collaborators, Wet Ink Ensemble, in a program spanning six years of boundary-pushing work.
PROGRAM
new work (2027), world premiere, Miller Theatre commission
Improvised Composition (2027)
Into this dark forest you have already turned (2025)
Some choose exposed edges, others damp grooves (2022)
Mycorrhiza III (with Alejandro): Quiet Places (2021)
ARTISTS
Katherine Young, bassoon
Wet Ink Ensemble

Thursday, April 8, 2027, 7:30PM
Clara Iannotta (b. 1983)
“I am particularly interested in music as an existential, physical experience—music should be seen as well as heard,” says Italian composer Clara Iannotta, recipient of the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation Composers’ Prize and the Hindemith Foundation Prize. International Contemporary Ensemble brings her richly tactile sound world to life in this concert, featuring a world premiere commissioned by Miller Theatre.
PROGRAM
new work (2027), world premiere, Miller Theatre commission
echo from afar (ii) (2022)
dead wasps in the jam-jar (iii) (2017-18)
ARTIST
International Contemporary Ensemble

JAZZ

Single tickets from $25
Series tickets from $92 for all four concerts

Saturday, October 3, 2026, 7:30PM
Alfredo Rodríguez Trio
The charismatic, Grammy-nominated Cuban pianist and composer Alfredo Rodríguez returns to Miller for the first time since 2019. His electrifying performances, with audiences literally dancing in the aisles, blend jazz, classical virtuosity, and Afro-Cuban rhythms into a singular, high-energy sound.
ARTISTS
Alfredo Rodríguez, piano
Han Beyli, bass
Armando Lopez, percussion

Saturday, November 7, 2026, 7:30PM
Kris Davis, Tyshawn Sorey, and Ingrid Laubrock
Pianist Kris Davis, saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, and drummer Tyshawn Sorey are all award-winning musicians, acclaimed composers, and formidable figures in experimental jazz. Together, they form a trio of striking cohesion and depth—where, as JazzTimes observes, “lines and musical sympathies converge beautifully.”
ARTISTS
Kris Davis, piano
Ingrid Laubrock, saxophone
Tyshawn Sorey, drums

Saturday, December 5, 2026, 7:30PM
Anthony Hervey Septet
Trumpeter and composer Anthony Hervey, a leading voice in jazz and protégé of Wynton Marsalis, returns to the Miller stage with his Septet. Blending the complexities of jazz with influences ranging from ragtime to R&B, Hervey’s music is both rooted and forward-looking.
ARTISTS
Anthony Hervey, trumpet
Jillian Grace, vocals
Langston Hughes II, alto saxophone
Ben Sherman, tenor saxophone
Tyler Bullock, piano
Jonathon Muir-Cotton, bass
Tyson Jackson, drums

Saturday, February 6, 2027, 7:30PM
Craig Taborn Dream Archives Trio
A 2025 MacArthur Fellow, the Brooklyn-based composer and pianist Craig Taborn is “a singular figure among improvisers of his generation” (DownBeat). For this concert, he collaborates with two equally inventive bandleaders, cellist Tomeka Reid and drummer Ches Smith, for a performance not to be missed.
ARTISTS
Craig Taborn, piano
Tomeka Reid, cello
Ches Smith, drums

EARLY MUSIC

Single tickets from $30
Series tickets from $144 for all five concerts