Paul has been a regular at the Club for many years now, his fluent and impressive guitar playing being featured with such Jazz artists as Claire Martin and Jason Rebello. Demonstrating his impressive versatility he has also toured with “Oasis”, Chris Robinson and the Finn Brothers. A powerful performer in the Rock/Blues idiom, there is no doubt that his playing is held in very high regard by all who have worked with him. This high energy Rock/blues band also features the searing vocals of John Hogg and the fiery drumming of Jeremy Stacey (Sheryl Crow) and is an absolute must for anyone interested in contemporary “power” bands. “Stacey’s…brilliant guitar work” Concertlivewire; “John Hogg is a charismatic singer…who carries the band with poise” LA Weekly
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Wednesday 3rd
JOHN CRITCHINSON 
was Ronnie Scott’s pianist for more than 12 years, and his strong, swinging, hard-bop piano playing has graced many a fine gig. One of the most established and highly regarded pianists on the scene, John’s high energy, driving, Jazz trio playing is legendary. His jokes are great too! “..one of Britain's finest jazz pianists” Guardian.
STEVE KALDESTAD Steve is a fine Canadian tenor sax player, now resident in London, who has been impressing all who have heard him with his fluent and exciting playing. He studied in Montreal before moving to New York and then finally London. His marvellous sax playing has been heard with the likes of Jimmy Heath, Maynard Ferguson, and Kenny Wheeler. A terrific Jazz player in the classic style, this is great hard bop tenor playing at it’s very best. “…a shoot from the hip tenor player” Canadian National Post.
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Thursday 4th JOHN ESCREET featuring JULIAN SIEGEL
London currently has an abundance of world class piano players, so to make a mark as a young pianist you really have to have something special going for you. So the fact that John, still in his early 20’s, has already worked with the likes of Dennis Rollins, Phil Woods, Andy Sheppard, Dave O'Higgins and Denys Baptiste speaks volumes for his talent and ability. A fluent and creative player his bands always impress and delight. Tonight the quartet also features one of the country’s leading saxophonists, Julian Siegel. “Escreet is…immensely assured” The Times
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Friday 5th CLOSED
Closed for a Private Party.
Saturday 6th ED JONES
Over the last 10 years or so Ed has established himself as one of the most innovative and sought after sax players on the scene. His muscular and accomplished tenor playing has been featured in a wide variety of contexts, from Jazz crossover groups “Us 3” and “Incognito” to work alongside classic Jazz artists such as George Benson, Horace Silver and Claire Martin. “..a formidable saxophonist” Jazz UK
Sunday 7th LIANE CARROLL **Winner BBC Jazz Awards 2005/6**
The first artist ever to win two BBC Jazz Awards in the same year, for ‘Best Vocalist’ and ‘Best of Jazz”, Liane is a dynamic vocalist and pianist whose amazing talent has been captivating audiences around the world. She is recognised as one of the finest singer/pianists on the scene, working with the likes of Gerry Rafferty, Ladysmith Black Mombazo and Paul McCartney. A world class performer 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. "A jazz force to be reckoned with" The Independent; "…the most exciting and original jazz voice I've heard in years" Jazz FM. Booking advised.
Monday 8th BHEKI MSELEKU
This brilliant South African multi-instrumentalist has, over the last 15 years, established an enviable International reputation. A creative pianist and fluent saxophonist Bheki first settled in London in the early 80’s, performing regularly at the old Club. However, by the early 90’s his reputation had earned him an impressive World wide following, particularly amongst musicians, and he started recording the first of a series of albums featuring a who’s who of modern jazz musicians. Artists featured on Bheki’s highly acclaimed albums include Joe Henderson, Pharoah Sanders, Abbey Lincoln, Elvin Jones and Courtney Pine. Over the last two decades this brilliant musician has continued to excite, impress and inspire audiences and fellow musicians with his remarkable musicianship, his quiet authority and deep spiritual involvement with the music that he loves to perform. Also featured with the quintet tonight is the excellent young flautist Gareth Lockrane. A rare chance to see this wonderful artist in concert. Booking advised. “sensational…heartfelt…formidable” Guardian
Tuesday 9th
RUSS HENDERSON MBE Russ is a wonderful Afro-Caribbean pianist who celebrated his 75th birthday at the Club some time ago, but who still plays as if he’s 21. Recently awarded an MBE in recognition of the wonderful work Russ has done for the UK music scene over the years he is an accomplished steel pan player as well as pianist and one of the founders of the Notting Hill Carnival. His brand of mainstream piano playing is still truly infectious, and everyone just has fun! “..a primary force in jazz, calypso and steelband in England for over half a century” Calypsoworld. And Russ’s trio will be alternating through the evening with the
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AL WYNETTE BAND feat JANE PARKER-vocals Our regular Mainstream quintet featuring Al on trumpet (and occasional vocals!) this is terrific "good-time" jazz featuring music primarily from the twenties and thirties, and great fun. Appearing with the band tonight is the fine young vocalist Jane Parker, best known for her work with the band "Lush Life", who will be joining the guys to sing a selection of jazz standards from the 30's and 40's. "Jane Parker's breathy vocals, reminiscent of Rickie Lee Jones or sometimes Billie Holliday, are both sultry and steamy as the bayou itself." Blueprint magazine.
Wednesday 10th
GILL MANLY Gill in recent years has really blossomed as a Jazz and Blues singer of great quality. She has a powerful delivery and unique approach which make her gigs not only highly enjoyable musically, but also great fun. A one time finalist on the Jonathan Ross “Big Talent” show on T.V., Gill, with her support of fine Jazz and Blues musicians, produces a gig to remember.
DILL KATZis appearing later with his regular quartet, playing the more contemporary side of the spectrum. Dill, frequently referred to as a “bass legend”, is one of the most experienced players on the scene today, having pioneered the use of the fretless bass in the mid sixties, and whose work includes stints with Ian Carr’s “Nucleus”, Barbara Thompson’s band “Paraphernalia” and Afro/Jazz band “District Six”. This gig also features the tenor sax playing of Harrison Smith and the Jazz Steel Pan of Mick Hutton.
Thursday 11th TIM WHITEHEAD’S “big jam”
Tim is considered to be one of the most consistent and inventive of modern jazz tenor players. He has been playing since the mid-seventies, and has worked with just about every major British jazz performer. The set he performs at the Club is a mix of classic jazz standards and what he likes to term “new standards”, tunes such as Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and Wayne Shorter’s “Beauty and the Beast”, with some of his wonderful originals thrown in. A recent review of the new cd said “….even (Mike) Brecker’s admirers would have to give Whitehead the edge for soulfulness….”. Showing dedication beyond the call of duty, Tim has volunteered to host a “jam session” once a month, with both invited and impromptu guest musician’s being given the opportunity to play with the band for the last two sets of the night. The interesting mix of younger and more experienced players on the stand together is both exciting and fascinating.
Friday 12th VICTORIA NEWTON
Vicki, a native Australian, has a powerful voice and outgoing personality that have stood her in good stead, not only as a jazz singer but as the lead singer with the dance/pop group “Strike”. Despite her success in the pop world (records in the charts, numerous TV and radio appearances), her first love is still Jazz and Brazilian music, which has been effectively captured on her debut Jazz/Latin album “The Song is You”, released on Discovery Records to great acclaim. a fabulous gig from a really impressive personality. “..accomplished…deft and supple..a jazz singer a cut above the crowd” The Guardian
Saturday 13th BOBBY WELLINS
is considered to be one of the icons of British modern jazz. Originally from Glasgow, Bobby was on one of the biggest selling jazz albums ever produced in this country, Stan Tracey’s “Under Milk Wood”, recorded in the late sixties. After taking a sabbatical from the music for 7 years, Bobby came back in the early eighties to lead the Charlie Watts Big band, as well as a number of small groups which re-established him as one of the finest melodic saxophonists in the world. His gentle sound and approach are unique, and make for a fine and highly enjoyable nights listening. “..impeccable control, combined with a rich, luxuriant, tone” The Scotsman "A masterful display of controlled sensitivity from one of the most original voices in European Jazz " The Sunday Times
Sunday 14th SYLVIA TRACEY
Formerly known as Sylvia Rae this excellent Scottish singer, now resident down South, performs a terrific set of classic Jazz standards. Accompanied by a first class band featuring her husband, drummer Clark Tracey, this is a quality gig from a talented and experienced performer. “A new and accomplished addition to the long tradition …. stretching back to Julie London and Peggy Lee. Sylvia Rae … manages, through tiny and delicate inflections, to bring out the tenderness of numbers like 'But Beautiful' and 'I'm a Fool to Want You'.” Observer; “..eloquent for her candid simplicity” Guardian
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Monday 15th JIM MULLEN'S ORGAN TRIO
Originally from Glasgow, Jim made his name working with a number of seminal bands through the 70’s and 80’s including Brian Auger’s “Trinity” and his own highly acclaimed jazz/funk band “Morrisey Mullen”. A multi award winner, Jim is widely regarded as one of the finest Jazz guitarists in Europe The band he leads this evening works in the classic “Organ trio” format and features leading British pianist/organist Mike Gorman. “One of the great Jazz guitarists working today” Jazzwise; “World Class” Guardian; “mellow and fluent” Observer;
Tuesday 16th
GWYNETH HERBERT DUO featuring AL CHERRY - guitar
One of the most creative and striking performers currently working on the UK scene Gwyn’s soulful, seductive, voice is something quite special, bringing sophistication to the singer/songwriter material, and a wonderful “edge” to the Soul and Blues numbers. And her Jazz feel is quite impeccable. Her first CD “Bittersweet and Blue” on Universal received enormous acclaim and her latest CD featuring many of her wonderful originals has just been released, garnering much praise and interest in the process. And just to prove the point, this enormously talented young vocalist with the sultry voice and stylish delivery already includes Sir Paul McCartney, Kevin Costner and Michael Parkinson among her fan base! Tonight she will be performing as a duo with her regular guitarist Al Cherry “If Gwyneth Herbert is not a star soon, I’ll eat my cd player” Sunday Times; “..remarkably gifted talent” Guardian; “..majestic-voiced” Jazz UK.
ASAF SIRKIS
Originally from Israel, drummer Asaf has been settled in London for several years now. Well known and highly respected on the scene for his craft and versatility, Asaf’s drumming has been heard with numerous high profile bands, including Gilad Atzman, Phil Robson and John Taylor. The gig tonight features guitarist Tassos Spiliotopoulos one of the rising stars on the UK jazz scene performing a mixture of straight ahead jazz standards and some more contemporary originals.
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Wednesday 17th
GARETH WILLIAMS has unquestionably established himself as one of the country’s leading modern jazz pianists. A fiery and enormously creative player his remarkable talent has been featured in the Jim Mullen band, as well as regular work with the band of the great Claire Martin. A world class pianist he also has a great voice and, if you’re lucky, he may just sing a song or two as well. Fantastic modern jazz piano playing. “..dynamite pianist” Evening Standard; “.. fantastic improviser” The Guardian; “..a jewel of a player” Jazziz;
KEVIN FIGES is a very talented sax player from the Bristol area who has performed at the Club as a side man on a number of occasions but tonight will be appearing with his own quartet performing primaruily original material in the more contemporary side of the Jazz spectrum. An excellent, fluent, player with a strong sound and interesting approach. “Equally proficient on alto saxophone and flute, he gets a pleasingly warm sound from both while continuing to develop as a composer.” Guardian
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Thursday 18th BRYAN SPRING
is undoubtedly one of the finest modern jazz drummers in the world. His dynamic playing is highly regarded just about everywhere, and musicians dropping in to see him perform are a common sight. Featuring the marvellous pianist Mark Edwards and leading British bassist Andy Cleyndert the trio interplay on this acoustic gig is riveting, producing a range of musical colours and styles that is quite wonderful. World class music.
Friday 19th "BALANGANDAN"
is a powerful six piece Latin band that was formed in 1996 and features an international line-up of cutting edge musicians from Latin America, Europe, and the States. After releasing their debut CD "En Cha" in '99 they were voted "Band of the year" [Jazz Live]. Fronted by Cuban singer Jesus Cutino the fiery, precise, powerful and passionate Balangandan play both original material and re-arrangements of the finest Latin/Jazz, Salsa and Afrocuban son and have established themselves as one of Britain's leading and most exciting Latin combos.
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Saturday 20th PAT CRUMLY
is generally recognised as one of the country’s leading modern jazz sax players. One of Ronnie Scott’s favourite players, Pat’s fluent and experienced “hard-bop” style is hard to beat, as he performs a mixture of jazz standards and Latin originals. A great flute player too. “Pat Crumly is one of the saxophone players .. that I most admire….he is a jazz musician.” Ronnie Scott; “..a perfect exercise of precision and flair wrapped up with enthusiasm..” Jazz Journal; “Excellent” Observer. www.patcrumly.co.uk
Sunday 21st SUNDAY LUNCHTIME SPECIAL (1:00pm-4:00pm) featuring SIMON GILBEY’S “BIG BAND METHENY”
This is a powerful 16 piece big band set up by saxophonist Simon Gilbey to primarily feature the music of the great US guitarist Pat Metheny. Full of some of the finest players on the scene this exciting and unique band perform this intricate and swinging music with enthusiasm and a great deal of skill an commitment. Highly recommended.
And then, in the evening,
Sunday 21st (evening) OLA
One of the most exciting singers to emerge on to the Jazz/Soul circuit for some years, combining the sophistication of modern Soul music with the power of his African roots. A charismatic vocalist, Ola has put together a set of classic Soul and R&B songs that are impressive and great fun. His cv as a supporting artist reads like a who's who of contemporary music, including Diane Reeves, Natalie Cole and Tower of Power as well as various T.V and Film projects. He has released 4 albums and appeared on numerous festivals, all under his own name, was the featured vocalist with Courtney Pine and the BBC "Music Live" Jubilee Concert, and on top of all that he is also well established these days as a composer. A consummate artist, this gig is a must for anyone interested in contemporary Soul "...one of the UK's most powerful voices" Blues and Soul
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Monday 22nd BLUES NIGHT SPECIAL with ADAM PHILLIPS and his band featuring Joe Birt
Adam is perhaps best known at the Club for his wonderful guitar work with the Hamish Stuart Band, but he also includes work with the likes of Cher, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart and Whitney Houston. And as well as all that, he is also a very fine singer in his own right. Leading a band of some of the finest players in the country, Adam produces a roaring set of great “urban” Blues. Also featured is the terrific bass player and singer Joe Birt, and when the two of them get going it’s really something special.
Tuesday 23rd
DAN REINSTEIN
Every now and again excellent players appear at the Club who also manage to be very good at something else. Art Theman (surgeon) is one, Spike Wells (priest) is another, and now we can add saxophonist Dan Reinstein to that list. American born but British educated, I first met Dan at the old Club when he was a medical undergraduate. Even then he was an impressive player, and after taking time off his medical studies to go to the Berklee School of Music he became even better. “Dr. Dan”, as he was affectionately known, stayed in London for a while after qualifying, before going back to the USA in the early 90’s, where he became one of the world’s leading experts in laser eye surgery. But he never stopped playing, and when he returned to London to live it was great to hear his fluent, classic hard-bop, muscular sax playing again.
TRISH CLOWES
is a very talented young saxophonist highly recommended to me by the great Iain Ballamy, and you can’t get much netter than that. One of the scene’s up-coming young players it’s a pleasure to welcome her and her quartet to the Club.
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Wednesday 24th
CHRISTIAN GARRICK
A Jazz violinist of considerable power and musicality, Chris is also highly regarded for his work with the likes of The Brand New Heavies and Brian Ferry, as well as appearing on a significant number of film and TV soundtracks. He is also no stranger to the classical concert halls, but it is his Jazz violin for which he is best known. A fluent and inventive player with a string of awards to his name his subtle yet always driving playing is a testament to a thoughtful but at the same time joyous approach to the music. Featuring pianist Dave Gordan his quartet’s cd, “Different Strokes” was described as “…the outstanding British album of the year..”. Sunday Times. A true master of his instrument. “..exquisite musician…violin superstar” Guardian.
TOM CAWLEY'S "CURIOS" A former “Young Jazz Musician of the Year” Tom has gone on to establish himself as one of the country’s leading musicians. He has played residencies at the Blue Note Club in New York, Ronnie Scott’s in London, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Purcell Room and toured the world, appearing at festivals Worldwide. His mature playing and fluent technique have already made him the pianist of choice for many players on the scene, including Charlie Watts, Tim Garland, Dave O’Higgins, singer Gwyneth Herbert and drummer Seb Rochford’s award winning “Acoustic Ladyland”. Tonight he leads his own trio that he has affectionately called the “Curios”. “..superb player” Independent; “..phenomenal” Observer; “Excellent, fluid, pianist with a deft touch and a superb improviser’s imagination.” Time Out
Thursday 25th PAUL BOOTH
A powerful and lyrical player, Paul is without doubt one of the leading saxophonists of his generation. Although still in his 20’s, he has already won a number of prestigious awards, including “Most promising young Jazz player”, “Best modern Jazz player” and the American “Clifford Brown/Stan Getz Award”. More recently he has toured the world as the featured saxophonist with the “Riverdance” show and latterly with Matt Bianco. The band performs Jazz standards and excellent originals in a relaxed and melodic style that is a joy to listen to. A wonderful talent. The gig tonight also features the impressive guitar work of the enormously creative young musician Stuart McCallum. “Blistering saxist” Independent; “Exceptional talent” Sunday Times;
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Friday 26th "Samara"
is a seven piece jazz/latin group which I lead, and suffice it to say I think the guys in the band are just great! The pianist, Neil Angilley works with Vanessa Mae and “Down to the Bone”, guitarist Mark Johns includes Sting, Whitney Houston and Geoff Beck on his cv and is in constant demand for sessions and tours Dill, the bass player is visiting professor at the Guildhall, Nic the drummer has worked with just about everyone, including “Loose Tubes” and Bill Withers, the percussionist, Dawson is generally recognised as one of the most versatile and experienced players on the scene, and the singer Liliana Chachian, who includes work with iconic dance band “Da Latta” and the influential “Negrocan” is considered to be one of the finest Brazilian singers currently working in Europe. The music is an infectious blend of Brazilian Samba, jazz/latin and Soul, and we all have a great time!
Saturday 27th TONI KOFI **Winner BBC Jazz Awards 2005/6**
An impressive player Toni Kofi’s quartet album ‘All is Know – The Tony Kofi Quartet Plays Monk’ won this year’s BBC Jazz Awards ‘Album of the Year’. Having “cut his teeth” in the “Jazz Warriors” band of the early 90’s, Tony has gone on to establish himself as a saxophonist, teacher and composer of some authority. As well as “Nu-Troop” and “Jazz Jamaica” Tony’s alto playing was also a feature of the band “US-3” for some years. His fluent and fiery hard-bop alto playing is constantly in demand, and it’s with great pleasure that we welcome him to the Club this evening. “passionate…superb…heartfelt” Guardian
Sunday 28th CLOSED
Closed for a Private Party.
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Monday 29th HAMISH STUART
probably best known for his work as the original lead singer/guitarist with “The Average White Band”, has had an illustrious career as both songwriter and performer. He has worked with the likes of Diana Ross, George Benson and Chaka Khan (for whom he wrote the No. 1 chart hit “Whatcha Gonna Do For Me”) culminating in six years with the Paul McCartney Band. Since ’94 he has led his own band, which is a “super-group” in every sense of the word and very much out of the R&B tradition, although considerably more sophisticated than the 70’s version. It’s great that Hamish likes working at the Club so much as this is always a fantastic night, and definitely requires booking to guarantee a seat.
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Tuesday 30th
GEORGIA MANCIO
is a marvellously talented award-winning singer who has been working steadily on the Jazz scene for some years now. She has a lovely tone and direct style that lends itself perfectly to the Jazz and Latin standards that she performs. It’s a measure of her impressive ability that she recently won the Brussels International Young Jazz Singers Award, beating 85 contestants from around the World. She, not surprisingly, has a wonderful band featuring the terrific flute playing of Gareth Lockrane and the brilliant pianist John Pearce. Promises to be a great, swinging, set. “Supremely elegant …one of the hottest singers on the circuit.” Evening Standard; “..has assurance and allure.” Mojo
JAZZ FROM THE GUILDHALL featuring PATRICK BAMBER
This gig is being presented in collaboration with The Guildhall school of Music and Drama, and is part of the Club’s ongoing policy of providing a platform for the younger musician’s. Each month the best of the students from the Guildhall’s Jazz course perform a set of standards and original material. Tonight we feature the quartet of the young saxophonist Patrick Bamber. The playing is of an extraordinary high level, and if you want to spot the next Jazz stars, this is the gig to be at!
Wednesday 31st
ALLISON NEALE/GEOFF SIMKINS featuring DAVE CLIFF-guitar Originally put together for our 30th Anniversary Festival last year this sophisticated quintet features two of the finest melodic sax players in the country, Allison Neale and Geoff Simkins. A beautifully fluent and inventive player on both Alto sax and flute, Alison plays in a strongly melodic “West Coast”style reminiscent of her main influences Paul Desmond (of Dave Brubeck fame) and Art Pepper. “impressive….a talent to savour” Jazz UK. Geoff is one of those sax players who has been quietly plying his trade on the jazz scene for many years, and earning an enormous amount of respect from his fellow musician’s in the process. An alto sax player of great charm and melodic inventiveness Geoff performs in a style reminiscent of the great American “West Coast” players Lee Konitz and Paul Desmond (the man who wrote “Take Five”!). One of the masters of melodic sax playing. Also featured is one of Europes most respected jazz guitarists, Dave Cliff. . “relaxed, well constructed..small group interpretations” All About Jazz.
PETE SABERTON is generally considered to be one of the finest contemporary pianists in Europe. An old friend of the Club, his fluent and highly inventive playing has been a feature since the early eighties. His writing is also highly regarded, and is a particular feature of all his gigs. It is a measure of his high regard that he can always command the best players around to work with. A sophisticated and impressive gig if you want to know what's happening with British Jazz at the moment, check this out.
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