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.
Weds 2nd
ANDY HAGUE QUINTET feat. BEN WAGHORN- Write up to follow -
SIMON MULLIGAN QUARTET Although many Jazz musicians are also trained classical musicians it is unusual for a musician to manage successful careers in both fields. Pianist Simon Mulligan is certainly one who has managed this to great success. At the age of 19 Simon recorded his first classical CD under the direction of Yehudi Menhuin, with whom he was later to successfully work. Since that time he has produced 15 highly regarded CD’s, and included work with the BBC Symphony as well as appearances at the Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. Intriguingly Simon’s Jazz credentials are equally as strong, as is his composing work, which includes numerous compositions for both TV and Film. The Jazz quartet he leads tonight features some of the finest young jazz players in Europe, including the searing tenor sax of the excellent Frank Walden. Well worth catching, this gig.
Thur 3rd JOE STILGOE
is a very talented young singer/pianist who is currently attracting a lot of attention on the UK music scene. Working in a style reminiscent of the classic Jazz singer/pianists such as Nat King Cole and Harry Connick Jnr Joe brings his own, unique, blend of charm and musicality to his set of Jazz standards and excellent originals. Although still in his mid 20’s he is a highly experienced musician, including appearances at Ronnie Scott’s, the Royal Festival Hall and the Groucho Club as well as live broadcast from The Stables, Wavendon with the John Dankworth Band. His recent work in New York was also met with universal praise. If you like Jamie (Cullum) you’ll love this guy! “Many a musician twice his age might listen with a mixture of envy and admiration” Cabaret Scenes, New York; “Great” John Dankworth.
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Fri 4th MANTECA feat. MARTHA ACOSTA-vocals
This six piece salsa band, formed by famed Colombian singer Martha Acosta, has been “salsa-ing” across the UK and Europe for almost 5 years now. Martha, best known for her work with her all woman Latin band “Candela” and Roberto Pla’s “Latin Ensemble”, drives the band along with her searing Latin vocals and powerhouse personality. And she is ably supported by some of the finest Latin musicians on the scene, including Don Fiora (bass), Satin Singh (percussion) and Paul Jayasinha (trumpet). One of the best salsa bands working the scene today. "Ripping funky Salsa from the finest Latin musicians of London, guaranteed to induce all manner of heel-stamping and handclapping” Fact Magazine;
Sat 5th 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 LUNCHTIME SPECIAL (1:00pm-4:00pm). SUNDAY AFTERNOON GOSPEL BRUNCH WITH “GGG” featuring SPECIAL GUEST DAVID OKUMU & FRIENDS
“GGG” are a Gospel outfit made up of a classic Gospel choir accompanied by a four piece band lead by 606 regulars, keyboardist Miko Giedroyc and bass player Andre Gabriel. Each month we are very pleased to present one of British Gospel’s great stars. This is (we believe) one of only two Gospel brunches in the whole of London, so make sure you book early for this truly unique gig. And then, in the evening,
Sun 6th (EVENING) WAYNE HERNANDEZ
is one of those fantastic singers who has been using his considerable talents for many years to make others sound good. Hugely successful within the music “business” he has worked with the likes of Tina Turner, Gorillaz, Tori Amos, Blur, Grover Washington, Roberta Flack and Madonna. He has also toured extensively with Kool and the Gang and Regina Bell. With an Afro Cuban heritage which includes work to this day with the London Community Gospel Choir, along with living in New York for a number of years, Wayne describes his music as “..a living fusion of music styles from the Black music scene”. This multi-talented artist, he is also a well established songwriter and producer, produces a brilliant set of powerful groove music that defines the word “Soul”. A rare talent and absolutely not to be missed.
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Mon 7th PAUL STACEY BAND featuring JOHN HOGG-vocals
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
Tues 8th
ART THEMEN is a terrific tenor saxophonist who has been associated for many years with the great British pianist Stan Tracey, and his John Coltrane influenced post-bop tenor playing is both fluent and distinctive. One of the very few top flight musicians to also hold down a day job, he’s a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, he is universally admired and respected throughout the UK jazz scene. “excellent..thrilling” Jazz UK.
TRUDY KERR with Special Guest INGRID JAMES As well as regular appearances at the Club Trudy can also be found performing at major venues and festivals around the world, including Melbourne, Hong Kong, and Istanbul. With four CD’s and two young children to her name, Trudy somehow also finds time to teach Jazz at Trinity College London and the Colchester Institute. A versatile singer her set varies from gentle bossas, through Jazz standards to Stevie Wonder. Trudy’s special guest this evening will be fellow Aussie, singer Ingrid James. “Trudy has moved to the front rank of UK singers” Musician Magazine; “..attractive, liquid and mellow her lyrical interpretation is excellent” Jazz Journal International.
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Weds 9th
ZOE RAHMANAward winning pianist Zoe Rahman’s fluent and highly individual style has attracted much attention since winning the Perrier Jazz Award. Several CD’s, work with the likes of Clark Tracey, David Jean-Baptiste and Nigel Kennedy, and praise for her music from musicians and critics alike has established her as a unique and valued player on the UK Jazz scene. Winner of this year’s Parliamentary Jazz Award for “Album of The Year” she is also currently nominated for a Mercury Prize, establishing her credentials, if there was any doubt, as one of the country’s leading contemporary pianists. A sensitive and creative musician, she manages that difficult feat of making music that is at the same time complex, but readily accessible, and beautiful to listen to. “..real talent” Guardian; “..exceptional pianist” Evening Standard.
ADAM GLASSER QUINTET - Write up to follow -
Thurs 10th TIM WHITEHEAD'S BIG JAM
Since the mid-seventies Tim has worked with just about every major UK modern jazz performer and is considered to be one of the most consistent and inventive sax players around. His set is a mix of classic jazz standards and what he likes to term “new standards” such as Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”, with some of his wonderful originals thrown in. Showing dedication beyond the call of duty, Tim has also volunteered to host a “jam session” with impromptu guest musicians being given the opportunity to play with the band for the last two sets of the night. “..one of Britain's most thoughtful composers and improvisers..attractive, accessible yet finely crafted music.. marked by a sense of grace and economy.” The Times; “..arguably the finest tenor player in Britain today'' Jazz Review
Fri 11th DAVE LEWIS BAND feat. VICTORIA NEWTON-vocals
A fine tenor saxophonist Dave is probably best known at the Club for his work with the great Tony O’Malley. After studying at the world famous Berkeley school of music in Boston, USA, Dave returned to this country to a wealth of work. His robust and melodic tenor playing has been featured with a variety of artists, and his own band, featured this evening, is an impressive array of talent. Also featured tonight is 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. “..accomplished..deft and supple..a jazz singer a cut above the crowd” The Guardian
Sat 12th PATRICK CLAHAR
is one of the leading saxophonists of his generation. A powerful, post-Coltrane, tenor player his playing is tempered with a strong sense of melodic improvisation influenced by the great American tenor player Sonny Rollins. A leading light of the Julian Joseph big-band and small group Pat has more recently achieved world wide recognition as the sax player with the Bill Bruford Band. Widely respected throughout the Jazz fraternity, Pat’s world class pedigree is undoubted. “A marvel.. inventive and melodic” Jazz review
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Sun 13th CHRISTINE TOBIN
is a singer who has been performing for some years now, and she just gets better and better. With 4 cd’s, numerous gigs and a number of high profile interviews to her name she is without question one of the leading lights of the British Jazz scene. Highly versatile, she has recently gone back to performing her first love, straight ahead Jazz standards with her beautiful clear, rich, voice, and her set is a truly marvellous mix of established and lesser known Jazz classics. A powerful yet sensual singer she describes the gig as “..singing contemporary and exciting arrangements of old and new standards”. A world class vocalist. “One of the country’s finest musicians” Time Out; “..peerless” Jazzwise
Mon 14th TONY SMITH & CO
After 6 years as the featured guitarist with the legendary Roy Ayers, US born Tony Smith has firmly established himself as one of the UK's finest jazz-funk/fusion guitarists. A guitarist with a unique sound and voice, he one of the very few instrumentalists ever to receive a MOBO award and his latest album 'Loyalty' has just been released to great critical acclaim. "If you're into killer hooks, burning guitar playing and music-making with ..passion and energy, “Loyalty” is a must-have." – Jazzwise; ".. a punchy, energised brand of fusion and his solo's fly..watch out for him." The Observer; “Cool and downright funky" Jazz FM
Tues 15th
DAN REINSTEINAmerican 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. He returned to the USA in the early 90’s, where he became one of the world’s leading experts in laser eye surgery (he’s now officially Professor Reinstein). But he never stopped playing, and when he returned to London to live and work (www.londonvisionclinic.com) it was great to hear his fluent, classic hard-bop, muscular sax playing again.
DILL KATZ is 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.
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Weds 16th
ALCYONA MICK QUINTET - Write up to follow -
JAZZ FROM THE GUILDHALL 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. 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!
Thurs 17th RAY WARLEIGH
a native Aussie, has been a leading light in the studio and concert scene since the sixties. Enormously experienced and universally respected Ray’s sax and flute work has been heard with a vast array of World class performers, including Stevie Wonder (at the Royal Albert Hall), Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, Paul McCartney, John Lee Hooker, U2, Dizzy Gillespie, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey and Charlie Watts. His meticulous sax playing is highly regarded the world over and has been featured on numerous film and TV scores. When performing with his own band he plays a mixture of jazz standards and wonderful melodic originals. As well as a beautiful saxophone player Ray is also rated as one of the finest jazz flautists in Europe. A quite lovely jazz gig. “..telling soloist” Guardian
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Fri 18th VANESSA HAYNES
is a new, and enormously impressive, addition to the UK scene. Originally from Trinidad, where she worked to great acclaim for some years, she recently made her way to London, which is definitely our gain. She performs a mix of Soul and R&B originals and with her powerful, cultured, voice and commanding stage presence is quite stunning. She performs with a fabulous eight piece band that features some of the country’s finest “groove” players including bassist Paul Carmichael (Flight), Richard Bailey (Incognito) drums, Tim Cansfield (Seal, BeeGees) guitar and Adrian Revell (Jamiroqui) sax. “..chic, sultry singing..stylish and overflowing with promise..her future is guaranteed as a fixture in the soul firmament. Star potential” Musician Magazine; “excellent…powerful voice and unique sound” Soul Brother
www.vanessahaynes.com
Sat 19th 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
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Sun 20th SUNDAY LUNCHTIME SPECIAL (1:00pm-4:00pm) featuring SIMON GILBY’S “BIG BAND METHENY”.
This is a powerful 16 piece big band organised by saxophonist Simon Gilby to primarily feature the music of the great US guitarist Pat Metheny. The music is a mix of jazz, rock, and country music, making it extremely accessible. 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 and commitment. Highly recommended. And then in the evening,
Sun 20th Evening (9.00pm) TAMMY WEIS
Tammy is a fine Canadian singer, now resident in London, who has been performing to great acclaim in her native Vancouver for some years now. Emanating from a musical background Tammy grew up with music of all descriptions from an early age. However, her love for the American song book has led her firmly in to the area of the classic Jazz standards, which she performs with a wonderful sense of melody and swing. Her debut CD, "Legacy" has been universally well received, and has led to appearances on national TV and radio as well as gigs at both the Montreal and Vancouver Jazz Festivals. Highlights in London include playing with Jamie Cullum at the Jazz Café and Ray Gelato at Birmingham Symphony Hall. She has also been chosen as one of the resident singers at the newly re-furbished Ronnie Scott's. This gig also features one of the country's great pianists, Gareth Williams (Jim Mullen, Claire Martin). "Tammy Weis has a deliciously haunting voice& this is how it's supposed to be done"John Beaudin 103.1 FM; "She's the real deal" Time Out
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Mon 21st TO BE CONFIRMED
TO BE CONFIRMED
Tues 22nd Russ Henderson
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. 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! And Russ’s trio will be alternating through the evening with the
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.
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Weds 23rd
“JUTTA’S PARTY BAND” featuring CHRISTIAN GARRICK, DAVE GORDON & PETE OXLEY This band is described by it’s members as a “happy accident”. Booked for a one-off party (Jutta’s!) it worked so well that they decided to take it on the road. The band performs a fascinating mix of originals and contemporary standards, coloured and contoured by their widely diverse musical backgrounds. Christian Garrick is a jazz violinist of considerable power and musicality, a fluent and inventive player with a string of awards to his name. As well as a top flight jazz pianist Dave Gordan is also well known as a baroque harpsichordist and Oxford (via Paris) based guitarist Pete Oxley is widely respected throughout the UK jazz scene. Also featured will be Ollie Hayhurst on bass and Russ Morgan on drums “..exquisite musician…violin superstar” Guardian; “Oxley is a great guitarist” Jazzwise; “Dave Gordon..a richly gifted player” The Independent.
LIAM NOBLE/ADERS BERGCRANTZ QUARTET - Write up to
Thurs 24th 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. “group improvisation of simple but eloquent power…a drum virtuoso who's also a complete musician, and with a band to match” Guardian
Fri 25th “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!
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Sat 26th JULIAN MARC STRINGLE BAND featuring JACQUI HICKS-vocals
Julian has established himself as one of the most versatile clarinet and sax players around. His Rock star persona and highly melodic music combine with a phenomenal technique to ensure an exciting and memorable gig. The dynamic line up, augmented by one of the country’s finest singers, Jacqui Hicks, performs a combination of excellent funky original material as well as classic Jazz standards. “Julian Marc Stringle is the best Clarinet player to emerge in British Jazz in several decades” John Dankworth CBE. "Jacqui Hicks is..one of the most soulful singer in Britain.” M.U. Magazine
Sun 27th 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.
Mon 28th ***BANK HOLIDAY SPECIAL*** Ian Shaw
one of Europe’s great male jazz vocalists. Named Best Vocalist of the year at the BBC Jazz Awards, Ian is a huge talent with the most engaging personality and an ability to make every song his own. At the same time nobody slips more happily into rattling bebop with warmth, intelligence and swing. Described as “the voice of the decade” it is not by chance that he was the first British Jazz vocalist to be signed to an American label, Milestone, which resulted in a number of highly acclaimed US recordings. Watch out for his latest release on Linn Records “Drawn to All Things” out now! “One of the scene's class acts..” The Guardian
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Tues 29th GERARD PRESENCER presents STUDENTS FROM THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC
- Write up to follow -
Weds 30th
CARL ORR with Special Guest SEAN WAYLAND With 6cd’s to his name and over ten years as the featured guitarist with iconic drummer Billy Cobham, ex-pat Australian Carl Orr has certainly established himself as one of the leading players on the UK scene. A muscular and fluent musician he plays a set of standards and “funky” originals with passion and flair. The trio he is leading tonight features Pete Whittaker on organ and Nic France on drums. A quality gig. “..stylish, carefully wrought fusion with very hip harmony...cool and bluesy rather than fraught or frenetic..” Jazz Journal.
ALAN RUSHTON Alan’s drumming has been a feature of the British Jazz scene for more than 30 years now. His cv is vast, including stints with 60’s Jazz/Blues icon Graham Bond, resident drummer on T.V.’s “PlayAway (remember that!), Kiki Dee, Ray Russell, Slim Gailard and a host more. The quartet he leads features the powerful sax playing of Greg Heath and the music is very much in the swinging, classic, modern Jazz mould.
Thurs 31st PETER KING QUARTET
After taking the scene by storm in the early sixties with the Ronnie Scott quintet, Pete has gone on to establish himself unequivocally as one of the finest alto saxophonists in the world. His fabulous technique allied with an unerring sense of harmony has made him one of the greatest players this country has ever produced. Currently the featured saxophonist with the Charlie Watts band his playing has made him famous worldwide. Pete has always been a great supporter of the Club and it is with enormous pleasure that we welcome this saxophone giant. “plays with...searing authority” Guardian;
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