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. 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.
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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 Harmonica playing of Patrick Bettison.
“Superior jazz-rock quartet led by ex-Nucleus electric bassist Katz” Time Out
**CD Launch** featuring the **Yamaha-Classic FM Jazz Scholars**
In 2008 an initiative involving Yamaha UK in partnership with Classic FM, supported by Jazzwise magazine and the All-Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group, resulted in an acclaimed three-year scholarship programme which offers financial support with performance and recording opportunities to a new generation of young jazz musicians. Six of the major Music Colleges chose one performer from each of their Jazz courses to participate in this scheme and as part of their Scholarship Award the six successful musicians got to record their own groups to be presented on a brand new CD and it is this CD, the “YAMAHA NEW JAZZ SESSIONS”, that we are launching tonight. The scholars will perform a mix of original material and classic jazz standards, with their own bands as well as with each other, in a programme that promises to be both innovative and exciting. The scholars are: Daoud Merchant: Drums (Guildhall School of Music & Drama), Gethin Jones: Drums (Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama), Sam Wooster: Trumpet (Birmingham Conservatoire), Alex Munk: Guitar, (Leeds College of Music), Mark Perry: Trumpet (Trinity College of Music) and the Award winning Kit Downes: Piano (Royal Academy of Music). And expect some surprise guests along the way as well! The CD itself, incidentally, will be cover-mounted on the December/January issue of Jazzwise magazine who are supporting this initiative and have kindly donated some free copies for the evening. This is a unique gig and a wonderful opportunity to catch up on the next generation of young players. Not to be missed. This gig and the Scholar’s programme it encompasses are part of an ongoing commitment to the UK Jazz scene from all the parties involved, with special mention going to Yamaha UK. Yamaha have done much in recent times to support not only grass roots Jazz, with assistance to venues such as the 606 Club, but have also instituted an impressive support programme for the teaching of Jazz across the spectrum of ages and abilities. For more information on Yamaha’s various programmes see their web site at www.yamaha-music.co.uk. They’re a good bunch of people.
Thurs 3rd ** CD LAUNCH** EILEEN HUNTER WITH SPECIAL GUEST STEVE BROOKSTEIN
Eileen is not only a wonderful vocalist with a lovely, breathy delivery but also a highly accomplished musician, being fluent on both piano and flute. With her excellent quartet she performs a mix of Jazz standards and swinging originals in an assured and fluent style. Tonight she will be launching her latest CD “I miss the Sky” along with her excellent band featuring guitarist Nigel Price (JTQ) and Special Guest Steve Brookstein (the X-Factor winner), so expect plenty of great music and more Surprise Guests. This talented and impressive musician is a welcome addition to the UK scene and is well worth catching.
Originally from Trinidad, where she worked to great acclaim for some years, Vanessa finally made her way to London, which is definitely our gain. She performs a mix of Soul and R&B standards and originals with some Jazz standards thrown in and with her powerful, cultured, voice and commanding stage presence is quite stunning. Not surprisingly her talent has recently been recognised by Van Morrison, with whose band she recently toured and she is currently the lead singer with the iconic Soul/Jazz band “Incognito”. She works with a fabulous six piece band that features some of the country’s finest “groove” players including bassist Paul Carmichael (Flight), Richard Bailey (Incognito) drums and Tim Cansfield (Seal, BeeGees) guitar.
“..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
Regarded as one of the most important and influential musician on the Irish jazz scene, saxophonist and flutist and composer Michael Buckley has been playing professionally since the age of six. This year alone he has collaborated with Dave Leibman , John Abercrombie, Joey Baron , Nils Wolgram and Tom Rainey. Now in his late thirties, Buckley has also performed and toured with The Mingus Big Band, Jason Moran, Kurt Rosenwinkle, Edward Simon, Jason Rebello, Peter King, Kenny Wheeler and Lee Konitz and is a featured soloist with the BBC Big Band. As well as frequent radio spots, Michael has made numerous television appearances, regularly works on film and television scores and recently collaborated on recordings with Donovan, the Cranberrys, Jerry Lee Louis and Johnny Mathis. Tonight Michael will be performing standards plus music form his latest album “The Tourist” featuring Frank Harrison (piano), Stephen Keogh (drums) and Jeremy Brown (bass).
“one of the most exciting musicians to have emerged from Ireland in recent times…. a jazz musician of international stature”Irish Times
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. She sings a mix of classic Jazz standards and beautifully crafted originals which she performs with a wonderful sense of melody and swing. Her debut CD, “Legacy”, was well received and led to appearances on national TV and radio as well as gigs at both the Montreal and Vancouver Jazz Festivals. Tammy's UK highlights include guesting with Jamie Cullum at London's Jazz Cafe, singing with Ian Shaw and Lianne Carroll at the Royal Opera house and performing opposite Kenny Garrett and Curtis Stigers at Ronnie Scotts. It’s a measure of the attention she is now receiving that Courtney Pine chose one of her tracks to play on BBC radio 2’s Jazz Crusade and she was recently a featured artist in “Jazzwise” magazine. Great singer, great gig.
“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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Liverpudlian Tommy Blaize is a fantastic singer/keyboardist who is widely admired and respected throughout the music “business”. Although for many years an unseen figure “behind the scenes” his voice is familiar to millions from work with the likes of Tina Turner, Craig David, Brand New Heavies, Joe Cocker, The Osmonds, Take That, Gary Barlow, Marti Pellow and Lulu and from TV ads such as Coca Cola, Chanel, Cadburys, Levis, British Gas & British Airways. Considered one of the most in-demand session singers on the scene,Tommy was recently flown to the US to perform bv’s at the Michael Jackson Tribute Concert with both Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin. Tommy has been heard here at the Club with, amongst others, Madeline Bell and Guy Chambers (Robbie Williams). However, more recently he has been finally achieving some hugely deserved recognition as a brilliant singer in his own right after his appearances as the resident singer on BBC TV’s “Strictly Come Dancing” (oh, that singer!). A great guy and a wonderful performer it is with enormous pleasure that we welcome Tommy to the Club this evening with his own fantastic band, featuring fellow “Strictly” band members Dave Arch-piano, Andy Kane-guitar/vocals and Trevor Barry-bass, playing a selection of classic “Groove” and R&B standards with possibly the odd Jazz tune thrown in for good measure. Oh, and if you’ve been to this gig before you know to watch out for some fantastic Surprise Guests! One of the great British vocalists this rare gig of the Tommy Blaize Band is an absolute must – trust me!
“Tommy Blaize…oozes Soul and class” Jazz n Jazz.
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CLICK HERE TO BOOK
tues 8th CLOSED FOR A PRIVATE PARTY
weds 9th
**CD Launch**ZOE GALAnt
This highly talented young singer/songwriter/pianist with her relaxed, smooth, sultry delivery and excellent material has been attracting quite a bit of attention on the scene of late. Her songs are a winning mix of Jazz and Soul with just a touch of contemporary pop and are extremely well put together. . Tonight Zoe will be launching her debut CD “Long Time Coming” on 33 Records with her trio featuring Rob Statham-bass and Marc Parnell-drums and Special Guest Al Cherry-guitar. Should be quite a night.
“TRIO” featuring JOHN CRITCHINSON, DAVE CLIFF, JEREMY BROWN.
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! Dave Cliff is generally considered to be one of the finest straight ahead guitarists in Europe. He has accompanied many visiting artists, the great American tenor player Scott Hamilton going on record saying that Dave was one of the finest jazz guitarists he had ever worked with. Jeremy Brown is a terrific bass player who is widely regarded as one of the finest musicians of his generation. As well as work with the BBC Big Band he is also the regular bass player with Stacey Kent and includes work with the likes of Johnny Griffin, Art Farmer, Peter King and Brad Mehldau on a glittering cv.
“John Critchinson...one of Britain's finest jazz pianists” Guardian
“Dave Cliff…..superb guitarist” Jazzsteps
“Jeremy Brown...makes everyone else sound better” Birmingham Post
REG WEBB is a wonderful pianist with an absolutely brilliant voice. A charismatic musician his trio performs a mixture of Jazz standards and more contemporary material in a quite unique style. His powerful piano playing and smooth vocal delivery, reminiscent of a cross between Stevie Wonder and the classic Jazz vocalists, drives the trio who count Lenny Kravitz, John McLaughlan, Linda Lewis, Jimmy Witherspoon, Steve Harley, Suzi Quatro, Roland Kirk, and Art Farmer amongst the many artists they have performed with. Resident on the East coast these vastly experienced musicians have been entrancing audiences up and down the country for many years now. Their visits to London are few and far between so my advice is catch them while you can.
fri 11th**CD promotion**STEFAN REDTENBACHER’S “RB FUNKESTRA – THE BIG BAND!”
Austrian born bass player Stefan Redtenbacher has, over the last 10 years, established himself as the UK’s “groove” bass player of choice for many artists, both live and recorded. The roster of artists with whom he has worked includes Steve Winwood, Sam Brown, Herb Alpert and Danny Gotlieb. His own recordings feature “Jazz/funk” legends Fred Wesley and Elliot Randall (Steely Dan) and he has also established himself as a producer and educator of some note. The band that he leads tonight is his 9 piece (yes, that’s 9!) “Funkestra Big Band”, the name of which pretty accurately describes the style of the music with it’s feel-good, high-energy and original hybrid of Funk, Soul and Jazz. This multinational band boasts some of the best players in Europe, with it’s 4 horn front line led by trumpeter Sid Gauld and featuring saxophonist Jim Hunt, performing original “groove” music from their album “The Cooker” with an authority and style that is hard to beat. Not surprisingly the band has performed at numerous Clubs and Festivals around Europe including the likes of the European Bass Day (Germany), Manchester Bass Day, The Cooker at Ronnie Scott’s Club, ARGE Kultur (Austria), Greenwich Jazz Festival and Hampton Court Jazz Festival.. Great band this, great gig.
“The Governor of Bass” BBC Radio2
“..a near perfect slice of jazz-funk bass from one of Europe’s great players.” Bass Guitar magazine.
sat 12th ***Yamaha at the 6*** THE YAMAHA TRUMPET NIGHT FEATURING PAUL ESHELBY, TONY FISHER, RYAN QUIGLEY AND SPECIAL GUEST REX RICHARDSON. WITH THE GARETH WILLIAMS TRIO.
Tonight, in this unique concert, we feature four (yes, that’s 4!) jazz trumpeters. Three of the finest Jazz trumpeters in the UK along with their Special Guest, US trumpet star Rex Richardson, will perform throughout the evening both separately and together, ably supported by the brilliant Gareth Williams trio. Paul Eshelby is a musician whose career has seen him play as a member of the BBC Scottish Radio Orchestra, the BBC Radio Orchestra and BBC Big Band, as well as work with many of the world's leading artists ranging from Ella Fitzgerald to Pavarotti. One of the country's leading jazz musicians Paul has performed extensively worldwide, including work with the BBC Concert Orchestra and as Director and Principal Conductor of the National Jazz Youth Orchestra. Tony Fisher. A professional musician by the age of 13, Tony went on to work with some of the biggest names in the business including Ted Heath, Johnny Dankworth, The London Symphony Orchestra, The Royal Philharmonic and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra. He became one of the most in-demand studio musicians, working on countless films, TV shows and recordings including work with The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Shirley Bassey, Tony Bennet, Barbra Streisand and Tom Jones. Currently the leader of the Bert Kaempfert Orchestra he was seen regularly by millions on the weekly TV show "Parkinson". Ryan Quigley. Over the last few years Award winning trumpeter Ryan Quigley has become one of the most in demand trumpet players in Scotland, performing with the likes of Ronan Keating, Stacey Kent, The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and The Commitments. Currently lead trumpet with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra Ryan regularly tours at home and abroad with Salsa Celtica. A Jazz trumpeter of considerable note in 2009 alone Ryan’s playing earned him honours at both the Scottish Jazz Awards and the Parliamentary Jazz Awards. Rex Richardson. Rex is a world renowned performer equally at home with Jazz or Classical music. His jazz credentials include work with the iconic Jazz saxophonist Joe Henderson, as well as Ray Charles, Kurt Elling and Aretha Franklin. As a classical musician he has worked as a featured soloist with symphony orchestras around the world and has appeared at conferences and jazz festivals on four continents. He is the professor of trumpet and jazz trumpet at Virginia Commonwealth University and visiting professor at Ithaca College. Gareth Williams has unquestionably established himself as one of the country’s leading modern jazz pianists. A fiery and creative player his remarkable talent has been seen with an impressive array of top level artists, from Jazz/Hip Hop band “US3” through to World class Jazz musicians such as Joe Lovano, George Coleman, Dave Liebman and Claire Martin.
“Rex Richardson is a phenomenal player..” Style Weekly
“Eshelby…top-notch front man whose trumpet solo…knocked the socks off them all” Independent
“Ryan Quigley…powerful…World Class” Guardian
“Williams a..dynamite pianist” Evening Standard
The 606 Club gratefully acknowledge the support of Yamaha UK without whom this gig would not be possible.
sun 13th SUNDAY LUNCHTIME SPECIAL (1:00pm-4:00pm). SUNDAY AFTERNOON XMAS GOSPEL CONCERT WITH THE **“606 GOSPEL GROUP ”** AND SPECIAL GUESTS THE ST. PAT’S GOSPEL CHOIR.
After two years of hosting some of the finest Gospel performers around we decided that it was time that we formed our very own Gospel Ensemble! So, under the auspices of 606 regulars, keyboardist Miko Giedroyc and bass player Andre Gabriel in association with the brilliant Gospel singer and choral director Tracey Campbell, we present our very own 10 piece “606 Gospel Group”. This is a band comprising of a 4 piece band accompanying a 6 voice Gospel choir under Tracey’s direction. The choir is drawn from a pool of some of the finest Gospel singers on the scene and is creating real interest, with some excellent singers signed up to work with us. Being December we thought this would be a good time to have a Xmas Party (yeah!) so expect plenty of seasonal fare with our own Gospel twist and help from some terrific Special Guests including the 10 voice St. Pat’s Gospel Choir. Not to be missed!
TONY O’MALLEY is unquestionably one of the most charismatic vocalists working in the UK. A featured performer since the late 60’s his cv is vast, including stints with the band “10CC” and his own seminal Jazz/Funk band “Kokomo”. His brand of jazz tinged contemporary soul and blues is really stunning, with his fabulous, smoky, velvety growl of a voice, delivering original material and some covers in his inimitable style. With 5 cd’s to his name, including one recorded live at Ronnie Scott’s plus a Jazz Standards album, Tony has established himself as one of the most original and powerful performers on the scene today. If you like contemporary R&B vocals with a touch of Jazz in the Blues Brothers style, then this is definitely for you.
“..the velvet gravel throated O’Malley is one of the UK’s most undersung vocal performers..the songs drenched in the deep soulful spirit that characterises everything he touches…one of the UK’s hottest properties” Jazzwise magazine
HAYLEY SANDERSON is a terrific singer who performs an impressive mix of Jazz, R&B and originals with a deft ease. A highly experienced performer she includes work with the likes of Gloria Gaynor and the New Inspirational Gospel Choir, with whom she sang the lead vocal on ‘Down to the River’ that appeared on the album with Mica Paris and Jocelyn Brown. She has an impressive amount of “bv” and studio work (including Talk Talk’s “Something In the Air”) along with numerous tours. Her work as one of the featured singers on TV’s “Strictly Come Dancing” (don’t laugh, it’s a fantastic band) combined with regular appearances at Ronnie Scott’s Club have earmarked this talented young vocalist as someone to definitely watch out for. Tonight Hayley will be featuring material from her latest CD “Just Songs” featuring Rick Wakeman, so expect some Surprise Guests and plenty of fun! A really fine singer and well worth catching.
“Strictly’s unsung resident singer Hayley Sanderson….blew away anything “that..show” has offered us this year” News of The World
Chico Chagas is generally recognised as one of the great Jazz/Brazilian accordionists in World music. His fluent style and remarkable technique have made him something of a star in his native Brazil and it’s our gain that he has now decided to split his time between London and Rio. A real character his music is at once flowing and surprising, melodic and rich in Brazilian melody. Dave O’Higgins is undoubtedly one of this country’s finest modern jazz sax players. His powerful, driving, style has been a feature of the scene since his work with NYJO in the early 80’s, and has been heard with Cleo Lane & John Dankworth, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Jimmy Smith and Annie Lennox to name but a few. A multi award winner (British Jazz awards twice!) he has produced 9 albums to date of his own work, and has appeared on numerous sessions and festivals around the world. A unique band on the UK scene this and absolutely worth catching.
“Chagas…a fine accordionist” Time Out
“a super player..one of Brazil’s top accordionists” UK Accordion
“Dave O’Higgins..…exceptional fluency. ..one of Britain’s finest musicians” Observer
“O’Higgins….virtuoso jazz/fusion saxophonist” Time Out
WEDS 16thNIGEL KENNEDY’s “BIG JAM” with Special Guests OMAR PUENTE & CHRISTIAN GARRICK-violins; ALEC DANKWORTH-bass
One of the greatest classical musicians of his generation and arguably one of the finest living classical violinists, the multi award winning Nigel Kennedy has been at the top of his profession since the early 70’s. A child prodigy he studied at the Yehudi Menhuin School with Yehudi Menhuin himself before completing his studies at the Julliard School in New York. He made his recording debut in 1984 with the Elgar Violin Concerto but it was his version of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” in 1989 that brought him International acclaim and resulted in that record selling over 2 million copies and becoming in that period the best selling classical album of all time. Since then this brilliant musician has gone on to record and perform most of the major violin concerti to universal praise. However, Nigel has always had a fascination and respect for music other than that of the classical canon and as early as 1970 he had performed with the great jazz violinist Stephan Grappelli at Carnegie Hall. A powerful and charismatic performer Nigel has never felt the need to follow the accepted path of the classical violinist and in 1999 he released an album inspired by the work of Jimi Hendrix and in 2005 he went to New York to record a Jazz album on the iconic Blue Note jazz label with some of the finest jazz musicians in the US. A fluent and knowledgeable Jazz performer Nigel has successfully managed to move effortlessly between Classical music and Jazz in a way that very few classical performers at his level have been able to successfully do. A keen supporter of the UK Jazz scene (and Aston Villa!) as well as the 606 Club, the gig tonight came about after Nigel “sat in” on old friend violinist Chris Garrick’s gig here. We all had such a great time that we thought it would be fun to do a full gig. So Nigel came up with this idea of a stunning 3 violin front line that features not only Nigel but also the brilliant Cuban violinist Omar Puente and one of Europe’s leading Jazz violinists Christian Garrick, supported by an “all star” rhythm section of Nikki Yeoh-piano, the great Alec Dankworth-bass and Krzysztof Dziedzic-drums. It is with enormous pride that the 606 Club welcomes tonight this giant of the violin with his Jazz group. Booking advised. “Kennedy is an unstoppable force of joy, and his playing gladdens the heart of any with swing in their soul.” Independent; “an undisputed master of his instrument” BBC; “his criticisms of the classical music business….are the remarks of a man who’s not only sane but brave too.” The Times;
FRI 18th JEREMY STACEY with Special Guest Jason Rebello-piano.
A powerful and highly impressive modern jazz drummer Jeremy is equally at home playing pop, rock, funk or straight ahead jazz. His credentials are vast, having worked extensively in the recording studios as well as on many live gigs. Currently the regular drummer with American icon Sheryl Crow, Jeremy is one of the most respected players of his generation. This gig always attracts the best players around and tonight Jeremy’s band will feature Jason Rebello, one of the most impressive and highly regarded pianists on the scene. Jason includes 5 years with Sting on a glittering, star studded, cv. Also featured with the band tonight is the wonderful guitar playing of Paul Stacey (Black Crowes, Oasis) and the fluent and powerful sax of Ed Jones (“Incognito”, Horace Silver). Quite a band! Booking advised.
“..a fine jazz drummer with an infectious feel. His gigs are ..invariably enlivened by some top class guests” Time Out
"... Rebello is possessed of a great pianistic gift… delicacy of touch, fluency of execution, a lyrical immediately attractive melody" The Times.
CLARK TRACEY is an excellent, highly experienced, Award winning drummer/bandleader/ composer/arranger. Originally featured with the band of his father, Stan, Clark has gone on to establish himself in his own right as one of the country’s leading modern jazz drummers. He includes work with the likes of Johnny Griffin, Pharaoh Sanders, Scott Hamilton, Ronnie Scott and Kenny Wheeler, has recorded over 90 albums (9 as a leader) and performed in around 50 countries. He has been awarded "Best Drums" title three times in the British Jazz Awards and Ronnie Scott's Award for “Best Drums” in 2007. As a bandleader he can boast some of the finest musicians in the UK have passed through his ranks including the likes of Guy Barker, Nigel Hitchcock, Dave O'Higgins, Mornington Lockett and Gerard Presencer. As well as composing and arranging for his own group he has composed for the Berkshire Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Appleby Festival big band and written string quartet arrangements for vocalists Claire Martin & Joan Viskant. The band Clark is leading tonight performs powerful, straight ahead, modern Jazz and features some of the brightest young stars on the scene - Piers Green-sax, Paul Jordanous-trumpet. A great combination of youth and experience!
“…..one of the most impressive jazz drummers in Britain today” The Times
One of the most exciting singers on the Jazz/Soul circuit, Ola combines the sophistication of modern Soul music with the power of his African roots. A charismatic vocalist, Ola has put together a set of his brilliant original material plus some classic Soul and R&B songs that captivate his audiences with their sheer range and power in a show that is full of passion, joy and humour. He has guested with some of America's finest soul and jazz artists including Diane Reeves, Gladys Knight, Al Jarreau, Patti Labelle, Roberta Flack, Joe Zawinul, Natalie Cole, and Roy Hargrove. A well established artist in Europe as well as the UK Ola’s 2008 show for the Leverkusen Jazz Festival was broadcast on WDR Television and his 2009 show is also slated to be broadcast on the same channel, one of the few artists ever to be broadcast twice on WDR from the same festival. Other festival appearances in 2008 included the Edinburgh Festival, Ingolstadt and Aalener Jazz Festivals as well as a show with the WDR Big Band of Cologne at the Cologne Philharmonic Concert Hall. Ola’s remarkable talent is also becoming increasingly recognised in North America with his visits there becoming ever more frequent. He has already performed at the Kennedy Centre, Washington, Joe’s Public Theatre in New York as well as several appearances at the Blue Note in Manhatten and his filmed 2007 concert in Syracuse has received numerous broadcasts on PBS. Summer 2009 sees Ola touring Canada including an appearance on the main stage of the Montreal Jazz Festival which will be filmed for broadcast by Canadian TV. He currently has 7 albums released under his own name, the last 6 on his own label, Rugged Ram Records. 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
“a voice that is beautifully clear and appealingly textured....with a range and smoothness that recalls singers such as Luther Vandross” Guardian
MON 21st“IN THE GROOVE”’S XMAS PARTY featuring Artists of the Soul Reality Collective with Special Guests JOHANNA HARMAN & KATIE LEONE.
This is a special night to showcase some of the best young up and coming soul, funk and groove based singers and players on the scene today, primarily drawn from the Brighton based “Soul Reality Collective”. The “house band” is MD'd by drummer Mat Hector and includes the exciting guitar playing of Terry Lewis (“Mamas Gun”) keyboardist Carl Hudson (The Fontanas, Roberto Manzin) and up and coming young bass player, Mark Wallis. Apart from this first class band “In The Groove” nights will also feature some of the best young singers of this emerging scene.
Johanna Harman has already established herself as a voice of outstanding talent and potential. This summer has seen her signed to a Grammy Winning producer, perform not one, but two, 'BBC introducing' sessions and be invited to appear at South by South West in the States. Jo has also attracted an array of critical acclaim and performed with producers and members from a number of legendary bands and artists including the Average White Band, Amy Winehouse, and Massive Attack.
“Simply terrific” Claire Martin.
Though still in her mid twenties, Katie Leone has already established an impressive CV which, alongside work with established pop acts like ABC and Go West saw her picked as the only female singer on the European leg of Lou Reed's world tour. All this pop and rock experience doesn't detract from the fact that Katie is one of the most highly rated vocalists on the soul and 'nu' jazz scene where her impeccable phrasing and impressive technique set her apart as something quite special. Both singers will perform a wide range of soulful covers and originals accompanied by the 'house band' and, this being their Christmas show, expect some special Surprise Guests! Booking advised..
“The London Horns” are the new sound of the modern Jazz horn section, with a stylistic versatility and a “groove” driven feel that gives them an explosive live impact. Recently returned from the Kylie Minogue world tour the “London Horns” have established themselves as one of the most formidable musical front lines in the world. Barnaby Dickinson, who includes work with Jamie Cullum, is one of the best trombonists in Europe, award winning saxophonist Graeme Blevins is rapidly becoming regarded as one of the most creative and fluent performers around and trumpeter Graeme Flowers has been seen with the likes of Kyle Eastwood and the JTQ. This amazing three horn front line create an electrifying, powerful and highly musical sound performing music which is a mix of groove originals and high energy Jazz standards. Highly recommended.
Well, Xmas is almost upon us, and at this time of the year we decide to get in to the spirit of it all! This is the last night for us before we close for the holidays and we traditionally invite all the musicians who have performed at the Club through the year to come down and join us for “a bit of a party”! The band featured tonight is my team, “SAMARA”, 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, Shirley Bassey and “Down to the Bone”, Dill Katz, the bass player, is visiting professor at the Guildhall, Nic France the drummer has worked with just about everyone, including “Loose Tubes” and Bill Withers, the percussionist, Dawson Miller is generally recognised as one of the most experienced players on the scene. The music is an infectious blend of Brazilian Samba, jazz/latin and Soul, and we all have a great time! Traditionally this is the night that we invite all the musicians who have worked at the Club over the last year and we all have a bit of a “Jam”. It’s a terrific atmosphere and great fun as musos who may not have seen each other for a year get the chance to hang out and play together. Oh, and come prepared to dance!
“Cracking Latin-jazz quintet led by 606 proprietor Steve Rubie on flute and alto saxophone…explores these Latin jazz classics in great rhythmic style” Time Out
Click play if you wish to listen to a sample track by this musician
*** New Year’s Eve Party *** WITH “SAMARA” & FRIENDS FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST VOCALIST: IMAANI
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS: MORNINGTON LOCKETT & TIM WHITEHEAD-SAXES + THE SARAH MOULE TRIO featuring SIMON WALLACE-piano
With a collective of NINE World Class musicians performing an infectious blend of R&B/Latin and Jazz for dancing - and our wonderful Chef JP’s exclusive NYE 606 Club menu – this is guaranteed to be a spectacular night! We are very pleased to have secured the services of one of the finest Soul/R&B singers in the country, the fantastic IMAANI. A terrific singer in the Soul/R&B tradition Imaani’s cv is long and impressive. She first came to prominence as the UK’s 1998 entrant to the Eurovision Song contest (one of the better choices!) where she was runner up and went on to produce a highly successful single that charted around the World. More recently she has completed 5 World tours as lead singer with the iconic band “Incognito” with whom she has had a long association. A powerful and charismatic vocalist this is a rare chance to hear this brilliant singer perform at the Club.
“the magnificent vocals of Imaani” DJ Times
“Imaani’s beautiful vocals are the standout element” JJazzproJect
So if you want to see in 2010 with a unique combination of gastronomic delights and compulsory grooving – look no further!