Co-founder, with Courtney Pine, in the mid 80’s of the iconic band “The Jazz Warriors” multi award winner Cleveland Watkiss has, without question, been one of the most influential singers of his generation. Extremely versatile his smooth, sophisticated, vocals have been heard in an impressive array of different musical settings, from work with the “Who”’s Pete Townsend, through the London Community Gospel Choir to collaborations with the “drum and bass” and “garage” scene. At the same time he has always maintained his powerful jazz roots with work alongside the likes of Jean Toussaint, Julian Joseph and Nikki Yeoh. Demonstrating his great versatility he also starred in Julian Joseph’s groundbreaking Jazz Opera “Bridgetower” to considerable acclaim. The gig features a mixture of classic Jazz standards along with his own, high energy, Jazz originals performed to the highest standards. Also featured tonight are the excellent bass player Karl Rasheed Abel, the Award Winning drummer Shaney Forbes and Special Guest guitarist Marco Piccioni.
Booking advised.
“…confidently delicate, with carefully sculpted melodies, intriguing textures and real drive.” BBC
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.
JEREMY STACEY is a powerful and highly impressive drummer, who 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’s cv is vast including work with the likes of Robbie Williams, Joe Cocker, Echo & the Bunnymen, The Waterboys, Aztec Camera, Jason Rebello, Amy Winehouse, Roachford, Beverly Knight, Eurythmics (w/Stevie Wonder), Tori Amos, Tina Turner….you get the idea! One of the most respected drummers of his generation this gig always attracts the best players around. Previous alumni of Jeremy’s band include pianists Julian Joseph and Robin Aspland (Van Morrison), saxophonists Tim Garland (Chick Corea) and Pat Clahar (Bill Bruford), and guitarists John Parricelli (Loose Tubes) and Paul Stacey (Oasis).
“..a fine jazz drummer with an infectious feel. His gigs are ..invariably enlivened by some top class guests” Time Out
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 “compelling” Independent “a killer voice…. Ola is a class act” Jazzwise “Ola Onabule has a stunning voice of enormous range and emotional clout.” Proper Music magazine
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Hayley 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 vocalist as someone to definitely watch out for. Currently promoting her latest CD “Just Songs” Hayley will be joined by a powerhouse band featuring saxophonist Alex Garnett, and Barnaby Dickinson and Graeme Flowers from the London Horns (see Fri 2nd). 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
EMMA SMITH is without question the leading Jazz vocalist of her generation. Still only 18 years old she sings with a poise and facility that many singers twice her age would kill for. A third generation Jazz musician her grandfather Chris Smith senior played trombone with likes of Tubby Hayes, Oscar Peterson and Frank Sinatra, her father, trumpeter Chris Smith jnr, writes and arranges for the likes of the BBC Big Band, and her mother, Simone, is an excellent sax player. So not too surprising then that she did her first gig when she was 14, started performing with NYJO when she was 15 (she’s now the lead singer with that band) and received a scholarship to the Purcell School of Music when she was 16, the first ever jazz singing student to do so. Her set is a mix of classic and Jazz standards with the odd contemporary number thrown in performed with a great “straight ahead” trio. She already has a terrific CD to her name and the likes of Ian Shaw and Liane Carroll inviting her to join them on the bandstand. So forget all that X factor stuff, if you really want to know who the next generation of singers will feature, check this gig out, she really is excellent.
“...An astonishingly mature performance...Exceptional agility...” The Times “ Emotive power ” Evening Standard.
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 (when we were still at the old place). 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.
“..elegance, thoughtfulness and lucidity” The Times
TRIO featuring JOHN CRITCHINSON, DAVE CLIFF, alec dankworthJohn 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. Alec Dankworth is a terrific musician who first came to prominence with his father, John, but has since gone on to become one of the most respected acoustic bass players on the scene today, including a lengthy stint with the band of Jazz icon Dave Brubeck.
“John Critchinson...one of Britain's finest jazz pianists” Guardian “Dave Cliff…..superb guitarist” Jazzsteps “Alec Dankworth, the paragon of bass uprightness” Observer.
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
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Thurs 8th NICHOLAS MEIER **CD LAUNCH** FEAT. MARK LOCKHEART-SAX
Multi-award winning Swiss guitarist Nicolas Meier is one of the rising stars of the UK jazz scene. Following his scholarship to Berklee in Boston, USA he returned to Switzerland in 1998 but a few years later decided to settle in London. He has toured extensively in Europe, sharing the bill with the likes of Elvin Jones, Brad Meldau, Trilok Gurtu and Bill Evans and in 2006 his band won the prestigious Grand Prize Of The Jury and 1st Prize Jazz Guitar at Jazz a Juan Revelations. Nicolas draws on a multitude of influences, Jazz, Flamenco, Latin and middle-eastern music and his trademark sound, as heard on his Naim albums, is a mixture of Pat Metheny influenced jazz & spicy Turkish & world music rhythms. Tonight Nicolas will be launching his most recent CD “Breeze”, on MGP records, with the musicians featured on that album, Spanish percussionist Demi Garcia and Italian bassist Paolo Minervini. Nicolas himself plays acoustic, fretted and fretless nylon and steel stings guitar, glissentar and baglama and together they cross the borders of jazz, flamenco and oriental music to create a music that is at once flowing and beautiful, powerful and unique. Also featured with this special band this evening is the cultured saxophone of one of the UK’s finest players, Mark Lockheart.
“Meier's technique is phenomenal. Dextrous and vigorous, favoring giddily-fast fingered, serpentine single note runs, it is musicianly in the best sense of the word” All About Jazz
“…compositionally, technically and artistically..in a league of its own.” Jazz UK
“no one quite mixes sounds and styles..like Meier” The Times
“Meier is elegant in tone and bubbling with ideas... his originality as a writer, and a player...dispatches any doubts” The Guardian
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Fri 9th REG WEBB with Special GuestDAVE LEWIS-sax.
Reg 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. Also featured tonight will be their Special Guest jazz saxophonist Dave Lewis (Blockheads, Eric Clapton, John Martyn).
Sat 10th JULIAN MARC STRINGLE AND THE DREAM BAND FEAT. JACQUI HICKS-VOCALS
Julian has established himself as one of the most versatile clarinet and sax players around. His Award Winning clarinet playing in particular is widely recognised as some of the finest in Europe and with his contemporary approach to the instrument he has demonstrated that this most traditional of instruments can be successfully played in a modern context. Widely respected on the UK scene he includes work with the likes of John Dankworth & Cleo Lane, Peanuts Hucko, Wild Bill Davidson, Jim Mullen and Digby Fairweather. As well as performing Julian has also written over 30 TV jingles and documentary film scores and was taken to Paris to arrange and conduct a big band album for Charles Aznavour. The band itself features the phenomenal piano playing of Neil Angilley (Vanessa Mae, Snowboy, Shirley Bassey) and the dynamic line up is augmented by one of the country’s finest singers, Jacqui Hicks. Performing a combination of excellent funky original material as well as classic Jazz standards this is without question a classy gig.
“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 singers in Britain.” M.U. Magazine
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Sun 11th SUNDAY LUNCHTIME SPECIAL (1:00pm-4:00pm). SUNDAY AFTERNOON GOSPEL BRUNCH WITH THE **“606 GOSPEL GROUP”** AND SPECIAL GUEST SHARON McPHERSON.
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 Group! 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 Gospel ensemble, the “606 Gospel Group”. This is a group 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 with some terrific singers signed up to work with us.
Our Special Guest this month is the wonderful Sharon McPherson, one of UK Gospel's best kept secrets. Greatly respected and admired by others on the gospel scene Sharon can usually only be heard in church or in other ministry contexts, with the exception of the 606 Gospel Choir(!) with whom she has performed since the very beginning. Her powerful, soulful, voice has been a mainstay of and inspiration to the 606 Gospel Choir for some years now and it is with enormous pleasure that we feature today the singer who has been aptly described as having “a voice that takes the breath away”.
And don’t forget this is our family day so children are more than welcome.
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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 occasional Jazz number. Her first CD “Bittersweet and Blue” on Universal received enormous acclaim and her second CD “Between me & the Wardrobe” was released to universal praise and excitement. Tonight she will be featuring original material from her recently released magnificent 3rd CD - “All The Ghosts”. And just to prove the point, this enormously talented vocalist with the sultry voice and stylish delivery already includes Sir Paul McCartney, Kevin Costner and Michael Parkinson among her fan base! Quite brilliant.
"One of the country’s most exciting talents" Sunday Times
“..remarkably gifted performer” Guardian
“..majestic-voiced” Jazz UK
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Tonight the 606 Club is very pleased to present one of the icons of UK popular music, Will Young. This one off gig is a rare chance to see one of the UK’s biggest music stars in such an intimate setting. Over the course of two sets Will and his band will be reworking a mixture of jazz standards and 80’s covers, most of which they have never performed publicly before. As a British male artist, Will Young has few contemporary peers. With almost nine million record sales in total, his recent ‘The Hits’ collection was his fifth platinum album in eight years. He is responsible for a catalogue of classic pop songs, from ‘Evergreen’ and ‘Your Game’ to 'Changes' and ‘Leave Right Now’ (the latter having been selected as the weekly exit song for the 2010 series of American Idol) and has been nominated for ten Brit Awards, winning two. Since Pop Idol catapulted him to fame in 2002, Will has successfully mixed mainstream music success with cool collaborations and acting projects, witness his recent guest vocals for Groove Armada and a very funny appearance in Channel 4’s hit series Skins.
He will be playing a series of outdoor gigs this summer, check www.willyoung.co.uk for details.
Tues 13th
CHICO CHAGAS'S “CHORINHO NIGHT”.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. Tonight Chico will be bringing a real taste of Brazil to the Club with his unique renditions of the Traditional Brazilian style of music known as Chorinhos. This is fast flowing, exciting music and for anyone interested in World Music an absolute must. Appearing with Chico will be Jonatham Preiss on 7 String acoustic Guitar, Gaio Lima on Mandolim, Cavaquinho and Percussion and Alua Nascimento also on Percussion.
“Chagas…a fine accordionist” Time Out
“A fantastic musician” Egberto Gismonti “Chagas…a fine accordionist” Time Out “a super player..one of Brazil’s top accordionists” UK Accordion
JAZZ FROM THE ACADEMY This gig is being presented in collaboration with The Royal Academy of Music, 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 Academy’s Jazz course perform a set of standards and original material. Tonight we are featuring the Nadim Teimoori Quintet. 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!
KATRIONA TAYLORis a a versatile singer, equally at home singing Jazz standards, Latin, Soul or her excellent originals. An established solo artist Katriona includes work at prestigious venues such as the Pizza On The Park and Pizza Express, Dean St as well as numerous Music Festivals both in the UK and in Europe, including support for the iconic US guitarist George Benson on the European leg of his world tour. An evocative and engaging singer/songwriter Katriona performs Funk, Brazilian and her first rate originals with an unmistakable interpretation and style. Teamed with her dynamic musicians, including Peter Hammond on piano and Satin Singh on percussion, this is a gig not to be missed.
“Her sultry voice is...something a little special” Daily Telegraph “Her captivating voice will take you to places your heart may have known but long since forgotten.” Kensington & Chelsea Times.
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TRIO MANOUCHE with Special Guest QUENTIN COLLINS Founded by guitarist Simon Harris, Trio Manouche are a world-class gypsy jazz ensemble who perform a mix of traditional classic “swing” tunes and up-beat “quirky” originals. Simon includes performances with legends of the gypsy jazz style such as Tchavalo Schmitt as well as work with more contemporary artists such as Mobo Award Winner Soweto Kinch. And just to prove his versatility he was also recently featured on a Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) video. The rest of the trio is made up of Frank Moon on Acoustic Guitar and Colin Somervell on Double Bass. Tonight the trio will be augmented by their old friend the trumpeter Quentin Collins, one of the UK’s leading jazz musicians, who includes work with the likes of Prince, Roy Ayers, Kyle Eastwood and Omar on a glittering cv. Simon is a former barman here at the Club (in his student days) which makes this is a particularly special gig for us, so expect plenty of fun as well as some great music.
“Quentin Collins…virtuosic” Guardian
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Brandon is an ex-pat Australian saxophonist who has made quite an impression on the scene since becoming resident in London. A leading soloist in several Jazz Orchestras back home he also lead his own successful group before decamping to Europe in 2002. His wonderfully fluent and incisive sax playing has been heard in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark and Portugal, and in London he has performed with the likes of Eric Clapton, Mica Paris, Jools Holland, Carleen Anderson, BBC Big Band and Omar. He has played numerous festivals around the world including the Womad World Music Festival, Reading Rock Festival, Isle of Wight, Brecon Jazz Festival, The Vittoria and Terassa Jazz Festivals in Spain, Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Manly Jazz Festival in Australia, the London Jazz Festival and numerous jazz festivals throughout Italy. The group he leads tonight performs a mix of originals and some classic Jazz standards and promises to be something quite special. Highly recommended.
“Brandon Allen is arguably the most exciting tenor player in Britain today. His phrasing is unashamedly emotional, soaked in the blues tradition” Jazzwise
Driven by the spirit of 1950’s Cuba the “Sugar Kings” present old school salsa with a fiery modern sound. Band leader Flavio Correa and Musical Director Ray Crespo pave the way for their dynamic and talented team to entertain with the music of Latin America. A hugely experienced eight piece band featuring both timbales and congas as well as violin, flute and of course vocals, this steaming band plays music that brings Cuba to life in the centre of London. Perfect for all lovers of Latin music and Jazz alike.
“Latin and Cuban sounds from this authentic eight-piece band that bring their exultant vocals to the heart of Chelsea.” Time Out
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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 18th SUNDAY LUNCHTIME SPECIAL (1:00pm-4:00pm) JANE PARKER QUINTET
Best known for her work with the band “Lush Life” Jane sings a terrific swinging selection of jazz standards from the 30’s to the 90’s. A highly experienced performer Jane includes work at venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, Café de Paris and Le Cafconce (Casablanca) on a lengthy and impressive cv. Accompanied by her excellent trio Jane’s hypnotic renditions of classic standards are quite special.
“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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SUN 18th ANITA WARDELL. **Winner BBC Jazz Awards 2006/7**.
This Award winning singer is another of those powerful and impressive singers who hail from “down under”. Well known as both a teacher and performer, Anita not only performs jazz standards in her own inimitable style, but she is also universally recognised as one of the best “scat” singers in Europe. Invited to perform in New York, she was such a success that she was immediately invited back. This is really good, hard driving jazz from one of the great masters of be-bop vocals. Tonight Anita will be featuring material from her CD “Blue”.
“..the most creative Jazz singer in London” Evening Standard
“..one of the country’s leading..jazz singers” Jazz UK
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Mon 19th Mark Nightingale/Nigel Hitchcock quintet - “Out of The Box”.
Mark Nightingale is widely considered to be one of the finest Jazz trombonists in Europe. A World Class player he won the coveted Don Lusher Award at the age of fifteen and by sixteen was already lead trombonist in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. After graduating from Trinity College of Music in the late 80’s he rapidly established himself as one of the UK’s busiest studio musicians as well as a highly respected Jazz soloist. He has worked and recorded with the likes of Sting, Tom Jones, Henry Mancini, Michel Legrand and Frank Sinatra and as a soloist has appeared alongside Jazz luminaries such as Clark Terry, Bill Holman, Slide Hampton, James Morrison and Ray Brown. As well as leading his own quartet and Big Band Mark is currently to be heard with Cleo Laine and John Dankworth, the Charlie Watts Ten-tet, Stan Tracey’s “Ellingtonia”, the Kenny Wheeler Big Band and the Andy Panayi Quartet. Nigel Hitchcock is unquestionably one of the finest saxophonists of his generation. This multi-award winning musician was lead alto with the NYJO at the age 12, graduating to busy professional session musician by the time he was 16. He has been a featured player with some of the finest musicians in the World, including work with the likes of Ray Charles, Tom Jones and Robbie Williams and Jazz musicians such as Stan Tracey and Claire Martin. In more recent years he has also added composing and arranging to his accomplishments, including works for full-scale orchestra. A fantastic post-bop player his remarkable technique and ferocious attack make him one of the most impressive saxophonists in Europe.
Tonight the quintet will be playing Mark’s original music and arrangements from his latest CD, just released on Woodville Records, “Out of The Box”. Also featured tonight is the (not surprisingly!) World Class rhythm section of Graham Harvey (Stacey Kent, George Benson)-piano, Laurence Cottle (Bill Bruford, Claire Martin)-bass and Ian Thomas (Eric Clapton, Natalie Cole)-drums.
“Nigel Hitchcock…..rich…powerful and individual saxophonist” Independent
“agile player Mark Nightingale….one of the UK's leading trombonists” Guardian
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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.
“impressive hard-bop saxophonist” Time Out
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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, the guitar playing of Leon Stenning and the Harmonica of Patrick Bettison.
“Superior jazz-rock quartet led by ex-Nucleus electric bassist Katz” Time Out
MIKE OUTRAM is without doubt one of the most talented jazz guitarists in Europe. A World Class player his fluent and exciting guitar work has been heard with numerous established artists including the likes of Robert Fripp, Carleen Anderson, Herbie Mann, Stan Sulzmann, Jacqui Dankworth and Dave O’Higgins. Highly respected as a player he is also a professor at both Trinity College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music and includes teaching work at the likes of Middlesex University and Guildhall School of Music. He has also written a monthly tuition column in The Guitarist magazine for the last 3 years. The band he leads performs a mixture of Jazz standards and original material, and for anyone interested in guitar playing of the highest quality, this gig is a must.
“…a young jazz guitarist with world-class credentials” The Guardian
JANETTE MASON. An ‘inspired and inspiring’ keyboard player, Janette’s work encompasses jazz, pop, indie and world music. This versatility has made her a sought after sideman with artists as diverse as Claire Martin and Ian Shaw to legendary singer/songwriter Robert Wyatt, and top pop acts Oasis, Suzanne Vega and Seal. These days she divides her time between performing and writing music for Film and T.V. Her gig, featuring music from her acclaimed album “Alien Left Hand”, is a mix of great originals and Jazz standards in an acoustic line-up. Not to be missed.
“…Din and Tonic showcases a major compositional talent and a fine pianist” Jazzwise
Thurs 22nd ed bentley's “blue note quintet” featuring JIM MULLEN-guitar, DAVE LEWIS-sax
US born Ed Bentley has been resident in the UK since the early 70’s and has carved a significant career on the international Jazz scene as both a fine pianist and organist. His fluent “hard bop” influenced playing has been heard alongside the likes of Deniece Williams, Irene Reed (from the Count Basie Band), Percy Sledge and Bobby Watson. With 7 albums to his name he has performed with his band at the likes of Ronnie Scott’s, The Jazz Cafe and the Royal Festival Hall as well as Clubs and Festivals around Europe. His work with leading International artists has taken him to Australia, the Far East and Africa as well, of course, as the USA. Tonight promoting for his latest CD “Born In Africa” on Prestige Records, Ed will be featuring his great organ-led “Blue Note Quintet” featuring iconic UK guitarist Jim Mullen (“Morrisey Mullen”, Claire Martin) and saxophonist Dave Lewis (John Martyn, John Mayall, Eric Clapton). This is great, swinging modern jazz from some of the most experienced players around.
“He is a player's player, meaty rather than flashy…. he doesn't need to bluff” Evening Standard
“Jim Mullen…one of the great Jazz guitarists working today” Jazzwise
“Highly Recommended, best gig in town” Guardian
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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 5 piece “Funkestra”, the name of which pretty accurately describes the high energy and style of the music. Boasting some of the best players in Europe this band performs original “groove” music with an authority and style that is hard to beat.
“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 24th TONY KOFI. **Winner BBC Jazz Awards 2005/6**.
Having “cut his teeth” in the “Jazz Warriors” of the early 90’s, Award winning saxophonist Tony Kofu has gone on to establish himself as a musician, teacher and composer of some authority. As well as “Nu-Troop” and “Jazz Jamaica” Tony’s alto playing has also been a feature of many bands and artists he has worked with include “US-3” Branford Marsalis, Courtney Pine, Donald Byrd, Eddie Henderson, The David Murray Big Band and Sam Rivers. 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
“There is so much respect in jazz circles for Tony Kofi.” Jazzwise
SUN 25th SUNDAY LUNCHTIME SPECIAL (1:00pm-4:00pm). YOUNEE – A CLASSICAL RECITAL.
Korean singer and virtuoso pianist Younee has been wowing audiences since her arrival on the London scene. A talented singer/songwriter she is actually best known in her native country as a formidable classical pianist. In a rare excursion for the 606 Club, this afternoon will be dedicated to the classical piano repertoire as Younee displays her awesome technique and raw passion with her personal approach to Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff and Gershwin. In the tradition of Mozart and Beethoven she is one of the few classical musicians who improvises her own ‘cadenzas’ so prepare yourself for a memorable ‘total music’ experience. This is classical music for the 21st century. Younee’s repertoire will include the Bach Siciliano, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Chopin’s Ballade and a Rachmaninoff Sonata. A unique way to spend a Sunday afternoon at the 606 Club.
Variously described as “Britain’s most gifted song stylist” and “one of Europe’s most intriguing and intelligent interpreters of the contemporary song” Barb Jungr has successfully combined the intricacies of cabaret with the power of Jazz to create a unique concept of the popular song. It is little surprise that her 6 CD’s have been variously Album of the Year in The Sunday Times, The Telegraph and The Washington Post. Recipient of the “Best International Artist” in New York's “Backstage Awards for Excellence in Cabaret” Barb is a song stylist whose unique voice and imaginative arrangements are internationally recognised. Tonight she will be performing a collection from her newly released album The Men I Love (NaimLabel), a selection of superb songs from The New American Songbook that she premiered with accompanist, arranger and collaborator Simon Wallace at New York's Cafe Carlyle in a sell out run to rave reviews. Featuring material by Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Neil Diamond, Jimmy Webb, David Gates and more Barb pays homage to the writers and songs she loves.
"sensational ....extracts the primal essence of songs" The New York Times
“Poised between pop, jazz and cabaret Jungr’s tributes..are among the most thoughtful of the last decade.” Sunday Times
“genius” Time Out London
“One of the very best nightclub singers in the World” Time Out, New York
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, he has been featured on numerous film and TV soundtracks, Tommy has been heard here at the Club with, amongst others, Madeline Bell and Guy Chambers (Robbie Williams). However, more recently Tommy 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 fantastic 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 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. One of the great British vocalists this rare gig of the Tommy Blaize Band is an absolute must – trust me! Oh, and watch out for Tommy’s regular “Surprise Guest”, the two of them together really are something special.
“Tommy Blaize…oozes Soul and class” Jazz n Jazz.
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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.
Al Wynette.Our regular Mainstream quintet who have been working the first Friday of the month virtually since we opened. Featuring Al on trumpet (and occasional vocals!) and Ron Findon on sax and clarinet this is terrific “good-time” jazz featuring music primarily from the twenties and thirties, and great fun.
Wed 28th **606 Club Special** cd promotion - Dominic Miller
Guitarist Dominic Miller is probably best known as Sting’s “right hand man” and co-writer of Shape of My Heart, amongst a number of other co-collaborations. In the 20 years that he has worked with Sting he has appeared with him on over 1,000 live gigs, 8 albums and 5 World Tours. But Dominic’s terrific guitar playing has not been exclusive to Sting by any means. In his early career he worked with Julia Fordham, Phil Collins and The Pretenders, which lead in 1990 to Sting hearing and hiring him. His massive and impressive cv since then includes work with the likes of Level 42, Tina Turner, Backstreet Boys, Youssou N'Dour and Ronan Keating and his fluent, tasteful and highly creative playing continues to be in demand by musicians at the highest level. As well as a sideman Dominic is also a well established leader in his own right with 4 CD’s to his name and tonight Dominic will be appearing with his own band which features Mike Lindup (Level 42, Da Lata) keyboards & piano, Nicolas Fiszman (Joe Zawinul, Sting) bass and Rhani Krija (Don Byron, Sting) percussion to perform material from his newly released fifth album “November”. This promises to be a very special night and a rare chance to catch this highly respected musician in the intimate atmosphere of the 606 Club. Booking recommended.
£18
“...Guitarist Dominic Miller contributed searing electric fretwork as well as crystalline acoustic chords...”
The Washington Times
“...The band was stellar. Guitarist Dominic Miller is a sensitive and polished fill man who can roar when the call comes” The Seattle Times
“...Miller is capable of just about any guitar style. He would tire rockers with edgy, lightning leads, and in the next number he'd delicately pluck a fluid, classical arpeggio from chords that deformed his hand as it stretched on the guitars fretboard” The New York Post
Thurs 29th PHIL ROBSON **2009 PARLIAMENTARY JAZZ AWARDs “MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR”**
Phil is a multi award winning guitarist/composer (BT “Best Soloist of the Year”, Perrier Jazz Award, Parliamentary Jazz Award “Musician of the Year”) who is generally considered to be one of the most creative and versatile players in the UK. His fluent and melodic playing has been featured in many different bands and he is equally at home in a contemporary setting or playing straight ahead standards. Perhaps best known for his work with the “Partisans” Phil has also worked and recorded with the likes of Dave Liebman, Barbara Streisand (the Jonathan Ross Show), John Taylor, Christine Tobin and Kenny Wheeler. His writing and arranging has also gained much praise in recent years and he is widely regarded as one of the most original voices on the scene today. Also appearing with Phil’s quartet tonight will be the wonderful pianist Jim Watson (“Incognito”, James Moody, Katie Melua).
“fine British guitarist…melodically sparky…softly swinging” The Guardian
“Samara” is a six 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 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!
“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