Please note that every night there is a music charge (usually between £8 - £12 per person)
Please note that we have a supper license, so you must eat a substantial meal if you wish to drink alcohol
WED1st
GRAHAM HARVEY One of the most respected pianists on the scene today Graham includes an impressive roster of high profile bands on his cv, including George Benson, iconic Acid Jazz band “Incognito”, the Hamish Stuart Band, the Laurence Cottle Big Band and the BBC Big Band. Currently the featured pianist with singer Stacey Kent, Graham’s fluent and melodic playing has been heard and admired world-wide. Featured tonight with his trio Graham performs a powerful mix of Jazz standards and swinging originals.
RODRIGO LAMPREIASinger, songwriter and guitarist Rodrigo is one of the most promising new talents in Brazilian music, whose musical style is an original blend of Samba, Brazilian pop and tropicalia. Early in his career he played with rock and roll and samba-funk bands (he was lead singer of Chevette 77) as well as with more experimental groups including a samba-funk-rap project, all of which led to the development of his unique, yet beautiful style. (Amy Winehouse finds his music so irresistible she spontaneously joined him for a jam at one of his recent gigs!) Tonight you can expect to hear the catchy sound of his guitar coupled with his great vocal delivery of easy-going lyrics and melodies. A warm and charismatic performer who will make you feel like dancing!
THU 2nd TREVOR WATKIS FEAT Nathaniel Facey-sax; Anthony Kerr-vibes
TREVOR WATKIS is a fine pianist who has established a reputation as one of the most versatile and impressive players on the scene. As well as work with established British artists such as Courtney Pine, and Byron Wallen he has also performed with some of the world’s finest jazz musicians, including Betty Carter, Gary Bartz and Stanley Turrentine. Trevor has recently focused more on his own band work, composing original material as well as arranging some well known and some less played classic Jazz standards. A great player in the “hard-bop” mould, Trevor never fails to deliver and with a band featuring rising sax star Nathaniel Facey (Empirical, Julian Joseph) on alto sax and Anthony Kerr (Georgie Fame, BBC Big Band) on vibes, this promises to be a great, swinging gig.
“..a strong presence as a…straightahead jazz virtuoso…Watkis sustains an eloquent fluency all through…..his punchy compositions” Guardian “Watkis’s….many jaunts to NYC to hone his chops have turned him into one of our greatest unsung post bop piano stars - here with brilliant altoist Nathaniel Facey and vibes master Anthony Kerr.”Time Out “Vibraphonist Anthony Kerr’s burning solos were a highlight of the night..”Jazzwise
“Arakatuba” is a 6 piece Brazilian/Jazz “Groove” band led by one of the finest Brazilian percussion players in Europe, Bosco De Oliveira. The band has performed it’s brand of Jazz influenced Brazilian music around the World and includes work with the likes of Airto Moreira (Miles Davies, Chick Corea) and Dom Um Romao (Weather Report) on an impressive cv. Bosco himself has been resident in the UK since 1984 and is considered to be one of the most influential of the Brazilian musicians currently working in Europe. As well as gigs with his friend Airto, Bosco is one of the co-founders of the London School of Samba and includes work with the likes of Hamish Stuart and Terry Callier on a hugely impressive cv. A highly regarded teacher and lecturer Bosco holds a Masters degree in Music from London University. Also featured in the band are the saxophonist Dave Bitelli (Elton John, Jools Holland) and pianist Ugo Delmirani (Steve Windwood, Ronny Jordan, Mica Paris) playing music Bosco describes as “Brazilian roots with a Jazz/Dance approach”. A rhythmical feast!
“…superb band led by fabulous Brazilian percussionist Bosco D'Oliveira with sublime vocals from Liliana Chachian and saxophonist Dave Bitelli.” Time Out
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The Orient House Ensemble band was formed in 2000 and since then has produced six albums and toured extensively around the world. Gilad is a wonderful sax and clarinet player with a powerful sound and unique approach. His fiery, immensely fluent, playing and remarkable technique have established him as one of the most talented saxophonists in World music, performing a mix of classic Jazz standards and originals with an energy and enthusiasm that is hugely infectious. His most recent CD’s, along with his recently published novels, set him apart as one of the most original and creative players around. Passionate about both his music and his politics Gilad’s gigs are always stimulating both musically and intellectually. Special gig this one, featuring bass player Yaron Stavi (Nigel Kennedy, Robert Wyatt) pianist Frank Harrison and Eddie Hick on drums.
“A master…a jazz giant with a formidable International reputation” The Guardian “Astonishing” Time Out
www.gilad.co.uk
SUN 5th SUNDAY LUNCHTIME SPECIAL (1:30pm - 3:30pm ) “The London Vocal Project” directed by Pete Churchill
Directed by composer, arranger and educator Pete Churchill, the London Vocal Project is composed of students and alumni from the various jazz courses at London's Conservatoires. From a solid foundation in Gospel and Groove music, the London Vocal Project has developed into an impressively versatile ensemble with a constantly expanding repertoire. Since its inception in January 2008 it has rapidly become recognised as the leading contemporary jazz-vocal ensemble in the country. A unique and welcome addition to the Jazz scene, the London Vocal Project has not only a clear identity but the requisite vision and diversity to attract a new vocal repertoire from jazz composers. In addition to regular concerts in venues around London, recent highlights for the group include singing with Dame Cleo Laine and the late Sir Johnny Dankworth at the London Jazz Festival in 2009 (vocal arrangements by J.D.!), a memorable performance of Kenny Wheeler's vocal suite 'Mirrors' with the great Norma Winstone MBE at the Vortex jazz club and a great gig with Bobby McFerrin and Roger Treece in the British premiere of his new album 'VOCAbuLarieS' at the Barbican.
" Rooted in the gospel tradition, this is an outfit with exceptional potential - the hushed harmonizing was a delight… more please!" The Times
Pete is highly regarded as a performer, composer and teacher, playing jazz standards in the classic piano trio style, as well as being a marvellous vocalist. In addition to his singing Pete is also a terrific raconteur, making this a wonderfully interesting as well as a hugely musically enjoyable gig.
“Churchill has a warm, rough-edged, lived-in voice which brings added resonance to the lyrics…” All About Jazz
Singer/guitarist Sarah Gillespie has established a reputation on the circuit as a unique and creative musical force. Described by Rock’n’Reel as “a bracingly eclectic mix of Beat poetry with jazz, folk and Middle Eastern elements” Sarah’s performances are as musically appealing as they are intellectual – her terrific lyrics reflect her passion for politics (she writes occasional political papers and fundraises for numerous causes). Her debut CD “Stalking Juliet” was received with considerable critical acclaim and has led to appearances on BBC Radio as well as numerous festivals, jazz clubs, venues and Arts Centers across Britain. Sarah’s quartet tonight features a great line-up of Gilad Atzmon-accordion, clarinet and sax, Enzo Zirilli-drums and Ben Bastin-double bass.
“…an incandescent new presence who matches her imposing delivery with superior lyrics” Guardian
“Haunting tunes and striking lyrics … yearningly pretty and bitter sweet.” The Independent
NEIL ANGILLEY is a brilliant pianist, equally at home playing Jazz, Latin or Classical. He has worked with the acid jazz percussionist Snowboy, violin virtuoso Vanessa Mae and was keyboardist and arranger for Jazz chart topping band “Down to the Bone” and includes work with the likes of Shirley Bassey, Michael Ball and “War of The Worlds” on a glittering cv. A great Latin/Brazilian player his remarkable playing is enormously respected throughout the scene. Look out for Neil’s debut album “Havana Club” featuring some of his renowned Latin/jazz original compositions. Also featured tonight will be his storming rhythm section of Davide Giovaninni on drums/timbales/vocals and Davide Mantovani on bass. Quite brilliant.
“Inventive” Observer “Lyrical…impressively fluid” The Times “rhapsodic..with shrewd use of space and restraint” Guardian
MIKE JANISCH/LEON GREENING QUARTETwith Special Guests JURE PUKL and KLEMENS MARTL.Since settling in London from his native USA, Mike Janisch has rapidly established himself as one of the leading acoustic bass players on the scene. A powerful and fluent player he includes Joe Lovano, Dianna Reeves, Shirley Horn and Clark Terry on an impressive cv which also includes gigs at the Hollywood Bowl and the Monterey Jazz Festival. Playing all styles of music from classical to soul, Michael has been featured on over 20 albums, playing both electric and acoustic bass. Leon Greening isa truly impressive pianist – since being named runner up in the Young Jazz Musician of the Year in 1999 he has performed with most of the leading UK jazz artists including Peter King, Jim Mullen, Clark Tracey, Dave Cliff, Guy Barker, Matt Wates, Alex Garnett and Anita Wardell. Leon is also an experienced teacher, composer and bandleader. Fluent and melodic, his mature playing in the classic be-bop tradition places him without doubt in the vanguard of the British modern jazz scene.
The band tonight features a stellar international line-up including the Slovenian saxophone star Jure Pukl, and Austrian drummer Klemens Martl. Impressive music from some very fine players.
“Janisch’s…bass solo got the cheers and the rousing applause it deserved” LondonJazz “brilliantly imaginative player, a force of nature” JazzWise “(Greening)..stole the show..phenomenal” Jazzsteps
Nick Weldonis an experienced and impressive modern jazz pianist, arranger and composer. Active on the scene since the early 80’s his cv includes stints with the likes of Joe Jackson, Annie Ross, Mark Murphy, Sonny Stitt, Johnny Griffin and Jimmy Witherspoon, as well as extensive teaching credits. He also works regularly in the combined music and prose field with his mother, Fay.
“The Nick Weldon trio… is an unqualified triumph... enjoyable and artfully sculpted music” The Times
THUR 9thED BENTLEY’S “BLUE NOTE QUINTET” featuring JIM MULLEN; DAVE LEWIS
US born Ed Bentleyhas 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
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 11thPeter King QUARTET with Special Guest MORNINGTON LOCKETT
After taking the scene by storm in the early sixties with the Ronnie Scott quintet, Peter 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. The featured saxophonist with the Charlie Watts band his playing has made him famous worldwide. Peter has always been a great supporter of the Club and it is with enormous pleasure that we welcome this saxophone giant. Peter’s special guest tonight is the remarkable Mornington Lockett. One of the UK’s leading tenor sax players Mornington worked with the Ronnie Scott quintet before moving on to work with singer Sarah Jane Morris and the Tracey’s, Stan and Clark, as well as being the driving force behind the briliant “Celebrating the Jazz Couriers” quintet. He has a powerful and hugely impressive sound and approach. This gig is a rare chance to hear two of the finest saxophonists in World Jazz playing together and is an absolute must for anyone interested in great modern Jazz.
“Peter King….plays with...searing authority” Guardian
“Lockett..plays with tremendous fluency and drive” Evening Standard “World class” Jazz Journal “inspired” Jazzwise Magazine
Sun 12thSUNDAY LUNCHTIME SPECIAL (1:00pm-4:00pm) “606 Gospel Group” AND SPECIAL GUEST LIZ SWAIN
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.The Special Guest today is Liz Swain, one of the Choir regulars who is finally stepping in to the limelight for the first time here at the Club. She has sung at the Prague Music Festival, the Royal Opera House, The Vortex, The Spitz, the Royal Albert Hall, the Hackney Empire, The Barbican and at the Brecon, London and Montreux Jazz Festivals.
And don’t forget this is our family day so children are more than welcome.
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Sarah Jane’s career started in the early 80’s with the politically active bands The Republic, Happy End and the Communards through to her current International success as a singer/songwriter of undeniable stature. To give just some idea of Sarah Jane’s breadth and creativity, concert highlights have included a Swing Ladies concert with Chaka Khan and Monserrat Caballe, a performance in front of 10,000 fans in Athens, Venice Opera House, Taormina Amphitheatre in Sicily, Royal Albert Hall, a European Tour with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, numerous sell-out weeks at Ronnie Scott's and the “What Women Want” concert with Sinead O'Connor and Chrissie Hynde at the Royal Festival Hall. Recent Festival appearances include, Norway, Umbria, Montreal, Montreux, Vancouver, Bremen and San Remo. Sara Jane’s music straddles rock, blues, jazz and soul and is hard to define but she likes to describe herself as “Nina Simone meets Janis Joplin”!. This promises to be an exceptional gig from some of the UK’s finest musicians. Booking recommended.
“A voice that can excite shivers of passion and delight … Soaring, swooping, sensual and sophisticated, this voice is more than a style, it’s a force of nature” Observer “..mesmeric” Guardian “..a vocal Titan” The Star Phoenix, Montreal “Her excellent voice soars and swoops with the agony and ecstasy of the delta and smoky Chicago clubs” Daily Telegraph “Those in-the-know rate her as one of the world's great jazz-soul vocalists” Vogue Italia “Sarah Jane Morris has earned her “queenly” status” New York Times.
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!
DAN REINSTEIN 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. Also featured tonight is the excellent trumpet of Paul Jayasinha
“impressive hard-bop saxophonist” Time Out
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DILL KATZ 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 guitar playing of the excellent Leon Stenning
“Superior jazz-rock quartet led by ex-Nucleus electric bassist Katz” Time Out
IAIN BALLAMY’S “ANORAK” Iain Ballamy is an Award winning saxophonist who is one of the most interesting and creative players on the World Jazz stage. A leading UK musician since his time with “Loose Tubes” and the Bill Bruford Band in the mid 80’s, Iain’s cv reads like a who’s who of Jazz, including the likes of Hermeto Pascoal, Gil Evans and long time collaborator Django Bates. He has appeared at numerous International Festivals and venues and can be heard on over 40 CDs. Parallel to his international jazz career Iain has also pursued his interest in world music, playing concerts in India and Europe and forging strong working relationships with renowned musicians from Hungary, Norway, Spain, Sudan and Brazil. Not surprisingly Iain recently received the Award For Innovation at the BBC Jazz Awards. A special performer who combines intense creativity, broad musical influences and winning humour all in one, unique, style. Also featured are the brilliant pianist Gareth Williams, the highly respected bass player Steve Watts and iconic drummer Martin France.
“..leaves you in absolute awe…the sheer virtuosity and sense of joy makes you feel like a kid about to step onto a twinkling, old-fashioned merry-go-round” BBC.
“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. Featured this month is the excellent pianist Matt Robinson. The playing of the students is of an extraordinary high level and if you want to spot the next Jazz stars, this is the gig to be at!
VANESSA HAYNES 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) 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
An award winning saxophonist, Derek is perhaps best known as one of the featured saxophonists with the Jules Holland Band as well as leader of the enormously successful “Sax Appeal”. An experienced musician of many years standing his muscular, fluent, modern Jazz playing has been recognised with a number of awards, including “Best Jazz Ensemble” and “Best Jazz CD” as well as being voted one of the top 5 saxophonists in the country. And if all that wasn’t enough he is also highly regarded as a recording engineer and producer.
“..bravura display of contemporary saxophone” The Observer “..breathtaking” Sunday Times
Sun 19th SUNDAY LUNCHTIME SPECIAL (1:30pm-4:00pm) Gareth Lockrane Big Band
Over the last couple of years Award Winning Jazz flute player Gareth Lockrane has established himself as one of the finest flautists in Europe with a string of high profile appearances alongside the likes of the James Taylor Quartet, Natalie Williams and Bheki Mseleku. It is a measure of Gareth’s growing International standing that he was recently named “Rising Star on Flute” in the prestigious 2008 Downbeat Critics Poll (USA). This afternoon Gareth will be fronting his 18 piece big band which will perform mainly his arrangements of a mix of originals and classic Jazz standards. Given Gareth’s standing on the UK scene it’s not surprising that his Big Band attracts some of the finest players around, including the likes of Alex Garnett (Van Morrison), Sam Mayne (BBC Big Band), Henry Collins (Amy Winehouse), Trevor Mires (Incognito) and Mike Outram (BBC Big Band). A rare gig by this exceptional band and not to be missed.
“Lockrane’s flute work is exceptional, combining a relaxed fluidity with an acute adventurousness…...very special indeed” Jazzwise “..formidable” Guardian “..brilliant” Observer “Flute phenomenon” Evening Standard “..breathtaking…dazzling..” Allaboutjazz.
Sun 19thChristine Tobin “Tapestry Unravelled” feat. liam noble-piano
One of the foremost UK Jazz singers for more than 20 years Award winning vocalist Christine Tobin just gets better and better. With 8 cds, numerous gigs and a number of high profile interviews to her name she is without question one of the leading lights of the European Jazz scene, a fact emphasised by her BBC Jazz Award for “Best Vocalist”. Highly versatile, she performs with her beautiful clear, rich, voice, a set that is a truly marvellous mix of originals and established and lesser-known Jazz classics. Tonight’s gig features songs from Liam and Christine’s new album “Tapestry Unravelled”, a beautiful reappraisal of Carole King's classic album “Tapestry”, so expect versions of classic songs like “You’ve Got a Friend” and “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”, interpreted in Christine’s striking, inimitable style. A world class vocalist.
“One of the country’s finest musicians” Time Out
“...peerless” Jazzwise “Christine Tobin and Liam Noble are jewels of the British jazz scene for vocal and keyboard creativity respectively” Guardian
After achieving international recognition for her work with the Latin/Funk band “Da Lata” Guida’s love for Brazilian music led her to form her own band “Jazzinho”, in which she has combined classic Brazilian rhythms with more contemporary music to produce a terrirfic set of primarily original material which is quite wonderful. Full of rhythmic influences she describes the music as “a sophisticated blend of Afro/Brazilian, dance rhythms, Jazz, traditional Portuguese (her native language), R&B and soulful Bossa Nova”. Featuring regulars Marcelo Andrade-sax/violin, Anselmo Netto-percussion and Nic France-drums this is a fantastic band of great players performing wonderful, joyful, music.
“…captivating (music) featuring de Palma's awesome vocals and swing”. MusicaBrasileira
In a change from our usual entertainment the 606 Club have once again teamed up with J V Productions to present the excellent comedy duo FRISKY & MANNISH. Chanteuse Frisky and maestro Mannish are the creators and purveyors of their own peculiar brand of “twisted pop cabaret” applying a humorous insight in to every major pop icon from the past thirty years. You want to know what's actually going on beneath the vacuous pop propaganda? Wonder no more!
“..their pop-song mash-ups are skilfully layered and musically surprising, and they have strong voices and stronger personalities...for an hour at least you...won’t want to be anywhere else” The Guardian.
As this is unlike our usual Jazz nights J V will be charging £27.50 entry, which includes a meal and the performance. Please contact JV to book on 01892 783775
Andrea Vicari's“Ex Tempore”Andrea has established herself in recent years as one of the leading UK contemporary pianists. Highly experienced she includes three excellent CD’s and a host of high profile musicians on her extremely impressive CV. She has worked with the likes of US greats Art Farmer and Eddie Harris as well as the likes of Tim Garland, Don Weller and Mornington Lockett. Andrea is also a highly respected Jazz educator, holding the positions of Professor of Jazz Piano at London's Trinity College of Music and Musical Director of the Dordogne Jazz Summer School. This is fine, high energy, playing of a very impressive standard. Anrea’s band tonight features Elvis Stanic-guitar; Hristo Yotsov-drums and Dorian Lockett-bass.
"one of the most brilliant jazz musicians in the UK - an outstanding pianist and superbly fertile composer"Penguin Rough Guide to Jazz "a sharp post-bop piano improviser and prolific composer - breathtakingly eclectic."The Guardian
**European Exchange Initiative** the Gabor Bolla quartetThe quartet was formed in 2003 by Gabor Bolla, then aged just 15 but already considered a prodigious saxophone talent. He was 12 when he won first prize in the National Music Schools' Competition and 14 when he appeared at the Getxo Jazz Festival in Bilbao. Since then, he has reached the semi-finals of the World Saxophone competition twice and has become an international success with performances at the Yatra Jazz Festival in India, the Bucharest Jazz Festival, the Peter & Paul Festival in St.Petersburg and the London Jazz Festival as well as winning a variety of awards, including the Hans Koller Prize for the Talent of the Year in Vienna and both the Grand Prix and the Prix du Public at the 2005 Avignon Jazz Festival in France. The quartet plays accessible, enjoyable mainstream jazz with a repertoire that includes standards as well as their own great original tunes.
“We can count ourselves lucky if once in a hundred years we have such a stellar talent as Gabor Bolla” Gramafon Magazine
This gig
is part of an ongoing “European Exchange” initiative promoted by the 606 Club to provide a platform for some of the finest European musicians, in return for which the Club arranges for UK based musicians to perform in the home country of the guest artists. In this way it is hoped that the music of these fine players can be brought to a wider audience around Europe.
“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
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DAVE O’HIGGINS is undoubtedly one of this country’s finest modern jazz sax players who includes work with the likes of Cleo Lane & John Dankworth, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Jimmy Smith and Annie Lennox. A multi award winner he has produced 9 albums to date of his own work and appeared on numerous sessions and festivals around the world. Currently he is working with his own, terrific, quartet, a storming 10 piece band (the “Biggish” Band) for which he also writes and arranges, an organ based “groove” band (“Organic Grooves”) and with one of New York’s leading sax players, Eric Alexander in a classic two sax “hard bop” quintet performing on both sides of the Atlantic. In addition to all that he includes playing, writing and recording work with the “Jazzcotech Dancers” and has recently formed a band with two Norwegians and a Swede which has performed at venues around the World. Dave is also a respected Jazz educator including work at Leeds College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music and the Universities of Natal and Cape Town. The music is a mixture of jazz standards and great originals and is powerful yet always lyrical and accessible.
“…exceptional fluency. ..one of Britain’s finest musicians”Observer “….virtuoso jazz/fusion saxophonist” Time Out “….world class player” BBC Music Magazine “…Dazzling”Guardian
Award winning vocalist Sara Colman is perhaps best known at the Club as one of the three singers in the vocal group “The Passion”. Bearing in mind the other two were Liane Carroll and Jacqui Dankworth this gives some idea of the circles that this highly talented singer moves in. Based in the Midlands, which is probably why we hear less about her in London than we should, she was a finalist in the BBC Radio 2 “Sold on Song” songwriting competition, was among the elite group of artists selected for the Jerwood series of Rising Star concerts at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival and was a recipient of one of the inaugural Birmingham Jazz Awards. She includes performances at venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, Symphony Hall, Birmingham and the Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, has been heard at numerous festivals around the country including Bath, Cheltenham and Warwick and has appeared regularly on BBC Radio. Her soulful voice with it’s lovely Jazz feel lends itself beautifully to the eclectic set of Jazz standards, gentle “Groove” and impressively excellent original material that she performs with a band of the highest calibre. Tonight she will be performing songs from her latest album “Ready” of which the great Ian Shaw said “Sara invokes the range and vulnerability of Rickie Lee Jones, the purity of tone of Laura Nyro and Judie Tzuke......and if it's jazz singing you need, it's here in bucketloads, a genuine feel for the elasticity and playfulness of swing phrasing and a true improviser's ear. A naturally soulful and emotionally true voice”. And believe me, he knows what he’s talking about! Highly recommended.
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
www.tonyomalley.com
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Simon MulliganAlthough 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.
“Pianist Simon Mulligan plays up a storm” Dallas Morning News
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Nikki Iles A performer, teacher and composer, award winning musician Nikki Iles is widely regarded as one of the finest modern jazz pianists in Europe. After establishing her credentials through the 90’s as both performer and educationalist in the North of England, most notably with the Creative Jazz Orchestra and as a lecturer at the Leeds College of Music, Nikki made the move to London in the late 90’s. Since then her fluent and enormously creative playing has been heard with a wide variety of the finest UK musicians, including the likes of Kenny Wheeler, Stan Sulzmann, Norma Winstone and Tina May as well as with her own trios and quartets. A greatly respected teacher she is currently a Senior Lecturer at Middlesex University and in 2002, in California USA, she was awarded the International Association of Jazz Educators Award for Outstanding Services to Jazz Education. And as if all that wasn’t enough she is also a highly regarded composer, with commissions over the last 14 years ranging from the London Sinfonietta to Tim Garland. A rare visit to the Club with her own group from this outstanding musician and absolutely not to be missed.
“A formidable UK jazz presence… intelligent, sharp and very musical” Guardian “an arranger of considerable talent and a gifted composer..” The Times “compelling soloist” Jazz UK
Patrick Wood’s“The Works”An experienced pianist and guitarist Patrick has gathered together an impressive quartet to perform his excellent originals, which he describes as “..accessible Jazz grooves, with a distinctive twist”. The gig also features saxophonist Mark Lockheart, along with “Samara” drummer Nic France and bassist Neville Malcolm.
“..the emphasis is on the composition...exhilarating, inspired sounds” Time Out
Tim Richards is a modern jazz pianist, composer and educator whose style is described by The Rough Guide To Jazz as "Luminously funky... laced with the blues." Best known for his work with “Spirit Level”, with whom he released 7 albums and toured internationally, his incisive and imaginative piano playing is both impressive and interesting. In recent years Tim has won acclaim as a composer and arranger, writing contemporary classical pieces for his new band “Great Spirit” whose performances and CD alike received outstanding reviews, while also finding time to teach jazz piano at Goldsmith and publish several acclaimed piano tutorials. The gig tonight features the impressive Dominic Howles on bass and the excellent Jeff Lardner on drums.
"Tim Richards' piano playing has the distinction of being both adventurous and immediately attractive." The Observer
“British jazz at its best” Jazzwise
www.timrichards.ndo.co.uk
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