OLD KINGS SCHOOL ALUMNI JAZZ NIGHT FEATURING JOHN G SMITH, ROBBIE ELLISON
Canterbury’s King’s School was chartered in 1541 and this prestigious school is a beacon of excellence, producing exemplary graduates across a variety of disciplines including politics, literature and music. As part of its brief the School’s alumni association, the OKS, produces numerous ongoing events for its member community, including tonight’s Jazz Night performance here at the 606.
The first set is led by pianist John G Smith with Jon Cox (double bass) & Tim Weller (drums). John started his career playing with National Youth Jazz Orchestra and the award-winning band Roadside Picnic, and then gravitated to the West End where he has performed and conducted many shows including Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables, Lion King and most recently Beautiful! -The Carole King Musical. He has also toured with Elaine Paige, Mari Wilson, Katherine Jenkins, Darcey Bussell, Sting, Damon Albarn, Michael Buble and many more. johngsmithmusic.com/
Drummer and bandleader Robbie Ellison is part of a new generation of jazz musicians coming up through the UK scene in the swinging tradition of jazz music. Currently enrolled at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, he has studied with first-call English drummers such as Matt Skelton, Steve Brown, James Maddren, Josh Morrison and Martin France, as well as one of the premier drummers in the history of the genre, the New York-based Joe Farnsworth. Robbie has also been playing regularly with celebrated Israeli-born bebop guitarist Ofer Landsberg, while co-founding and leading Jessop Jessop Jessop, a hard-bop sextet that plays regularly in London at such venues as the Pizza Express Dean Street, and out of town at the 2017 Aldeburgh Festival . For the second set at the 606 Robbie will feature musicians Jake Werth (piano), India Roestenburg & Dimitri Gripari (vocals) and Hector Page (bass). Interview with Robbie Ellison (London Jazz News)
We are delighted to host what promises to be a delightful and welcoming evening of straight ahead jazz, open to all. Call the Club for more information and to book.