For information on upcoming gigs and typical menu, please send an email with your name, telephone number and postcode to belvederejazz@gmail.com
Please remember we are an all-dining club.
2019
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Wed09Jan2019
Derek Nash Picante Latin Sextet
Derek Nash – saxes
Dominic Ashworth – guitar
Robin Jones – percussion & congas
Andy Staples – bass
Neil Angilley – keyboards
Marc Cecil – drums
We welcome back leading saxophonist Derek Nash, a featured soloist with the Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, and his fabulous Latin/Salsa band to the Belvedere. Co-founded with guitarist Dominic Ashworth, who was awarded Jazz Guitarist of the Year in 2006, they are joined by world-renowned, master percussionist and leader of King Salsa Robin Jones plus Marc Cecil, the drummer with King Salsa and other Latin bands. On the keyboards is Latin-maestro Neil Angilley who has previously appeared at the club with Julian Marc Stringle. This stellar line-up is completed by the bass of Andy Staples who plays and records with several leading UK bands.
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Wed16Jan2019
Award Winning International Singing Star Matthew Ford
Matt Ford Matthew Ford – vocals
John Horler – piano
Ian Laws – guitar
Joe Pettitt – double bass
Neil Bullock – drums
Star vocalist on the 2018 Nationwide tour of ‘Celebrate Sinatra’ Matthew has made multiple appearances on the BBC Proms and Friday Night Is Music Night. Recent appearances include the John Wilson Orchestra, Halle, Ulster Orchestra and BBC Concert Orchestras.
John Horler has for over twenty years performed with Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo Laine. Guitarist Ian Laws has performed with the BBC Big Band, BBC Concert Orchestra, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Jamie Cullum, Barry Manilow and Ray Charles. Double bassist Joe Pettitt is leader of the Len Phillips Big Band and has played in the BBC Big Band. Drummer Neil Bullock has performed for the Jeff Hooper, BBC and the Fat Chops Big Bands.
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Wed23Jan2019
Harlem Meer Cats
Ned Bennett – alto sax & clarinet
Ben Cummings – trumpet
Jeff Williams – trombone
Colin Good – piano
Jerome Davies – double bass
Chris Nickolls – drums
Formed in 2015, the Meer Cats is made up of 6 of the finest early jazz specialists in London, playing the music of Duke Ellington’s bands of the late 1920s and early 1930s, recreating the Cotton Club in New York with growling trumpet and trombone, haunting clarinet, swooping sax and African drum rhythms, with plenty of Swing!
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Wed30Jan2019
Salud Tom Jobim
Georgia Mancio – vocals
Mark Crooks – tenor sax/clarinet
Robin Aspland – piano
Colin Oxley – guitar
Dave Ohm – drums
Simon Thorpe – double bass
Award-winning jazz vocalist/lyricist, Georgia Mancio (Alan Broadbent, Ian Shaw, ReVoice! Festival) and virtuoso reeds player, Mark Crooks (The Lincoln Center NYC, BBC Proms/John Wilson Orchestra) co-lead this tribute to the remarkable Brazilian composer, singer, multi-instrumentalist and Bossa Nova co-creator Antonio Carlos ‘Tom’ Jobim. Jobim’s beautiful, bitter-sweet melodies evoke the sunshine and easy rhythm of Brazil combined with a jazz musician’s sense of harmony, the eloquence of George Gershwin and Irving Berlin and the sweep of Debussy, Chopin and Ravel. Salud! Tom Jobim recreates the hits (Desafinado, Chega de Saudade, Corcovado and most famously The Girl from Ipanema) as well as lesser known gems with collaborators Elis Regina, Stan Getz, João and Astrud Gilberto. Georgia and Mark lead an all-star band to pay an authentic and soulful appreciation of the timeless music of one of the world’s greatest composers.
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Wed06Feb2019
Mick Foster Quartet
Mick Foster – baritone, alto and C Melody saxes,
Dominic Ashworth – guitar
Tristan Mailliot – drums
Tom Farmer – double bass
Saxophonist Mick Foster (Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Humphrey Lyttelton, John Dankworth, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) brings his quartet for an evening of melodic jazz playing some of the great tunes from the American songbook, as featured on his album ‘Four Views’. Expect to enjoy On The Sunny Side Of The Street, Moonlight In Vermont, But Beautiful, I’m Old Fashioned, ‘Recado Bossa Nova’ Emily and Broadway, as well as one or two Gerry Mulligan pieces. Mick will be playing baritone sax as well as alto and C Melody saxes, is joined by Dominic Ashworth on guitar, Tom Farmer on double bass and Tristan Mailliot on drums.
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Wed13Feb2019
Peter Grant
Admission £15
Peter Grant – vocalsJohn ‘Boysey’ Battrum – tenor sax
Danny McCormack – piano
Dave Tandy – drums
Peter Grant is considered one of the UK’s finest male vocalists being influenced by the greats, Frank Sinatra, Matt Monro, Harry Connick to name a few. Peter’s voice is drenched with classic tone sitting perfectly in the Big Band, Jazz, Swing genre yet his voice reaches out combining his old soul with many musical styles, putting a new stamp on the word Crooner. Cutting his teeth through his teens Peter performed at every type of gig you can think of, travelling the UK performing with Big Bands where he further developed and found his own sound. By 17 Peter was signed to Universal Records and has since recorded three commercially released studio Albums achieving a Top Ten Album and Gold selling record. The success of his recording career has brought multiple TV appearances including Michael Parkinson, Loose Women, This Morning, GMTV, Alan Titchmarsh and several national Radio tours, making Pete a firm favourite at the BBC. Album sales are heading towards 200,000. Theatre tours, sell out runs at Ronnie Scott’s, Multiple Grand Prix parties and has been invited to perform at such events like BBC’s Children in need, Friday Night is Music Night, Don Black’s 80 Birthday celebration at the London Palladium. Audiences worldwide have enjoyed Peter’s music from Royalty to Celebrities like Jamiroquai, Janet Jackson, Joss Stone etc. His concert is packed with energy and completely original arrangements – this is not your average Swing singer, this is a real crooner!
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Thu14Feb2019
The Jive Aces - The UK's No. 1 Swing Band
Thursday
Ian Clarkson – Vocals & Trumpet
Ken Smith – Double Bass
Vince Hurley – Piano
Peter Howell – Drums
John Fordham – Saxophone
Alex Douglas – Trombone
We welcome back the UK’s No 1 Swing Band The Jive Aces who appear at the Club after returning from their latest tour of the USA. The band combine a mixture of fresh arrangements of swing/Jive/R&B classics – songs made famous by such greats as Louis Prima, Cab Calloway, Bobby Darin, Louis Armstrong, Dean Martin, Big Joe Turner and Sammy Davis Jnr – along with a selection of superb swinging originals taken from their studio albums. Admission £15 by reservation only
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Wed20Feb2019
Getz: A Musical Portrait
Chris Ingham – piano/commentary
Mark Crooks – tenor sax
Arnie Somogyi – double bass
George Double – drums
This is a heartfelt, career-wide celebration of the great lyrical genius of the saxophonist Stan Getz, from the 1940s to the 1990s, taking in the swinging 1950s, the Bossa nova years of the early 1960s and many rich and daring collaborations with some of the great musicians of the era.
“Mark Crooks’ tenor raises the hairs on the back of the neck…” LONDON JAZZ NEWS
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Wed27Feb2019
Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz Giants
Kevin Grenfell – vocals, trumpet/trombone
Jeremy Huggett – vocals/sax/clarinet
‘Baby’ Jools Aldridge – drums
Simon Smith – double bass
Phil Nice – piano/vocals
Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz Giants are a versatile swinging five piece and performing a varied selection of music from across the decades, embracing the golden age of Swing, to the timeless classics of Sinatra, Dean Martin and Nat King Cole, to name but a few. Swing by and join them!
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Wed06Mar2019
Al Nicholls Quartet
Al Nicholls – tenor saxophonePaul Eldridge – piano
Manuel Alvarez – double bass
Paul Robinson – drums
Top London saxophonist Al Nicholls plays with a ravishing, full rounded sound in the tradition of Coleman Hawkins. From “smoochy” ballads, through to swinging up-tempo numbers, Al’s great sound is perfect in creating that after hours, jazz club atmosphere. His repertoire encompasses literally hundreds of the classic “standards” of the 30s, 40s and 50s, written by masters such as George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Rogers and Hart and Duke Ellington.
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Wed13Mar2019
Jeff Hooper Big Band
Admission £20 by reservation only
Jeff Hooper is one of the most talented and best liked singers on the European music scene, and developed his talent as a singer with the famous Syd Lawrence Orchestra, tonight brings his 14 piece big band for the second time to our Club.Early in his career Jeff worked with Matt Monro (who taught him how to tie a bow tie!), Morecambe and Wise, and Stephane Grappelli. Jeff came second in the Star Search USA show in Hollywood and was then voted one of the top three rising stars in the world by the Frank Sinatra Music Society.
Jeff breathes new life into the music of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat “King” Cole, Vic Damone, Jack Jones, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr, Matt Monro and Mel Tormé with a relaxed, emotive style. In a music world dominated by cyber-pop and short-lived wonders, Jeff’s enduring quality is a breathtaking voice and sheer magnetism that has survived the changing trends.
This isn’t only because the songs he sings are time-honoured masters in their own right, it’s down to his unique voice, chestnut warm and chocolate rich, classic, certain and reassuring. Jeff likes to give really well presented shows with entertaining dialogue and, combined with his magnificent singing, has made him a popular figure on the music scene. Admission £20 by reservation only
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Wed20Mar2019
The Rag and Bone Club
Hazel Holder – vocalsStephen Large – piano
Ben Cummings – trumpet
Lucy Shaw – double bass
Niall Oates – tenor sax
Andy Jones – drums
Dominic Ashworth – guitar
” handles the classics as the gems they still are ” – The Guardian
This highly entertaining 7 piece band is fronted by the classy singer Hazel Holder who has West End and Broadway shows under her belt and is currently resident director on the West End musical ‘Dream Girls’. The band is led by pianist Stephen Large who has been musical director for Caro Emerald, Rebecca Ferguson and Duffy as well as having been MD/keyboard player for Paul Heaton/Jackie Abbott, Imelda May, Clare Teal, Martha Reeves and Rod Stewart. He has also taken over Jools Holland’s role as keyboard player in the band Squeeze. Describing themselves enigmatically as ‘itinerant dealers in second-hand soundings and muggled melodiousness!’, The Rag and Bone Club deliver an outstanding performance of musical excellence with a keen reference to the music of the 1930s and 40s swing era. The band is influenced by jazz aristocrats such as Peggy Lee, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Ramsey Lewis, Chet Baker and Nat King Cole. They are all experienced musicians having worked with legendary artists including Kenny Ball, The Humphrey Littleton Band, Paul Mc Cartney, Stevie Wonder as well as playing with The Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Pee Wee Ellis and Jamie Cullum. Their album entitled ’Take Away Everything’ features original jazz compositions along with innovative takes on old classics.
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Wed27Mar2019
The Essex Hot Five
Paul Higgs – trumpet/flugelhorn/vocals
Mick Foster – saxes
Ted Beament – piano
Marc Cecil – drums
Andy Staples – double bass
Led by the renowned trumpeter Paul Higgs (BBC Philharmonic Orchestra) the Essex Hot Five will perform your favourite standards featuring Mick Foster (Pasadena Roof Orchestra) Andy Staples and Marc Cecil (Derek Nash’s Picante Latin) and star of our Summer Pianorama Ted Beament.
Come along and support our Essex musicians for a great fun night of top quality jazz and entertainment.
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Wed03Apr2019
Gordon Campbell Octet
£15 AdmissionGordon Campbell – trombone
Olly Wilby – saxes
Martin Shaw – trumpet/flugel horn
Claire McInerney – baritone sax
Robin Aspland – piano
Anthony Kerr – vibes
Ed Richardson – drums
Dave Chamberlain – double bass
We welcome back The John Wilson Orchestra & BBC Big Band’s lead trombonist Gordon Campbell and his All Star Octet featuring the music of the USA’s Dave Pell Octet, with popular standards arranged by the renowned Americans’ Shorty Rogers, Marty Paich & Bill Holman. Expect to hear tunes such as ‘Cheek to Cheek’, ‘Fly Me to The Moon ’, ‘Days of Wine & Roses ’, ‘Change Partners ’ & ‘Desafinado ’ & ‘42nd Street ’ etc. Robin Aspland, Martin Shaw, Anthony Kerr also perform with BBC Big Band musicians. Olly Wilby plays in The Pasadena Roof Orchestra. Both Olly and Ed Richardson appear at the Club with Ray Gelato & The Giants. Claire McInerney has performed with Al Martino and Jamie Cullum.
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Wed10Apr2019
Georgina Jackson
Georgina Jackson – vocals & trumpet
Robin Aspland – piano
Dave Chamberlain – double bass
Ed Richardson – drums
“The multi-talented Jackson has a vocal presence that is satin, tonally splendid and finger beckoningly seductive….she instinctively demos how to rhythmically milk the best and most meaningful out of both lyric and melody” – Jazz Times
Georgina Jackson began her musical career working as a professional trumpet player almost everywhere up, down, left and right of the country. She has worked with many famous faces, such as Frank Sinatra Junior, Nancy Sinatra and Seal, and eventually as resident singer with the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra. Georgina also appears with the BBC Big Band.
Robin Aspland, a much in demand pianist, attended Colchester Institute where he attained a degree in music. He has worked with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Iain Ballamy, John Dankworth and Cleo Laine, and was last here with the Gordon Campbell All Stars.
Paul Morgan worked with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, and was the Principal Bass with the BBC Radio Orchestra. Paul was last at the Club with Tony Jacobs and Simply Swing.
Ed Richardson is an established young drummer on the UK music scene both at home and abroad. He can be seen most often at Ronnie Scott’s, performing with Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra & All-Stars + Ray Gelato & The Giants and Gordon Campbell’s All Stars at our Club.
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Wed17Apr2019
Enrico Tomasso's Swing Six
Enrico Tomasso – Vocals & Trumpet
Robert Fowler – Tenor Sax
Mark Crooks – Saxes & Clarinet
Colin Good – Piano
Jerome Davies – Double Bass
John Sutton – DrumsPlaying arranged small band swing music that will include tunes from the American John Kirby’s Sextet, which was popular in 1938/42 with trumpeter Charlie Shavers, Russell Procope – sax, Buster Bailey – clarinet, Billy Kyle – piano, John Kirby – double bass & William ‘O’Neill’ Spencer – drums. They were known as “The Biggest Little Band In The Land”. ‘Undecided’ was their huge hit proving that they could ‘Swing the Classics’. Enrico has spent several years with The Pasadena Roof Orchestra & Ray Gelato as well as numerous other bands and top musicians.
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Wed24Apr2019
Cool Heat, Burnin' Beat
Cool Heat, Burnin’ Beat Louise Cookman – vocals
Steve Rushton – drums
Dave Priseman – trumpet/flugelhorn
Al Cherry – guitar
Mick Foster – saxes/flute
Paul Morgan – double bass
Cool Heat, Burnin’ Beat are a stunning six piece band featuring percussion maestro Steve Rushton and big band vocalist Louise Cookman, with a show celebrating the music of jazz legends.
Louise Cookman was a regular guest singer on Big Band Special on BBC Radio 2 and has of toured as guest vocalist for the BBC Big Band, Glenn Miller & Piccadilly Dance Orchestras and crooner Tony Jacobs. She has sung on Radio 2, 3 and 4, performed at Ronnie Scott’s, Cadogan Hall, the Queen Elizabeth and Royal Festival Halls. Louise also featured on BBC TV’s “Len Goodman’s Dancing Feet & Dance Band Days”. Steve Rushton has become one of the UK’s busiest and most in-demand drummers, with an impressive list of credits to his name. A flamboyant and stylish performer, he’s toured the world with Imelda May. Steve appeared at our Club with Tony Jacobs & Iain Mackenzie.
Mick Foster has worked with many of the UK’s top big bands including the BBC Concert Orchestra. TV work includes BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and ITV’s Downton Abbey.
Paul Morgan has worked with Peggy Lee, Don Lusher and was the principle bass with the BBC Radio Orchestra.
Al Cherry has made numerous TV appearances, and toured internationally with a variety of bands.
Dave Priseman is a regular with Imelda May’s touring band and Ronnie Scott’s, has also appeared on BBC Radio 4.
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Wed01May2019
Simply Swing
Steve Pert – vocalsSandra Lambert – piano
Simon Bates – tenor sax/ flute/ clarinet
Jeff Lardner – drums
Mick Hutton – double bass
Sandra Lambert’s Simply Swing Band, featuring vocalist Steve Pert, invite you to join them for an evening of laughter and anecdotes and a fun and lively repertoire mix of Swing, Rat Pack, Jump Jive, Ballads, Bossa Nova, Salsa and Mambo.
Steve is one of the country’s finest and most versatile singers. He began his career in the internationally acclaimed close harmony vocal group ‘Wall Street Crash’ with whom he appeared in over two hundred TV performances worldwide, including three Royal Variety Shows. He has worked with some of the world’s foremost musicians and singers including Harry Belafonte, Shirley Bassey, Tina Turner, Was Not Was and Toots Thieleman.
Pianist Sandra Lambert has performed and recorded with Bette Midler, Humphrey Lyttleton, Cilla Black, Paul O’Grady, Helen Shapiro and The London Symphony Orchestra. A sought after accompanist and arranger, Sandra is Musical Director of Simply Swing.
Drummer Jeff Lardner has recorded and toured with the world’s foremost musicians and singers including Van Morrison, Kylie Minogue, Natalie Cole, Bobby Womack, Gregory Porter, Joss Stone, Mick Hucknall, Georgie Fame, BBC Big Band and Mark Knopfler.
Saxophonist Simon Bates is known and respected for his stylistic versatility. Simon has worked with musicians including Elvis Costello, Jamie Cullum, Dizzee Rascal, Shane MacGowan, Lulu, Rick Wakeman, D:Ream, Chaka Khan, Emma Bunton, Seal and Carleen Anderson. He was Musical Director for Rick Astley, Bette Midler.
Bassist Mick Hutton is one of the UK’s finest and has worked with all the big names in jazz.
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Wed08May2019
The T J Johnson Quintet
T J Johnson – piano & vocalsAl Nicholls – tenor sax
James Kitchman – guitar
Shane Forbes – drums
Simon Read – double bass
T J Johnson who is widely considered to be one of the UK’s most charismatic highly revered jazz and blues singers. Backed by his group of top London based musicians, TJ plays an extraordinary blend of music that transcends the boundaries of jazz, blues, soul and country and is influenced by some of the greats such as Ray Charles, Dr John, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Cash, BB King, Nina Simone, Alberta Hunter, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Witherspoon and many more. His distinctive voice and unique personal stage manner always brings both the band and the audience together to create an intimate yet exciting atmosphere that is rarely equalled. TJ and his band have toured extensively both in the UK and overseas for over twenty years and now while still maintaining a high profile at international festivals and venues, he is also very involved in the vibrant London music scene. TJ’s style and mix of music seems to be very popular with the young trendy in-crowd and older jazz and blues fans alike. They have also sold out twelve times running at Ronnie Scott’s.
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Wed15May2019
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Wed22May2019
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Wed29May2019
Julian Marc Stringle & The Dream Band
Julian Marc Stringle – clarinet, tenor sax & vocalsJacqui Hicks – vocals
Dominic Ashworth – guitar
Neil Angilley – keyboard
Chris Dodd – double bass
Marc Cecil – drums
The Dream Band is Julian’s own exciting and melodic Latin-influenced jazz sextet featuring keyboard virtuoso Neil Angilley, Canadian guitar star Dominic Ashworth, stylish Shakatak vocalist Jacqui Hicks, bass ace Chris Dodd and the dynamic Marc Cecil on drums. The highly talented virtuoso pianist Neil Angilley has worked with Dame Shirley Bassey, The Gypsy Kings, singer Lisa Stansfield and James Galway, Derek Nash’s Picante Latin and many more. Bass ace Chris Dodd has worked extensively on the UK and European jazz circuits and has recorded and performed all over the globe with many acclaimed musicians. Percussionist Marc Cecil is a member of Derek Nash’s Picante Latin Band and has appeared at Ronnie Scott’s and numerous West End shows as well as many London venues.
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Wed05Jun2019
The Syd Lawrence Orchestra
Led by vocalist & trombonist Chris DeanWe welcome back at members’ request Chris Dean’s Syd Lawrence Orchestra, who have recently been voted “Best Big Band in the Land” for the ninth consecutive year.
This fabulous orchestra has been thrilling audiences in Concert Halls, Theatres, TV Shows and Music Festivals all over Great Britain and Continental Europe for over 40 years. Renowned for its exciting blend of high octane Big Band Swing and Classic Dance Music, the Orchestra’s repertoire ranges from the wartime million sellers of the legendary Glenn Miller through the era of the great Count Basie Orchestra to the hit songs of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. It has recently been voted “Best Big Band in the Land” for the twelfth consecutive year. The Orchestra, directed since 1996 by Chris Dean, has a repertoire of over 1,200 classic Big Band titles including Glenn Miller´s ‘Moonlight Serenade’ and ‘In the Mood’, Tommy Dorsey´s ‘I’m Getting Sentimental Over You’ and ‘Opus One’, Benny Goodman´s ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’, Artie Shaw´s ‘Begin The Beguine’, Woody Herman’s ‘Blues on Parade’, Ray Anthony’s ‘Mr Anthony’s Boogie’, Duke Ellington’s ‘Satin Doll’, Bert Ambrose’s ‘Night Ride’, Count Basie´s ‘April in Paris’ and ‘Splanky’, Charlie Barnet´s ‘Skyliner’, Stan Kenton´s ‘Peanut Vendor’, the ‘Trumpet Blues’ of Harry James, ‘I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm’ of Les Brown, the hits of Billy May and Ted Heath’s ‘Hot Toddy’. Tonight in addition to roaring big band numbers will be vocals from band leader Chris Dean. Admission £20 on the door via prior reservation only
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Wed12Jun2019
The Adrian Cox Quartet perform ‘Profoundly Blue’
Adrian Cox – tenor saxJoe Webb – piano
Gethin Jones – drums
Simon Read – double bass
Profoundly Blue is a concert celebrating the music of Louisiana born clarinettist Edmond Hall featuring leading UK clarinet star Adrian Cox along with his fine band. The title “Profoundly Blue” comes from the 1941 hit album which featured Edmond Hall along with Meade Lux Lewis and Charlie Christian. Adrian has toured Europe extensively over the past 20 years and is “London’s most charismatic reedsman” – Time Out London. Over his career he has performed with artists including Wynton Marsalis, Dr. John, Maceo Parker, Ronnie Wood, Guy Barker, and at countless sell-out shows including Ronnie Scott’s, The Barbican and New York’s The Lincoln Center Orchestra.
Adrian is influenced by the great New Orleans clarinettists such as George Lewis, and at present he is touring a show called “Profoundly Blue” which celebrates the music of his favourite clarinet player Edmond Hall. His 2018 tour had rave reviews as well as a feature on the Cerys Matthews show on BBC Radio 6.
Adrian’s love for the clarinet is eminent in his soulful and inspiring playing, and he will lift any bandstand.
“If you were to describe Cox’s playing in one word you might use ‘hot’” – Ricky Riccardi, Director of Research Collections for the Louis Armstrong House Museum, New York.
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Wed19Jun2019
Tina May
Tina May – vocals
Chris Ingham – piano
George Double – drums
Arnie Somogyi – double bass
Real jazz singers flourish in the company of good jazz musicians, and Tina May is a real jazz singer. She can sing a straight melody and make it open like a flower. She can swing effortlessly and invent a wordless scat chorus as tricky as anything her fellow musicians can deliver. Led by pianist Chris Ingham, they are among the best jazz musicians you will find anywhere.
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Wed26Jun2019
Derek Nash: Sax Appeal
£15 Reservation Only
Derek NashMatt Wates
Simon Bates
Julian Marc Stringle
Bob Mackay
Rhythm: –
Pete Adams- keyboard
Phil Scragg – bass
Mike Bradley – drums
Forty years on and still going strong, the British Jazz Award-winning Sax Appeal features five of the UK’s leading saxophonists and a world class rhythm section. Playing unique and original music composed and arranged by Derek Nash – jazz, blues, Latin, funk and fusion with myriad of saxophone styles .
‘The bravado of Sax Appeal is breathtaking’ – SUNDAY TIMES
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Wed03Jul2019
Kevin Fitzsimmons Quintet
Kevin Fitzsimmons Kevin Fitzsimmons – vocals
Christian Brewer – tenor sax
Leon Greening – piano
Marc Cecil – drums
Conor Chaplin – double bass
Kevin Fitzsimmons is a London born jazz singer/songwriter & bandleader who’s sung everywhere from tiny well-worn jazz clubs to glittering occasions worldwide. Kevin has entertained royalty at The Ritz, sold out shows in some of the most iconic jazz venues around including London’s Ronnie Scott’s, a one hour concert on Jazz FM, and TV appearances on BBC3 & more. Kevin has long been a favourite of many celebrities to sing at their private celebrations, with his wonderful, distinctive vocals. Expect to hear songs you know and love from the songbooks of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Michael Buble, Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole to name just a few. Accompanied by this top quartet, this is one evening not to miss!
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Wed10Jul2019
From Australia on his World Tour the amazing George Washingmachine
George Washingmachine – clarinet/ vocals
Nils Solberg – guitar
Jez Cook – guitar
Alan Morgan – double bass
From Australia on his World Tour the amazing George Washingmachine
‘Hot Club de France’ – Aussie Style!
Enjoyable, unpretentious and unashamedly entertaining take on Stephane Grappelli & Django Reinhardt’s Hot Club of France!
Expect to hear tunes such as My Blue Heaven, China Boy, He Ain’t Got Rhythm, That’s A Plenty, Flamingo, Blues In The Night, Heavy Date, Krazy Kapers.
George Washingmachine is an entertainer who plays violin and sings and has appeared has played all of the major festivals around Australia as well as the world and will have your feet and fingers will be tapping all evening!
Nils Solberg has recorded and performed with such artists as Bryan Ferry, Nigel Kennedy, Clare Teal and Ralph McTell. His own style could best be described as a mixture of gipsy swing and the Great American Songbook, imagine Django Reinhardt meets Fats Waller and The Nat Cole Trio and you’re there. Appears with Mike Piggott at our Club.
Jez Cook is the guitarist’s guitarist and an exceptional player who works regularly with John Etheridge and Gary Potter, two of the most virtuosic players on the scene in styles as various as hot club, contemporary jazz and fusion, Jez has been employed by everyone from George Harrison, Jools Holland and more. Appears regularly with Ben Holder at our Club.
Alan Morgan on double bass has performed with String Fellows Quartet and also Mike Piggott as well as our Club’s yearly Pianorama
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Wed17Jul2019
The Cosimo Matassa Project
Dai Price – vocals & double bass
Roy Pfeffer – drums
Al ‘dente’ Dunn – piano
Graham Hughes – trombone
Dave Boraston – trumpet
Damian Hand – tenor sax
The Cosimo Matassa Project are a collective of musicians in London, UK, working to conjure up the unique rhythm ‘n’ blues flavours that emerged from New Orleans in the late 1940s and early 1950s. At the core of the band are pianist and arranger Al Dunn (Loudon Wainwright / Richard Thompson), singer and double bassist Dai Price (Dai & The Ramblers) and drummer Roy Pfeffer (The Big Smoke Family). They’re often joined by guest musicians from London’s rhythm ‘n’ blues scene, and members of their collective have played with the likes of Allen Toussaint, James Hunter and Van Morrison. Over recent years the band have become a staple on the R’n’B and jazz circuit, gigging around London clubs and bars such as Nightjar in Old Street, Brassiere Zedel in Mayfair and Ronnie Scott’s in Soho.
The entire project is born out of respect for the artists who passed through Cosimo Matassa’s studios, a real love for the music and a desire to summon up the sheer joy that pervades all of Cosimo’s recordings. Playing tunes by well-known artists from that era such as Fats Domino and Big Joe Turner, and lesser-known gems by the likes of Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry, Dave Bartholomew and Tami Lynn
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Wed24Jul2019
Summer Panorama
Dave Browning – piano
Ted Beament – piano
Jonathan Vinten – piano
Alan Morgan- double bass
Cyril Bevan – drums
A super three piano extravaganza plus rhythm section with Alan Morgan – double bass & Paul Budd – drums. Enjoy a variety of jazz piano styles including Fats Waller, Errol Garner, Hank Jones, Bill Evans, Duke Ellington, Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk, George Shearing, Oscar Peterson, Monty Alexander and many more in one great night out!
Includes ‘Piano Madness’ with all three pianists playing simultaneously plus some boogie woogie!
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Wed31Jul2019
'Embraceable Ella' - Joanna Eden
Joanna Eden – vocals
Chris Ingham – piano
George Double – drums
Owen Morgan – double bass
Arguably the UK’s answer to Diana Krall and Norah Jones, Joanna Eden – accompanied by the Chris Ingham Quartet – perform from the throw-away ‘A Tisket A Tasket’ which brought Ella to fame in the forties with the Chick Webb Orchestra to later songbook album classics like Cole Porter’s ‘Every Time We Say Goodbye’ and Gershwin’s ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’, mime the rich seam of Ella Fitzgerald’s unrivalled canon with humility, style and deep affection.
Joanna launched ‘Embraceable Ella’ to much acclaim at the London Jazz Festival in 2016 and has toured the UK with this heart-warming collection of songs and anecdotes.
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Wed07Aug2019
The World’s No 1 Tribute to Frank Sinatra! STEPHEN TRIFFITT
£20 by reservation only
Stephen Triffitt – vocals
Nigel Hailwood – saxes
Bunny Thompson – piano
George Hogg – trumpet
Andy Flaxman – trombone
Tom Mark – double bass
Steve Rushton – drums
Nobody does Frank Sinatra better than Stephen Triffitt. His voice, his moves, his style, even his looks – Stephen has made the great man his own. As one journalist put it “You’d swear you’re listening to the original. “Stephen created the role of Frank Sinatra in the original West End cast of The Rat Pack – Live from Las Vegas as well as opening USA, Canadian and European productions. He has sold out the London Palladium twice and the Royal Festival Hall as well as Frank in the ‘Sinatra Live at the Sands Concert’ tour. Stephen has also recently completed a 3 year European tour of ‘Frankly Sinatra’. Admission £20 by reservation only
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Wed14Aug2019
Simon Thorpe’s JIVIN’ MISS DAISY
£15
Liz Fletcher – vocalsKaren Sharp – saxesJohn Pearce – pianoSimon Finch – trumpetMalcolm Earle Smith – trombone/vocalsSimon Thorpe – double bassColin Oxley – guitarLuke Annesley –clarinet/saxesMatt Skelton – drumsJivin’ Miss Daisy is one of the UK’s finest 9 piece swing bands, regularly selling out Ronnie Scott’s and other venues playing all kinds of swing & jazz music, ranging from Duke Ellington and Jimmie Lunceford in the 1920s, through Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman in the 30s and 40s, to Ella and Basie in the 1950s and early 60s. Featuring Liz and Malcolm in vocal numbers, popular instrumentals and solo spots, the band puts on a wonderful evening’s entertainment, with plenty of favourites and lesser-known gems from the great songwriters including Gershwin, Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and many others, with original arrangements by bandleader Simon Thorpe. Admission £15 -
Wed21Aug2019
Paul Wood's All Stars With Jim Mullen
Paul Wood – vocalsJim Mullen – guitarJohn Pearce – pianoJohn Withers – vibesSimon Thorpe – double bassHarold Fisher – drumsWe welcome back from the Glenn Miller Memorial Orchestra, Paul Wood, who tonight will sing your favourite songs along with several instrumentals by this fabulous quintet.John Pearce is one of the most respected pianist accompanists on the British jazz scene, working in the BBC Radio Orchestra, Jack Parnell’s Orchestra & James Last Orchestras.Jim Mullen has won the ‘best guitar’ section in the British Jazz Awards many times, and is without doubt one of the finest jazz guitarists in the world today.Simon Thorpe on double bass leads Jivin’ Miss Daisy and also regularly appears at Ronnie Scott’s.John Withers is a man of many talents not only being an excellent vibe player, but also a superb percussionist and plays in several big bands.Harold Fisher has played in the Nelson Riddle Orchestra & the Len Phillips Big Band. -
Wed28Aug2019
Swing Time! The Andrew Linham Jazz Orchestra + Vocalist Mark Stratford
We welcome back The Andrew Linham Jazz Orchestra which is a seventeen piece ensemble founded in 2013 by Essex saxophonist and composer Andrew Linham and includes many of London’s top jazz musicians.
Andrew’s Orchestra will include a guest appearance by vocalist Mark Stratford alongside a traditional selection of standard big band repertoire, featuring classics from Glenn Miller to Duke Ellington and Count Basie, with popular numbers from the iconic 1958 ‘The Atomic Mr Basie’ album. Admission £15 – reservations essential
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Wed04Sep2019
Matt & Nat
Chris Dean & Atila relive the magic with a truly wonderful evening celebrating the lives and music of Matt Monro and Nat ‘King’ Cole, two of the world’s most adored entertainers. Bringing the music of these much loved mega-stars to life are two great British singers: Chris Dean of Syd Lawrence Orchestra fame, and big band vocalist Atila, the star of ‘The Nelson Riddle Story’.
Musicians also from the Syd Lawrence Orchestra are: –
Russell Bennett – trumpet
Trevor Brown – piano
Tom Mark – double bass
Dave Tandy – drums
Inspired by Matt Monro’s distinctive and expressive voice, Chris Dean pays homage to ‘The Singer’s Singer’ in this refreshing new show with a rare touch of class.
Catch this unique and memorable performance as it tours the country and re-acquaint yourself with hits such as Born Free, Portrait of My Love, On Days Like These, Softly, From Russia with Love, Real Live Girl, Walk Away and many more.
Atila is an acclaimed jazz singer from the UK. Sartorially stylish and musically classy, his interpretations of Nat ‘King’ Cole’s Too Young, Nature Boy, Unforgettable, Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter, Mona Lisa, I Love You for Sentimental Reasons, Stardust, Sweet Lorraine and Smile are not to be missed!
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Wed18Sep2019
Ray Gelato & The Giants
Admission £17.50 via reservation only
Ray Gelato – tenor sax & vocals
Gunther Kurmayr – piano
Andy Rogers – trombone
Danny Marsden – trumpet
Olly Wilby – saxes
Manuel Alvarez – double bass
Ed Richardson – drums
After numerous successive sold out shows at Ronnie Scott’s we welcome back Ray Gelato and The Giants. Constantly the fabulous Ray Gelato, and his amazing swing band The Giants, blow the lid off Ronnie Scott’s Club in awesome fashion. Ray, a wonderful sax player and superb front man, is a London boy heavily influenced by the likes of Louis Prima, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Louis Jordan and Coleman Hawkins. The Giants’ brilliant horn section is made up of Andy Rogers – trombone, Danny Marsden – trumpet and Olly Wilby – saxophone, who’s joint talent goes beyond the brass, supplying some playful call and response backing vocals. The double bass player Manuel Alvarez and amazing drummer Ed Richardson are always on fire together creating smoking hot rhythms and are the driving energy of the band. Completing the seven piece line-up is the talented ever smiling jazz pianist Gunther Kurmayr tickling the ivories with great gusto.
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Wed25Sep2019
Jonathan Vinten Trio
Jonathan Vinten – piano
Steve Thompson – double bass
Bobby Worth – drums
For an evening of smooth piano jazz, star of our Pianorama Jonathan Vinten brings his trio to the club performing those beautiful tunes you know so well and love to hear such as:- The Man I Love, Dindi, That Old Feeling, Poinciana, Tea for Two, Sweet and Lovely, Lullaby Of The Leaves, Night and Day, J.J.’s Boogie and many, many more!
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Wed02Oct2019
Blue Harlem
Al Nichols – tenor saxSophie Shaw – vocals
Neil Casey – piano
Gethin Liddington – trumpet
Horace Cardew – baritone sax
Paul Robinson – drums
Sandy Burnett – double bass
Led by London saxophonist Al Nichols and the fabulous singer Sophie Shaw following their recent sell out gig at Ronnie Scott’s, this seven piece band will be performing a mixture of Swing & Blues with a superb brass front line and foot tapping rhythm section for a great energetic night !
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Wed09Oct2019
"Hoagy" - Chris Ingham Quartet
Chris Ingham – piano/commentary
Paul Higgs – trumpet
Owen Morgan – double bass
George Double – drums
A joyful salute to the wry, wise and beautiful music of songwriter/singer/pianist Hoagy Carmichael’s Stardust, Georgia On My Mind, Skylark, Ole Buttermilk Sky, Lazy Bones, et al with anecdotes, insight and delightful curiosities from a uniquely rich & varied songbook.
“This is just lovely…” SUNDAY TIMES
“One of UK’s best singer-pianists – sophisticated, charming work” EVENING STANDARD
“Outstanding quartet, inspired solos, nifty arrangements” LONDON JAZZ NEWS
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Wed16Oct2019
'Slide by Slide' - Chris Dean & Gordon Campbell
Chris Dean – vocals & trombone
Gordon Campbell – trombone
Trevor Brown – piano
Tom Mark – double bass
Dave Tandy – drums
We welcome tonight two of Britain’s top trombonists, Chris Dean and Gordon Campbell who have been friends for many years as well as leading their own big bands – The Syd Lawrence Orchestra and The Gordon Campbell Big Band. Join us for a fun-filled evening with anecdotes, along with performing your favourite songs, many of which are from George Chisholm’s repertoire. Expect to hear tunes such as Broadway, I Thought About You, Girl of My Dreams, Just in Time and of course Side by Side! Accompanying them will be three members from The Syd Lawrence Orchestra, pianist Trevor Brown, double bassist Tom Mark and drummer Dave Tandy.
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Wed23Oct2019
Jo Harrop
Jo Harrop – vocals
Harry Sankey – guitar
Sam Watts – piano
Alex Hitchcock – tenor saxophone
Darren McCarthy – double bass
Matt Home – drums
Velvet voiced singer Jo Harrop is joined by a band of stellar musicians, for an evening of beautiful & heartfelt jazz standards, saluting the likes of Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone.
Repertoire will include the music of Cole Porter, Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Leonard Bernstein, David Mann, Henry Mancini, Michel Legrand, amongst other greats.
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Wed30Oct2019
The Len Phillips Big Band
Featuring Iain Mackenzie from Brendon Cole’s ‘All Night Long’ show
We are pleased to welcome back Joe Pettitt’s Len Phillips Big Band, being an all star 16 piece band whose players have between them worked with Sinatra, Ted Heath, Tony Bennett, Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis Jr and Tom Jones to name but a few. Repertoire is drawn from the best bands from both sides of the Atlantic – bands such as Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Ted Heath, Ken Mackintosh and Benny Goodman plus the songs of legends such as Frank Sinatra etc.“
Over thirty years after its inception and now under the superb leadership of Joe Pettitt, the LPBB can be seen up and down the country playing to packed concert halls, theatres & festivals.
“A marvellous orchestra masterfully
directed by Joe Pettitt” – David Jacobs CBE
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Wed06Nov2019
Ben Holder Quartet
Ben Holder Ben Holder – violin, piano & vocals
Jez cook – guitar
Paul Jefferies – double bass
Malcolm Garrett – drums
Award winning Ben Holder is one of the finest swing jazz violinists in the UK, he also sings and plays piano. Ben’s passion is his quartet, a truly fabulous ensemble, delighting audiences with all styles of jazz, blues and swing which Ben has taken the time and energy to develop his own original style of music, resulting in some breathtaking, inventive compositions. During his classical studies at the Birmingham Conservatoire, Ben began listening to Jazz – classic masters such as Benny Goodman and Oscar Peterson and of course the great jazz violinists including Grappelli, Joe Venuti and the awe inspiring Stuff Smith. Ben’s innate sense of swing rhythm (something which often eludes classical players) stems from those early listening sessions – and his various awards bear testimony to his abilities. A first call jazz violinist for many of the country’s top bands and studios. Led by Ben on violin, piano and vocals, this group features the melodic Jez Cook on guitar, the great Paul Jefferies on double bass and the incredible drummer Malcolm Garrett
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Wed13Nov2019
Peter Allen’s Hot Four
Pete Allen – clarinet/saxes & vocals
Dave Browning – piano
Keith Donald – double bass
John Petters – drums
A fabulous entertaining evening of swing from this talented Quartet led by the brilliant clarinettist/saxophonist Pete Allen, also featuring the superb popular stride pianist Dave Browning, double bassist Keith Donald and the master swing drummer John Petters.
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Wed20Nov2019
Vasilis Xenopoulos Quintet - ‘Dexterity’
Vasilis Xenopoulos – tenor sax
Freddie Gavita – trumpet
Rob Barron – piano
Matt Home – drums
Julian Bury – double bass
Saxophonist Vasilis Xenopoulos’ celebrates the music and spirit of Dexter Gordon with classic jazz standards played in the Dexter Gordon style and a couple of Vasilis’ own Dexter-influenced compositions. Vasilis says ‘Dexter Gordon was one of the most iconic figures in jazz history and a true heavyweight of the tenor saxophone. His powerful tone and unique ability to create melodic lines influenced many saxophonists around the world and still do to this day’. Tonight’s top line up features Freddie Gavita, Winner of the British Jazz Awards Best Trumpet of 2017, Rob Barron from the BBC Big Band & Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, bassist Julian Bury who’s performed with Paul McCartney and drummer Matt Home who has backed Cleo Lane and Curtis Stigers.
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Wed27Nov2019
Salute to Benny Goodman - Pete Long Quartet
Pete Long – clarinet
Nick Dawson – piano
Richard Pite – drums
Anthony Kerr – vibes
We welcome back at Members’ request Pete Long celebrating the music of the first incarnation of the Goodman Quartet, where the bass-less rhythm section is driven by the alliance of bass drum and pianist’s left hand. The Quartet will be playing the early Goodman hits such as Avalon, Lady be Good, Dinah, I’ve Got Rhythm, Airmail Special, China Boy, After You’ve Gone, Moonglow and many others.
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Wed04Dec2019
End of year Gala Night with the fabulous Pasadena Roof Orchestra
SOLD OUT
Since 1969 the Pasadena Roof Orchestra has been faithfully re-creating the glories of a show of full of humour and hot dance music from the 1920’s, 30’s & 40’s.
The fun-packed show features timeless classics from the great American songbook – those wonderful songs that miraculously lifted people’s spirits during the depression era, and which made household names of singers such as Bing Crosby, Al Bowlly, and Fred Astaire. The musicians master the arrangements and sound of the fabled American orchestras such as Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson, whilst also paying tribute to the great British dance bands like Ray Noble and Benjamin Ambrose.
Presenting the show, and putting on the top hat white tie and tails, is the suave singer and band leader Duncan Galloway. So pack up your troubles, come on get happy, and experience an evening of superlative live music, with more than a dash of wit and humour.
£22.50 admission, only dining seating remaining, strictly by prior reservation
