2016

• Wed

  06

  Jan

  2016

  Derek Nash's Picante Latin Sextet

  

  Derek Nash – Sax
  Dominic Ashworth – Guitar
  Robin Jones – Percussion
  Geoff Gascogne – Bass  
  Neil Angilley – Keyboard
  Marc Cecil – Drums

  We welcome back leading saxophonist Derek Nash, a featured soloist with the Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, and his new 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 Geoff Gascogne who toured with Jamie Cullum for 6 years and is currently playing with Michel Legrand.

• Wed

  13

  Jan

  2016

  The Spirit of  Stephane Grappelli & Django Reinhardt

    

  Mike Piggott – violin
  Nils Solberg – guitar
  Jeff Green – guitar
  Alan Morgan – double bass

  We welcome back Mike Piggott  who currently   guests  at  festivals  and jazz  clubs  in the  UK  and abroad,  including  an  appearance  as a member of Martin Taylor’s “Spirit  of Django”  at  the  Xabia  Jazz  Festival  in  Spain along with these two excellent  guitarists and double bassist to celebrate the foot tapping music of Grappelli & Reinhart.

• Wed

  20

  Jan

  2016

  Enrico Tomasso’s Swing Six

   

  Enrico Tomasso – Vocals & Trumpet
  Robert Fowler – Tenor Sax
  Olly Wilby – Saxes & Clarinet
  Colin Good – Piano
  Julian Bury – Double Bass
  John Sutton – Drums

  Playing 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.

• Wed

  27

  Jan

  2016

  Big Screen Take One 

  

  Dave Newton – Piano
  Tom Farmer – Double bass
  Matt Skelton – Drums

  Enjoy a melodious evening of classic film hits performed by Big Screen – an elegant British trio conceived by drummer Matt Skelton.  Matt’s work with the John Wilson Orchestra has made him well acquainted with jazz and he now takes on movie music.   Multi award-winning pianist David Newton and empirical double bassist Tom Farmer complete this absolute top quality line-up.

  The memorable themes given respectfully creative treatments by Dave Newton – a pianist with a sublime touch, a rich harmonic imagination and understated power to surprise – is ripplingly graceful on a whispering Chariots of Fire, light-stepping and jubilant over Skelton’s crisp brushwork and Farmer’s tuneful double bass. Other tunes performed include Hello Young Lovers, Old Man River, On the Street Where You Live, Hello Young Lovers, Wouldn’t it be Loverly, Bewitched and Get Me To The Church On Time.  This will, without doubt, be an evening to savour!

   

• Wed

  03

  Feb

  2016

  Atila Sings Nat King Cole

  

  Atila – vocals
  Gabriel Latchin – piano
  Tom Farmer – double bass
  Steve Brown – drums
  Will Arnold-Forster – guitar

  We welcome back Atila with his own fabulous quartet which will feature the songs and ballads of Nat King Cole including L-O-V-E, When I Fall in Love, Mona Lisa, Nature Boy, Smile and The Very Thought of You.  Accompanied by these top musicians, this is one evening not to miss!

  Gabriel Latchin – piano Gabriel is fast becoming recognised as one of the country’s leading pianists. His hard-swinging, adventurous approach often draws comparisons to his many influences, including Herbie Hancock,  Bill Evans and Phineas Newborn.  Above all, Gabriel plays music that  feels  good  for people, not just musicians.  As the master Art Blakey put it,  “We are here to have a ball !” 

  Tom Farmer – double bass Tom is a member of Empirical,  a British jazz group, formed in 2007, involving four young British jazz musicians who present  projects, performances and recordings who was featured on Jamie Cullum’s radio show.  Tom is also appearing at the Club this January with his Big Screen Take One.

  Steve Brown – drums is Winner of the prestigious 2014 British Jazz Awards for best drummer.  Steve is hugely popular with jazz audiences everywhere and he has become ‘first call’ for an impressive array of jazz stars with his assured swinging drumming.

  Will Arnold-Forster is a recent graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Will who is a 2015 recipient of the Yamaha Jazz Scholarship, has performed with his award-winning quartet across the country and in London’s major jazz venues, including Ronnie Scott’s. Equally at home as a sideman, Will enjoys a busy schedule working with a wide range of the U.K’s finest jazz musicians.

• Thu

  11

  Feb

  2016

  Jive Aces

  Admission by ticket only £15

  

  Ian Clarkson – vocals & trumpet
  Ken Smith – double bass
  Vince Hurley – piano
  Peter Howell – drums
  John Fordham – tenor saxophone
  Alex Douglas – trombone

  We welcome back the UK’s No 1 Swing Band The Jive Aces appear at the Club after returning from their 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 only by £15 ticket – Available to members club nights only from 13th January

• Wed

  17

  Feb

  2016

  Paul Higgs' Brief History of Jazz

  
  Paul Higgs – trumpet
  Chris Ingham – piano
  George Double – drums
  Jerome Davies – double bass

  Paul Higgs presents a delightful musical tour of the history of jazz playing hits by the legendary greats – Bix Beiderbecke, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Chet Baker and Miles Davis amongst others. Taking you through the styles of New Orleans, Swing and Bebop, through Cool Jazz, Modal and Latin, Paul gives an outstanding performance. Accompanying Paul will be Chris Ingham and George Double recently at the Club with Jazz at the Movies & Hoagy Carmichael shows along with bassist Jerome Davis.

• Wed

  24

  Feb

  2016

  Java Jam

  
  Sarah Jane Hassell – vocals
  Roger Lewin – piano
  Phil Brown – tenor saxophone
  John Willis – drums
  Tim Robertson – bass

  Java Jam is a delightful 5 piece band fronted by the superb voice of West End songstress Sarah-Jane Hassell and backed by a talented versatile quartet. They perform a diverse mix of songs from the American Songbook and Bossa Nova plus some modern popular classics, along with instrumentals all with their own unique jazzy twist.  They have performed to sell-out crowds at venues including Pizza Express, Ronnie Scott’s and National Trust properties including Polesden Lacey and Ightam Mote. Musical director pianist  Roger Lewin is a much sought after accompanist having backed artists including Tina May and Gwyneth Paltrow. Together with Phil Brown on tenor sax, Tim Robertson on bass, and John Willis on drums, expect a highly entertaining evening!

• Wed

  02

  Mar

  2016

  Skelton-Skinner All Stars Septet

  
  Matt Skelton – drums,
  Colin Skinner – saxes/clarinet, 
  Graham Harvey – piano,
  Alan Barnes – baritone/tenor sax, 
  Gordon Campbell – trombone,
  George Hogg – trumpet
  Jeremy Brown – double bass

  A great line-up of British based Jazz musicians, playing a Swing repertoire based mostly on the Duke Ellington Small Band and Count Basie’s Kansas City 7. 
  Colin Skinner is Deputy Leader of The Syd Lawrence Orchestra and Matt Skelton is the drummer in The John Wilson Orchestra.  They are accompanied by top big band musicians for another great night of swing jazz. This is always a very popular night at the Club so early booking is recommended.

• Wed

  09

  Mar

  2016

  Marlene VerPlanck

  

  Marlene VerPlanck – vocals
  John Pearce – piano
  Bobby Worth – drums
  Paul Morgan – double bass

  From New York, we are pleased to welcome one of America’s finest jazz vocalists Marlene VerPlanck on her 2016 UK Tour. Throughout her career, Marlene has stuck to her guns, paying loving care to the great standards and new songs from our finest composers. Songwriter Hugh Martin (‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’) expressed it well: –     “We know our songs are safe in the hands of Marlene VerPlanck and she will sing them better than anyone else.” 

  Marlene started out in the big-band business as a young vocalist with Charlie Spivak and Tex Beneke.  She’s appeared with the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, becoming one of the nation’s busiest studio singers, backing up vocalists such as Frank Sinatra and Mel Torme. Following appearances on National Public Radio series ‘American Popular Songs’ she emerged as a leading solo performer. Subsequent appearances at Carnegie Hall, and the Rainbow Room brought rave notices, with US national TV shows including ‘Entertainment Tonight’, ‘The Today Show’ and CBS’s ‘Sunday Morning’ featuring profiles of the increasingly popular singer. Marlene has recorded with Mel Torme and Julius La Rosa with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, having the first USA big-band CD to go gold in the USA.

  Marlene will be singing songs from her newly completed best of the British CD ‘The Mood I’m in’ – don’t leave The Chichester without your copy!

   

   

• Wed

  16

  Mar

  2016

  Pete Neighbour Quintet

  

  Pete Neighbour – clarinet
  Dave Newton – piano
  Nat Steele – vibes
  Dave Green – double bass
  Matt Fishwick – drums

  Now residing in South Carolina but originally from East London, Pete Neighbour has performed extensively in Europe, North America, Australia and Asia. In more recent years he has carved a niche for himself being one of very few jazz musicians to reach a wider audience by performing as a Headline Guest Entertainer on luxury cruise ships. His act focuses particularly on the ‘Swing era’ with music and stories from that era never failing to ensure an enthralling evening’s entertainment.  He was recently awarded the ‘Entertainer of the Year’ award by the Italian six star luxury cruise line ‘Silversea’.  Pete has performed at private parties for His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales at Highgrove House and for Sir Michael Caine, Mick Jagger and venues such as London’s The Royal Festival Hall, New York’s Lincoln Centre, The Orient Express, The House of Lords and Scottish Baronial castles

  Dave Newton – Winner of the 2014 British Jazz Awards for Best Pianist again for the 13th year! Dave is the Big Screen Take One pianist/narrator and appears with all the top musicians including Derek Nash, Tina May, Stacey Kent, Claire Martin and Marion Montgomery to name just a few!

  Described by Clark Tracey “As one of the best vibes players this country has ever produced” Nat Steele’s Quartet is regularly featured on the Late Show at  London’s’ Ronnie Scott’s and is known for swinging mainstream and bebop jazz.

  Runner Up in the 2014 British Jazz Awards for Best Bassist Dave Green has toured with Charlie Watts to USA, Brazil and Japan. He’s been part of the Scott Hamilton Quartet for the last sixteen years. It’s easy to see why he has become one of the bass players in the world. Joined the Chris Barber Band in 2007.

   

• Wed

  27

  Apr

  2016

  Elaine Delmar

  
  Elaine Delmar – vocals
  Brian Dee – piano
  Bobby Worth – drums
  Simon Thorpe – double bass 

  “Fashions may change but quality is timeless, which explains how the stylish Elaine Delmar has survived the passage of so many vocal trends over the years. A  favourite  with both jazz and cabaret audiences, she continues to set the standard for sophisticated  rich-toned   interpretations of the Great American Songbook.” — London Evening Standard.

  We  welcome back Elaine who wherever she performs, thrills her audiences with her sublime delivery of gems from The great American Songbook.  Quite simply Elaine is one of the greatest female jazz vocalists to have come from these shores.  Come and enjoy Elaine treat some of the greatest songs ever written with the true respect they deserve. Backed by the accomplished Brian Dee Trio.

• Wed

  04

  May

  2016

  Simply Swing

  

  Sandra Lambert – piano
  Steve Pert – vocals
  Jeff Lardner – drums
  Mick Hutton – double bass
  Andy Watson – guitar

  A welcome return to the club by the Quintet of the dynamic pianist Sandra Lambert.  Together with her musicians and fronted by vocalist Steve Pert, you can expect a wonderful evening’s entertainment laced with humour, emotion and vitality.  The band has been together over 15 years and plays off each other with a stylish repertoire mix of toe-tapping jazz, swing, rat pack, ballads, bossa nova, mambo, blues and jive.

• Wed

  11

  May

  2016

  The Janet Seidel Quartet

  
  Janet Seidel – piano & vocals
  Chuck Morgan – guitar
  David Seidel- double bass
  Cyril Bevan – drums

  Janet Seidel based in Sydney, vocalist/pianist currently enjoys a rare and enviable international reputation with 17 CDs.  Janet likes to tour with her excellent guitarist Chuck Morgan and her brother David on double bass.  Janet’s group have toured Australia several times and played most important Jazz Festivals around the country. Internationally she has toured many countries including UK, USA, Europe, the Middle East and South East Asian countries. Japan in particular has been a great success  and is consistently named in the top 10 jazz vocalists in the Jazz Polls there.  US writer David Nathan has made a fitting summary on All About Jazz: “With her intimate style, great feel for the lyrics of songs she sings, Seidel is one of those vocalists who is as much a story teller as she is a singer.  The way she goes about handling the music comes off as a fortuitous blend of Blossom Dearie and Doris Day with an occasional nod to Julie London, although she is somewhat jazzier than the latter two. Like Diana Krall, she doubles on piano and has an exquisite, gentle, and agile voice and honours each tune. 

  David Seidel (double bass) graduated as a BA (Music) in 1975 at the University of Adelaide. Worked as session musician – guitar/electric bass including commercial sessions and ABC recordings. Played guitar with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Del Shannon, Rod McKuen, Cilla Black, Ricky May etc.  Toured Australia with shows e.g. Barry Humphries, accompanied international jazz artists Buddy Tate, Al Cohn, Urbie Green.

  Chuck Morgan is one of Australia’s in demand guitarists, working mostly with leading jazz musicians and acknowledged widely as a highly talented and versatile musician.  He was for many years, guitarist with the Television New Zealand Orchestra and the Auckland Radio Orchestra before relocating from New Zealand to Sydney in 1986. Chuck has played and recorded with many international artists in Australia. 

  Cyril Bevan an internationally acclaimed drummer, has worked  five years with Winifred Attwell and 16 years at London’s Talk of The Town, two years with Oscar Peterson and various West End shows. Cyril has spent several years in Australia playing drums in several bands and accompanying world famous stars on tour along with numerous ABC TV appearances.

  

• Wed

  18

  May

  2016

  Georgina Jackson & Pete Long

  
  Georgina Jackson – trumpet & vocals
  Pete Long  – clarinet
  Chris Ingham – piano
  Joe Pettitt – double bass
  George Double – drums

  An acclaimed singer and trumpeter, Georgina’s success with her first album led her to become the singer with Ronnie Scott’s Big Band.  A vivacious, stylish vocalist, she has fronted several BBC broadcasts paying tribute to Peggy Lee with the BBC Big Band and Irving Berlin with the BBC Concert Orchestra.  Georgina’s partner Pete Long is one of the foremost bandleaders and reedsmen in the UK and is leader of the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra and frequently appears at the Club with his  ‘Tribute to Benny Goodman’ show.

  “If you cannot get tickets to see Diana Krall then Georgina Jackson makes a winning substitute” SUNDAY TIMES 

  “Talented singer/trumpeter with a sassy, vibrant style” ALL ABOUT JAZZ

• Wed

  25

  May

  2016

  Julian Marc Stringle’s Dream Band

  

  Julian Marc Stringle  – clarinet, tenor sax, flute & vocals
  Enrico Tomasso – Trumpet & Flugelhorn
  Leon Greening – piano
  Chris Dodd – bass
  Mike Bradley – drums

  Julian’s jazz quintet features keyboard virtuoso Leon Greening, Enrico Tomasso on trumpet & flugelhorn, bass ace Chris Dodd and the dynamic Mike Bradley on drums. Tunes featured  will include ‘Poor Butterfly’,  ‘I can’t Give You Anything But Love’ and Unforgettable’ 

  The highly talented virtuoso pianist Leon Greening with his  hard swinging style has made him a favourite on the UK Jazz circuit for over a 12 years, including regular performances at Ronnie Scott’s.  

  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.  Drummer Mike Bradley has worked with Rosemary Clooney, Sir John Dankworth and Cleo Laine plus Natalie Cole and David Cassidy, to name but a few.

• Wed

  01

  Jun

  2016

  Gary Wood Swing Quintet

  
  Gary Wood – vocals and trumpet
  Roger Evan – piano 
  Dan Foster – tenor sax
  Ronnie Fenn – drums
  Chris Green – double bass 

  Famous songs by Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin will be included with Gary Wood’s Swing Quintet for another enjoyable evening. The Quintet will swing through the American Songbook with ease and style. Dan Foster has played with The Pasadena Roof Orchestra & The London Jazz Orchestra, Chris Green appears with numerous bands including The Memphis Belle Swing Orchestra. Ronnie Fenn’s life has taken him through pop, soul, rock and skiffle jazz.  Roger Evan has been playing jazz, pop and classical piano for many years . The Quintet’s extensive repertoire is based around jazz standards, embracing the popular classics of Cole Porter, Gershwin, Rogers and Hart, Hammerstein and Jobim.  

• Wed

  08

  Jun

  2016

  From The Syd Lawrence Orchestra: -  ‘The Savoy Collection’

  
  Admission: £12.50

  At member’s request we welcome back The Savoy Collection who were formed from the Geraldo Orchestra under the leadership of Chris Dean back in 1992.  After a long break Chris reformed them for a cruise in 2013. They proved so popular with their specialist arrangements that Chris performed with them at the Syd Lawrence Orchestra’s Convention in 2015. Upbeat jazz and big band arrangements are the order of the day and great Jazz playing from the country’s finest musicians bring the audiences to their feet every where the group perform.

  Sit back and enjoy a unique musical evening of great entertainment including vocals by Chris Dean and your favourite instrumentals from some of the very best big band jazz musicians in the country.

• Wed

  15

  Jun

  2016

  Sue Rivers & Jo Fooks Quintet

  
  Sue Rivers –  vocals
  Jo Fooks –  tenor sax
  Ted Beament – piano
  Peter Ringrose- double bass
  Buster Birch – drums

  Jo Fooks’ mellow tenor sax tone is compared to Stan Getz and Zoot Simms and in 1992 Jo won Young Scottish Jazz Musician of  The Year, touring with Humphrey Lyttleton, Acker Bilk and played alongside Elkie Brooks, Scott Hamilton and Tina May. 

  Sue Rivers is gifted with a unique voice, suited so well to the field of jazz, in the tradition of the great American singers. Sue is known for her musicality, her natural, mellow tone and the sheer emotion she pours into her performance, delighting audiences wherever she sings.

  Ted Beament is a superb and sensitive accompanist as singers Maxine Daniels and Helen Shapiro have readily testified. Ted has played frequently with Lyttleton band colleagues Adrian Macintosh and is hugely popular with our Club members.

  Peter Ringrose has performed with many great musicians such as Jim Mullen, Campbell Burnap, Derek Nash, Anita Wardell, Jimmy Hastings, Brian Dee, Simon Bates, John Pearce, Roger Beaujolais, Enrico Tomas so, Martin Shaw, Julian Marc Stringle, Mike Piggott and of course his wife, Sue Rivers!

  Buster Birch has performed in over 30 countries with various orchestras and jazz groups. Buster’s drumming style reflects his enthusiasm for all music and has a distinctive Latin flavour. 

• Wed

  22

  Jun

  2016

  The Andrew Linham Jazz Orchestra with Mark Stratford

  
  Admission: £12.50

  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 some of London’s  top jazz players. 

  The 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 Basie to Ellington, plus a couple of Andrew’s own arrangements.

  Andrew says “Join us for a great evening of entertaining live music that we guarantee will warm the cockles of your heart!”

• Wed

  29

  Jun

  2016

  Iain Mackenzie

  
  Ian Mackenzie – vocals
  Alex Garnett  – tenor sax, 
  Rob Barron – piano
  Geoff Gascoyne – double bass
  Steve Rushton – drums

  Straight from the ‘Cool School’ of Chet Baker, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra & Mel Tormé comes the swinging voice of Iain Mackenzie. Iain performs classic Jazz & Swing standards with golden era charm, and a contemporary edge!

  We welcome back at member’s request Iain Mackenzie is one of the most in demand jazz and big band singers in the UK, having performed with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, the RTE Concert Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra and the BBC Big Band, Iain is currently the principle male vocalist for the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, and section leader for the Ronnie Scott’s Singers – The iTones.  Iain will have completed his 6th UK tour with Brendon Cole (‘Strictly Come Dancing’) A Night To Remember – touring  from January – March 2016

• Wed

  06

  Jul

  2016

  Jack Free Show Band

  
  Jack Free – trombone

  Peter Rudeforth – vocals and trumpet

  Tim Huskisson – piano 

  Julian Marc Stringle – tenor sax, clarinet 

  Martin Guy – drums

  Murray Salmon – double bass 

  Colin Bray  – vibes

  Special Guest Appearance: – Carol Braithwaite – vocals

   

  An enjoyable evening of jazz where Dixieland meets Chicago, the territory where Alex Welsh, Sandy Brown and Al Fairweather would roam, inspired by the likes of Jack Teagarden and Ruby Braff. These eight professional musicians have performed with numerous ‘jazz greats’ over the years and will play the best tunes by Gershwin, Irvin Berlin, Rogers & Hart and Cole Porter such as ‘Here’s That Rainy Day’, ‘Tangerine’, ‘Strike Up The Band’ etc. 

• Wed

  13

  Jul

  2016

  Zoe Francis & Jim Mullen

  
  Zoe Francis  – vocals

  Jim Mullen – guitar

  Gareth Williams  – piano

  Stan Sulzman – tenor sax

  Mick Hutton – double bass

  Tristian Mallot – drums

   

  Zoe Francis is a singer who communicates a love and understanding of the classic American songbook with the lightest of touches. It sounds easy and casual until you notice how cleverly each turn of phrase falls in just the right place, both rhythmically and to chime with the meaning of the words.  Zoe started singing while living in New York performing in night clubs with great musicians.  Zoe and Jim are now a famed duo and given Jim’s unparalleled musicianship, are leading lights in the UK Jazz scene, having recently sold out at Ronnie Scott’s.

  Jim Mullen is a multi-award winning guitarist with a unique jazz style and sound, who is regarded as the high priest of the instrument by most young jazz guitarists. His quintet was in existence from 1996 and is one of the most powerful ever to appear on the British jazz scene. 

   

• Wed

  20

  Jul

  2016

  Summer Pianorama

  
  

  Dave Browning – piano
  Jonathan Vinten  –  piano
  Ted Beament – piano
  Alan Morgan – double bass
  Paul Budd – drums

  A three piano extravaganza plus rhythm section with Alan Morgan- double bass and 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. Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, Monty Alexander, Jelly Roll Morton, Teddy Wilson and many more! Includes “Piano Madness” with all three pianists playing simultaneously!

• Wed

  27

  Jul

  2016

  The Three Tenors Fivers + One Diva

  
  Mark Stratford – vocals

  Bob E. Dymon – vocals

  Tommy King – vocals

  Helen Keating  – vocals

  Bill Yeomans  – saxes, clarinet & flute

  Alan Berry – piano

  Terry Davis – double bass

  Mike Lewis – drums

   

  A third fun filled evening with Helen attempting to keep these three London crooners in order, so expect antidotes and banter as well as hearing those favourite songs and instrumentals from yester year. 

  Excellent accompaniment plus some instrumentals from the Bill Yeomans’ Quartet

   

• Wed

  03

  Aug

  2016

  Blue Harlem

  
  Sophie Shaw – vocals

  Al Nichols  – tenor sax, 

  Tamar Osborne – saxes

  Neil Casey – piano

  Sandy Burnett – double bass

  Paul Robinson – drums

   

  By popular demand we welcome back Blue Harlem led by saxophonist Al Nichols and the fabulous singer Sophie Shaw, following their recent sell out gig at Ronnie Scott’s. This septet will be performing a mixture of Swing & Blues with a superb brass front line and  foot tapping rhythm section for a great night of energetic entertainment.

• Wed

  10

  Aug

  2016

  “Bennett - To - Buble: The American Songbook At Its Best!”

  

  Kevin Fitzsimmons  – vocals

  Leon Greening  – piano

  Robert Fowler  – tenor sax

  Adam King  – double bass

  Matt Fishwick  – drums

  Charismatic jazz singer Kevin Fitzsimmons takes a break from starring in the big  band concert ‘Sinatra Sequins & Swing – The Capitol Years Live! to bring his brilliant  Bennett – To – Buble: The American Songbook At Its Best!  show  to us following eight sell outs of this very show at Ronnie Scott’s. The show itself is a clever mix  of standards covered by Messrs Bennett, Buble & co., so expect songs like: Don’t Get Around Much Any More, Fever, I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face, Steppin’ Out, re-styled with taste and verve.  With Kevin is his unstoppably swinging band, described by JAZZWISE Magazine in review of his album as “the cream of UK’s straight-ahead jazz musicians”. So come along and hear what all the fuss is about and enjoy award winning pianist  Leon Greening (headliner at festivals including Ronnie Scott’s International Piano Trio Festival, “Catch him when you can” says Jazz Journal).  The 2015 ‘Young Jazz Musician Of The Year’, upcoming bassist Adam King; respected jazz drummer Matt Fishwick “Impressive”- The Observer, “Outstanding drummer” – Jazzwise and Leo Richardson an upcoming saxophonist marked out as a one to watch, who has already hosted the Late Show at Ronnie Scott’s.

  • “His voice is an irresistible mix of Sinatra, Bennett & Buble, backed by a world class band” – JAZZ FM
  • “Unique interpretations, superb presence, unique personality.  A brilliant gig”  –  MOREOPINIONS (JAZZNIGHTS) 
  • “Lovers of the jazz vocal mainstream have another star to follow” – JAZZWISE MAGAZINE

  Watch Kevin here:

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVyNpCGd2Yc (LIVE! Fever)

  https://soundcloud.com/kevin-fitzsimmons-1/ive-grown-accustomed-to-her-face-live-kevin-fitzsimmons-quartet  (LIVE! I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face) 

  https://soundcloud.com/kevin-fitzsimmons-1/dont-get-around-much-anymore (LIVE! Don’t Get Around Much Anymore)

• Wed

  17

  Aug

  2016

  Ken Peplowski & Julian Marc Stringle  “The Clarinet Maestros”

  Ken Peplowski – clarinet & tenor sax

  Julian Marc Stringle – clarinet & saxes

  Craig Milverton  – piano

  Sandy Suchodolski  – double bass

  Nick Milward – drums

  Ken Peplowski is arguably the greatest living jazz clarinettist” – Russell Davies, BBC2 August 2013                                                                                        

  “Mr. Peplowski sounds the way Benny Goodman might if he had kept evolving, kept on listening to new music, kept refining his sound, polishing his craft, and expanding his musical purview into the 21st century.” – Will Friedwald in The Wall Street Journal, December 2012

  In 2014, Ken was the recipient of the Sarasota Jazz Festival’s “Satchmo” award, given to him for his “unique and enduring contribution to the living history of jazz”; in March, Ken was also the guest of honour at a “Highlights In Jazz” concert in NYC saluting him for “his matchless musical achievements”. He was the 2015 recipient of Hot House Magazine’s “Fans’ Decision Jazz Award” on clarinet.

   

  “Julian Stringle is the best clarinettist to emerge in British jazz for decades” – Sir John Dankworth                                                                                                                      

   

  His major influences have been Artie Shaw, Peanuts Hucko, Buddy De Franco, Eddie Daniels, Oscar Peterson – and Delius! Julian’s highly melodic music and unique sound reaches the younger audience while his soul, original writing and phenomenal technique on his instrument excites the jazz aficionados. Julian was voted ‘Best Clarinettist’ at the British Jazz Awards 2006. and is now recognised as the most stylish performer on the instrument in Europe.

   

• Wed

  24

  Aug

  2016

  Paul Wood & The Brian Dee Quartet

  
  Paul Wood – vocals

  Brian Dee –  piano

  John Withers – vibes

  Paul Morgan – double bass

  Harold Fisher – drums

   

  We welcome back top UK crooner Paul Wood who has toured Europe and the USA with his ‘Salute to Frank Sinatra’ and tonight will feature your favourite songs accompanied by this world class quartet.

  Brian Dee is one of the most respected accompanists on the British jazz scene, working as effectively with vocalists as with instrumentalists and has recorded with Bing Crosby, Johnny  Mercer, Peggy Lee & Fred Astaire to name but a few. 

  Paul Morgan has worked with Zoot Zimms, Peggy Lee, Don Lusher and was the principle bass with the BBC Radio Orchestra. Paul has made numerous appearances at Ronnie Scott’s over the years and was last at the Club with Marlene VerPlanck in March

  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 as well as smaller ones.

  Harold Fisher is a renowned drummer having appeared with numerous big bands and orchestras including the BBC Concert Orchestra and Jack Sharp’s Big Band.

   

• Wed

  31

  Aug

  2016

  The Derek Nash Acoustic Quintet with Dave Newton

  
  Derek Nash – saxes

  Dave Newton – piano

  Martin Shaw – trumpet & flugel horn

  Mick Hutton – double bass

  Sebastiaan de Krom – drums

  We welcome back this brilliant quintet featuring Jools Holland  Rhythm & Blues Orchestra member Derek Nash – saxes who has had two sell out appearances at our Club with his Picante Latin. Accompanying is Best British Jazz Pianist 13 times Dave Newton – piano, Martin Shaw from the BBC Big Band on trumpet & flugel horn.  Mick Hutton – double bass and from Ray Gelato & the Giants, Sebastian de Krom – drums.  A truly star studied quintet!

   

• Wed

  07

  Sep

  2016

  Alan Barnes All Stars Quintet

  

  Alan Barnes – saxes and clarinet

  Robert Fowler – saxes and clarinet

  Robin Aspland – piano 

  Matt Fishwick – drums

  Simon Thorpe – double bass

  Multi award winner Alan Barnes tonight features his own star studied Quintet who will be performing your favourite jazz standards together with humour and anecdotes thrown in for good measure! The musicians have all appeared with the biggest names and big bands on the UK jazz scene.

  Alan Barnes is a multi award winning jazz musician having played with numerous bands including BBC Big Band, The Pasadena Roof Orchestra and those bands belonging to Don Weller, Stan Tracey, Kenny Baker and Sir John Dankworth.  Being equally proficient on the clarinet as well as the saxophones, in 2006 Alan received the prestigious BBC Jazz Instrumentalist of the year and was voted Best Clarinettist again in the 2015 British Jazz Awards. Alan was also the runner up with his baritone sax in the Miscellaneous section and likewise in the Alto Sax section!

  Robert Fowler is a saxophonist and clarinettist with some 30 years experience as a professional musician.  He’s worked with many bands on the British jazz scene as well as working across other areas of the musical spectrum, including rock, pop, film and TV music: playing with Bryan Ferry, the BBC Big Band, The Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Chris Barber, Kenny Ball, Dame Cleo Laine.  Member of The Back to Basie Orchestra, Humphrey Lyttleton Band and The Pasadena Roof Orchestra.

  Robin Aspland is also welcomed back to the Club after appearing last year with Gordon Campbell’s Quintet.  He is an accomplished jazz pianist having played with The Pasadena Roof Orchestra, The Dankworth Generation Band, Van Morrison, Cleo Laine, Ronnie Scott and Georgie Fame.  He is also known and respected as a gifted accompanist to vocalists such as Curtis Stigers, Anita Wardell, and the actress Jane Horrocks.

  Simon Thorpe  is welcomed back to the Club after his gig with Elaine Delmar in April being one of Britain’s most popular double bass players. Simon is well known for his great sound, melodic solos and solid beat – a favourite with many of the greats in Britain and the USA. Jivin’ Miss Daisy’s bandleader and style guru, he has featured on several CDs with Stacey Kent & Alan Barnes.  Simon also has appeared on TV’s Big Breakfast.

  Matt Fishwick is also welcomed back to the Club after his successful gig with Pete Neighbour and in August with Kevin Fitzsimmons. Matt has worked with many other great musicians on the London scene including Mike Carr, Dave Cliff, Jim Mullen etc. as well as visiting Americans such as Scott Hamilton, John Bunch, Kenny Davern, Howard Alden and Ken Peplowski.

• Wed

  14

  Sep

  2016

  Jeff Hooper

  

  Jeff Hooper  – vocals

  John Pearce  – piano

  Paul Morgan – double bass

  Neil Bullock – drums

   

  We welcome back Jeff Hooper from South Wales who launched his career after winning ITVs New Faces at the age of fourteen, going on to appear in a variety of TV shows, gaining a recording contract with EMI and a place in the charts with his debut single. Travelling to America, he performed at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas – home of the ‘Rat Pack.’ Returning to the UK, Jeff joined the Syd Lawrence Orchestra for a decade as lead singer, touring the UK, Europe and worldwide, appearing in major venues such as the Royal Festival Hall and Royal Albert Hall, there followed regular recordings for radio and TV.      

  During this time he worked with the great Matt Monro who taught him how to play poker and tie a bow tie!!  Jeff’s Swing Easy band have been selected once again to be the Strictly Come Dancing Tour Band. 

  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. Along with his many solo cabaret appearances and performing with his own Jazz trio, Jeff runs his own Big Band and has recently performed appeared at Gala concerts with Katherine Jenkins and Charlotte Church. Jeff  is the ultimate professional, dedicated to his art. His flawless diction and great musical instinct means he takes a classic and makes it ‘his own’. (Admission £12.50 on the door)

   

• Wed

  21

  Sep

  2016

  Ray Gelato and the Giants

  

  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 20 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. (Admission by £15 ticket only – available on club nights solely)

   

• Wed

  28

  Sep

  2016

  Jonathan Vinton Jazz Band

  

  Jonathan Vinten – piano & vocals

  Goff Dubber – saxes, clarinets

  Andy Dickens – trumpet & vocals

  Rob Brown – drums

  Andy Lawrence – double bass

  Dave Hewitt – trombone

   

  A stunning six piece band led by our Pianorama star Jonathan Vinten featuring tunes such as ‘I Can’t Get Started’, ‘The Man I Love’, ‘It Don’t Mean a Thing’, J J’s Boogie and ‘Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby’  etc. 

   

  Jonathan Vinten As pianist with George Melly and John Chilton’s Feetwarmers for over 10 years, Jonathan toured  extensively, both at home and abroad, playing over 250 theatre concerts a year and making numerous TV and radio appearances. He also performed month-long Christmas seasons at Ronnie Scott’s every year during this time and has worked with Terry Lightfoot, Aker Bilk and Kenny Ball.  Jonathan has been a featured guest on tours in Europe. He has performed at the Los Angeles Jazz Festival, the prestigious Nice Jazz Festival and with many visiting American musicians.  Jonathan has a Masters degree in Composition for Film and Television and has had his works performed at London ’s Festival Hall. Regularly appears in our Club’s Summer Pianorama

   

  Andy Dickens lively trumpet and flugelhorn playing evokes the warmth and exuberance of Mardi Gras New Orleans; the heat of Chicago club land and the excitement of small-band New York swing. A frequent guest at European jazz festivals, he has played with many English and American notables including Slim Gaillard; Ken Peplowski; Humphrey Littleton; Terry Lightfoot; Judith Durham; Clark Tracey; Bruce Turner; Jools Holland;  Duncan Lamont; David Newton & Pete Allen

   

  Goff Dubber (Clarinet & Saxes): Goff learned his jazz, after a classical beginning at school, playing in the West End of London during the New Orleans revival of the 1950s and 60s, when he recorded and took part in several BBC Jazz Club broadcasts. His swinging style has earned him guest appearances throughout Britain, as well as regular work with Neville Dickie, the Gresty/White Ragtimers, Ken Colyer and the Temperance Seven, as well as running his own “Dixieland Express”. With some of these he has been featured on several CDs, and has played at Jazz Festivals and concerts as far afield as Toronto, Palm Springs, Sacramento, Nice, and the Middle East.

   

  Dave Hewitt  (trombonist) toured for three years in the Theatre Show ‘Basin Street to Broadway’ with Georgie Fame.  He has guested with bands such as that of Terry Lightfoot, Freddie Randall All Stars, The Alan Elsdon All Stars, Laurie Chescoe’s Good Time Jazz Band and Keith Smith’s Hefty Jazz.  He has played with many visiting Americans, including Wild Bill Davison, Peanuts Hucko, and Kenny Davern. Notably, he appeared at the Montreux Jazz Festival with Teddy Wilson and Stèphane Grappelli

   

  Andy Lawrence double bass – Andy is very experienced, having been Terry Lightfoot’s bass man for many years, as well as being in demand as a deputy for most professional Jazz bands. Andy has been doing most of the Max Collie Rhythm Aces gigs during the last few years travelling from Liverpool.

   

  Rod Brown  worked on the cabaret  scene before touring with the Herb Miller Orchestra, abroad and in England, and worked with such diverse artists as Matt Monro, Tina May and Tommy Cooper! He played in West End Shows including ‘Me and My Girl’ and with Elaine Delmar (‘Thank you Mr. Gershwin’ and ‘Let’s Do It’ – Cole Porter). Rod’s recording credits include folk-rock bands ‘Renaissance’ and  ‘Caravan’ and the debut album for Chicago born vocalist Joan Viskant. He also recorded the first three albums on the Candid label for Clare Teal, with whom he toured extensively.

• Wed

  05

  Oct

  2016

  International Star Vocalist : Peter Grant

  
  Peter Grant – vocals

  John ‘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!  Admission £12.50

• Wed

  12

  Oct

  2016

  The Paul ‘Harry the Piano’ Harris & Simon Bates Quartet

  
  Simon Bates – tenor sax, flute & clarinet

  Paul Harris  – piano

  Paul Morgan – double bass

  Jeff Lardner – drums

  Simon Bates Professor of Saxophone for the Royal Marines, Simon is known and respected for his stylistic versatility and instrumental prowess. He is in great demand on the London session scene – his playing features on countless adverts, film scores, television shows, theme tunes and pop recordings. Simon has appeared live and recorded with a wide variety of bands and musicians including Jamie Cullum, Lulu, Rick Wakeman, Chaka Khan, Seal, Rick Astley and Bette Midler. Frequent TV appearances include The Paul O’Grady Show, Parkinson and Johnny Vaughan Tonight. He has performed around the world in a wide variety of settings from the O2 Arena and Eiffel Tower to Ronnie Scott’s and the Albert Hall; and as a guest soloist with many large ensembles including the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra.

   

  Paul ‘Harry the Piano’ Harris began by studying the classics but has also been involved in jazz and cabaret all his life.  He has accompanied almost everybody in the business from David Bowie, Gloria Estefan to Beau Bridges & Will Smith!  His first UK job was in London’s famous Groucho club – the hangout of every major celebrity and film-star in town. Since then Harry’s career has blossomed – he had his own show on BBC Radio, was the resident pianist on Channel 4’s ‘Big Breakfast’ for 5 years and then co-ran the band with Simon on BBC 1’s ‘Johnny Vaughan Tonight’ for 3 series. His solo show has been seen on 6 continents, was recently chosen from literally hundreds of acts to star on the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary 2 sharing the bill with Shirley Bassey. Harry was a regular on the BBC’s ‘Friday Night is Music Night’ and has featured with tenor Andrea Bocelli.

   

  Jeff Lardner is a professional drummer for over 30 years and has played, recorded and toured with some of the world’s foremost musicians and singers including Van Morrison, Kylie Minogue, Natalie Cole, Bobby Womack, Gregory Porter, Bette Midler, Mavis Staples, Joss Stone, Mick Hucknall, Georgie Fame, Steve Winwood, Mark Knopfler, Tony Hadley, Rick Astley, Ute Lemper, The Three Degrees, The Drifters, BBC Big Band, Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Bert Kaempfert Orchestra, Back To Basie Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Charlie Byrd, Spike Robinson, Don Lusher, Des O’Conner, Vince Hill, Alexander Armstrong and Helen Shapiro.

  Bassist Paul Morgan has worked, and continues to work, with all types of groups and big bands. He joined the Don Lusher Big Band in 1986 and continued to work with this band up to Don’s demise. He grew up accompanying many visiting American and other international artists at Ronnie Scott’s Club, the Concorde Club in Eastleigh, Southampton, and many clubs and concert halls around the world. Paul has played bass for musicians such as Zoot Sims, Peggy Lee, Ronnie Scott, and many other artists.

   

• Wed

  19

  Oct

  2016

  Jazz at the Movies – Part II

  
  Joanna Eden – vocals

  Chris Ingham – piano

  Mark Crooks – saxes

  Arnie Somogyi – double bass

  George Double – drums

  They’ve become a Christmas regular at Ronnie Scott’s in London and now they’re playing again at The Belvedere Jazz & Music Club. 

  Jazz At The Movies is a unique jazz group interpreting movie themes and soundtrack songs from classic films including The Pink Panther, Gilda, Kiss Me Deadly, From Russia With Love, The Servant, One Touch Of Venus, The Fabulous Baker Boys, and many more.  Rich with anecdote, song and swing, JATM have become a regular sell-out at Ronnie Scott’s, St James Theatre, the Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room and many jazz clubs, theatres and Arts Centres throughout the UK.  The swinging quintet will be presenting their own take on numerous recognisable movie themes. The group features the really  beautiful vocals of  Joanna Eden, described by Time Out as ‘the UK’s answer to Diana Krall’ and the Chris Ingham quartet.  The quartet comprises drummer George Double, pianist and MC Chris Ingham, bass player Arnie Somogyi and saxophonist/clarinettist  Mark Crooks  (John Wilson Orchestra)

  George Double said: “Jazz At The Movies will appeal to music fans and movie fans alike. With an emphasis on swing and accessibility,  Jazz At The Movies was formed specifically to interpret movie themes.  Along with the music, there’s some very entertaining dialogue from Chris. ”

• Wed

  26

  Oct

  2016

  The Dave ‘Mr Stride’ Browning Quartet featuring Pete Allen & John Petters

   
  Dave Browning – piano 

  Pete Allen – saxes, clarinets

  John Petters – drums

  Keith Donald – double bass

   

  Led by our Pianorama star Dave Browning this will be a fabulous evening of Swing, Mainstream and Dixieland by these fantastic musicians who are all stars in their own right, with the brilliant clarinettist & saxophonist Peter Allen plus the master Swing drummer John Petters and swinging bassist Keith Donald.       

• Wed

  02

  Nov

  2016

  Tina May & The Frank Griffith Quartet

  Tina May – vocals

  Frank Griffth –  saxes

  Robin Aspland – piano 

  Steve Brown – drums 

  Dave Green – 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 saxophonist and arranger Frank Griffiths, they are among the best jazz musicians you will find anywhere.  – Dave Gelly

  Frank Griffith – lived in York City from 1980-1995.  While there he worked with Ron Carter, Jon Hendricks, Jack McDuff and played lead alto with the Glenn Miller Orchestra for a nationwide tour in 1984. He has also worked with the orchestras of Toshiko Akiyoshi, Mel Lewis, Buddy Rich and Mel Torme. He’s appeared many times on BBC radio and is currently a  Music Lecturer and Director of Performance at Brunel University. Robin Aspland is also welcomed back to the Club after appearing last year with Gordon Campbell’s Quintet and Alan Barnes  this September. He is an accomplished jazz pianist having played with The Pasadena Roof Orchestra, The Dankworth Generation Band, Van Morrison, Cleo Laine, Ronnie Scott and Georgie Fame.  He is also known and respected as a gifted accompanist to vocalists such as Curtis Stigers, Anita Wardell, and the actress Jane Horrocks.

  Dave Green – has  toured with Charlie Watts Quintet to USA, Brazil and Japan, his being part of the Scott Hamilton Quartet for the last fifteen years and continuing to work with Alan Barnes, Henry Lowther, Gareth Williams and his own trio, it’s easy to see why he has become one of the most respected bass players in the  world. Dave also joined the Chris Barber Band in 2007. Steve Brown –  awarded Best Drummer in the 2014 British Jazz Awards and was last at the Club with Pete Neighbour in March

   

• Wed

  09

  Nov

  2016

  Tribute to Benny Goodman with The Pete Long Quartet

   

  Pete Long – clarinet

  Nick Dawson  – piano

  Anthony Kerr – vibes

  Richard Pite – drums

   

  “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 many of the early Goodman Hits.  Expect Avalon, Lady be Good, Dinah, I’ve Got Rhythm, China Boy and many others.”  – Pete Long 

  Pete Long has worked with them all from Jools Holland to Dizzy Gillespie and The Stereophonics and studio work with Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, the BBC Radio Big Band, arranging for and directing the poll winning 9;20 De-Luxe. 10-piece swing band re-creating the music of Dizzy Gillespie in quintet and big band formats. In the course of playing with Jools, Pete has worked with a diversity of popular icons from Vinnie Jones to Lionel Richie and The Blind Boys Of Alabama to Sting. Working with Jools Holland has also enabled Pete to arrange music for Sir Paul McCartney, Jane Horrocks, Ray Davies and the unique talents of Marianne Faithfull! Pete’s skills developed as front man for the Echoes Of Ellington have led him to presenting Big Band Special the weekly magazine show for big band buffs on BBC Radio 2, and talking on the early morning news review on London Radio.   Richard Pite over the last thirty years has established himself as one of the country’s leading exponents of vintage jazz drumming. His style is steeped in the playing of such masters as Papa Jo Jones, Big Sid Catlett, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich and Cozy Cole. The drummers of the 20s, 30s and 40s very often employed a huge array of musical and visual tricks that thrilled their audiences.   These routines (very rarely seen today) have been adapted to perfection.  Nick Dawson’s piano playing is simply breathtaking.  His complete mastery of the keyboard is combined with great musicality and a familiarity with all the major jazz piano styles from the earliest days of the music through to the present.   He is currently combining guest appearances with numerous bands and a full time job as the pianist and assistant musical director for Mamma Mia. 

  Anthony Kerr is regarded by many as the most enchanting, original and exciting Vibraphone Player in today’s jazz idiom. He also works with the BBC Big Band as a session musician and has been commissioned to write for TV and Radio. He’s performed and recorded with many musicians including George Shearing, Elvis Costello, Georgie Fame, Claire Martin, Peter King . He has either been voted, or nominated ‘Best Instrumentalist’ in the British Jazz Awards every year since 1994. 

  Admission £10

• Wed

  16

  Nov

  2016

  The Savoy Collection

  

  Admission: £12.50 

  At member’s request we welcome back The Savoy Collection who were formed from the Geraldo Orchestra under the leadership of Chris Dean back in 1992.  After a long break Chris reformed them for a cruise in 2013. They proved so popular with their specialist arrangements that Chris performed with them at the Syd Lawrence Orchestra’s Convention in 2015. Upbeat jazz and big band arrangements are the order of the day and great Jazz playing from the country’s finest musicians bring the audiences to their feet every where the group perform.

  Sit back and enjoy a unique musical evening of great entertainment including vocals by Chris Dean and your favourite instrumentals from some of the very best big band jazz musicians in the country.

• Wed

  23

  Nov

  2016

  Australia’s No1 Jazz Icon – James Morrison 

  SOLD OUT

  

  Admission £15 

  James Morrison – trumpet, trombone etc + vocals 

  William Morrison – guitar

  Patrick Danao – drums

  Harry Morrison – double bass

   

  The name James Morrison is known throughout the world for his sheer brilliance as a jazz musician and all round entertainer. James works with the cream of the world’s best performers. Ray Brown called him “The Genius”  but Wynton Marsalis said it best “Man, James Morrison can play!”

  James Morrison has appeared at two Royal Command Performances for the Queen and has performed especially for US Presidents Bush, Clinton & Obama. He’s also appeared with Herbie Hancock & Quincy Jones to name just a couple of jazz icons.

  James composed and performed the fanfare for the 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in Sydney and has been appointed as a Member The Order of Australia for his services to the arts.

  Accompanying James this evening are his two sons, guitarist William and double bassist Harry along with drummer Patty Danao.  Don’t miss this great opportunity to see them! 

• Wed

  30

  Nov

  2016

  Pasadena Roof Orchestra

  SOLD OUT

  

  Since 1969 the Pasadena Roof Orchestra has been faithfully re-creating the glories of popular music from the 1920’s and 1930’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.

  Tickets £20 available at club nights only – Sorry Sold Out

• Wed

  21

  Dec

  2016

  Big Band Extra: The Len Phillips Orchestra with Eleanor Keenan

  SOLD OUT

   

  

  We are pleased to present a special extra evening with the 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 Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra etc.                 

   

  Thirty years after its inception and now under the 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

  Admission £20 by prior reservation only – Meals available from 6:30pm