Porgy and Bess – Live at Brighton Open Air Theatre.
Gershwin’s masterpiece, reimagined for the 21st century – Tickets
https://brightonopenair.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173676840
Trumpeter Chris Coull and an all-star band bring George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess to life in a thrilling new jazz suite. Featuring award-winning vocalist Imogen Ryall, this narrated concert blends unforgettable songs with fresh, inventive arrangements that honour the spirit of post-bop jazz while speaking directly to today’s audiences.
Expect timeless favourites like Summertime and I Love You, Porgy, alongside rarely heard gems such as Buzzard Song and Strawberry Woman — all delivered with swing, soul, and sophistication. The performance transports listeners to 1930s Charleston, tracing the love story of Porgy and Bess through hard bop grooves, lush ballads, Latin rhythms, and orchestral textures.
Coull, a leading figure on the Brighton jazz scene and founder of the acclaimed Speakeasy Jazz Club (Hove), is joined by three of London’s most in-demand jazz musicians — John Turville (piano), Simon Thorpe (bass), and Matt Fishwick (drums) — to create an evening of world-class jazz: dynamic, moving, and utterly engaging.
“This is a lovely reading of Gershwin’s magnificent Porgy and Bess Suite. Imogen Ryall has great intonation, crystal-clear diction and a real sense of the theatre of the pieces, while Chris Coull contributes beautifully toned and inventive trumpet solos and sensitive backings to the vocals. Wonderful swinging trio as well.”
— Alan Barnes
Jazz At St Andrews; ART THEMEN and DAVID NEWTON.
An evening celebrating Miles Davis’ “First Great Quintet” of the 1950s, with which a young John Coltrane and the legendary rhythm section of Red Garland, Paul Chambers and “Philly” Joe Jones produced a host of stunning recordings. Art Themen is a multi-award-winning saxophonist whose catalogue spans over thirty albums. David Newton is a Scottish jazz pianist, composer and educator, a six-time winner of the British Jazz Awards and a Fellow of Leeds College of Music, whose long association with Barnes makes this pairing a masterclass in interplay. They are joined by Chris Coull – trumpet, Simon Thorpe – double bass, Joe Edwards – drums.
Date and place; Friday 29th May 2026, St Andrews Church, Hove, BN3 2AD
Time; Doors at 5.30pm, Music from 6pm-8pm
Tickets; £15 as cash/ card on the door or in advance at WeGotTickets wegottickets.com/event/688742/
For parking or any other info, please WhatsApp 07948260789
The Speakeasy Jazz Club; Nigel Price.
Get ready for a powerhouse night of jazz as Nigel Price, one of the UK’s most formidable jazz guitarists, brings his explosive organ trio to The Speakeasy Jazz Club at The Wick Inn, Hove. Known for his fiery bebop lines, deep blues feel, and swinging grooves, Nigel’s performances are a masterclass in straight-ahead jazz. Joining him will be Dan Sheppard – double bass, and Joe Edwards – drums.
£7 cash / card. WhatsApp 07948260789 for table reservations.
Porgy and Bess, album launch, live at 606 club, Chelsea
Gershwin’s masterpiece, reimagined for the 21st century – Tickets
Trumpeter Chris Coull and an all-star band bring George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess to life in a thrilling new jazz suite. Featuring award-winning vocalist Imogen Ryall, this narrated concert blends unforgettable songs with fresh, inventive arrangements that honour the spirit of post-bop jazz while speaking directly to today’s audiences.
Expect timeless favourites like Summertime and I Love You, Porgy, alongside rarely heard gems such as Buzzard Song and Strawberry Woman — all delivered with swing, soul, and sophistication. The performance transports listeners to 1930s Charleston, tracing the love story of Porgy and Bess through hard bop grooves, lush ballads, Latin rhythms, and orchestral textures.
Coull, a leading figure on the Brighton jazz scene and founder of the acclaimed Speakeasy Jazz Club (Hove), is joined by three of London’s most in-demand jazz musicians — John Turville (piano), Simon Thorpe (bass), and Matt Fishwick (drums) — to create an evening of world-class jazz: dynamic, moving, and utterly engaging.
“This is a lovely reading of Gershwin’s magnificent Porgy and Bess Suite. Imogen Ryall has great intonation, crystal-clear diction and a real sense of the theatre of the pieces, while Chris Coull contributes beautifully toned and inventive trumpet solos and sensitive backings to the vocals. Wonderful swinging trio as well.”
— Alan Barnes
Jazz At St Andrews presents; Matt Holborn
Matt Holborn is a UK-based jazz violinist and composer known for his lyrical improvisation, rich tone, and genre-blending work spanning contemporary jazz, folk, and classical influences. For this concert, Holborn presents a vibrant tribute to the legendary jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli, celebrating the elegance, swing, and enduring influence of one of the instrument’s most iconic voices. Expect a programme infused with warmth, virtuosity, and playful interplay, reimagining classic repertoire alongside original material inspired by Grappelli’s unmistakable style. He is joined by guitarist Jason Henson, bassist Dan Sheppard, and Chris Coull on trumpet.
Tickets; £12 as cash/ card on the door or in advance at WeGotTickets wegottickets.com/event/688733/
For parking or any other info, please WhatsApp 07948260789
Julian Nicholas at The Speakeasy Jazz Club
Julian Nicholas guests at The Speakeasy Jazz Club, Hove
Join us in the dedicated space above The Wick Inn, Hove, for an unforgettable evening of world-class jazz.
Led by acclaimed trumpeter Chris Coull, the house band will be joined by some of the brightest stars from across the UK jazz scene. Expect swinging rhythms, soulful solos, and the very best of British jazz talent in an intimate setting.
With great food, drinks, and cosy alcoves, this New York–style supper club has long been a centrepiece of Hove’s vibrant jazz scene.
Saxophonist Julian Nicholas is a central figure in the South Coast jazz scene, admired for his powerful tone, versatility, and adventurous spirit. He has performed at major festivals and collaborated widely across jazz and contemporary music, blending tradition with innovation while inspiring audiences with his commanding and lyrical playing.
Jazz At St Andrews; Simon Spillett
Simon has long been a dedicated researcher in one of the UK’s finest jazz talents – Tubby Hayes. Having written award-winning books about his life and music, re-established his big band writings and even going so far as to base as sizeable chunk of his own playing style of the great man’s exuberant jazz voice, Simon now finds himself the foremost exponent of all things Tubby. Expect a few of Tubby’s compositions as well as a interesting mix of Simon’s own musings and favourite jazz standards. Featuring on of the UK’s finest drummers in Pete Cater, the rest of the band are; Chris Coull (trumpet), Terry Seabrook (piano) and George Trebar (bass)
Jazz At St Andrews; Alex Clarke
Alex Clarke is a rising British saxophonist known for her warm tone, lyrical phrasing, and deep connection to the jazz tradition. Emerging from the UK jazz scene, she has quickly gained recognition for her expressive alto playing and confident improvisation, establishing herself as an exciting talent in modern jazz. In this concert Alex will be paying tribute to one of jazz’s great pen-smiths in Cole Porter – expect all his most well known tunes as well as some unhackneyed gems. With Chris Coull (trumpet), Mark Edwards (piano), Simon Woolf (bass) and Joe Edwards (drums).
Brandon Allen at The Speakeasy Jazz Club
Brandon Allen is a highly respected British saxophonist celebrated for his powerful tone, versatility, and commanding presence in both jazz and commercial music scenes. A prolific performer, he has worked with leading artists across genres, from jazz ensembles to pop and soul acts. Known for his dynamic improvisation and technical fluency, Allen draws on influences from hard bop, funk, and contemporary jazz. He is also an accomplished bandleader, releasing critically acclaimed albums that showcase his expressive range. In addition to performing, Allen is a dedicated educator, contributing to the development of emerging musicians in the UK and beyond.
£7 cash/ card on the door. WhatsApp 07948260789 for table reservations.
