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.
Porgy and Bess, live at Piano Smithfield, London.
Gershwin’s masterpiece, reimagined for the 21st century – Tickets
https://www.pianosmithfield.com
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; Jeff Williams and Al Nicholls
Jeff Williams is a distinguished British trombonist known for his rich tone, smooth phrasing, and deep roots in the swing tradition. A seasoned performer, he has spent decades delighting audiences with his expressive playing and effortless command of classic jazz styles. Alongside his long-time musical partner, Al Nicholls, a skilled saxophonist celebrated for his warm sound and melodic improvisation, the duo has built a reputation for authentic, engaging performances. Their visit to St Andrews Church in Hove showcases their shared passion for swing, delivering timeless repertoire with charm, precision, and genuine musical chemistry.
Mark Crooks at The Speakeasy Jazz Club
Mark Crooks is an acclaimed British jazz saxophonist and clarinettist known for his lyrical and versatile playing style. He has built a reputation as both a leading soloist and a highly sought-after sideman across jazz, classical, and theatre settings. He is a long-standing member of the award-winning John Wilson Orchestra, with which he has performed regularly at the BBC Proms. He is also a member of the Back to Basie Orchestra and the Sinfonia of London.
£7 cash/ card on the door. WhatsApp 07948260789 for table reservations.
Jazz At St Andrews presents; Ela Southgate’s Songs of the Summer.
Join acclaimed vocalist Ela Southgate and The Chris Coull Quintet for a special evening celebrating the “Songs of the Summer.”
From the cool sway of Brazilian bossa nova to the sparkle of swinging jazz standards, Ela will take you on a journey filled with love, laughter, and irresistibly toe-tapping tunes.
Featuring:
Chris Coull – trumpet & flugelhorn
Matt Wall – guitar
Dan Sheppard – double bass
Joe Edwards – drums
An unforgettable night of rhythm, warmth, and timeless melodies awaits.
The Speakeasy Jazz Club presents, Simon Savage Quintet.
Get ready for a high-octane night of classic bebop as The Speakeasy Jazz Club presents a top-tier quintet led by saxophonist Simon Savage and trumpeter Chris Coull. With a nod to the golden era of jazz, this frontline delivers tight unison lines, blistering solos, and hard-swinging energy. Roy Hilton – piano, Paul Whitten – bass and Angus Bishop – drums.
£7 cash/ card. WhatsApp 07948260789 for table reservations.
Jazz At St Andrews presents; Greg Abate Quintet
After a sell out concert last year, US touring alto saxophone legend and hard bop specialist Greg Abate makes his return appearance to St Andrews. Greg’s unrelenting schedule has seen him touring all around Europe and UK several time in the past few years, showcasing his ‘in-the-pocket’ be-bop playing. Greg started his career with the Ray Charles band before being asked to play with the Artie Shaw band. Since then he has gone on to lead his own groups as well as appear as a side man to such greats as Jerome Richardson and Charlie Parker’s trumpeter, Red Rodney.
Greg Abate – saxophone
Chris Coull – trumpet
Tim Wells – piano
Paul Whitten – bass
Joe Edwards – drums
Porgy and Bess, live at Also Festival, Warwickshire.
Gershwin’s masterpiece, reimagined for the 21st century – Tickets
https://www.also-festival.com/events/porgy-and-bess-gershwin-s-masterpiece/feed
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