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.
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.
