March 6th – JIM MULLEN AND ZOE FRANCIS.
The partnership between Zoe Francis and Jim Mullen has produced some incredible moments at St Andrew’s over the last year, and they return for more beautiful renditions from the Great American Songbook. Zoe Francis started singing jazz while living and working in New York, and soon became a regular fixture on the scene. Guitarist Jim Mullen is a towering figure in the jazz world, with a remarkable career spanning over 50 years. “Something a bit special is going on when this artist…takes the stage…a classy, poised singer” – London Jazz News. With Chris Coull – trumpet, Simon Thorpe – double bass.
March 13th – ART THEMEN.
A fantastically exciting, playful and inventive saxophonist, Art Themen has been a beloved character of the British jazz scene for 60 years. Joined by one of the country’s finest organ players, Pete Whittaker, and their drummer George Double, this dynamic organ trio bring the band’s groove-led re-imaginings of quirky curiosities from the jazz canon, acting as a perfect vehicle for the twinkly mischief of this genuine grandee of British jazz. “Themen is one of the very few totally original, utterly engaging jazz musicians around.” — Dave Gelly, The Guardian. With Chris Coull – trumpet, Pete Whittaker – organ, George Double – drums.
March 20th – JASON HENSON.
Jason Henson is a well-known figure on the Brighton and south coast jazz scene, where he regularly plays at pubs, clubs and festivals. His album Henson Plays Wes and Benson was released to critical acclaim, and his guitar playing is immersed in the style of these modern greats. His gypsy jazz group Amuse Manouche featured here last autumn. He is joined by long-standing partner bassist Dan Sheppard, plus the creative Angus Bishop on drums and Chris Coull on trumpet/flugelhorn.
March 27th – JOSEPHINE DAVIES.
Josephine Davies is a musical artist at the forefront of the UK contemporary music scene, pushing the boundaries of jazz and improvised music. Now known equally as a composer, Davies’ unique voice is a blend of classical, jazz and folk music, creating an intensely dynamic sound infused with the Nordic quality of her Shetland roots. As a saxophonist, she is known for her melodic focus, versatility and unique style. She is joined by Terry Seabrook (organ), Joe Edwards (drums) and Chris Coull (trumpet) for a performance from their 2025 project The Org.
APRIL
April 3rd – EASTER – GOOD FRIDAY (no jazz concert – but I am at The Better Half, Hove at 2.30pm if you fancy popping in!)
April 10th – GEORGIA MANCIO
Multi-award-winning jazz vocalist, lyricist and producer Georgia Mancio is a supreme storyteller and formidable force on today’s scene, creating work of beauty and bite, both personal and political. Her copious industry acknowledgements include consecutive wins at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards: Best Vocalist 2021 and Best Album 2020 for Finding Home with Kate Williams, alongside several nominations at the Jazz FM, British Jazz and Urban Music Awards, and a partnership with double Grammy-winning pianist/composer Alan Broadbent. With Chris Coull – trumpet, Tom Ollendorf – guitar, George Trebar – double bass.
April 17th – PETE LONG.
Pete started on the road with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, playing all five saxophone parts, flute, bass guitar and, on one rather messy occasion, the fourth trumpet. Having the unusual inclination to play modern jazz on the rather “old-fashioned” clarinet, he has written several works for clarinet and big band and established a tradition of clarinet solos in NYJO, which has plagued the saxophone section ever since. Expect witty solos and repartee on the microphone from this larger-than-life national treasure. With Roy Hilton – piano, Chris Coull – trumpet, Simon Thorpe – double bass, Joe Edwards – drums.
April 24th – THE JAZZ MAFIA BIG BAND.
A happy return for one of St Andrew’s favourites – the big band led by local musician and leader Alex Bondonno. As we lead up to an exciting month of star artists during the Brighton Fringe, what better way to prepare than a concert full of Sussex’s own star soloists coming together in this 15-piece band, playing the music of traditional and modern big band greats, as well as compositions by local composers and lesser-known gems from the jazz orchestra canon.