Our program for July 2024 is here!
July 5th – Julian Nicholas Quintet
Rising to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, Saxophonist Julian Nicholas’ stellar career started with featuring alongside Nina Simone and as an integral member of the now legendary British jazz group, ‘Loose Tubes’. Since then Julian has become a renowned educator and in-demand side man as well as leading many of his own projects. The musical connection he conjures up between the bandstand and the audience is always a delight! Joined by Chris Coull (trumpet), Simon Robinson (piano), Paul Whitten (bass) and Joe Edwards (drums).
July 12th – Simon Spillett Band
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)
July 19th – The Brighton Jazz Mafia Big Band
Alex Bondonno has led this 16 piece big band in one guise or another for the last ten or more years and manages to combine traditional Nestico-Basie styled pieces with modern big band repertoire of L.A. flamboyance. Every section within the band features a delicately balanced mix of jazz soloists, whizz-bang lead players and hard swinging rhythm merchants to produce a dizzy atmosphere of high note revelry, sumptuous tonal colouring and a vibrant groove that only a big band is capable of mustering.
July 26th – Geoff Mason’s tribute to JJ Johnson
A seasoned trombonist with a rich history in the London jazz scene, Geoff’s music bridges the gap between traditional jazz and contemporary sounds. A fusion of the classic big band energy with modern jazz nuances, spiced up with the trombone’s distinct voice. This unique blend has resonated with audiences at top festivals like the EFG London Jazz Festival and on prominent platforms like BBC Radio’s “Best of Jazz”. Geoff regularly appears with House Rhythm sections or with his own quartet, which includes the legendary John Horler on Piano. He has released three albums, receiving acclaim and airplay on Jazz FM and beyond. With Chris Coull – trumpet, David Beebee – piano, Nigel Thomas – bass and Alex Pitt – drums.
“One of the Uk’s leading jazz Trombonists” – All About Jazz
