DECEMBER 7TH - PORTRAIT OF THE MJQ

Vibraphonist NAT STEELE’S "Portrait of the MJQ" Quartet performs a swinging take on music of one of the most successful and influential jazz groups of the 20th century, the Modern Jazz Quartet. The gig will feature tunes from their new album including a complete performance of ‘La Ronde Suite’. Joining him are the young pianist GABRIEL LATCHIN who's recently released his own debut album to critical acclaim, Italian bassist DARIO DE LECCE, a recent arrival on the UK jazz scene and the ever-swinging STEVE BROWN (Benny Golson, Scott Hamilton) on drums. Expect lots of swing mixed with some classical influences! “Sheer delight.” Peter Vacher (Jazzwise). “Vibrant.” - Bruce Lindsay (JazzJournal). “A refreshing treat for the ears.” - Rebecca Franks (BBC Music Magazine).

JANUARY 4th - PROFOUNDLY BLUE

Adrian Cox returns with his band in tribute to the Louisiana born clarinettist Edmond Hall. The quartet first played our club in January 2018 and return with the same exciting line-up of JOE WEBB, piano; SIMON READ, double bass; GETHIN JONES, drums and ADRIAN himself on clarinet and vocals. The aim of the band is to keep alive the memory and compositions of the great New Orleans clarinettist. In the past couple of years ADRIAN has featured on radio and television, also alongside WYNTON MARSALIS at the Barbican in London and the Lincoln Center, New York. He receives countless accolades from around the world, recently quoted in Time Out magazine as "London's most charismatic reeds man."

This January meeting opens our new 2019 season and is our membership renewal evening. Doors open at 7.00pm, so join us in a glass of fine wine and renew your membership for the coming year: annual membership is £10.

FEBRUARY 1st - THE PETE LETANKA SEXTET

PETE LETANKA is a professional jazz pianist and composer and an associate of the NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA. He graduated in 1997 with a first class BA (hons) after which he formed the PETE LETANKA TRIO with bassist ANDY HAMIL and drummer WINSTON CLIFFORD. They became very active on the London jazz scene, performing at Ronnie Scott's, the Purcell Room, and the Queen Elizabeth Hall. He was signed with Zephyr Records in 2005 who released his debut album Afrostocracy. Since then he has been involved with the Children's Music Workshop and has led projects for the Royal Opera House and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Tonight, the band will be playing a tribute to the inspirational music of Charles Mingus and Abdulla Ibrahim.

MARCH 1st - THE MARK EDWARDS QUARTET

With Mark Edwards piano, Ben Castle Sax and clarinet, Darren Becket drums and Arnie Somgyi double bass. These four musicians have extensive CV’s in the world of music having recorded and toured internationally with a wide array of artists: Radiohead, Madelaine Peyroux, Katie Melua and Sting to name but a few. Darren Beckett returned to the UK two years ago after a decade living and working in New York, and Ben Castle, now resident in Dublin, makes a visit home to join with this brand new project. The band put their own spin and fresh arrangements on jazz standards, ancient and modern, as well as a few pieces drawn from the outer edges of their eclectic influences and experience.

APRIL 5th - THE MATT WATES SEXTET

Matt WATES alto sax, Steve Main tenor Sax, Steve Fishwick trumpet, Leon Greening piano, Tim Thornton bass and Eric Ford drums. The band has been together now in this format for some twelve years and the combination of two saxes trumpet and rhythm section has become a classic, creating innumerable possibilities for an arranger/composer. Matt endeavours to come up with material that will be fun to play, as well as creating a strong mood that communicates itself well to an audience. In style, the sextet resembles many of the great small bands of the 50s and 60s, such as those of Horace Silver and Art Blakey. Taking inspiration from the past, but trying not to replicate it, the band performs music for which they have the deepest respect.

MAY 3rd - ENRICO TOMASSO WITH RICO'S RIVERBOAT SHUFFLERS

With ENRICO TOMASSO trumpet & vocals, GRAHAM HUGHES trombone, TREVOR WHITING alto sax & clarinet, MARTIN LITTON piano, MARTIN WHEATLEY guitar and RICHARD WHITE bass sax, clarinet & vocals. This fabulous band play the classic jazz from of the 20s and 30s reminiscent of BIX BEIDERBECKE and his peers, a band that breathes new life into the golden era of Jazz.

JUNE 7th - THE TJ JOHNSON QUINTET

Backed by his group of top London based musicians TJ plays an extraordinary blend of music that transcends the boundaries of jazz, blues, soul, country and gospel. His distinctive voice and unique personal stage manner always brings both the band and the audience together to create an intimate yet exciting atmosphere that is rarely equalled. Widely considered to be one of the UK’s most charismatic highly revered jazz and blues singers, TJ with his band have toured extensively both in the UK and overseas including many sell-out performances at London’s famous Ronnie Scott’s.