As a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards, and nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2021, Alex is known to be one of the most in-demand and versatile young reeds players emerging on the British jazz scene. Praised for her extensive repertoire list and intelligent ear for harmony, she brings a youthful, intuitive approach which sounds authentic in a variety of musical settings from New Orleans through to bebop. Alex’s sound is steeped in the tradition of jazz; her deep respect for the heritage of the music can be heard in a melodic approach reminiscent of Scott Hamilton and Lester Young. For this afternoon’s session, she will be joined by a tremendous rhythm section; Jez Cook (guitar), Tom Moore (bass) and Clark Tracey (drums).
Expect an afternoon of high-energy swing, featuring a broad programme of mainstream standards through to New Orleans spirituals & British Trad.
Kevin Grenfell is back with his Jazz Friends! All of Kevin’s fine musicians have appeared at our jazz club over the years in different bands and under several names, this time they come together and appear with his Jazz Friends, of whom they are! No name, no pack drill applies! The Jazz Friends play a mixture of Traditional & Mainstream Jazz with a hint of Blues so there’s going to be something for everyone – this is definitely a session not to be missed!
Kevin Grenfell is back with his Jazz Friends! All of Kevin’s fine musicians have appeared at our jazz club over the years in different bands and under several names, this time they come together and appear with his Jazz Friends, of whom they are! No name, no pack drill applies! The Jazz Friends play a mixture of Traditional & Mainstream Jazz with a hint of Blues so there’s going to be something for everyone – this is definitely a session not to be missed!
Paula Jackman’s Jazz Masters, is named as a tribute to Paula’s husband, Brian Masters – one of Britain’s finest jazz banjoists. The band is made up of great musicians and great friends – ‘we enjoy our music and enjoy our time together. When a band has fun, you can guarantee the audience will too.’ We play Dixieland jazz from its roots in New Orleans through to its heyday during the British Trad boom.’ Paula Jackman – clarinet and saxes (soprano, alto, C melody and tenor), ‘Magic’ Mike Henry (Trumpet), Bob Alcoe (Trombone), Hugh Crozier (Piano), Marc Easener (Sousaphone), Graham Collicott (Drums & Washboard).
The Pedigree Jazz Band are a real tribute to Trad Jazz. Chris Walker (reeds), Tony Mann (Trombone), Andy Chislett (Trumpet), John Noddings (Banjo & Guitar), Ken Ames or Mike Bennett (double bass) and Sy Gorlick (drums).
“Chanson Swing” features the vocal talents of Sophie-Jayne Holder along with her husband Ben Holder on piano. As their name suggests there will be plenty of popular French ‘Chansons’, swinging jazz standards and a pinch of Spanish “Canción”! As a skilled linguist who spent a long time living in Europe, as well as being a classical flautist, Sophie-Jayne lends her musical ear and language fluency to beautiful chansons like La Vie En Rose, Hymn A L’Amour & La Mer, with Ben on piano adding an air of excitable energy to jazzy swing tunes from Gershwin, Porter & Carmichael to name but a few. For this show double bassist extraordinaire, Paul Jefferies joins “Chanson Swing” adding a rocksteady swinging bass, to make for an incredibly swinging jazz trio! An afternoon of swing, beautiful jazz ballads and chansons awaits!
Coming from a family of strong musicians, Carl first started playing the piano when he was six years old. He had classical lessons to the age of twelve (just listening and learning to copy the sounds) and went on to win ‘Young Musician of The Year’. A few years later, he switched to a teacher that gave more direction on improvisation, jazz and pop. By the age of eighteen, he’d mastered the art of playing boogie-woogie piano – relying on a strong left hand and a quick technique. Since 2007, he has become one of the resident pianist at Jools Holland’s live music venue ‘The Jam House’ in Birmingham. But he’s also very privileged to have performed at some of the country’s top music festivals and theatres and at countless weddings/private parties – and even done a few for some celebrities! One of our club favourite acts, Carl Sinclair (piano) will make a return visit to us alongside Howard Smith on Drums.
Coming from a family of strong musicians, Carl first started playing the piano when he was six years old. He had classical lessons to the age of twelve (just listening and learning to copy the sounds) and went on to win ‘Young Musician of The Year’. A few years later, he switched to a teacher that gave more direction on improvisation, jazz and pop. By the age of eighteen, he’d mastered the art of playing boogie-woogie piano – relying on a strong left hand and a quick technique. Since 2007, he has become one of the resident pianist at Jools Holland’s live music venue ‘The Jam House’ in Birmingham. But he’s also very privileged to have performed at some of the country’s top music festivals and theatres and at countless weddings/private parties – and even done a few for some celebrities! One of our club favourite acts, Carl Sinclair (piano) will make a return visit to us alongside Howard Smith on Drums.
