NOVEMBER 6TH PETE RUDEFORTH JAZZ BAND

The Pete Rudeforth Jazz Band is a London-based band comprised of the very finest Dixieland, New Orleans and Swing musicians on the scene today, which will undoubtedly result in an evening fizzing with excitement and entertaining jazz, played by a group of musicians who have worked with some of the most prestigious names on the international jazz scene today. Pete himself has played with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Palm Court Theatre Orchestra and the Temperance Seven; he was also a member of Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen for twelve years. The band line-up will be: PETE RUDEFORTH, trumpet and vocals; JULIAN STRINGLE, clarinet; ANDY FLAXMAN, trombone; TIM HUSKISSON, piano; SANDY BURNETT, double bass; and JOHN ELLMER, drums.

DECEMBER 4TH JAZZ SAMBA QUINTET

Jazz Samba takes its inspiration and name from Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd's ground-breaking 1962 album, the first ever fully-fledged bossa nova album recorded by American jazz musicians, which topped the LP charts on its release and produced its own pop hit single ‘Desafinado’. The evening will be a joyous celebration of the blending of Brazilian rhythms, jazz attitude and the majestic compositions of the giant Brazilian bossa nova composers Antonio Carlos Jobim, Joao Donato and Sergio Mendes. The band line-up will be: MARK CROOKS, sax and clarinet; NIGEL PRICE, guitar; JOHN CERVANTES, piano; MARIANNE WINDHAM, double bass; and DEMI GARCIA SABAT, drums and percussion.

JANUARY 1ST NEW YEAR’S DAY – NO MEETING

FEBRUARY 5TH - RICO’S HOT SEVEN

One hundred years ago, Louis Armstrong’s Hot 5 recorded, what became, the iconic classics of jazz. In 1927 Armstrong expanded his band and created The Hot 7. Rico's 'Hot Seven' brilliantly perform many of these early masterpieces for this larger ensemble; his outstanding band delighting in the irresistible contrapuntal improvisations of this swing era, breathing new life into this golden age of Jazz. Expect your favourites and some lesser heard gems amongst the tributes to the great exponents of this genre. With ENRICO TOMASSO, cornet; MICHAEL MCQUAID, clarinet; IAN BATEMAN, trombone; MARTIN WHEATLEY, guitar; COLIN GOOD, piano; RICHARD PITE, drums; and HARRY EVANS, sousaphone.

MARCH 5TH - ADRIAN COX TRIO

Internationally acclaimed clarinettist Adrian Cox is a leading authority on New Orleans music, bringing an authentic and electrifying voice to the idiom. He has dedicated his career to preserving and pushing the boundaries of early jazz, earning praise for his masterful technique, deep historical knowledge, and infectious energy on stage. Adrian’s inspired Trio feature the New Zealand born guitarist HONEY BOULTON and Parisian bassist ALEX GILSON. The evening will feature “The Wonderful World of Sidney Bechet” who was the most revered saxophonist to come out of New Orleans. Known for his stentorian sound and stirring musicality, he was a forerunner of jazz music, inspiring countless future musicians. Adrian delves into this early jazz era, capturing and expressing the timeless essence of the music, all delivered with an abundance of charisma and flair.

APRIL 2ND CATHERINE LIMA - LOVE LETTER TO BROADWAY

Love Letter to Broadway is a tribute to the lyricists and composers whose songs have graced the Broadway stage. Combining her love of jazz and musical theatre, vocalist, Catherine Lima and her outstanding quintet, bring you songs and stories about the lives of songwriters such as George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Dorothy Fields, Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein and Harry Warren. The evening’s quintet line-up will be: CATHERINE LIMA, vocals; GABRIEL KEEN, piano; ALEX KEEN, double bass; LUKE DE SALLE, drums; STEWART CURTIS, saxophone, clarinet and flute. Catherine Lima is a seasoned jazz vocalist known for her rich, velvety tone and ability to bring warmth, wit, and emotional depth to every performance. She has a natural flair for storytelling through song, captivating audiences with her presence and charm.

MAY 7TH - JOHN MADDOCKS OCTET

The John Maddocks Octet is a band that adeptly swings in New Orleans style, drawing its repertoire from the classic period of King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton and early Duke Ellington. The band has its own exacting sound, undoubtedly
due to the unique style of John Maddocks’ clarinet playing, reflecting his success with The Black Bottom Stompers, a band he formed whilst in London some years ago. The band line-up will be: TOM CONNOR, trumpet; SIMON WYLD, trombone; MARK ASTON, baritone, tenor, alto saxophones and clarinet; KEITH DURSTON, piano; ANDY DICKENS, guitar; NICK WARD, drums; JOHN MADDOCKS, clarinet, alto and tenor saxophones.

JUNE 4TH - JONNY HEPBIR QUINTET

Making a welcome return to the Club, featuring: MIKE PIGGOTT, violin; JONNY HEPBIR and JASON HENSON, guitars; DAN SHEPPARD, bass; and SARA OSCHLAG, vocals; this is a band that play a diverse mix of jazz standards influenced by The Hot Club of France, all blended into irresistible and exciting arrangements, with more than a dash of musical interplay. Mike Piggott’s lilting glissando violin is a thrilling experience, combining with JONNY HEPBIR and JASON HENSON'S driving guitar rhythms and melodic tête-à-têtes. Together with Dan Sheppard’s musically benevolent double bass and SARAH OSCHLAG’S hushed vocals, these are performers of the highest order; they are musicians who love playing together, and it shows.