Epsom Jazz Club - Archives

23 January 2025- Steve Fishwick (trumpet) and Leon Greening (piano) present SoulTime! - in quartet with bass and drums

The project celebrates the music of Bobby Timmons: pianist, composer and sideman with the likes of Art Blakey, Chet Baker and Cannonball Adderly, as well as a significant recording artist as a front-man. We haven't had a trumpeter in quite a while and Fishwick's one of the best in the country while for my money Greening, who came down with Alan Barnes, is the best pianist we've had play at the club, so excited to see him back.

27 February 2025- Coloriage featuring Mike Guy (accordion) and Harry Diplock (guitar) - in quartet with bass and drums

Exploring the legacy of Richard Galliano, this'll be a night of Argentine tango, French musette and gypsy jazz with music by the likes of Astor Piazzolla and Django Reinhardt, as well as Galliano himself. We haven't had an accordion-led group since L'Esprit du Jazz in January 2023, so it'll be a nice change, and we know Diplock has fine pedigree.

27 March - Sharp Little Bones with Tony Kofi (sax) - quartet with piano, bass and drums

We're talking invigorating modern post-bop. By this gig, there will have been a full three shows without any sax! Tony Kofi has won both BBC Jazz and Parliamentary Jazz awards and been nominated for a MOBO, and he and the band played a sold-out London Jazz Festival show last year, so it should be a good reintroduction to the instrument.

24 April - Sam Braysher Quartet feat. Annie Majin.

Annie Majin is a fresh new talent active on the jazz club circuit who recently made her debut on the West End stage. Together with celebrated alto saxophonist Sam Braysher, Annie will be presenting classic and lesser known items from the American songbook and jazz canon, including compositions by the likes of George Gershwin, Rodgers & Hammerstein and Harold Arlen, as well as songs from Sam's latest album That’s Him: The Music of Kurt Weill, which got airplay on Radio 3 and Jazz FM. Annie, Sam and the band recently presented their Kurt Weill project in London's Ladbroke Hall.

Line-up:

Annie Majin - vocals

Sam Braysher - alto saxophone

Kate Williams - piano

Tom Farmer - double bass

Thursday, 27/06/24

ALLISON NEALE: AN EVENING OF WEST COAST JAZZ

American-born altoist Allison Neale’s beautifully-crafted lines evoke the spirit of Paul Desmond and Art Pepper, with whom she has a particular affinity. For this special project, Neale and guitarist Colin Oxley recreate the magical pairing of Paul Desmond (best known for his long-standing association with Dave Brubeck) and Jim Hall (guitarist with Sonny Rollins). Drawing from these influences, they explore their own unique musical partnership while staying true to the nature of the original recordings, beautiful in their simplicity and elegance. A strong advocate of the melodic West Coast style, Allison has performed alongside leading international artists such as Adelaide Hall and Bud Shank, US tenorist Scott Hamilton, and more recently, in collaboration with New York guitarist Peter Bernstein, who appears on her critically acclaimed new CD ‘Quietly There’.

Thursday, 25/04/24

Alan Barnes, Robin Aspland, Jeremy Brown & Steve Brown

Alan Barnes on sax virtually needs no introduction, he’s been top of the tree for decades. As well as being a key figure in the history of UK jazz having recorded and worked with the likes of Stan Tracey, Kenny Baker, Mike Westbrook, Van Morrison etc etc he has won more awards than you can count on your fingers and toes! He’s also a very funny chap indeed.

Robin Aspland on keys is one of the finest pianists ever to herald from these islands. Yes, he’s that good. As well as the thousands of concerts with the ‘who’s who’ of the jazz scene, he’s also the number 1 call for the BBC Big Band.

Steve Brown is on drums. There are a select few people who stay clear of social media yet are known throughout the scene. Steve has been the first call for visiting US artists for decades and continues to be hugely popular with his infectious smile, magnificent playing and encyclopaedic knowledge of the music.

And last but by no means least we have Jeremy Brown on double bass. Jeremy is a professor of jazz at the Royal Academy of Music. He has also worked with a list of jazz stars as long as your arm, including Peter King, Julian Joseph, Art Farmer, Brad Mehldau and anyone who’s anyone here in the UK.

Tuesday 13th June 2023

NIGEL PRICE ORGAN TRIO

Also a longtime Epsom resident, Nigel is a highly skilled guitarist as well as an accomplished composer whose swinging bebop approach combined with flawless control is a delight to hear. He has played on more than 50 albums, spent ten years with acid jazz outfit the Filthy Six, was a member of James Taylor’s jazz/funk band for 3 years and has played at Ronnie Scott’s over 600 times.

As leader, he has recorded 10 albums, including six with his own Organ Trio which received the Parliamentary Jazz Award for 'Best Jazz Ensemble' and the British Jazz Award for 'Best Small Group'.

Sharing the stage with Nigel were his highly-regarded A-list rhythm section of Ross Stanley (Hammond Organ) and Joel Barford (Drums).

Tuesday 9TH MAY 2023

NEIL ANGILLEY TRIO

Pianist & Composer Neil "has long been one the UK's best-kept secrets in the Jazz world", declared Blues & Soul Magazine.

Completing his Trio were Davide Mantovani (Babba Maal, Jim Mullen, Andy Sheppard) on Bass and Davide Giovannini (Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood) on Drums.

Their live show was spellbinding, not only impressing you with their instrumental virtuosity but also 3 part vocal harmony which adds a unique dimension to the sound only created by this Trio. They brought tantalisingly infectious rhythms from Brazil and Cuba to the audience. They have released 5 albums: ‘Havana Club’, ‘Chango’, ‘The Lake District’, ‘Yambou’, and ‘Live At The 606 Club’.

They work regularly in the London Jazz scene and across the U.K. performing at Ronnie Scott's, The Stables, and 606 Club. During a recent tour in Italy they appeared at 'Trieste Loves Jazz' International Jazz Festival.

Tuesday 21ST MARCH 2023

Emma Rawicz

SATURDAY 11TH MARCH 2023

NIGEL PRICE, LAURA KLAIN, MIKELE MONTOLLI, FRODE KJEKSTAD

Nigel Price sent out an SOS on Twitter: "Hey, does anyone need a top flight jazz band on 11/03? The planets have aligned to have a couple of really special musicians in the UK that night and they're both up for playing a gig! I have an unexpected night off too. Could be London or somewhere close... Do message me. Ta."

We checked that the Oaks Room was available, and then set to work ... we needed to design artwork, get a poster printed and installed on the High Street, make tickets available for sale and then sell 70 tickets, check that our contact could supply the necessary lighting and audio equipment ... oh, and Nigel still needed to find a bassist! All within 12 days. But we did. And what a blast this special Saturday evening gig was!

The planets had aligned furthermore, providing us with the very same rhythm section that kicked everything off for us in the Oaks Room in June 2022 - Italian drumming sensation Laura Klain was on another short visit to the U.K., and double bass virtuoso Mikele Montolli was also drafted in to make a return visit to Epsom (the latter fresh from a recent trip to Tokyo, as well as arriving straight from an afternoon gig in London).

Celebrated Norwegian guitarist Frode Kjekstad was a delight and such warm company with engaging conversation - not to mention an absolute demon on the guitar. He and Nigel curated a wonderful setlist for the audience, taking us on a journey through standards like "Moon Song", "Night And Day" and "Body And Soul" as well as the Wes Montgomery classics of "Road Song" and "Jingles".

But possibly the pinnacle of the concert came from hearing Frode's original compositions come to life. "Brooklyn Bound" and "A Piece Of The Apple" also gave us some the strongest solos from the guitar duo. Nigel's solo during their performance of Eddie Harris' "Cold Duck Time" was a personal highlight too.

During our conversation in the interval Frode delighted in telling me that his own Trio back in Norway are "banging". Did that translate perfectly? Perhaps we'll have to encourage them to come play at Epsom Jazz Club sometime to find out..

TUESDAY 21ST FEBRUARY 2023

EMMA SMITH

Emma Smith's "star is on the ascendant".

A bold self-penned quote within her biography, a lyric from the opening track "I Don't Care" of her album "Meshuga Baby", and also just a plain fact.

She has an admirably high level of ambition, a thoroughly natural and charming stage presence, and also adores our precious jazz music.

So perhaps it should not have surprised us when Emma replied to our invitation with "I would absolutely love to bring what I do down to Epsom! Let's talk dates!".

It being pianist Jamie Safir's second visit eased some of our nerves, but this was always going to be a special night. All four of these performers are phenomenally talented and hugely in demand but the capacity audience in attendance were fully aware as they enthusiastically showed appreciation to the Quartet for taking the time to visit their hometown.

A wonderful rendition of George & Ira Gershwin's "But Not For Me" opened the show, swiftly followed by characterful performances of "I Don't Care" and "Makin' Whoopee". This evening there were no run-of-the-mill numbers, everything was marvellously and emotively personal.

The penultimate song of the first set is best described by Nigel Price, who was in attendance: "She did 'There's No Business Like Show Business'. Down tempo, poignant and with a preamble about the bullshit they tried to feed us about artists 'retraining' in IT etc. Just brilliant."

Signed copies of her Vinyl were snapped up during the interval before launching into the second set with "Too Close For Comfort". A Smith/Safir original composition also sparkled in this half; "Sit On My Knee And Tell Me That You Love Me" can't help but raise a smile everywhere it's performed.

Emma confidently commanded the stage throughout the evening with her powerful vocals, but also generously afforded her loyal band of Jamie Safir, Conor Chaplin & Luke Tomlinson numerous solo opportunities.

Just a few weeks later Emma was invited to perform with Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra at their two London shows (Ronnie Scott's & Royal Festival Hall). We wish her hearty congratulations, continued success in all that she sets out to accomplish, and eternal gratitude for accepting our invitation.

TUESDAY 17th january 2023

L'Esprit du Jazz

"Spring comes early for Epsom & Ewell jazz fans" was our marketing strapline. Just as the freezing Winter temperatures returned we launched into our rather preemptively titled Spring programme of concerts!

But not to worry, the venue's heating was on and The Oaks Room was full to capacity. We were thrilled to commence the New Year with a Sold Out performance. Word had spread and the exciting L'Esprit du Jazz quartet had duly enticed locals and other live music enthusiasts out of their cosy homes and into Epsom's newest Live Music forum.

Led by highly respected accordionist Karen Street, L'Esprit du Jazz explores French Musette, the music of Brazil, the world of Tango alongside original compositions and favourite jazz standards. Add into the equation that bassist Charlie Pyne is also their vocalist on a number of tunes, and this foursome were incredibly scintillating to listen to.

Beautiful versions of classics "The Way You Look Tonight", "The Surrey With The Fringe On Top" and "East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon)" were intermingled with original compositions by guitarist Sam Dunn and also by Karen Street herself.

The opening set's finale, however, brought drummer Katie Patterson to the fore. The Canadian-born musician teased the audience at first with a two-minute solo introduction to "Dulzura". Originally composed by Clare Fischer this quartet's arrangement was wonderful, permitting moments of pure melodic bliss as well as injections of virtuosic improvisation.

Tuesday 15th November 2022

What a way to finish off Epsom Jazz Club's first year of gigs!

The Tobie Carpenter Organ Trio (TCOT) delightfully entertained the Tuesday night audience with witty and inventive covers of standards including "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down (And Write Myself A Letter)", "When You're Smiling" and "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You", alongside a fabulously clever Beatles medley.

Guitarist Tobie Carpenter was on fine form leading the Trio throughout the evening, and Jamie Safir was just masterful on the organ and particularly strong during the opening number of the second set, "Night Train". Drummer Tim Giles was clearly relishing being sat between his bandmates as they all traded solos, and within several tunes effortlessly took command of the fluid tempo changes.

Tuesday 18th October 2022

"If you see my mother", the band exclaimed.

I tell a lie. They rather impeccably performed Sidney Bechet's "Si tu vois ma mère"!

London Django Collective (LDC) charmed the capacity audience at Epsom Jazz Club sweeping us all along with their infectious enthusiasm for Gypsy Jazz, playing fabulous versions of Django Reinhardt compositions including "Flèche d'or" and "Nuages" alongside the band's own music.

Yes, this Quartet don't just perform standards from the early 20th century, they write their own tunes within this genre as well. LDC exquisitely delivered the captivating "Marrakech" and "Samoreau", composed by guitarists Kourosh Kanani and Harry Diplock respectively.

Violinist Matt Holborn solidly commanded The Oaks Room venue, both on his instrument and on the microphone between tracks. And the audience were kept waiting until the very last track ("Billets doux") for a tantalising solo from bassist Pete Thomas.

An incredible foursome, and such accomplished ambassadors for this well-loved style of Jazz.

Tuesday 20th September 2022

Just 71 minutes.

That's how long it took British pianist, composer and bandleader, Gabriel Latchin to respond with an enthusiastic "Yes!" after an email invitation was despatched to him back in the summer.

What Epsom Jazz Club didn't know at the time was that he and his family now lived in Scotland. Oh, how's that going to work, then?

It would be fine, as merely two days before the intended September date Gabriel already had plans to be in the South of England to perform at the Isle of Wight Jazz Weekend as part of jazz vibraphone player Nat Steele's Portrait Of The Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ).

Phew! Turned out nicely.

The ever-growing Epsom Jazz Club audience were thrilled with the booking. The Trio performed wonderfully varied sets featuring unique versions of songs by Bossa Nova pioneer João Gilberto, a beautiful reworking of "They All Laughed" by the inimitable Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong, and Latchin's own composition "Carlora" (a dedication to his parents).

American jazz bassist Christian McBride is quoted as saying "Gabriel is an excellent musician and one hell of a nice guy". No-one could possibly argue with that.

He's made a name for himself as one of the UK’s finest musicians, known for his effortlessly swinging feel, deep repertoire and compelling performances, and Epsom's Tuesday night crowd lapped the three musicians up.

Pianist Gabriel Latchin was accompanied on stage by the rock-solid Jeremy Brown on double bass and long-standing collaborator Josh Morrison on drums. A truly wonderful Jazz Trio and understandably a number of the audience were keen to purchase and take home a personalised CD.

Gabriel's latest album "Viewpoint" was released in April 2023, entirely comprised of original compositions. A fabulous fourth album from his Trio for us to now play on rotation alongside the first three "Introducing", "The Moon And I" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas".

Thursday 7th July 2022

Sandwiched between weekend Festival performances to sizeable crowds in Harrogate and Swanage, Jo Harrop delighted Epsom Jazz Club's modest audience by agreeing to taking to the stage for a sublime midweek concert.

Wonderfully accompanied by local jazz guitarist Nigel Price, Dave Chamberlain on double bass, and Matt Home on drums, Jo effortlessly commanded the room with songs from Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and more.

After moving to London from her home city of Durham, Jo quickly established herself as one of the most unmistakable voices in British jazz, performing everywhere from Ronnie Scott’s to the Royal Albert Hall. Epsom Jazz Club is still in its infancy having only been launched in 2022, and was elated to welcome Jo in the midst of her busy touring schedule.

2nd June 2022 Jubilee Night

Vasilis Xenopoulos is considered to be one of the most accomplished Greek contemporary musicians of his generation and celebrated tenor sax.

Accompanied by Nigel Price, the UK's top jazz guitarist, Mikele Montolli on double bass, with Laura Klain on drums completing this fine modern quartet.

... cracking evening had by all ...

"The quality of the musicianship was truly magnificent and the evening was I felt a huge success."

... great crowd - great atmosphere and great music ...

"Old Folks" - full performance from the night (more on our Facebook page)

... celebrated Jubilee Night with many songs composed in 1952 ...

"We are definitely interested in the next event and will certainly let our friends know about it. Keep up the good work."

See you 7th July!

Thursday 17th February 2022

Nigel Price and Giorgio Serci played to a sell out audience at the Epsom Club on 17th February 2022. The audience was wowed but not cowed after coming out from months of lockdown life.

True professionals. A privilege to see and hear.

NIGEL PRICE

Over a career spanning more than 25 years, award winning jazz guitarist Nigel Price has become widely acknowledged as one of the hardest working musicians in the business. ................... READ MORE

The Epsom Club, Church Street, Epsom

Thursday 17th February 7.30pm

Giorgio Serci is an award winner guitarist, composer, arranger and lecturer. He has recorded, performed and supported Jools Holland, Shirley Bassey, Basia, David Garrett .....READ MORE

GIORGIO SERCI