Tuesday 9th May 2023

Review article coming soon ...

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.

Saturday 11th March 2023

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 17th January 2023

"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 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.

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.