Gigs

Graeme Hewitt’s High Society Jazz band | Theale

Guildford Jazz at the Cricket Pavilion | Wendy Kirkland Quintet

Wendy Kirkland

Celebrating the centenary of Wes Montgomery’s birth, pianist Wendy Kirkland, guitarist Pat Strakes and virtuoso vibraphone player Roger Beaujolais pay a tribute, a la “George Shearing and the Montgomery Brothers”. With Alex Eberhard on drums and Marianne Windham on bass. “Terrific pianist…assured and full of surprises.” – ★★★★ Dave Gelly, The Observer

FSJB@The Butler, Reading | Fusion 6

Thurs 4 May| Jazz funk fusion from Fusion 6 | Andy Kennedy sax/flute/EWI, Tony Imbierski keys, Paul Wallace bass, Tony McKenna drums, Nick Hollings guitar, Alison Rolls vocals | The Butler 85-91 Chatham St, Reading RG1 7DS | 8:00 – 11.30pm | £6 card/cash on the door More info here

Zoe Francis’ “Blue Town” | Bracknell

Spellbinding singer Zoe Francis returns to Bracknell joined by the legendary guitarist Jim Mullen and incomparable Hammond organist Ross Stanley in a selection of the greatest bittersweet songs of the last century. This project is based on her fourth album, Blue Town, which was launched to rave reviews. www.bracknelljazz.co.uk

The Ben Holder Trio | Abingdon

Outrageous jazz violin sensation. Showmanship, flair, excitement, phenomenal technique and amazing musicianship. Ben has it all !!

Gareth Chelley Quartet | Queens Head, Reading

Gareth Chelley

Coronation Big Lunch Jazz at The Relais | Henley on Thames

Simon Cook

Sun 7 May | Coronation Big Lunch Jazz: Simon Cook Trio | Simon Cook piano, Andy Masters double bass, Jim Wade drums | The Relais Henley, Hart St. RG9 2AR | Coronation Big Lunch reservations 01491 572161 or info@therelaishenley.com

The jazz trio of piano, bass, and drums is a classic ensemble that has produced some of the most memorable and influential music in jazz history. Playing the timeless melodies of the Great American Songbook, this trio creates a rich and textured sound that is both elegant and engaging. Together, this trio delivers an unforgettable musical experience that celebrates the beauty and creativity of jazz.

Short Notice 2 | Wallingford

The Pete Allen Jazz Band | Newbury

Blue Magoo Jazz Band | Henley

Mon 8 May | Blue Magoo Jazz Band | Mill Meadows Bandstand Henley | 2-4pm | Free entry to this outdoor gig by the river.

Coronation Bank Holiday with Purdy @ Oaken Grove Vineyard, Henley on Thames

Mon 8 May | Celebrate this unique weekend with the beautiful voice of Purdy and her band | 12.00 – 6.00pm | Tickets £22.00 available online | Food available to pre-order online.

Live Jazz, Blues and more | Reading

Tues 9 May | Live Jazz, Blues and more | Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennet Side RG1 3DW | Music from 7:30 | Free entry, donations welcomed

Every other Tuesday | 9, 23 May | 6, 20 Jun | 4, 18 Jul

Live music. Free entry. Excellent food and drink. And a lot more space than the late-lamented Global Cafe. Who could ask for more?

The Fisherman’s Cottage is reached by an easy stroll along the Kennet from the Queen’s Road car park – park for just £3.60 for the evening. More parking information here

Musicians: if you’d like to take part, call one of the following and we’ll do our best to accommodate you: Ian Germer 07866 251216 / Jim Wade 07788 666608

Magoos Jazz Jam | Henley

Sarah Jane Eveleigh & Otto Carretta | Goring

Fri 12 May |Sarah Jane Eveleigh vocals, Otto Carretta saxophonist. Nick Hill piano, Howard King bass, Mike Goff drums | Goring Community Jazz Club, Station Road Goring | 7pm doors 7:30 start | Tickets from TicketSource £10 or Inspiration The Arcade Goring, or cash or card on the door | Bring your own drinks or drink at the Catherine Wheel a few metres away.

Exceptional jazz singer Sarah-Jane Eveleigh and soulful jazz altoist Ottone Caretta supported by the house trio.

Hot Biscuits Jazz broadcast

Join me next week when Hot Biscuits reflects on the life and music of Chick Corea, one of the leading jazz keyboard virtuosi, composers and band leaders since the late 60’s. Pieces will include such personal favourites as, Now he sings, now he sobs, Alegria and Fool on the hill. Share the word and tune in 24/07 at www.mixcloud.com/stevebewick

Simon Spillet & Bruce Adams Quintet | Fleet Jazz Club

Tues 16 May | Simon Spillet & Bruce Adams Quintet | Simon Spillett tenor sax, Bruce Adams trumpet/flugelhorn, Rob Barron piano, Marianne Windham bass, Pete Cater drums | The Harlington, Fleet, GU51 4BY | 8pm, doors and bar from 7.15pm | £20 | More information and tickets here or from the Box Office on 01252 811009 or on the door, cash or card.

Simon Spillett is a musician with a considerable following and is considered by many to be the natural heir to the late, great Tubby Hayes. He is a technically accomplished and highly fluent saxophone soloist who cites Hayes as his primary source of inspiration.

Not only is Bruce Adams one of the jazz scene’s most dramatic and stimulating performers, he is also one of its most affable companions to fellow musicians and audiences alike. Bruce has the ability to produce jazz in a great range of styles, while all the time maintaining his own personal approach and possesses a level of musicality that enables him to get the right ‘feel’ for whichever genre he chooses.

Jean Toussaint | Marlow

Jean Toussaint, a brilliant world famous saxophonist who came to fame as a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. One of our biggest ever stars, making a very welcome return. ‘Instrumentalist Of The Year 2019’

This is likely to be a very popular gig so advance reservation is strongly advised on 01628 486571

Guildford at the Holy Trinity Church | Acoustic Triangle and The Choir of The Royal Holloway College

Wed 17 May | Guildford at the Holy Trinity Church | Acoustic Triangle and The Choir of The Royal Holloway College | Doors open 7.00pm, Concert 7.30 | Tickets £20 (discounts for members and students) from here

Acoustic Triangle is a unique trio of classically-trained jazz musicians, Tim Garland – bass clarinet,saxophones, Gwilym Simcock – piano, Malcom Creese – double bass. 2023. Their music contains classical influences, folk melodies, and a variety of jazz styles. They perform compositions by Tim Garland and Gwilym Simcock, as well as music by Henry Purcell, Kenny Wheeler, John Taylor, Cole Porter and Bill Evans. After the interval the trio will be joined by the Royal Holloway Choir, conducted by Rupert Gough.

Rosie Frator Taylor | Blewbury

A simply outstanding artist , Rosie is a brilliant 23 year old Jazz guitarist and fabulous singer. She is winning awards and blowing people away wherever she goes , an absolute inspiration! We have seen her perform several times and are thrilled she’s bringing her trio of guitar ,bass and drums to Mockbeggars for the first time .

Hot Biscuits Jazz Broadcast

Join me this week when Hot Biscuits features the Andrzej Baranek Sextet at the Carlton Club, Manchester. Joining them in the broadcast is Lauren Lucille and Jo Kaleb, Nigel Price Organ Trio playing a Kenny Burrell number. New pieces from both Tasos Gkoumas and the Kate Williams Quartet. Share the word and tune in 24/07 at www.mixcloud.com/stevebewick

Ian Shaw – The Magic of Joni Mitchell | Dorchester on Thames

‘Shaw captures the poetry in Joni’s songs with an eye-watering vocal range. If you’re into jazz but not Joni, don’t be put off.’ BBC Music. Multi award-winning singer and pianist Ian Shaw performs a powerful solo show celebrating one of the greatest songwriters of all time. He was the first male artist to record an entire album of Joni Mitchell’s songs (Drawn To All Things), gaining plaudits and new fans the world over. This unique show reflects the wit, emotion and storytelling of Mitchell’s rich songbook.

Pasadena Roof Orchestra Hotsy Totsy Gang | The Crooked Billet, Stoke Row

The Pasadena Roof Orchestra formed in 1969 performing 1920s jazz, swing & Tiger Rags. Putting on the Ritz with light hearted ‘Jeeves & Wooster’ happy, rousing ballroom music – playing the sweetest music this side of heaven. They were the late great Victoria Wood’s favourite band. The Pasadenas, a quintessentially English bunch of eccentrics – astronomically popular around the world. Five sell out American tours, loved from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi to Dublin. 29 albums to their credit.

Live Jazz, Blues and more | Reading

Tues 23 May | Live Jazz, Blues and more | Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennet Side RG1 3DW | Music from 7:30 | Free entry, donations welcomed

Every other Tuesday | 23 May | 6, 20 Jun | 4, 18 Jul

Live music. Free entry. Excellent food and drink. And a lot more space than the late-lamented Global Cafe. Who could ask for more?

The Fisherman’s Cottage is reached by an easy stroll along the Kennet from the Queen’s Road car park – park for just £3.60 for the evening. More parking information here

Musicians: if you’d like to take part, call one of the following and we’ll do our best to accommodate you: Ian Germer 07866 251216 / Jim Wade 07788 666608

Hugh Turner Funk Quartet | Reading

Thurs 25 May | Hugh Turner Funk Quartet | The Butler Pub, Chatham Street, Reading | 8.30pm | £7 cash / card on the door

High energy jazz and funk originals and covers with explosive guitarist Hugh Turner and group.

Fleur Stevenson/Hugh Turner Duo | Didcot

Fleur Stevenson | Maidensgrove nr Henley

A familiar face on the London jazz scene, Fleur Stevenson is gifted with a honeyed tone, an offbeat sense of humour and a naturally charismatic stage presence. Fleur creates an instant rapport with her audience through sparkling narrative and an unerring instinct for choosing the right material to showcase her talent.

Emily Windham Trio | Jazz at The Angel, Woolhampton

Emily Windham

Emily Windham is an actress, singer and performer. A versatile and skilled vocalist with an engaging stage presence, she studied at RADA and The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and since graduating has toured shows across the UK and Europe and worked in feature and short films. Xavier Riley, with influences from Django Reinhardt to Wes Montgomery and beyond, plays with groups throughout the South East. A lyrical bass player, Marianne Windham is the founder and driving force of Guildford Jazz, and has performed with many of the UK’s leading jazz musicians.

Jazz at The Retreat Pub, Reading

Sun 28 Apr | Stuart Henderson trumpet, Simon Spillett saxes, Pete Billington piano, Stuart Barker bass, Simon Price drums | 3.30-5.30pm | The Retreat, St. John’s Street, Reading RG1 4EH | Free entry – donations

Sunday Jazz at The Retreat on 28 May and another fantastic line up – don’t miss it.

Hugh Turner Quintet | Bampton

Sun 28 May | Hugh Turner Quintet | Hugh Turner guitar, Brandon Allen Sax , Keith fairbairn percussion quintet | Double Red Duke. Clansfield Bampton OX18 | 7-9.30 pm

Jazz at the Hope & Anchor | P’Jam Plus

Stephanie Pirrie by Ian Wallman

Sun 28 May | Jazz at the Hope & Anchor: P’Jam Plus | Annie Parker flutes, Phil Craddock piano, Marianne Windham bass, Jim Wade drums plus special guest Steph Pirrie trumpet & vocals | Hope & Anchor, Station Rd, Wokingham RG40 2AD | 5:30 – 7:30pm | Free entry

Trumpet Greats with Jonny Bruce @ Oaken Grove Vineyard, Henley on Thames

Sun 28 May | Enjoy the master at play with pieces from Louis Armstrong to Freddie Hubbard | 12.00 – 6.00pm | Tickets £22.00 available online | Food available to pre-order online.