On Wednesday 8 May ‘Wakey Blakey’: The Rory Ingham/James Davison Sextet celebrate the music of Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers – £20

Rory Ingham Trombone

James Davison Trumpet

Alex Hitchcock Alto Sax

Matt Carter Piano

Misha Mulov-Abbadou Bass

Sebastiaan de Krom Drums 

“Art Blakey’s message is in safe hands. Wakey Blakey should be prescribed by the NHS as a tonic for all ailments affecting humankind.”Trevor Bannister, The Jazz Mann

‘Wakey Blakey’ is a new band featuring some of the finest talent on the British Jazz scene playing the music of legendary drummer Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers but with the lesser-known sextet line-up as exemplified by the stellar 1960s front-line of Freddie Hubbard, Curtis Fuller, Wayne Shorter, Cedar Walton, Reggie Workman and Art himself. Led jointly by Rory Ingham and James Davison, this project demonstrates hard bop with a frighteningly fresh feel; the music is wildly high-energy and unbelievably swinging.

Of the two joint leaders, Rory Ingham (Jam Experiment, Bonsai), a first-class honours graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, is also an educator and composer. While still a student he was a runner-up in the 2016 Trombonist of the Year, winner of the 2017 British Jazz Awards Rising Star, and in 2018 winner of the British Trombone Society Awards. Jazzwise magazine credited his effortless virtuosity” while London Jazz News described his style as “richly melodic…”. The other joint leader, James Davison, while still at the Royal Academy of Music was winner of both the Smith-Watkins Trumpet Award (2016) and the Musicians’ Company Young Jazz Musicians Award (2018). A brilliant award-winning trumpeter, he graduated with an MA in Jazz Performance and for this project he undertook the mammoth task of faithfully transcribing the Sextet arrangements from the original albums on Riverside and Blue Note.

Saxophonist Alex Hitchcock is an immediately distinctive improviser and a leading voice on his instrument in the UK. An Ivor Novello-nominated composer, his innovative collaborations have confirmed his growing international reputation as an instigator and catalyst for captivating musical encounters that ‘continually push the envelope a little further’ (Jazzmania BE).

Matt Carter studied jazz piano at The Royal Academy of Music under the guidance of Nikki Iles, Tom Cawley and Gwilym Simcock, and studied composition with Pete Churchill.. During that time Matt was involved in some incredible projects including a big band project with Chris Potter and Dave Holland, a small band project run by Laurence Cottle and a symphonic brass project run by Mike Lovett. According to Jazzwise magazine “Carter’s own piano is as tasteful and neatly phrased as you could wish.”

Award-winning, London-based jazz bass player, composer and arranger Misha Mullov-Abbado is a musician who combines great imagination with raw talent and a clear vision. A BBC New Generation Artist and with a “melodic gift” (John Fordham, The Guardian) and ability to masterfully combine beautifully-crafted compositions with free-spirited improvisation.

Taking the role of Art Blakey is Dutch drummer Sebastiaan de Krom. He started playing drums at the age of three, receiving his first lessons from his father who played in a jazz band. He studied at the Berkeley School of Music and took private lessons from Ralph Peterson followed by a study at the Monk Institute New England Conservatory. He has played with Guy Barker, Tommy Smith, Tim Garland’s Big Band, Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, John Scofield, Clark Terry, Phil Woods, Barry Harris, Dave Holland and Ron Carter among others.

We’re looking forward to a brilliant evening of swinging, high energy jazz.

On Wednesday 22 May The Clark Tracey Quintet £18

Clark Tracey Drums

Alex Clarke Alto & Tenor Sax

Graham Harvey Piano

Emily Masser Vocals

James Owston Double Bass

“One of the most impressive jazz drummers today” The Times

Clark Tracey, a multiple winner of Best Drums in the British Jazz Awards, returns with a new quintet, again featuring some of the most gifted young jazz musicians. Alex Clarke, who won Rising Star in the British Jazz Awards two years ago and bassist James Owston were both past finalists in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year competition while Emily Masser is a 20-year-old rising star vocalist. Graham Harvey, one of our most experienced pianists who, over three decades has played with many top jazz and pop artists, including George Benson and Stacey Kent, completes a great line up.

Clark Tracey, a well-established jazz master, recognised as a most inventive jazz drummer, is a proven group leader, writer and arranger, having appeared over many years with the world’s jazz greats. He creates educational Master Classes across the U.K. and continues to be an in-demand performer across the world. 

Alex Clarke performs a range of genres from New Orleans to bebop and her musical voice is steeped in the tradition of jazz. Her deep respect for the heritage of the music can be heard in her swinging, melodic sound which is reminiscent of Scott Hamilton and Lester Young and also heavily influenced by Phil Woods and Cannonball Adderley.

From 2006 to the present Graham Harvey has been the pianist for singer Stacey Kent, touring extensively and recording several albums for Blue Note, including the Grammy nominated ‘Breakfast on the Morning Tram’. He is a much sought after freelancer who has played with major artists including Dave O’Higgins, Alan Barnes, M People, Chaka Khan, Jocelyn Brown and Mica Paris.

20-year-old vocalist Emily Masser currently studying jazz vocals at the Guildhall School of Music is an astonishing vocalist. Her vocalese has already introduced her to hardened jazzers, including Claire Martin and Liane Carroll who have both endorsed her and invited her to sit in with them.

James Owston is a graduate of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire who joined the Clark Tracey Quintet in 2017. As well as being an active sideman, James leads his own groups, notably ‘The James Owston Mingus Quintet’ that focuses on the compositions and style of the great Charles Mingus, a strong influence for James as a bass player and composer.

“(Alex Clarke is) one of the UK’s finest young jazz talents” The Jazz Rag

“(Alex Clarke has a) strong and full sound… swinging, melodic and refreshingly cliché-free” – Jazz Views

“Harvey is very much one of the unsung heroes of British jazz and the wider music scene as a whole” – The Jazz Mann


On Wednesday 14 February Blue Spirits – £20

John Etheridge's "Blue Spirits"

John Etheridge Guitars

Pete Whittaker Organ

George Double Drums

“Blue Spirits Trio”, featuring Pete Whittaker and George Double, came about through John’s love of the perennially attractive combination of Electric Guitar and Organ. Blue Spirits have a take on this well-known combination in a way that connects with the bluesier, intense side of John’s playing. There are plenty of typical swing elements, augmented by soulful ballads and fiery funk outings. The aim is to groove and move!

John’s history includes playing with Grapelli, heading Zapatistas, duos with John Williams, and his own bands. As well as  a world class player, he is a classy raconteur. 

Pete is a piano player who migrated to Hammond organ after hearing the classic 1950s &1960s Jimmy Smith records. He is a Hammond star.

George’s playing and recording credits include Dame Shirley Bassey, Grammy Award Winner Jack Jones, Marc Almond, Mica Paris, Ruthie Henshall and Kym Mazelle. His West End and touring theatre record includes stints on WickedGuys and DollsAvenue QSinatra and Anything Goes.

This band has been popular on the club circuit for many years and always delivers.

On Wednesday 13 March, The Gaz Hughes Trio “Nuclear Bebopalypse” – £18

Gaz Hughes Drums

Andrzej Baranek Piano

Gavin Barras Bass

The Gaz Hughes Trio “Nuclear Bebopalypse”

“They rarely deliver anything less than excellence and today topped just about everything that had preceded it. I feel sad for the squares who weren’t there” – Bebop Spoken Here

“Incredible” – Ginger Baker

Gaz Hughes is a renowned jazz drummer and band leader, who first gained wide public attention as the original drummer in the Matthew Halsall Band. He has played a significant role in the early recordings of the Gondwana label and has been a highlight on the album “On The Go”, which won the Best Jazz Album of the Year at the Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards in 2012, and was nominated for the Best Jazz Album MOBO Awards in 2011.

Andrzej Baranek has performed with many UK jazz stars including Dave O’Higgins and Enrico Tomasso. He is one of the most in-demand accompanists about.

Gavin Barras studied music at the University of Manchester, receiving private tuition from Roberto Carillo-Garcia and Corin Long. While studying classical music Gavin continued developing his love for jazz and received lessons from Steve Berry in jazz bass. Gavin has played with musicians such as saxophonists Tim Garland, Dave O’Higgins, Iain Dixon and Ed Jones; trumpeters Neil Yates and Steve Waterman; pianists Les Chisnall, Dan Whieldon, Rick Simpson and Zoe Rahman, to name but a few.

On Wednesday 27 March, The Jon Lloyd Quartet – £18

Jon Lloyd Saxes

John Law Piano

Nick Pini Bass

Alex Goodyear Drums 

The John Lloyd Quartet

This UK based group presents vibrant European Contemporary Jazz, played by a quartet of superb musicians…

The leader and composer is tenor and soprano saxophonist Jon Lloyd. Jon has been part of the UK jazz and free music scene for several decades, and has now turned his attention to European contemporary jazz, writing vibrant, melodic and emotionally direct jazz compositions. The quartet comprises the virtuosic John Law (Congregation, Re-Creations) on piano, Nick Pini (Jonathan Gee, Iain Ballamy) on double bass and Alex Goodyear (Yetii) on drums. 

Lloyd’s tunes are steeped in the ECM aesthetic, and he and long-time collaborator John Law on piano make it sound like the only music you ever want to hear.” – John Turney, London Jazz News (Swanage Festival, July 2023)

This tour we are playing music from our new Ubuntu release “Earth Songs” for the first time! 

“We present melodic, exciting and engaging compositions written by me specifically for this quartet. The members of this group have a wealth of experience across jazz and contemporary music and interpret my pieces perfectly; with intelligence, energy, sensitivity, respect and enormous skill.Jon Lloyd, October 2023

Here is an excellent review of the band.

On Wednesday 24 April The Music of Dudley Moore – £18

Chris Ingham Piano

Paul Higgs Trumpet

Simon Thorpe Double Bass

George Double Drums 

“A vibrant and moving homage.”Downbeat

Classical organist, violinist, singer, beloved and endearing comic performer, a star of stage and TV in the ‘60s and a Hollywood movie star from the ‘70s . . .

Dudley Moore was not only blessed with all these varied talents and attributes, but he was also one of the UK’s most dazzling, swinging jazz pianists, and a composer of wit and depth – something that has sadly been overlooked for far too long. This has now been redressed, thanks to long-time Dudley Moore fan, pianist Chris Ingham.

The Chris Ingham Quartet revisit the Dagenham-born musician’s fabulous 1960s Decca jazz trio albums, the groundbreaking satirical revue ‘Beyond The Fringe’, the TV show ‘Not Only, But Also’ and the brilliant movie soundtracks for ‘Bedazzled’ and ‘30 Is A Dangerous Age, Cynthia’, in an evening packed with music and anecdote, with pianist and raconteur Chris very ably setting the 1960s scene, placing Dudley’s music in period context.

Joining Chris on trumpet is Paul Higgs, a highly accomplished and respected trumpet player with an impressive career in many fields including performing, composing and arranging music for film, TV and theatre. Simon Thorpe is one of the UK’s best-known jazz bassists who has worked with many of the great UK and US names in jazz, recording and touring with Bobby Wellins, Stacey Kent , Bheki Mseleku, Alan Barnes, Elaine Delmar, Scott Hamilton, Benn Clatworthy and Ray Gelato. George Double is active on the British jazz scene and appears regularly at Ronnie Scott’s club in London and elsewhere as a freelancer with Chris Ingham, John Etheridge, Art Themen, Digby Fairweather, Derek Nash and many others.

“Unfailingly tuneful and spiced with gentle harmonic guile . . . Dudley would have been delighted.” – The Observer

“. . . a worthy tribute to one of the British jazz piano greats.”Bebop Spoken Here

“Classy product . . . with plenty of the right kind of swing.”Jazz Journal

”Swing, humour and poignancy . . . a jazz joy.” MOJO

On Wednesday 10 April, “Jazz Africa” The Origins of Jazz from its Roots to Now £18

Basil Hodge Piano

Tony Kofi Saxophones

Stuart Fiddler Guitar

Mike Edwards Bass

Winston Clifford Drums 

Basil Hodge

Telling the story of jazz from where it really came from, we’re proud to present the Basil Hodge Quintet featuring two of the UK’s busiest and most exciting jazz performers, the irrepressible Tony Kofi on saxophone and the uber-cool Basil Hodge on keys.

Jazz Africa is Basil Hodge’s exciting new project. It is the story of the diversity and inclusivity of jazz from across the African continent, where you’ll hear the roots of blues, jazz and almost all of today’s modern musical sounds. This five-piece band will perform a range of music from Africa so you will hear Jazz fused with a mixture of Afrobeat, Township and Funk rhythms from such artists as Abdullah Ibrahim (formerly Dollar Brand), Manu Dibango and Fela Kuti.

Basil Hodge has been leading bands since the mid-90s and played in various R’n’B and Gospel bands in the UK and abroad. He has performed at a range of prestigious venues such as Ronnie Scott’s and the Royal Festival Hall. Tony Kofi is a British Jazz multi-instrumentalist born of Ghanaian parents, a  player of the alto, baritone, soprano, tenor saxophones and flute. Having ‘cut his teeth’ in the “Jazz Warriors” of the early 90’s, this award-winning saxophonist has gone on to establish himself as a musician, teacher and composer of some authority. His credits now range from the brooding South African soundscapes of Abdullah Ibrahim to the ferocious aesthetics of The World Saxophone Quartet and Ornette Coleman.

Guitarist Stuart Fiddler gravitated to jazz from a rock and blues background and makes judicious use of his various effects combining slippery jazz chording with the twang of rock. Mike Edwards is a highly accomplished electric and double bass player with a diverse range of musical influences.  Winston Clifford is one of the most in-demand drummers on the jazz scene to date. His playing is free from the usual restraints of stylistic expectations and a true reflection of listening and responding “in the moment”.

Expect breath-taking musicianship and driving rhythms as these excellent musicians also show off their fine percussion skills and some inevitable in-the-aisle dancing. This is one for families of all ages and heritages!

On Wednesday 21 February, Some Kinda Wonderful – The Music of Stevie Wonder £25

Noel McCalla Vocals

Derek Nash Saxophones

Neil Angilley Keyboards

Tim Cansfield Guitar

Laurence Cottle Bass

Nic France Drums 

"Some Kinda Wonderful" band

We are sold out for this gig, folks.

Celebrating the genius of Stevie Wonder throughout his entire career, the mesmerising vocalist, Noel McCalla, and award-winning saxophonist, Derek Nash, together with a band of top musicians play a wide-ranging back-catalogue of Stevie Wonder’s classic hits from ‘For Once in My Life’, ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’ through to hits from ‘Talking Book’, ‘Innervisions’, ‘Songs in the Key of Life’ and “Hotter than July’. From dance floor classics “I Wish’ and ‘Superstition’ to beautiful arrangements of ‘My Cherie Amour’ and ‘Overjoyed’.

Noel McCalla’s long association with the brilliant Morrisey Mullen Band earned him acclaim as “one of Britain’s best Soul Singers” (Blues and Soul Magazine) and, for more than 19 years, Noel’s searing, soulful vocals were featured with the iconic Manfred Mann’s “Earth Band”. 

Derek Nash has played with Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra since 2004 and is also a member of the Ronnie Scotts Blues Explosion. He has won several British Jazz Awards throughout his career fronting Sax Appeal, his Acoustic Quartet and the funk band, Protect the Beat.

The all-star band features musicians whose credits include Bill Withers, The Bee Gees, Gary Moore, Michael Ball and Alfie Boe. Neil Angilley was keyboard player with Grammy nominees ‘Down to the Bone’ and has co-written and played on many of their No.1 albums. Trinidadian Tim Cansfield is a self taught musician; this enigmatic and self-effacing genius has played with the Bee Gees, Steve Winwood, Billy Preston, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Annie Lennox, Seal and many more. Jonathan Noyce has been a member of Jethro Tull, a sideman to the late great blues guitarist Gary Moore and is a member of French Superstar Mylene Farmer’s band. Nic France has been one of the UK’s most in-demand drummers performing with, among others, Ian Carr’s ‘Nucleus’, Ronnie Scott, John Taylor, Jim Mullen, Bobby Wellins, Mose Allison, Billy Cobham, Django Bates and John Parricelli. He was also a founding member of ‘Loose Tubes’. 

“Rarely have I heard the music of Stevie Wonder interpreted with such finesse, energy and all-round brilliance.”The House of Soul.

On Wednesday 24 January, Cannonball and Nat – £18

"Cannonball and Nat" band

Pete Long Alto Sax

Ryan Quigley Trumpet

Chris Ingham Piano

Malcolm Creese Bass

George Double Drums 

The leader of Ronnie Scott’s Big Band, Peter Long together with Ryan Quigley front an exciting salute to a legendary team of jazz brothers; dazzling virtuoso alto saxophonist Julian “Cannonball” Adderley and ingenious soul-jazz architect and cornetist Nat Adderley.

The Cannonball Adderley Quintet featured Cannonball on alto sax and his brother Nat Adderley on cornet. Cannonball chose to play the alto despite his first love being the tenor because saxophones were in short supply in 1942 when he started playing at the age of 14. He developed a hard, explosive style, an influence from listening to Charlie Parker. Together with his brother, Nat, the famous quintet played a lot of blues-, funk- and gospel-influenced jazz based on what they heard being played by Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis.

Pete and Ryan are lovers of the music of the quintet and are the ideal musicians to play it today. Pete studied at the Royal London College of Music and after a couple of years joined the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, playing all five saxophone parts, solo flute, bass guitar, and on one rather messy occasion, the fourth trumpet. In future years, he went on to play with the award-winning sax quartet, Itchy Fingers, working with Dizzy Gillespie, John Scofield and Chick Corea amongst others. A five-year stint playing and arranging for Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra saw him work with Tom Jones, Norah Jones, Solomon Burke, Dr. John, Lulu, Georgie Fame and Lionel Richie to name but a few. In recent years, Pete’s career has been divided into education, working in master classes and as a soloist with young musicians all over Britain. It is, however, as a bandleader and orchestrator that Pete spends most of his time currently.

Ryan Quigley is an award-winning jazz and lead trumpet player and an in-demand studio musician, composer, arranger and educator. His recording and touring work includes dates with Quincy Jones, Ron Carter, Aretha Franklin, Harry Connick Jr, George Michael, Gregory Porter, Beverley Knight and Tom Jones.

Our friends Chris Ingham and George Double are always welcome at Fleece Jazz for their virtuosic playing and for themselves.

“Pete Long is a national treasure” – The Observer
“Quigley…bright, inventive and vivacious” – The Jazz Mann

Here is a link to a video with music of the two Adderlies.

On Wednesday 10 January, “Q3”, featuring Kevin Flanagan – £18

Kevin Flanagan Saxophone

Martin Hallmark Piano

Tiago Coimbra Bass

Derek Scurll Drums 

"Q3" featuring Kevin Flanagan

Q3 was formed in 2013 and brings together some of the UK’s finest jazz musicians in an exciting blend of superbly crafted original music and virtuosic performance. The music combines jazz, funk, latin and fusion elements with intricate melodies, influenced by Michael Brecker, Chick Corea, Marcus Miller and Robert Glasper.

Nigel Price says “Martin Hallmark – pianist and composer, leads this tight unit, comprised of master multi saxophonist Kevin Flanagan, super groovy Tiago Coimbra on 5 string electric bass and [our drummer for this gig is multi instrumentalist Derek Scurll]. The album of instantly accessible, mostly funk/fusion original compositions is recorded in crystal clear quality and played deftly with passion as well as eyebrow raising virtuosity from these gifted, empathetic musicians. There are moments of beauty too, especially on the waltz – ‘Tarka and the Mount’. A fine body of work from a great band.”

Martin is the driving force here: many of the compositions and all of the arrangements are from his pen. Kevin’s quartet was our Christmas gig in 2019, and the gig was adored by our audience.