Current programme

On Wednesday 27 November,  Art Themen at 85; “Live in Soho album Tour” – £20

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Art Themen Saxes

Pete Whittaker Organ

George Double Drums

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Described by THE OBSERVER as "One of the tiny handful of undeniably perfect jazz musicians”, Art remains as brilliant and inimitable as ever.

An exciting and inventive saxophonist, Art Themen has been an appealing presence on the British jazz circuit for over 60 years. A previous winner of the tenor sax category in the British Jazz Awards, recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Worshipful Company of Musicians and shortlisted for the Jazz Instrumentalist of the year in the recent Parliamentary Jazz Awards, this living legend has famously combined his role as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with saxophone duties in the bands of Alexis Korner and Stan Tracey (the ‘Godfather of British Jazz’) as well as recordings with Joe Cocker, Jack Bruce and even Bing Crosby.

Pete Whittaker, Hammond star, is always a delight. Originally a piano player, he migrated to organ after hearing the classic 1950s & 1960s Jimmy Smith records and after immersing himself in the sound world of Larry Young, Groove Holmes, Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff etc. Despite his deep love of the vintage Hammond tonewheel consoles, Pete has always had one eye on the digital clones, though none have impressed him as much for authenticity as the Crumar Mojo which he now plays on the vast majority of his gigs and several recent recordings.

George Double'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 Wicked, Guys and Dolls, Avenue Q, Sinatra and Anything Goes. He 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). He is also curator of Hadleigh, Southwold and Frinton Jazz Clubs.

On Wednesday 11 December: John Law’s Re-Creations “Many Moons” – £20

John Law Piano

Sam Crockatt Saxophone

Henrik Jensen Double Bass

Alex Goodyear Drums 

“. . . so full of joy that it can renew your faith not just in jazz, but music itself,” – Independent on Sunday

A prize-winning classical prodigy on piano, John Law turned away from classical piano studies to pursue jazz and improvised music when he was 23, and has been involved in, and acclaimed for, a wide variety of contemporary jazz and classical projects ever since - from solo piano concerts and albums, trio and quartet tours and recordings, to large scale works for his semi-classical ensemble Cornucopia.

Formed in 2016, as a counterfoil to John's group Congregation (which mixed contemporary jazz with electronics and backing tracks), Re-Creations began life as a fun project, with the aim of playing many different tunes from different musical genres. The fact that audiences almost always knew the songs, meant the group’s material was at the same time very accessible. Gradually, classical pieces have started appearing in the repertoire, including a version of the Kyrie from Rossini’s Petite Messe Solenelle and Satie’s Gymnopédie.

This quartet’s repertoire includes jazz classics by Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis and George Gershwin, plus tunes from pop/rock/indie bands such as Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder and Radiohead.

Parliamentary Jazz Award-winning saxophonist, Sam Crockatt, hails from a musical family, first playing clarinet as a child to accompany his pianist father. Later switching to the saxophone, Sam studied at the Royal Academy of Music under tutors including Martin Speake, Julian Siegel and Tim Garland and then began to play regularly with musicians such as Gwilym Simcock and Julian Arguelles. Citing John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, Sonny Rollins and Lee Konitz among his influences, his ability to marry his understanding of past masters with contemporary styles keeps him constantly in demand.

The quartet also features Danish bass player Henrik Jensen who came to London in 1997 to study electric bass at The Musicians' Institute before switching to the double bass and studying at the Royal Academy. He has worked all over the world from the Blue Note in Tokyo to concert halls in Moscow while keeping busy on the London jazz scene. Drummer Alex Goodyear was last here at Fleece Jazz with Jon Lloyd in March; he brought a delicate touch to his drumkit that was a wonder to behold as he used the whole kit in a gentle and yet expressive way. He studied Jazz Drums at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama under the tutelage of Martin France and James Maddren.

Blending jazz, pop, and classical genres, this promises to be an evening of jazz entertainment.

“Melodic contemporary jazz with a strong rhythmic pulse and some strikingly memorable and original tunes” –  Sandy Brown Jazz

On Wednesday 18 December: The Alan Barnes Quintet – £23

Alan Barnes Saxophones

Bruce Adams Trumpet

David Newton Piano

Andrew Cleyndert Bass

Clark Tracey Drums 

Bringing his quintet to Fleece Jazz for a pre-festive treat, Alan Barnes has been at the forefront of British jazz since 1980 and his musicianship and sense of humour have made him hugely popular in jazz clubs and festivals across the UK and beyond. He is best known for his work on clarinet, alto and baritone saxes, where he combines a formidable virtuosity with outstanding musical expression. 

The quintet, which consistently features Bruce Adams on trumpet, has been performing for nearly 30 years delivering straight-ahead hard bop, with a repertoire from the classic years and an emphasis on accessibility, good humour and a conviction that jazz should swing.

Bruce Adams is one of the jazz scene’s most dramatic and stimulating performers; he has been a regular winner of jazz polls and with his spectacular range and power on the instrument he has been in demand as a lead musician.  He has often worked as a special guest soloist with both the Scottish Radio Orchestra and the BBC Big Band.

David Newton has been voted ‘Best Jazz Pianist sixteen times by the jazz audience of the UK. Over the years he has become a much sought after pianist, teaming up with Barnes, guitarist Martin Taylor and saxophonist Don Weller. Later, he gained a reputation as an exquisite accompanist for singers such as Marion Montgomery, Tina May, Annie Ross, Claire Martin and Stacey Kent. 

Andrew Cleyndert started out in the bands of Don Weller and Bobby Wellins and has since flourished on the jazz scene in the UK and beyond.  He has played and toured with the cream of the UK’s musicians and a string of international soloists, including Stan Tracey, Bud Shank, George Coleman, Ray Bryant, Lee Konitz and James Moody. 

Clark Tracey is a well-established jazz master who is recognised as an inventive jazz drummer and as 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.

Come and join us for what promises to be a gig full of outstanding tunes played with passion and musical verve.

On Wednesday 8 January: Ben Crosland’s “All Star Band” plays the Ray Davies Songbook – £25

John Etheridge Guitars

Theo Travis Saxophone

Steve Lodder Piano

Nic France Drums 

Ben Crosland Bass

"I never wanted to be a star, just a highly respected musician like John Etheridge" - Sting”

“Travis’ tenor sax borders on the superhuman in its passion and flow of ideas” - BBC Music Magazine

"I feel privileged to have you do renditions of my songs" - Ray Davies

It is such a pleasure to welcome the supreme guitarist and saxophonist, John Etheridge and Theo Travis, who front this great band. The music will be that of Ray Davies. Ray Davies’ songs are rooted in the blues, music hall, popular song, variety and musical theatre – the perfect vehicles for jazz interpretation.

On Wednesday January 22, Jazz at the Movies – £22

Joanna Eden Vocals

Mark Crooks Saxophone

Chris Ingham Piano

Joe Pettitt Bass

George Double Drums

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“One of the finest combos in the country and a seriously talented vocalist . . . . . a great evening that satisfied both jazz and movie buffs. Quite a trick.” JAZZ JOURNAL

Jazz At The Movies is a unique jazz group who put an irresistible spin on classic movie themes and soundtrack songs from silver screen sources, both familiar and obscure. With music from many films including The Pink Panther, Gilda, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Aristocrats and The Fabulous Baker Boys, and songs by Burt Bacharach, John Barry, Leslie Bricusse, Stephen Sondheim, John Dankworth, and many others.

Presented by musical director and pianist Chris Ingham, Jazz at the Movies features evocative vocals by acclaimed singer Joanna Eden, bewitching saxophone and clarinet from Mark Crooks and a world-class rhythm section in Joe Pettitt and George Double.

Chris Ingham is a widely acclaimed pianist and singer, composer, producer and author.  He formed his Jazz Quartet in 2013 and has led over 150 performances of his Hoagy Carmichael, Dudley Moore and Stan Getz repertoire projects all over the UK.

Joanna Eden is a singer songwriter who grew up in the heart of England listening to UK artists playing American blues, jazz and pop.  Mojo magazine describes her songwriting as having ‘melody, mystery and bite’. With six solo albums to her credit, she is considered one of the finest singer pianists in the UK, with a style that covers a broad spectrum.

Mark Crooks works in a wide variety of musical settings including jazz, big band and classical. He has performed with artists ranging from Tony Bennett to Sir Simon Rattle, Lady Gaga to Dame Cleo Laine at venues from Ronnie Scott’s in London to the Lincoln Center in New York.

Joe Pettitt is not only a bassist but a musical director and educator from London.  He is the bandleader of the Len Phillips Big Band, a south London based 17-piece band whose members have worked with Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles, Bing Crosby, Freddie Mercury, Noel Gallagher and Robbie Williams, to name a few. 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. 

“Eden’s honeyed vocals…great diction and innate jazz timing, ringing out clear as a bell” MARLBANK

On Wednesday 12 February Chris Coull’s “Blue Note Sextet” – £20

Chris Coull Trumpet

Andreas Panayi Saxophone

Mark Bassey Trombone

Terry Seabrook Piano

Dan Sheppard Bass

Peter Cater Drums

The band play a broad array from the much loved recordings of Lee Morgan, Dexter Gordan, Donald Byrd, Hank Mobley, Freddie Hubbard, to name a few from the golden era of the '50s and '60s.

Chris Coull is a trumpeter well known in the UK and overseas for his lyrical be-bop playing and band leading. His influences include Clifford Brown and Miles Davis with a good dose of Freddie Hubbard and even a little Wynton thrown in the mix. Past excursions have seen him play at the Royal Albert Hall, Isle of Wight Festival, Jazz At The Lincoln Centre, Appleby Jazz Festival, Love Supreme Festival, to name but a few. As a side man, he has played alongside Alan Barnes, the late great Johnny Dankworth, heavyweight American sax player Jerry Weldon, and Richard Johnson.

Andy Panayi is an exceptionally gifted jazz musician, skilled in performance, composition and arranging. He plays all the flutes and all the saxophones and currently leads his own groups, both jazz and classical. He also writes commissioned works and compositions & arrangements for his own ensembles. Andy has performed and recorded with many singers such as; Shirley Bassey, Jessye Norman, Paul McCartney, Seth MacFarlane, Elaine Paige, Salena Jones, Elvis Costello, Georgie Fame, Peter Skellen, Zoot Money, Irene Reed, Elaine Delmar, Helen Shapiro, Madeline Bell & Patty Austin to name a few.

It is great to have the return of the wonderful trombonist Mark Bassey. Dave Gelly has described Mark as 'A superb, witty player'. His playing can stretch from the ‘raucous’ (John Fordham) to an ‘exquisite sound and perfect phrasing’ (Brian Blain). Mark is a highly versatile musician who covers all styles from swing to bop (with John Dankworth, Stan Tracey, Alan Barnes) and the contemporary (Julian Arguelles, Nikki Iles).

Terry Seabrook (Cubana Bop), Dan Sheppard and Peter Cater are a superb back line.

On Wednesday 26 February, Tristan Banks’ “View from Above” – £20

Tristan Banks Drums 

Paul Booth Tenor sax

John Crawford Piano

Davide Mantovani Bass

"Impressive sense of immediacy” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ BBC Music Magazine

For three decades, drummer Tristan Banks has been a first-call sideman for ‘glitterati’ across jazz, pop and soul music.  Since 2021, confirming his deep jazz roots, he has also been curator and venue manager at The Verdict Jazz Club in Brighton, restarting the venue after its closure due to the global pandemic of 2020.  The Verdict has already received a nomination for Parliamentary Jazz Award Venue of the Year 2022.

In 2023, Ubuntu Records boss Martin Hummel, an admirer of both Banks’ versatility and his jazz soul, offered him his long-anticipated debut with the release of 'View from Above" to critical acclaim. Though predominantly jazz-led, elements of Latin and fusion influences can be detected, though this never betrays the core purpose.  The music is a unique combination of high-octane virtuosic performance and sublimely melodic composition.

Banks brings together his long-standing musical friends including multi-sax virtuoso Paul Booth.  From his early acclaim as a prize-winning saxophonist, Paul has continually refined and expanded his talents as a solo artist, composer, arranger and bandleader, whilst establishing an elite reputation as a first-call sideman for major contemporary music artists including Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Carlos Santana, Van Morrison, Gregory Porter, Eddie Henderson, and so many more.

John Crawford was born in London of English/Spanish Parents. His father played Blues piano, and this is the first thing he learnt to play. His mother introduced him to Latin music of all kinds, and he has gone on to perform at Montreal Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scott's, Royal Festival Hall, the 606 club, and Royal Albert Hall amongst others.

Davide Mantovani is known on the scene as a bass player whose flawless technique never gets in the way of his natural feel & groove.  He has proven himself in the short time he’s been in the UK playing with Monica Vasconcelos, Ingrid Laubrock, Ian Carr’s Nucleus, Carol Grimes, Great Spirit, Roberto Pla and Antonio Forcione amongst many others. 

 “A band of craftsmen playing the forms of acoustic jazz they relish, and their pleasure in that is infectiously palpable” John Fordham (Jazzwise)