January - April 2025
Every Wednesday unless indicated otherwise.
£5 minimum donation unless indicated otherwise.
Doors open 7.45, music starts at 8.15 (8.00 when there’s a support
band).
Students pay half price.
January 08
Murray Robinson + MG3
We welcome in the new year with a saxophonist who graduated from our New
Jazz Generation programme to guest soloist. His inspirations include the
straight ahead playing of Eric Alexander and Joel Frahm.
January15
AC3
Adam Carpenter (keys), Rowan Oliver (bass) and Tom Townsend (drums) deliver
foot-tapping grooves and engaging melodic riffs.
SATURDAY January 18th
The Art Themen Trio
We’re stepping outside our weekly programme for this special event.
As part of his 85th birthday tour (!) we’re delighted to have a
saxophonist who is one of the true legends of British jazz, with George
Double on drums and Pete Whittaker on organ. ‘One of the very few
totally original, utterly engaging jazz musicians around.’ (Dave
Gelly). £10. (Advance tickets available)
January 22
Nik Svark + MG3
Previously part of Svarc Hanley Longhawn, Nik is a guitarist and composer
whose pedal board enables him to produce myriad sounds ‘but it is
his guitar playing that truly dazzles.’ (Bebop Spoken Here).
January 29
The Jack Pearce Quintet
The Quintet showcases Jack’s original compositions that pay homage
to jazz traditions while injecting a fresh, inventive spirit, fusing melodic
and technical excellence. Jack Pearce (saxophone), Jascha Bingham (piano),
Sam Hughes (guitar), Dan Sanderson (bass) and Angus Haygarth (drums).
February 05
Jamil Sheriff Trio with Nadim Teimoori
Performing brand new music from the pianist’s upcoming album, Jamil
brings together this exquisite group of musicians featuring long time
collaborators Dave Walsh (drums), Nadim Teimoori (saxophone) and Sam Quintana
(double bass). For this new project Jamil has written a collection of
music that stands out amongst his impressive back catalogue, drawing from
African and Latin American influences as well as pieces that feel more
connected to classical composers such as John Ireland. Expect to be pulled
in by his immersive writing and as always, space and freedom for this
group of world-class soloists. £10. (Advance tickets available)
FRIDAY February 7th.
Amon Ra Collective + The Hopeless Causes play Nick Drake
Something a little different from our usual fayre. Amon Ra Collective
is a community of over 20 members exploring fusion energetic solos, pulsing
rhythms, electronic noise, free improvisation and Butch Morris' Conduction
method with jazz, rock, world, afrobeat and funk compositions.
February 12
Matt Smith + MG3
A saxophonist known for his powerful, gutsy playing who has toured with
bands ranging from The Blues Brothers to the Glenn Miller Tribute Orchestra.
February 19
Anna Chandler-King + MG3
Anna is a jazz saxophonist who draws on the many parts of this music
she loves - contemporary improvisation, high tempo bebop, her best Johnny
Hodges impression - and ties them together with an emotive, melodic approach
February 26
The Emily Masser Quintet
Emily Masser is a 20-year-old jazz singer and saxophonist from Wigan,
currently at London’s Guildhall School of Music and making a name
for herself on the UK jazz scene. Her breakthrough came as a member of
The Clark Tracey Quintet and the release of their acclaimed album, ‘Introducing
Emily Masser’. Taking classic jazz standards, like ‘So Near
So Far’ and ‘The Man I Love’, Emily’s arrangements
and vocals makes them sound newly minted and excitingly different. Her
all-star group includes her dad, Dean Masser (saxophone), Richard Weatherall
(piano), James Owston (bass) and Gaz Hughes (drums). £10. (Advance
tickets available)
March 05
Martin Jones + MG3
Martin has been entertaining audiences with his relaxed vocal and trumpet
techniques for more than forty years.
March 12
The Benn Clatworthy Quartet
Benn Clatworthy is a world class saxophonist/flautist who started out
in London but has been based in Los Angeles since 1980. In a career spanning
over forty years he has performed with artists across the musical spectrum,
from Cedar Walton and Bobby Shew to The Los Angeles Philharmonic
to The Platters and the Temptations. ‘Some of the most emotive and
creative jazz this side of Sonny Rollins.’ (Edinburgh Evening News)
‘Gladiator of the Sax’. (Manchester Evening News) ‘Clatworthy
proves practice makes perfect.’ (LA Times). With Benn are Alex Hutton
(piano), Simon Thorpe (bass) and Darren Becket (drums). £10. (Advance
tickets available)
March19
Ben Beattie + MG3
Ben’s alto saxophone playing combines atmospheric jazz, blues grooves
and soulful ballads. This is a ‘pay as you feel’ session.
March 26
Bob's Big Birthday Bash with The 007's
A special occasion to celebrate Bob Walker’s 70th birthday. (We
know you’d never think it to look at him.) Rod Mason has penned
jazz arrangements of James Bond film music and some incidental music for
a unique all-star band, The 007’s. Rod Mason (saxes), James Lancaster
(trumpet), Derek Harris (guitar), Andrzej Baranek (piano), Paul Chamberlain
(bass) and Paul Smith (drums), featuring vocalist Jenny Smith. There’ll
be a whole lotta shaking and stirring going on. £10 on the door.
April 02
Jim Birkett + MG3
Former house guitarist of Scarborough Jazz festival, Jim has worked with
a host of major jazz musicians and is a master of both modern and gypsy
jazz guitar.
April 09
The Rachael Calladine Quartet
Rachael is a vocalist who regular performs at Ronnie Scott's, The 606
Club and Pizza Express London. Expect an evening of swinging standards,
sultry blues and Latin grooves. With Pat McCarthy (guitar), Andy Tytherleigh
(double bass) and Si Potts (drums).
April 16
Jam Night with MG4
Our annual opportunity for audience members who play or sing to perform
a number or two with the house band. If you play you don’t pay
April 23
The Anna Chandler-King Ensemble
Anna brings an intimate and deeply emotional set of intricately arranged
music written around the passing of her mother, and an ensemble of some
of her favourite musicians that were there for her when she needed them.
She draws on large ensemble, contemporary jazz and avant-garde improvisation.
Expect compositions that are heartfelt and intense but also some that
are light-hearted and playful, with amazing improvisers to bring their
interpretations to her music. Anna Chandler-King, Riley Stone Lonergan,
Will Howard (saxophones), Laurence Mason (bassoon/bass saxophone), Ella
Whitley (trombone), Tom Harris (piano/clarinet), Sam Quintana (double
bass), Steve Hanley (drums), Kel Alvaro (vocals). £10. (Advance
tickets available)April 30
April 30
Mike Hall + MG3
Saxophonist Mike Hall is a leading educator, band leader, composer, arranger
and sideman whose gigs range from duos to quartets to jazz orchestras.
