RICH BENNETT’S NEW ORLEANS ALL STARS

Richard Bennett – trumpet
Zoltan Sagi – reeds
Graham Woodhouse – trombone
Warren James – banjo./guitar/vocals
Simon Smith – double bass
Graham Smith – drums

Tonights session has changed from previously advertised

The music will still have a mix of hot jazz delivered by these excellent musicians with a mixed repertoire of tunes

Rich Bennett is enthusiastic for the revivalist style and is an exciting trumpet player; Zoltan Sagi is one of the finest reeds players & Graham Woodhouse is a much sort after trombone player – and put them together they make a great front line
The rhythm section will be a power house with the talented Warren James on banjo/guitar, Simon Smith delighting on double bass and standing in for this session Graham Smith on drums

ADRIAN COX TRIO
CLUB CROCO

RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL

Adrian Cox – clarinet
Honey Boulton – guitar
Alex Gilson – bass

A new tour and a new project – we look forward to welcoming Adrian with Honey & Alex for another visit

The music for this tour is to celebrate the great composers and musicians that came out of New Orleans. Already they have travelled far and wide – we are so lucky that they now come to Pershore to demonstrate their incredible talents

DAVE BROWNING’S JAZZ CATS with guest Tom “Spats” Langham

ALL SEATS ARE RESERVED FOR THIS SESSION
(waiting list applies)

Dave Browning – keyboard
Allen Beechey – cornet
Brian Butler – trombone
Richard Exall – reeds
Keith Donald – bass
Graham Smith – drums
Tom “Spats” Langham – guesting – banjo/guitar

Stride pianist Dave Browning returns to the club with his Jazz Cats. Always a popular band with high energy swinging Dixieland jazz with emphasis on the music of ‘Wild’ Bill Davison – an American cornet player best remembered for his association with bandleader Eddie Condon

An addition to the usual line-up will be the guest appearance of Tom ‘Spats’ Langham – what a treat!

NIK PAYTON & ZOLTAN SAGI with the
ANDRZEJ BARANEK TRIO
‘SWING SUMMIT’

Zoltan Sagi – reeds
Nik Payton – saxophone
Andrzej Baranek – keyboard
Mike Green – double bass
Graham Smith – drums

Nik and Zoltan have been friends and colleagues for 30 years. They were both members of the Charleston Chasers and the Chris Barber Big Band and have toured with Pasadena Roof Orchestra

In this collaboration they will play a selection of 2 reed arrangements with echoes of Wilber & Davern’s Soprano Summit. Nik was a student of Bob Wilber and toured the USA with him. His other musical achievements saw him tour with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and, whilst living in Brazil, he became Artistic Director of Jazz Festival Brazil. He has toured the world extensively performing in Europe, the `Middle East, the Far East and the US

Joining them tonight will be the wonderful pianist Andrzej who has visited the club before with Zoltan, bassist Mike Green and Graham Smith drums and together they will form a formidable rhythm section

PETE ALLEN JAZZ BAND

Pete Allen – clarinet/saxes
Trevor Whiting – clarinet/saxes
Chris Hodgkins – trumpet
Roger Marks – trombone
Max Brittain – banjo/guitar
Andrew Clancy – keyboard
Andy Crowdy – bass
Jim Newton – drums

Pete Allen brings together this eight-piece band who know how to deliver a lively show filled with entertaining jazz instrumentals and songs

Together they celebrate legends like Louis Armstrong, Fats’ Waller, Duke Ellington as well as British icons like theb late Acker Bilk & Kenny Ball

We look forward to welcoming Pete and his band to Pershore

www.peteallenjazz.com

TAD NEWTON’S JAZZ FRIENDS with GREG ABATE (USA)

Gary Wood – trumpet/vocals
Richard Exall – clarinet/sax
Tad Newton – trombone/vocals
Alan Haughton- keyboard
Tomas Pedersen – bass
Ronnie Fenn – drums
Guest: Greg Abate – saxophone

Greg Abate is a jazz saxophonist, flautist, composer and arranger who is currently here on tour. He joins Tad’s Jazz Friends, as he has done on many occasions, for our session this month

The Jazz Friends present a jazz programme dedicated to the great jazz influencers and composers such as Louis Armstrong, Kid Ory, Earl Hines, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman and Lester Young – Basin Street to Harlem

29th January 2025

DUE TO SOME CANCELLATIONS WE CAN ACCEPT RESERVATIONS FOR THIS SESSION
PLEASE CONTACT TO CHECK AVAILABILITY 

ADRIAN COX TRIO – MAKIN’ RUNS
Please reserve your place 

Adrian Cox – clarinet
Honey Boulton – guitar
Alex Gilson – double bass

Delighted to be able to offer this club session. “Makin’ Runs”, the latest project by internationally acclaimed clarinetist Adrian Cox, delves into alternative ragtime repertoire from the early jazz era, aiming to capture and express the timeless essence of the music

According to legend, “Makin’ Runs” is a tune attributed to Buddy Bolden, heard by Bunk Johnson in New Orleans. The phrase symbolises Bolden’s vision for inventive improvisations whilst never repeating himself

The trio endeavours to emulate that spirit, crafting tight yet dynamic arrangements that honour the music’s original intent, allowing ample room for improvisational fire!

The program includes compositions by Duke Ellington, Sidney Bechet, Jelly Roll Morton, Barney Bigard and many more

26th February 2025

FUGUE & GROOVE TRIO
PLEASE RESERVE YOUR PLACE

Rich Hughes – keyboard
Simon Smith – double bass
Steve Street – drums

Another opportunity to experience the talents of three great musicians who offer a unique session by fusing classical music with jazz tunes

We have enjoyed their previous visits and look forward to hearing more

26th March 2025

AMY ROBERTS QUARTET
PLEASE RESERVE YOUR PLACE

Amy Roberts – reeds
Al Gurr – keyboard
Ashley John Long – double bass
Nick Millward – drums

We look forward to welcoming Amy back to the club with her rhythm ‘boys’ for what will be an exciting and entertaining session

Amy has earned an enviable reputation throughout the UK and Europe as a charismatic performer and has toured with some of the worlds finest musicians and bands. She was the first female musician to join The Big Chris Barber Band touring for almost four years before moving on in 2014 to focus on other projects

In the theatre Amy has played for Magic of Motown, Guys & Dolls, Berlin Berlin & depped on Matilda in the West End. More recently last year she joined the orchestra for Singing in the Rain for a 6 week run at Kilworth House Open Air Theatre. Amy continues to be offered theatre work and has many projects in hand

30th April 2025

GRAHAM SMITH’S SHADES OF JAZZ
PLEASE RESERVE YOUR PLACE

Gary Wood – trumpet
John  Hallam – reeds
Martin Veasey – trombone
Rich Hughes – keyboard
Simon Smith – bass
Graham Smith – drums

A band that started its life at Pershore Jazz and they have gained popularity since forming in 2015 

Their repertoire contains something for everyone as they play an eclectic mix of tunes and styles including Dixieland, Trad & Swing

All musicians are much in demand for working with other groups/bands so a bonus for us that they will perform together for this gig

25th June 2025

DIXIEMIX
dixiemixjazz.com

PLEASE RESERVE YOUR PLACE
email: club@pershorejazz.org.uk

Simon Nelson – cornet/trumpet/flugel/vocals
Chris Wigley – trombone
Karl Wirrmann – clarinet/alto & tenor sax
Kevin West – banjo/guitar
Maurizio Borgna – double bass
Tony Wilkins – drums/vocals

A rare visit for Pershore Jazz Club – this six piece band hail from Norfolk and they excel with fresh arrangements of many of the jazz favourites; all given the DixieMix twist

Their enthusiastic approach has helped the band gain national recognition leading to a tour with Rod Stewart, TV appearances and many festival and theatre gigs

We look forward to their first visit to the jazz club although they have played for Pershore Jazz annual festival in past years

30th July 2025

EMILY MASSER & ALEX CLARKE QUINTET
22/7/25   NO FURTHER RESERVATIONS CAN BE TAKEN
AS VENUE CAPACITY HAS BEEN REACHED

Emily Masser – vocals
Alex Clarke – saxophone
Tom Kincaid – piano
Mike Green = bass
Gaz Hughes – drums

A new project brings together two of the brightest young talents to have emerged on the British jazz scene. After discovering their mutual love for traditional and straight-ahead jazz, they bring fresh, innovative arrangements of classic standards

Emily, a 21 year old jazz singer and saxophonist who is currently studying at London Guildhall School of Music is quickly gaining a reputation as a new star of British jazz. She has been mentored by jazz luminaries such as Claire Martin & Liane Carroll as well as her father, saxophonist Dean Masser. Emily has recently released her debut album as a bandleader “Songs With My Father” featuring some of the finest UK musicians

Alex, a BBC Young Musician of the Year finalist in 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards & three- time Parliamentary Jazz Awards nominee, is recognised as one of the most in demand saxophonists on the British jazz scene. She has performed with many notable names such as Alan Barnes, Dave Newton, Enrico Tomasso, and she regularly works with top ensembles including The Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra. Leading her own quartet featuring leading names in British jazz, she released her latest album “Only A Year” in 2022

We look forward to our jazz club evening with this band and to be able to listen to a repertoire of straight-ahead swing, melodic Bossa Nova & American Songbook standards

Emily is a singer with a wonderful future ahead, her sympathy for and talent in interpreting the standard song repertoire makes it a delight to stay ‘old fashioned’ with her (Alyn Shipton BBC Radio 3)

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

Tom Kincaid – pianist with Elkie Brooks – BBC Radio 2 Piano Room

Mike Green – Awesome (Stratford Jazz)

Gaz Hughes – renowned jazz drummer and bandleader

NICK WARD’S JELLY ROLL QUARTET
RESERVATIONS ARE ALMOST FULL 20/9/25

Nick Ward – drums
John Maddocks – reeds
Jon Penn – keyboard
Brian Mellor – banjo/guitar

Nick last brought this band to the club in April 2019

The quartet deliver an interesting programme of tunes from Morton & Dodds with informative information about the times and life styles of the jazz greats

Unfortunately Spats cannot be with them this time but ably stepping into his banjo/guitar seat will be Brian Mellor

We look forward to this session

TJ JOHNSON BAND
tjjohnson.co.uk

RESERVATIONS HAVE REACHED CAPACITY

TJ Johnson – keyboard
Alex Clarke – reeds
Peter Rudeforth – trumpet
Eleazar Ruiz – bass
Mez Clough – drums

A popular musician at Ronnie Scotts, we are delighted that TJ will be back at the club again. For those who have not had the pleasure of seeing him perform before this is an evening not to miss!

TJ is one of UK’s highly acclaimed and charismatic jazz & blues singers. He makes the audience feel special playing his tunes from jazz, blues, soul, country and gospel

An entertainer extraordinaire!

HARLEM JAZZ ORCHESTRA – RESERVATIONS ARE FULL
harlemjazz.co.uk 

PLEASE NOTE PRICE IS £15

RESERVATIONS HAVE REACHED THE VENUE CAPACITY

Harlem Jazz Orchestra is a 13 piece ensemble specialising in authentic jazz from the late 20s and early 30s. Their repertoire covers Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, King Oliver and many more jazz greats

Directed by trombonist Bob Hunt (ex The Big Chris Barber Band) all the musicians are well known and steeped in the traditions of this music

Band Members:
Mike “Magic” Henry  (lead cornet)    Wil Robinson  (trumpet)   Charlie Manning  (trumpet)
Graham Woodhouse  (Valve & Slide trombone)  Bob Hunt  (lead trombone)
Zoltan Sagi  (lead reed section)  Michael Kilpatrick  (clarinet, alto sax, baritone sax)   Richard Exall  (reeds)
Art Toper  (keyboard)
John Irwin  (banjo/guitar)
Tomas Pedersen  (double bass)
Nick Ward  (drums)
Sarah Spencer  (vocals & announcements)

31st January 2024

CLASSIC MEETS JAZZ with FUGUE & GROOVE
RICH HUGHES – SIMON SMITH – STEVE STREET

Last year Rich Hughes brought his trio to the club with his new project introducing classical music fused with jazz tunes and it was a thoroughly entertaining evening

So back by popular demand we look forward to another innovative and entertaining session with this trio

28th February 2024

SPATS LANGHAM’S HOT FINGERS

This band is a must inclusion for our jazz session schedule as they are popular, entertaining and above all a great band of musicians who deliver their repertoire with musical history and many stories of their travels working together. Always fun!

Tom ‘Spats’ Langham – banjo/guitar/ukulele/vocals
Danny Blyth – reeds
Malcolm Sked – bass
Emily Campbell – vocals

24th April 2024   SOLD OUT

TJ JOHNSON BAND

TJ – piano & vocals
Alex Clarke – saxophone
Denny Ilett – guitar
Tim Fairhall – bass
Wesley Gibbens – drums

TJ is renowned as a top class performer who delivers a superb evening of entertainment in his own unique way backed by his chosen musicians.TJ has chosen some top musicians to be in the band for this session – Denny Ilett is part of many ensembles and has a wide knowledge of jazz genres. Alex Clarke is no stranger to Pershore and is still going from strength to strength and playing with many top names in the world of jazz. Tim Fairhall has graced the stages at The Barbican, Royal Festival Hall & The Royal Albert Hall and now Pershore! Wesley Gibbens a dynamic drummer completes this quintet

We are pleased to have a session with him and his band for this month and thrilled that he is prepared to travel to the wilds of Pershore again.

Repertoire will be across the board and breaking all boundaries from blues, soul, country & gospel with no doubt some of his own tunes sung with passion – this will be an enthralling night of pure joy!

29th May 2024  (FULLY BOOKED)

THE INTERNATIONAL NIGHT OWLS

Sarah Spencer – reeds
Jeff Barnhart (USA) – keyboard
Mike ‘Magic’ Henry – trumpet
Mike Owen – trombone
Thomas “Spats’ Langham – banjo/guitar
Malcolm Sked – bass
Graham Smith – drums

This is going to be a night to remember – Sarah & Jeff performed together many years ago and this is an opportunity for them to rekindle some of those memories and provide us with an evenings entertainment of New Orleans tunes and jazz standards

Dont miss this one!

31st July 2024

WARREN JAMES with THE LONNIE DONEGAN STORY

Warren James – guitar/vocals
Alex Clarke – saxophone  (updated 1 July)
Jim Swinnerton – double bass
Jules Aldridge – drums

Scottish born Lonnie Donegan began his career in the British Trad Jazz revival before changing to skiffle in the mid 50s and he was Britains most inspirational pop star before The Beatles
(No Lonnie Donegan, No Skiffle Groups, No Beatles – its that simple wrote George Harrison)

Warren does a fantastic job of literally being Lonnie and the show he and the band give will take you back to those days of our youth when you knew all the tunes and the words

Guaranteed to be a great night with the added bonus that Alex Clarke is part of the band

10th August 2024

JAZZ ON A SUMMERS DAY 2024

2pm – 5pm & 7.30pm – 10.30pm

Number 8 Arts Centre
8 High Street
Pershore
WR10 1BG

6 sessions in a theatre setting featuring some of the best of the UK’s jazz musicians. 5 ensembles culminating in a grand finale session with all the musicians taking part

Tickets on sale from the theatre by contacting on 01386 555488 or use the following direct link
https://number8ticketsolve.com/shows/1173652229/events

For more details & list of musicians taking part please see the SPECIAL EVENTS page on this website

THERE IS NO CLUB SESSION THIS MONTH

30th October 2024

SWING FROM PARIS

Fenner Curtis – violin
Andy Bowen – guitar
Sam Hughes – guitar
Tomasz Williams – double bass

Back for a return visit Swing From Paris deliver an exciting session of the finest gypsy style jazz inspired by the great swing bands of the 30s and 40s

Their repertoire includes their own versions of music by Gershwin, Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli and more

Expect stylish jazz and vintage swing

27th November 2024
Reservations suggested to ensure a seat
GOOD NEWS & BAD  –  WE ARE UNABLE TO TAKE FURTHER RESERVATIONS

ZOLTAN SAGI with the ANDRZEJ BARANEK TRIO

Zoltan Sagi – reeds
Andrzej Baranek – keyboard
Mike Green – bass
Graham Smith – drums

We are pleased to invite back the highly accomplished saxophonist Zoltan Sagi and for this session Zoltan has recruited the talents of renowned pianist from the North West of England Andrzej Baranek, the vastly experienced bassist Mike Green and our very own Graham Smith on drums

Andrzej is one of the most highly regarded jazz piano players with his versatile sound and sympathetic adaptation which brings out the best of the reed players he works with. Zoltan was a member of the Big Chris Barber Band but he has also performed with many great bands including Pasadena Roof Orchestra and Harlem. Mike Green is used to performing at prestigious venues such as Ronnie Scotts and is first call bass for many bands. Graham has performed with Zoltan’s trio’s and quartets and is looking forward to joining them on this gig

HOT FINGERS  (Tickets are not required as stated in Jazz Guide)

Tom “Spats” Langham
Danny Blyth
Malcolm Sked
Emily Campbell  vocals

This band is one of the most popular bands on the jazz circuit and there are not enough superlatives to describe how good they are – you only need to be at one of their sessions to be blown away by their incredible musicianship and professionalism

If you haven’t been lucky enough to see the band before we recommend that you do not miss this chance!

Guaranteed to be a top night!

The Rich Hughes Trio – Classic Meets Jazz
with special guest

Rich Hughes – keyboard
Simon Smith – bass
Steve Street – drums

Rich, Simon & Steve will provide us with an entertaining evening with their playing of a mixture of jazz tunes from most of the jazz eras. Their repertoire consists of a great mixture of tunes and there will be something for everyone during the course of the evening. Rich has invited a special guest to join the band during the evening – naming no names but it is someone we all love to see and hear!

Rich as some of you will already know is a highly accomplished pianist with many years of professional experience. Simon is also well known to us at Pershore Jazz and he is also a highly respected bass player on the UK jazz scene. Steve as well is no stranger to Pershore and has a high musical pedigree

All of these talented musicians are Midlands based, have toured extensively throughout the UK and internationally. They are the future of the jazz scene – they are young, enthusiastic, skilled with their instruments and very entertaining

This ensemble is a new venture – come along and have a great evening listening to a new band

www.richkeys.co.uk
www.soundbetter.com
www.stevestreet.co.uk

FROG & HENRY BAND

Joplin Parnell – piano
Corman Atkins – violin
George Aschmann – violin
Laurin Habert – reeds
Ewan Bleach – reeds
Ryan Baer – guitar
Dave Neigh – tuba

FROG & HENRY BAND on tour!

Frog & Henry’s seven members represent nearly as many nationalities (US, Canada, Scotland, Germany & England)
This tour features Joplin Parnell on piano, a double violin combination of Corman Atkins & George Aschmann alongside Ewan Bleach & Laurin Habert on reeds. Their repertoire draws on early and later jazz like ~King Oliver and Bunk Johnson, as well as lesser known dance bands from North America and England with occasional ragtime numbers, blues and waltzes. Don’t miss the world’s only foot-operated tuba machine which enables Dave Neigh to play banjo and tuba simultaneously as well as Ewan Bleach’s double clarinet solos. On guitar is the one and only Ryan Baer

For more information about the group and their April tour please visit www.frogandhenry.com

Definitely a session not to miss!

TAD NEWTON’s JAZZ FRIENDS

Tad Newton – trombone & vocals
Gary Wood – trumpet/flugelhorn & vocals
Mike Wills – reeds
Tomas Pedersen – double bass
Alan Haughton – keyboard
Ronnie Fenn – drums

This band is one of the longest established six piece ensembles on the British jazz scene. Their repertoire is eclectic giving something for everyone with their swinging jazz performances

Tad leads his band of the finest musicians who all have a great jazz pedigree. This year sees the band celebrating their 40th anniversary of
Tad Newton’s Jazz Friends – lets have a party!!

A lively and entertaining night is guaranteed

JOHN HALLAM’S BLUE THREE

John Hallam – clarinet aka Kenny Davern
Dave Browning – keyboard aka Dick Wellstood
Graham Smith – drums aka Bobby Rosengarden

It will be great to see John Hallam back at the club with this band recreating the sounds of the original Blue Three

Missing will be the late great Keith Nichols but on the keyboard will be the very proficient Dave Browning supporting John and Graham

A guaranteed great night of music

SAVANNAH JAZZ BAND

Richard Church – trumpet
Roger Bird – reeds
Brian Ellis – trombone
Tony Pollitt – bass
Graham Smith – drums
Chris Marney – banjo

Following the ill health and necessary retirement of leader/drummer John Meehan in 2022 this popular band fortunately continues to entertain with a variety of styles of jazz music. After John’s stroke the band fulfilled their programme of gigs and expected to finish their performances for good but such was the reaction to this news the band were encouraged to reconsider; so with John’s support and agreement the show goes on under the same name

Richard & Roger are both ex members of New Orleans Heat and Brian,Tony & Chris are now joined by Graham taking the drum chair. Roger Myerscough has reduced availability but will still appear on some of the scheduled gigs

It will be great to welcome them back to entertain us

MATT PALMER’S GATSBY GO-GETTERS

Matt Palmer (reeds) introduces a brand new lineup of Dave Leithead (trumpet & vocals), Jo Nutman (piano), Al Harris (bass) & Nick Ward (drums). The band recreates the sounds and ambience of a Chicago speakeasy as frequented by such characters as Al Capone during the prohibition era. This era was also known as the “Jazz Age” and the times of “The Great American Song Book”

No secret – we can have our own speakeasy – The jazz will be hot, you can be a burlesque dancer if you please and booze is available so come along and enjoy a great evenings entertainment!

26th January 2022

RESERVATIONS PLEASE

RALPH ALLIN QUARTET

Ralph is best described like Nigel Kennedy, Stephane Grappelli & Victor Borge rolled into one!

If you’ve not been lucky to see Ralph play before he is uniquely entertaining and amazingly talented. You will be spellbound by his musical versatility & presence
Ralph’s rhythm section for this session will be Rich Hughes (keyboard) Jadie Cary (bass) Steve Street (drums)

BE SURE TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE

www.ralphallin.uk

23rd February 2022

WE HAVE REACHED OUR COMFORTABLE CAPACITY
FOR THE VENUE

HOTSY TOTSY

Girl power this month !!

Zoe Lambeth (reeds) Debbie Arthurs (percussion/reeds) Isabel Toner (bass) Kate Hill (keyboard) Rachel Hayward (guitar/banjo/vibes)

A few years ago the all female band the Creole Belles received much acclaim. This 5 piece line-up came from that popular band – you will hear a variety of styles from the 20s, 30s & 40s with fresh arrangements of popular standards. In addition they incorporate a super feature of three part harmonies akin to the Boswell Sisters style. Always something going on with 12 instruments between them and plenty of enthusiasm. A night to look forward to.

27th April 2022

WENDY KIRKLAND QUARTET with ROGER BEAUJOLAIS

** OUR ROOM CAPACITY HAS NOW BEEN REACHED **

Wendy Kirkland – keyboard
Pat Sprakes – guitar
Paul Jefferies – bass
Steve Smith – drums
Roger Beaujolais – vibraphone

Wendy Kirkland is one of the British jazz scene’s talented pianists and singers. She has been wowing audiences, including sell out performances at Ronnie Scotts, with her stunning vocals and touch of class. Her influences range from Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald through to Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Chick Corea & Diana Krall

Wendy does not often appear in the Midlands although you may have seen her perform at the festival a few years ago.  For this session she brings her quartet with the addition of the incredible Roger Beaujolais on vibes to entertain us.

It will be an evening of high class jazz

25th May 2022

TJ JOHNSON BAND featuring ALEX CLARKE

TJ Johnson – piano/vocals
Alex Clarke – saxophone
Denny Illett – guitar
Tom Clark-Hil – bass
Jack Cotterill – drums

What happens when you put two great musicians together with a fabulous rhythm section. Come along on Wednesday 25th May to see if you don’t know!

TJ comes for a long awaited return visit and will feature the talents of Alex Clarke (BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year finalist 2020 & winner of British Jazz Awards ‘Rising Star’ category 2019)

Alex made her first public appearance at the Pershore Jazz Festival and since has gone from strength to strength making many performances around the country and receiving well deserved acclaim. Her fresh approach to jazz, versatility and of course her youthful talent make her so popular with the jazz audiences

TJ is a sensational vocalist and pianist. He is widely considered to be one of the UK’s most charismatic jazz & blues singers – he sings from the soul with true passion and delivers a performance that is unique, intimate and special

The rhythm section are TJ’s chosen musicians for this gig and what a band they make – can’t wait to hear them!

Don’t miss this session!

27th July 2022

NICK WARD’S JELLY ROLL QUARTET

John Maddocks – clarinet
Jon Penn – keyboard
Tom ‘Spats’ Langham – banjo/guitar
Nick Ward – drums

Four fine musicians get together for this session presenting early jazz pioneer Jelly Roll Morton’s compositions as well as music recorded by jazz greats Johnny Dodds & ‘King’ Oliver. Morton was one of the jazz characters of the era & no doubt we will learn a little more about the life & times during his career

This quartet doesn’t have the opportunity to play together that often so don’t miss this chance to see & hear them!

AUGUST 2022

NO CLUB SESSION

13th August – PERSHORE JAZZ ON A SUMMER’S DAY
SEE EVENT PAGE FOR FURTHER DETAILS

26th October 2022

THE ROARING TWENTIES

Suzanne James – vocals
Simon James – trumpet
David Hepworth – clarinet/saxophone
Liz Hepworth – bass
Andy Bramall – banjo/guitar
Graham Smith – drums (guest)

The Roaring Twenties give an entertaining evening of music from the era of hot jazz, beautiful fashions, flappers and gangsters

Their repertoire includes tunes from Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Bix Beiderbecke and 1920s songs from classic jazz singers like Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Ida Cox and Mamie Smith

The band was formed in 2019 ready to perform in the 20s (2020) but the pandemic unfortunately came and delayed their plans until now! Both Suzanne and Simon James have a passion for 20s 30s and 40s jazz and swing and David & Liz Hepworth along with Andy Bramall we will know as being members of Washington Whirligig. Graham has been asked to perform with them on this occasion. All band members have great knowledge of the music of this era and we look forward to welcoming them to our club

If you feel inclined to dress up for this session you are more than welcome!

30th November 2022

REMI HARRIS JAZZ & BLUES TRIO

A night with a difference – we look forward to welcoming Remi back to Pershore with his new venture

“Acclaimed guitarist Remi Harris and his band present an eclectic show featuring music ranging from the acoustic jazz of the 30s & 40s to the electric blues of the 60s & 70s; influenced by such greats as Django Reinhardt to Jimi Hendrix. The show features a mix of jazz and blues standards, original compositions and new arrangements of familiar tunes. Remi will play a variety of acoustic and electric guitars and is joined by Tom Moore on double/electric bass and Matt Brown on drums“

NO SESSION

NO SESSION

NO SESSION

ZOLTAN SAGI QUARTET
ELMLEY CASTLE VILLAGE HALL

LUNCHTME SPECIAL

A brilliant lunchtime session getting us all back into a live jazz setting in the spacious surroundings of Elmley Castle Village Hall

Zoltan presented two sets with an excellent repertoire of tunes and he was accompanied by Al Gurr on piano, Mike Green on bass
& Graham Smith drums

28th JULY
To be held at Elmley Castle Village Hall
Pershore WR10 3HW     Lunchtime session 1.00pm – 3.30pm

WASHBOARD RESONATORS
Jack Amblin drums etc
Martin Roper guitars etc

Dynamic duo Martin & Jack play blues, ragtime, swing & folk like it was on the streets of America in the 20s, 30s & 40s.
Highly entertaining and fun

NO JAZZ CLUB SESSION IN AUGUST

YOU MAY HOWEVER BE INTERESTED IN AN EVENT BEING HELD AT NUMBER8 8 High Street Pershore WR10 1BG

JAZZ ON A SUMMER’S DAY (U)   Monday 30th August at 7pm
Enjoy the sights and sounds of jazz in its full glory on the big screen. This concert film was shot in vibrant colour at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival and has been painstakingly restored for this re-release. Featuring performances from jazz legends Louis Armstrong, Thelonious Monk, Chuck Berry, Dinah Washington & Mahalia Jackson, intercut with images of beaches, sailboats on water, dancing couples & faces of joyful audience members.
Film 1hr.28mins

For information and tickets: www.number8.org  01386 555488

27th OCTOBER
SEATING CAPACITY HAS BEEN REACHED – WAITING LIST HELD

GRAHAM SMITH’S JAZZ NOTEABLES

Gary Wood – trumpet/vocals
Zoltan Sagi – reeds
Martin Veasey – trombone
Rich Hughes – keyboard
Simon Smith – bass
Graham Smith – drums

Once again Graham has handpicked a selection of top class musicians and plans to deliver a refreshing repertoire with a mix of music that they all enjoy performing but do not always get the opportunity to do so!

 Frog & Henry Jazz Band

29th January

Ewan Bleach – reeds, piano, vocals
Kermane Arken – violin, vocals
FH Henry – guitar, vocals
David Neigh – tuba machine, 6 string banjo
Laurin Habert – clarinet, saxophone

An exciting session with these guys who are on a UK tour  – they are a string and brass group playing music from New Orleans with most of their repertoire originating from forgotten songs

Frog & Henry utilise top instrumentalists from several countries so the band members may be different from listed above. Where Tuba Skinny has inspired interest in New Orleans jazz, Frog & Henry have the potential to cast that net further and revive other vintage styles from string band rags to popular song while still maintaining a unique sound that is their own

Gaz Hughes Sextet
plays Art Blakey

26th February

Alan Barnes – alto/baritone saxophone
Bruce Adams – trumpet
Dean Masser – tenor saxophone
Andrezej Baranek – piano
Ed Harrison – bass
Gaz Hughes – drums

What a line up this is – Pershore Jazz is lucky to secure a booking with these guys who are touring to promote the release of their first album together – a tribute to Art Blakey

It will be a privilege to have these guys together in one room and will be a session not to miss

WASHBOARD RESONATORS

THIS SESSION CANCELLED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS
RE-ARRANGED FOR 25th NOVEMBER

29th April

Jack Amblin – percussion & banging things & dancing shoes
Martyn Roper – various guitars/banjos & sound effects

Dynamic duo who will thoroughly entertain you with their assortment of instruments. They are inventive multi-talented musicians and present jazz in an original way with cheeky humour. There may be a bit of tap dancing going on too!

Jack & Martyn have come a long way since they started busking back in 2014 and they are now much in demand performing and bringing back to life the spirit of long gone artists of the 30’s jazz, blues and ragtime era

Graham Smith’s SHADES OF JAZZ

THIS SESSION CANCELLED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS 
RE-ARRANGED FOR 28th OCTOBER

27th May

This evening will be a recorded session

Gary Wood – trumpet/vocals
John Hallam – reeds
Martin Veasey – trombone
Jim Douglas – banjo/guitar
Rich Hughes – keyboard
Simon Smith – bass
Graham Smith – drums

It is appropriate that Shades of Jazz return for this session as this is where they launched the band. Since then they have travelled and performed together as a tight ensemble and received much acclaim. We look forward to being part of their live show.

ZOLTAN SAGI QUARTET

Postponed until September
Restrictions permitting

Zoltan Sagi – reeds
Nick Wiltshire – keyboard
John Day – bass
Graham Smith – drums

An evening to look forward to
Zoltan brings his chosen musicians for this session to perform a varied repertoire of different styles of jazz

NO CLUB SESSION

A VIRTUAL PERSHORE JAZZ FESTIVAL
WAS BROADCAST DURING THE WEEKEND
OF 14/15/16th AUGUST
SEE FESTIVAL PAGE FOR LINKS TO VIEW 

Graham Smith’s SHADES OF JAZZ

28th October

Numbers for this event could be restricted due to the current guidelines for indoor events
WATCH THIS SPACE!

This evening will be a recorded session

Gary Wood – trumpet/vocals
John Hallam – reeds
Martin Veasey – trombone
Jim Douglas – banjo/guitar
Rich Hughes – keyboard
Simon Smith – bass
Graham Smith – drums

It is appropriate that Shades of Jazz return for this session as this is where they launched the band. Since then they have travelled and performed together as a tight ensemble and received much acclaim. We look forward to being part of their live show.

WASHBOARD RESONATORS

RE-SCHEDULED FROM APRIL DUE TO CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS  TBC

25th November

Jack Amblin – percussion & banging things & dancing shoes
Martyn Roper – various guitars/banjos & sound effects

Dynamic duo who will thoroughly entertain you with their assortment of instruments. They are inventive multi-talented musicians and present jazz in an original way with cheeky humour. There may be a bit of tap dancing going on too!

Jack & Martyn have come a long way since they started busking back in 2014 and they are now much in demand performing and bringing back to life the spirit of long gone artists of the 30’s jazz, blues and ragtime era

John Hallam & Art Themen Quintet

30th January

John Hallam – reeds
Art Themen – saxophone
Rod Kelly – piano
Simon Smith – bass
Graham Smith – drums

A rare opportunity to see Art Themen at our club – he has been on the British jazz scene for more than 40 years and he and John are looking forward to playing this session together

 Hot Fingers with Emily Campbell

27th February

Tom “Spats” Langham
Danny Blyth
Malcolm Sked
Emily Campbell

This popular trio will be back to entertain us with the added glamour and vocals from Emily

Nick Ward’s Jelly Roll Quartet

24th April

Nick Ward – drums
John Maddocks – clarinet
Tom “Spats” Langham – banjo/guitar
John Penn – piano

A first time visit for Nick’s band to the club. This session will be an entertaining presentation of early jazz pioneer Jelly Roll Morton’s
compositions as well as music recorded by jazz greats such as Johnny Dodds & “King” Oliver

 The Gary Wood Swing Band

26th June

Gary Wood – trumpet/vocals
Dan Foster – saxophone (missing from photo)
Roger Evan – keyboard
Chris Green – bass
Ronnie Fenn – drums

A great opportunity to welcome Gary and his band to the club for this swinging session
Gary has appeared many times with other bands but this is a first leading his band

 Reeds A Plenty

31st July

Jeremy Huggett – reeds
Matt Palmer – reeds
Simon Banks – piano
Graham Smith  drums

Reeds A Plenty back again doing what they do best
This quartet don’t have the opportunity to perform together very often but when they do its a knockout evening of entertainment

 Savannah Jazz Band

25th September

John Meehan – leader on drums
Brian ‘Sam’ Ellis – trombone
Bill Smith – cornet
Roger Mysercough – clarinet
Chris Marney – banjo
Tony Pollitt – bass

A return visit for this busy popular band who never fail to provide an entertaining and fun filled evening of good quality jazz

 Graham Smith’s Jazz Allsorts

30th October

Tony Pipkin – trumpet
Martin Veasey – trombone
Alex Clarke – reeds
Jim Douglas – banjo/guitar
Simon Smith – bass
Graham Smith – drums

Jazz Allsorts is a “special” band in that it has a selection of musicians therefore making each session exciting and different – all sorts of jazz played by all sorts of musicians

Alex Clarke has been selected for a return visit to the club and will keep the guys in order and add grace and beauty to the stage!

 JT Johnson Band

11th December

TICKET ONLY
FISH & CHIP SUPPER

TJ Johnson – keyboard/vocals
Al Nicholls – saxophone
Simon Read – bass
Kourosh Kanani – guitar
Wesley Gibbens – drums

A return visit for this popular musician and his band.

Adrian Cox Band – Profoundly Blue

31st January  
Profoundly Blue is a concert celebrating the music of Edmond Hall, a Louisiana born clarinetist.
Adrian Cox – reeds
Joe Webb – piano
Simon Read – bass
Gethin Jones – drums

Remi Harris Trio

28th February 

Congratulations Remi – 2nd place in the guitar category in this year’s British Jazz Awards
Remi is an exciting guitarist whose unique style draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of genres and with the trio delivers performances of the highest level. He has performed at Buckingham Palace, Montreal Jazz Festival and the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall with Jamie Cullum.    www.remiharris.com

Remi Harris – guitar
Caley Groves – guitar
Mike Green – bass

Jeff Barnhart’s Jazz Six

25th April 
At the festival last year Graham worked his magic and put these fine musicians together and what a band it proved to be. It was highly entertaining and therefore well deserving of another performance at the club. Their repertoire is a mixture of popular standards and special features from the talented individual members of the band.

www.jeffbarnhart.com

Jeff Barnhart – piano
Tom “Spats” Langham – banjo/guitar
Andy Woon – trumpet
Trevor Whiting – reeds
Tony Sharp – bass
Graham Smith – drums

Jeremy Huggett & Gethin Liddington
THE CHOSEN 5

30th May  

After an entertaining evening in 2016 we vowed to invite this band back – they play a refreshingly mixed repertoire to cater for everyones musical taste.

Jeremy Huggett – reeds
Gethin Liddington – trumpet/flugelhorn
Richard West – piano
Federico Leonori – bass
Eddie John – drums

Ralph Allin Quartet

25th July

Ralph Allin – violin
Rich Hughes – piano
Simon Smith – bass
Steve Street – drums

We are pleased that Ralph is back on the UK jazz scene and we look forward to his captivating performance once again at the club.  His programme is guaranteed to amaze as he is a violinist who knows no bounds and will leave you uniquely entertained.

NO CLUB SESSION

PERSHORE JAZZ FESTIVAL
17/18/19th August

John Hallam & Alan Barnes Quintet

31st October

Another great session in store when these two great “jazzers” appear together backed by a superb rhythm section of David Newton – piano, Tom Clarke-Hill – bass and Graham Smith on drums.

www.johnhallam.co.uk
www.alanbarnesjazz.com
www.davidnewton.biz
www.clarke-hill.com
www.grahamsmithjazz.co.uk

Washington Whirligig Jazz Band

28th November

A return visit for this band who are a joy to listen to. Their enthusiasm and love of the music they play is refreshing and they deliver a repertoire influenced by Alex Welsh Band but played in their own versatile way.

www.washingtonwhirligig.co.uk

David Hepworth – clarinet/tenor sax
Wil Robinson – trumpet/flugel/vocals
Andy Bramall – guitar/banjo/vocals
Liz Hepworth – bass/vocals
Rob Cotterell – drums

Savannah Jazz Band

25TH JANUARY

An entertaining and exciting band with a New Orleans style repertoire.
www.savannahjazzband.net

Fret & Fiddle

22ND FEBRUARY

Inspirational band in the style of Grappelli – Graham guesting on drums.

www.fretandfiddle.co.uk

Hot Fingers

26TH APRIL

Hot sophisticated jazz from this popular trio with the charming Emily Campbell.

www.hotfingers.co.uk

Jeff Barnhart’s International Swing Quartet

31st MAY  Jeff & Anne will be joined by John Hallam & Graham Smith
www.jeffbarnhart.com

The Bateman Brothers Jazz Band

26 JULY
www.ianbateman.co.uk

Old Hat Jazz Band

www.oldhatjazz.co.uk

The Blue Three

29th November 
Keith Nichols, John Hallam & Graham Smith
Music of the original three – Kenny Davern clarinet
Dick Wellstood piano & Bob Rosengarden drums who formed their band
in 1981 for a recording session in New York City.
John’s inspiration is to play some of the repertoire but without copying the recordings

www.johnhallam.co.uk