Becca Wilkins Quartet - SPICEJAZZ presents at Crazy Coqs
Thursday 11 September - 9.15 pm
Booking link: https://tickets.crazycoqs.com/tickets/series/SJSBECCA25/spice-jazz-soho-becca-wilkins-2025-1679926
Becca Wilkins’ latest album, Rêverie, is a collection of French Chanson reimagined with her trio of Olly Chalk (piano), Sam Ingvorsen (bass) and Billy Pod (drums).
Rêverie presents the classic French music made popular by Jacques Brel, Yves Montand and Edith Piaf through the lens of contemporary jazz as Becca brings her Francophilia into sharp focus. Featuring classics including as ‘La Bohème’ and ‘La Mer’, this music remoulds some of the most well-loved French songs, as well as introducing audiences to some hidden gems from the genre.
These songs provide a canvas for Becca‘s skills as a song interpreter and improviser, with a set that is both brooding and mysterious; vulnerable and atmospheric. Expect haunting ballads alongside runaway waltzes, interspersed by masterful extemporisation.
Rêverie is a chance to experience Becca’s ‘other worldliness’ (Jazzwise Magazine) in this heady collection of rhapsodic Franco-nostalgia.
Line-Up:
Becca Wilkins – Vocals, arrangements
Olly Chalk – Piano
Sam Ingvorsen – Bass
Billy Pod – Drums
“If you have even a passing interest in French chanson, this very British take on it might just be the most charming, artful way to discover it.” ~ Paris-Move
“Rêverie is Wilkins’ personal love letter to chanson. She strikes just the right tone and rhythm, bringing a fresh sense of life to these timeless songs” ~ JazzViews
“breathes fresh life into a rich, French musical tradition” ~ Making a Scene (US)
“brings new moods to this rich and stylistically distinctive musical tradition” ~ Era Jazzu (PL)
“A fascinating and hugely entertaining night of excellent music” ~ Newbury Today
PYJAEN - SPICEJAZZ presents at The Courtyard Theatre
Thursday 19 September - 8 pm
Booking link: https://wegottickets.com/event/669708/
Support - TBC
Line up
Dylan Jones - trumpet
Tjoe Man Cheung - guitar
Ben Vize - sax
Benjamin Crane - bass
Charlie Hutchinson - drums
PYJÆN seamlessly blends jazz, disco, punk, hip-hop, and other contemporary
sounds into a singular experience. Since the release of their debut self-titled album in
2019, PYJÆN has caught the attention of audiences and critics alike, earning acclaim from
figures such as Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan, Jazz FM, and Clash Magazine.
They enjoyed collaborating on their 'Sage Secrets' EP with Blue Lab Beats and Odette
Peters, which amassed over 1 million streams on Spotify within just 6 months. This
achievement stands as a testament to the band's rising prominence in the UK "Jazz and
beyond" scene.
Recorded over five days at Peter Gabriel’s legendary Real World Studios, their second
full album, 'Feast' was released in 2021, featuring thirteen tracks and collaborations
with a diverse array of artists including singer Renato Paris and Glasgow Jazz legend
Corto Alto.
The band are currently writing and recording in hopes to release an album in Autumn 2025.
DJANGADA - SPICEJAZZ presents at Crazycoqs
Thursday 09 October - 9.15 pm
Booking link: https://tickets.crazycoqs.com/tickets/series/SJSDJNG25/spice-jazz-soho-djangada-1709312?startDate=10-09-2025
Fast emerging as the new Brazilian sound from the UK, Djangada‘s funky reworking of Brazilian classics has captivated audiences all over. Their dynamic trio interplay comes from years of performing together and is a thrill to witness live; a blend of traditional Brazilian music with a jazz aesthetic that is lively and accessible, but with a deep sense of craft and musicality.
The name Djangada comes from the word jangada, a fishing boat found in the north-east of Brazil, the home of Afro-Brazilian rhythms. It is from here that Djangada draws their inspiration, transforming the classic songs of Bahia’s Dorival Caymmi and Gilberto Gil into punchy instrumental grooves. Paying homage to these greats, the trio brings the classic Samba Jazz trio sound into a new, funkier era.
Their sound is characterised by meticulously crafted arrangements that are interspersed with raw, powerful grooves and joyous improvisation.
As a trio they have toured extensively in the U.K, Europe and Brazil and between them they have performed at venues and festivals all over the world including the Royal Albert Hall, The Jazz Cafe, Wigmore Hall and the Montreal, London, Paris, Montreux and North Sea Jazz Festivals, with artists including Elza Soares, Alcione and Ed Motta.
Line Up:
Sam Watts – Piano
Matheus Nova – Bass
Marcinho Pereira – Drums
“The distance across the ocean between Brazil and London becomes small in the hands of these great and talented musicians. Long live Djangada, long live Brazilian music.” – D. Vyzor (JAZZ CAFE) 2022
Artist TBA - SPICEJAZZ presents at The Courtyard Theatre
Thursday 17 October - 8 pm
Booking link:
THE GAB TRIO ft. BEA ASURMENDI - SPICEJAZZ presents at Crazycoqs -EFG London jazz Festival 2025
Friday 14 November - 7.00 pm
Booking link: https://tickets.crazycoqs.com/tickets/series/SJSGAB25/spice-jazz-soho-gab-trio-1713485?startDate=11-14-2025
The GAB Trio is the brainchild of French guitarist/ band leader Clement Regert (Wild Card, Marcus Strickland).
He joined forces with long-term music partner, Italian guitarist Gianluca Corona (Al Di Meola) and versatile established drummer/percussionist Steve Taylor (Ian Shaw, Rosie Frater Taylor) for this new project.
The sound is BIG, playing a melodic mix of flamenco/Brazilian-infused tunes and reworked pop numbers.
And watch out for their Special Guest, the rising star Basque singer Bea Asurmendi.
Line up:
Clement Regert: Guitar
Gianluca Corona: Guitar
Steve Taylor: Cajon/Percussion
Special Guest Bea Asurmendi: Vocals
“The GAB Trio put on a thrilling gig which blended the boundaries of jazz, samba, tango, flamenco, and bossa nova. Guitarists Gianluca Corona and Clement Regertwere joined by Steve Taylor on percussion, and each musician’s sophisticated respect for world musical traditions was matched by their virtuosic improvisational abilities.”
– Jazzwise
“The trio is creating and improvising at a level of communication that’s very impressive…” –
Blues & Soul Magazine ★★★★
“Sprightly rhythm and attractive melody delivered by nylon-strung guitars and Cajon setting the tone… with “The GAB Album” on the stereo, it’s warm and sunny indoors.”
– London Jazz News
“A nice mix of melodic original tunes and some well-chosen pop and rock covers, usually with an unusual twist to them… The joy of hearing the two guitarists playing off one another”
– Kind Of Jazz ★★★★
Alex Scheuerer and Najwa Ezzaher "La vie en Soul" - SPICEJAZZ presents at The Courtyard Theatre -EFG
Friday 14 November - 8 pm
Booking link: https://wegottickets.com/event/666712
Alex Scheuerer and Najwa Ezzaher, along with their 5-piece band, are coming to the Courtyard Theatre for the London Jazz Festival!
After a busy 2023/24 playing sold-out shows in renowned jazz clubs across London and Paris and fresh from performing at the 2025 Baku International Jazz Festival, the band returns for another sensational night of jazz, soul, and fusion with their concert, "La Vie en Soul"!
Immerse yourself in music that will transport you from the old streets of Paris to the vibrant heart of the London music scene.
In "La Vie en Soul," Alex pays tribute to La Chanson Française, reimagining it in a fresh, modern jazz/soul style.
But that's not all! Alex and Najwa have been dreaming up new tunes for their upcoming third album, exploring inventive harmonies and adding a splash of Middle Eastern flair to their sound.
In their own words, "Our music speaks to the hearts of our mixed origins."
Come experience the electrifying energy of musicians unleashing their creativity on stage-join us for an unforgettable night!
Line up :
Alex Sheuerer: Guitar
Najwa Ezzaher: Vocals
Paul Michael : Bass Guitar
Chris Jerome : Piano
Mike Horne : Drums
Freddie Gavita: Trumpet
Chris Rand: Tenor sax
Academy Jazz Ensemble featuring Jason Yarde and Nick Smart - SPICEJAZZ presents at Crazycoqs -EFG Lo
Saturday 15 November - 2 pm
Booking link: https://tickets.crazycoqs.com/tickets/series/SJSRAM25/spice-jazz-soho-ram-1713486?startDate=11-15-2025
The students from the acclaimed Royal Academy of Music Jazz -Department will present an ensemble, mentored by and featuring the legendary composer and saxophonist Jason Yarde, playing a set of original music by Jason and from within the ensemble, which will also include head of jazz, trumpeter Nick Smart.
Jason Yarde is widely regarded as one of the most original and exciting, genre-busting voices to emerge in the British Jazz scene over the last several generations – and he continues to inspire in his role as mentor to young musicians. This ’side by side’ project is a rare chance to see intergenerational music making with established stalwarts of the scene and emerging young stars, composing and improvising together.
Exact lineup: TBC
JACKSON MATHOD - SPICEJAZZ presents at The Courtyard Theatre -EFG London Jazz Festival 2025
Saturday 15 November - 8.00 pm
Booking link: https://wegottickets.com/event/666788
Jackson Mathod is a multi-instrumentalist and singer. Drawing on influences from the likes of Miles Davis, Roy Hargrove and Christian Scott, to name a few.
In times when, everything can feel too heavy, Jackson's music delivers a very simple and universal message : have fun, move, and enjoy the amazing musicianship on display.
Jackson is currently into his second album with the band now as a quartet. “I feel this new line-up gives me the opportunity to be more expressive with my sound and experimental with the use of pedals and effects. I also love the use of guitar in my music and I’m excited by this next path for me as an artist.”
Following a string of very successful singles in 2020, Jackson released his debut album ‘Travels in a Confined Space’ in April of 2021, where he received support from BBC 6music (Huey Morgan), BBC Introducing (Jess Iszatt and Robert Elms), Worldwide FM (Gilles Peterson) and was playlisted on Jazz FM.
Leif Maine - Guitar
Daniele Gulino - Bass
Jaega McKenna-Gordon- Drums
Jackson Mathod - Trumpet
Five Way Split – “Modus operandi” Album launch - SPICEJAZZ presents at Crazycoqs -LJF 2025
Saturday 15 November - 7 pm
Booking link: https://tickets.crazycoqs.com/tickets/series/SJSFWS25/spice-jazz-soho-five-way-spirit-1713492?startDate=11-15-2025
Five-Way Split is a jointly-led band formed in 2020 featuring some of the finest contemporary jazz musicians in the UK, fronted by renowned trumpet star Quentin Collins and Greek saxophone phenomenon Vasilis Xenopoulos. The rhythm section features the golden touch of pianist and composer Rob Barron, virtuosic bassist Matyas Hofecker and dynamic drummer Matt Home.
The band’s vision is to carry on the lineage of groups like Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers as well as mirroring the New York contemporary-bop scene. From this inspiration, the band presents a sound that respects the tradition of the hard-bop era whilst also bringing it up to date for today’s audience. With an extensive repertoire of carefully crafted and imaginative original compositions by each member, along with hip, swinging material by greats like Jimmy Heath, Cedar Walton and Horace Silver, Five-Way Split delivers a night of the best swinging and soulful music in town.
The band members have collectively worked with the likes of Al Jarreau, Kyle Eastwood, Stacey Kent, Harold Mabern and Barry Harris. They have played sold out shows at London’s Ronnie Scott’s & 606 Jazz Club, Pizza Express Live, as well top UK festivals like Swanage, .
Their debut album “All The Way” was released in March 2023 on Ubuntu Music, and contains mostly original compositions by the band as well as a couple of choice arrangements of classic jazz standards. It will appeal to all those fans of Hard Bop and straight-ahead, contemporary jazz music.
LINE-UP:
Quentin Collins: Trumpet
Vasilis Xenopoulos: Tenor Saxophone
Matt Home: Drums
Matyas Hofecker: Double bass
Rob Barron: Piano
“Barron, Collins and Xenopoulos have collectively achieved a poised sound that is very pleasing indeed”
– Peter Vacher, Jazzwise ★★★★★
“Five-Way Split is a group of some of the finest contemporary musicians on the UK circuit who make a strong case for bebop and hard bop being a vital force in 21st century jazz” – Nick Lea, Jazz Views
“Splendid” – Quentin Collins
★★★★★ – BBC Music Magazine
“One of the most fiery young saxophonists around” – Vasilis Xenopoulos
★★★★ – The Times
Treyja – Songs and Stories - SPICEJAZZ presents at Crazycoqs - EFG London jazz Festival 2025
Sunday 16 November - 5 pm
Booking link: https://tickets.crazycoqs.com/tickets/series/SJTREYA25/spice-jazz-soho-treya-1713493
Three top vocalists and composers from the UK jazz scene explore the versatility of the vocal trio with all original compositions in luscious harmony. Treyja was formed in 2023 by Clare Wheeler, Sara Colman and Tara Minton.
With all original compositions exploring the depths of life, the three dive into the human experience with rich harmonies and lyric driven songs that showcase the versatility of the vocal trio.
Line up:
Clare Wheeler – Vocals
Tara Minton – Vocals
Sara Colman – Vocals
Rebecca Nash – Piano
Henrik Jensen – Bass
Tom Potter – Drums
“A class act . . . richly evocative . . . immaculate performances. Situated in the hinterland somewhere between jazz and the territory of the singer-songwriter.” – The Jazz Mann
“Ethereal and free-spirited” – Mojo
“Remarkable vocal agility and ability” – UK Jazz News
Lorna Reid - SPICEJAZZ presents at Crazycoqs - EFG London jazz Festival 2025
Sunday 16 November - 7.30 pm
Booking link: https://tickets.crazycoqs.com/tickets/series/SJSLRE25/spice-jazz-soho-lorna-reid-1713494?startDate=11-16-2025
Lorna Reid & Her Quartet Present: I Will Tell Your Story – Live at The Crazy Coqs
An Evening of Soulful Jazz, Blues, and Stories in Song.
Prepare to be captivated by Edinburgh vocalist and songwriter Lorna Reid, renowned for her unique blend of jazz, blues, and soul. From heartfelt ballads to swinging jazz and deep blues grooves, Reid effortlessly crosses genres, delivering a dynamic and soulful performance. Whether performing original compositions or timeless classics, she brings emotional depth and sophistication to the stage, including songs from her critically praised new album, I Will Tell Your Story.
Lineup:
Darren McCarthy: bass
Joe Dessauer: drums
Graeme Blevins: saxophone
Euan Stevenson: piano
Lorna Reid: Vocal
Backed by a stellar band — Euan Stevenson (piano), Darren McCarthy (bass), Joe Dessauer (drums), and Graeme Blevins (saxophone)—Reid offers a powerful, intimate performance that’s as captivating as it is soulful.
Don’t miss an unforgettable night of music and storytelling from one of the UK’s most distinctive jazz voices.
“Reid delivers deep – and often personal – emotional truths in a voice blessed with a clear, authentic tone and an often-playful style.” — David Sinclair (Rolling Stone, Billboard, Q)
“A masterful blend of jazz, blues, and soul… captivates from start to finish.” — Blues Matters
“This album is simply great—soulful, grown-up songcraft.” — BBC Radio Scotland
Devon Gates - SPICEJAZZ presents at Crazycoqs - EFG London jazz Festival 2025
Monday 17 November - 7.00 pm
Booking link: https://tickets.crazycoqs.com/tickets/series/SJSDEVG25/spice-jazz-soho-devon-gates-1713497?startDate=11-17-2025
Devon Gates is a bassist, vocalist, and composer from Atlanta, Georgia, now based in Brooklyn, NY. After studying anthropology and jazz performance at Harvard University, Berklee College of Music, and the Royal Academy of Music (London, UK).
She has emerged in the contemporary jazz scene, working with esteemed artists including Terri Lyne Carrington, Vijay Iyer, Jen Shyu, and Nicole Mitchell, and performing at venues such as The Kennedy Center, SFJazz, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, and the London Jazz Festival. Recently named one of 2024’s Up and Comers of the Year (The New York City Jazz Record), she also leads her own projects as a bandleader, collaborator, and composer, bringing her unique blend of jazz, chamber, and soul influences to New York, Japan, Italy, Mongolia, India, the UK, and more in recent years.
Performing works from her newest project, “Water Dancers”, she explores colors, sounds, and textures inspired by the elements of water and air, the blues, and the question: what might it mean to dance in rhythm with the ever-changing movement of the tides of life? Her original compositions and arrangements are paired with a blend of traditional and unconventional instrumentations, with a dynamic ensemble of friends she met studying abroad in London in 2023, Hoda Jahanpour (cello), Mali Sheard (saxophone), Gates on bass and voice, Emily Tran (piano), and Ananda Brandão (drums).
LINE-UP:
Devon Gates, bass + vocals
Emily Tran, piano
Mali Sheard, saxophone
Hoda Jahanpour, cello
Ananda Brandão, drums
“Gates is a vibrant bassist with a deep time-feel.” – All About Jazz
Miguel Gorodi Quintet - SPICEJAZZ presents at Crazycoqs - EFG London jazz Festival 2025
Monday 17 November - 9.15 pm
Booking link: https://tickets.crazycoqs.com/tickets/series/SJSMGQ25/spice-jazz-soho-miguel-gorodi-quintet-1713498?startDate=11-17-2025
Renowned trumpet player Miguel Gorodi‘s latest project reflects his passion for the traditional and contemporary in Jazz, and features some of the most distinctive voices on the UK jazz scene.
The quintet features an incredible array of musicians from the UK Jazz scene: Nathaniel Facey (Empirical, Jack DeJohnette, Jason Moran), Alcyona Mick (Yazz Ahmed, Ingrid and Christine Jensen, Nikki Iles), Calum Gourlay (Kit Downes, Tommy Smith, Will Vinson), and standing in for James Maddren is one of London’s most in-demand drummers David Ingamells (Kate Williams, Tom Ollendorff, Khiyo, Alex Paxton)
Gorodi released his debut album, Apophenia, on Ubuntu in 2019 featuring original compositions for Nonet. He currently plays with Ivo Neame‘s Dodeka, Emma Rawicz Jazz Orchestra, Elchin Shirinov Quartet, Tom Challenger‘s Brass Mask and The London Jazz Orchestra.
His versatility has seen him work across many styles of music with projects and musicians such as Ian Shaw, Jamie Callum, BBC Big Band, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, Nikki Iles Jazz Orchestra, Barry Green Sextet, SEED Ensemble, Yazz Ahmed, Femi Temowo, Kansas Smitty’s House Band, London City Big Band, Hackney Colliery Band, The Ticklers, Riot Jazz and many others.
LINE-UP:
Miguel Gorodi – trumpet
Nathaniel Facey – saxophone
Alcyona Mick – piano
Calum Gourlay – bass
David Ingamells – drums
“Supremely gifted trumpet and flugelhorn player” – Jazz FM
“The arrangements are neat, airy and accessible” – Jazzwise
“The arrangements are neat, airy and accessible” – All About Jazz
RESOLUTION 88 - SPICEJAZZ presents at The Courtyard - EFG London jazz Festival 2025
Thursday 20 November -8.00 pm
Booking link: https://wegottickets.com/event/666789
Resolution 88 fuse the sound of the modern London jazz scene with the inspirational greats of the 70’s such as Herbie Hancock’s Head Hunters and the classic Mizell Brothers productions on Blue Note. They have brought their high energy performances to prestigious venues and festivals around the UK and Europe.
‘Vortex’ is the 4th studio album released by Resolution 88 and with live shows supporting Snarky Puppy, Roy Ayers, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke, Larry Mizell & the Blackbyrds, Butcher Brown, the Yellowjackets and many more, Resolution 88 have established themselves as one of the UK’s leading exponents of funk jazz. Their music is synonymous with the beautiful sound of the Fender Rhodes.
Line up:
Tom O'Grady: Rhodes & synths,
Tiago Coimbra: bass
Ric Elsworth: drums
Adam Kovacs: percussion
Tom Smith: saxophone
BRASS FUNKEYS - SPICEJAZZ presents at The Courtyard - EFG London jazz Festival 2025
Friday 21 November -8.00 pm
Booking link: https://wegottickets.com/event/666793
Brass has not been this good since that time Reel Big Fish covered A-Ha… The Brass Funkeys are my favourite band. 10/10”
VICE MAGAZINE: Noisey Music
“Terrific… what a band”
James Morrison, BBC Radio 2
The Brass Funkeys are a trailblazer in the new generation of UK Brass Bands. Formed in 2011, this 9-piece collective has a unique sound forged from their strong personalities and eclectic individual tastes, whilst still paying homage to their New Orleans Brass Band roots. The Brass Funkeys have honed their skills over 10 years playing the club and festival circuits in the UK and Europe, always exploring new musical directions while refining their exciting, eclectic and energetic live show, bursting at the seams with ideas and infectious energy.
The Brass Funkeys frequently appear on festival main stages (Glastonbury, Boomtown, Wilderness, Lost Village, Love Supreme, North Sea Jazz Festival) as well as performing at world renowned venues (Ronnie Scott’s, Koko, Cambridge Corn Exchange).
In 2020, The Brass Funkeys embarked on an ambitious project to release four EPs to catalogue the band’s journey. ‘More is More’ (2022) is the fourth and final instalment in this series and takes the listener on a journey weaving together the sounds of New Orleans, 90s House, Thrash Metal and Liquid Drum ‘n’ Bass through their identifiable lens of creative groove music. ‘Crunch’ (2020), showcases original material continuing their exploration of a new genre: #ThrashBrass, while ‘Live at Cambridge Junction’ (2021) features their high-energy stage show. ‘Ruin’ (2021) explores pumping, heavy, brass-led irreverent covers, from girlband to heavy metal.
These EPs follow two earlier album releases, ‘The Brass Funkeys’ (2014) and ‘Rabble Rouser’ (2017) with 4* reviews (AllAboutJazz) which led to regular radio plays on Jazz FM and Jazz on 3, and over 400,000 Spotify plays.
Lineup
Rob Smith, Rob Jericho, Jack Banjo Courtney - trumpets
Vij prakash, Tom Green - trombones
Dave Robinson - tenor sax
John Caddick - sousaphone
Fred Harper - percussion
Harpal Mudhar - drums
Brass has not been this good since that time Reel Big Fish covered A-Ha… The Brass Funkeys are my favourite band. 10/10”
VICE MAGAZINE: Noisey Music
“Terrific… what a band”
James Morrison, BBC Radio 2
ROSIE FRATER-TAYLOR - SPICEJAZZ presents at The Courtyard - EFG London jazz Festival 2025
Saturday 22 November -8.00 pm
Booking link: https://wegottickets.com/event/666795
Event "Part of the SERIOUS LJF 2025 Take 5"
One of the most electrifying forces in contemporary British jazz:
Rosie Frater-Taylor is a virtuoso guitarist/vocalist and songwriter of remarkable emotional depth. On latest album ‘Featherweight’, Rosie seamlessly weaves rock, alt-pop, neo-soul, new-school jazz, and folk into her singular sound.
Drawing inspiration from icons like Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, Pat Metheny, Kate Bush and a rock-infused roster including John Mayer, Meshell Ndegeocello and Madison Cunningham, Rosie’s music is a vibrant tapestry of influences, ’Featherweight’ has seen praise across the board from KCRW, BBC Radio 1, Radio 4, MOJO, Hi-Fi and Guitar World to Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page himself, with Jazzwise coining her “fiercely feminine”!
Rosie’s critically acclaimed sophomore album, ‘Bloom’, amassed over 5 million streams and earned a Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards nomination. Rosie continues sharing stages with celebrated artists like Madison Cunningham, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Michael League (Snarky Puppy) and John Scofield, while she continues cementing her place as one of the most compelling new voices shaping the future of contemporary singer-songwriters
Line up:
Rosie Frater-Taylor | Guitar/Vox
Dave Edwards | Bass
Tom Potter | Drums
Azz Loukil | BVs / Keys
Verushka | BVs
“Astonishingly mature album for one so young. A gnarly rock foundation heightened by nuanced jazz chords and folk-style finger picking.” MOJO Magazine ★ ★ ★ ★
"An artist I've fallen in love with musically” Gilles Peterson, BBC 6 Music
Artist TBA - SPICEJAZZ presents at The Courtyard - Christmas Special
Friday December -8.00 pm
Booking link: