Before we announce the absolutely stellar line-up we have in store for you this month, we’d like to extend a huge thank you to all who came out to support Jazz at the Parakeet. It’s been a very busy month and we are sure that with this line-up it will even be a busier April. This is actually going to be one of the first months that we (Ashley and Kasper) entirely booked ourselves so we hope you will have a great time.

As usual, we appreciate any support you can give us by getting the word out about our gigs. We’re on Facebook and Instagram as @jazzattheparakeet; please share and tag us in all of your photos and videos! It also makes a really big difference to us when you prebook the tickets for the gig so we can get an idea of numbers on the night.

P.S. WeGotTicket sales will show as “Sold Out” a few hours before kick-off but please still come down as there will most likely be more tickets available on the door!

Monday 1st April – Calum Gourlay / Helena Kay

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/615715

Calum Gourlay – Bass
Helena Kay – Saxophone
Charlotte Keefe – Trumpet
Corrie Dick – Drums

After a 2023 residency at The East Neuk festival Calum Gourlay and Helena Kay play their first fully improvised duo set in London. Expect weaving patterns of sound and spontaneous sax/bass textures.

In the second set they will be joined by two of the UK’s most exciting improvisers; Charlotte Keefe and Corrie Dick.

Monday 8th April – Niklas Lukassen

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/615719

Niklas Lukassen – Bass
James Copus – Trumpet
Ant Law – Guitar
Ivo Neame – Piano
Marc Michel – Drums

Niklas Lukassen showcases an equally lyrical sensibility and skilful command on both the upright bass and the bass guitar. Living between London and Berlin, he establishes himself as a resilient presence within the young European jazz scene. He magnetizes as a distinct rising voice that’s sought after in manifold musical situations. Moreover, his sound and artistic vision radiate enormous band leader potential.

With his project Still Waters Run Deep, German bassist Niklas Lukassen listens deep inside himself and reveals a multi-faceted sound world reflecting on his personal journey between New York and Berlin. Joined by James Copus (trp), Ant Law (guit), Ivo Neame (p) and Marc Michel (dr), the contemporary jazz ensemble collectively explores yet unforeseen depths in supposedly still waters.

A formative part of Lukassen’s career lies in New York where he lived for three years and obtained a Masters’s Degree from Manhattan School of Music on a full scholarship under the mentorship of Ron Carter.

Today he pursues his doctoral degree as a practice performance researcher at the Royal Academy of Music in London, exploring innovative bass playing concepts.
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Immersed in different musical worlds, he has had the privilege of accompanying performances with luminaries such as Mike Stern, Jorge Rossy, Oz Noy, Sean Wayland, Valerie Simpson and most recently Kurt Rosenwinkel and Gwilym Simcock. Furthermore, Lukassen expands beyond his position as a bass playing sideman through composition/arranging work and his singing voice. As a vocalist he was a member of the German National Jazz Orchestra (BuJazzO).
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On his highly anticipated (and soon to be released) band leader debut album, Niklas Lukassen merges his talents as a composer, bassist and vocalist. Alongside his band with Ben van Gelder, Kit Downes, Francesco Ciniglio and guests Kurt Rosenwinkel, Céline Rudolph, Geoffroy De Masure & Wanja Slavin, he reveals striking musical depths. Through his musical collaborations he has been fortunate to tour extensively throughout Europe, the UK, North America, Asia and North Africa. Notable stages he performed on include the Lincoln Center, the Beacon Theatre, the John F. Kennedy Center and the Berlin Philharmonie.

Monday 15th April – Finn Genockey Quartet

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/615721

Finn Genockey – Drums
Rasmus Sørensen – Piano
Josh Short – Trumpet
Nico Klöffer – Bass

Join us for an unforgettable evening as drummer/composer Finn Genockey debuts his brand-new quartet at The Parakeet, just one day before they head into the studio to record Finn’s debut album. Featuring the talents of Rasmus Sørensen and Nico Klöffer from Europe alongside London-based Josh Short and Finn himself, this ensemble will showcase a fresh set of compositions written by Finn specifically for this group. Drawing from influences ranging from Modern Jazz to Folk and Classical music, don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the birth of Finn’s latest project and to hear his new original music performed live for the very first time.

Monday 22th April – Mark Lockheart

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/615723

Mark Lockheart – Saxophone
Huw V Williams – Bass
Jay Davis – Drums

The amazing British saxophonist Mark Lockheart will bring a trio down to the Parakeet in Kentish Town! More info https://www.marklockheart.co.uk/biography

Monday 29th April – David Preston Trio

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/616200

David Preston – Guitar
Conor Chaplin – Bass
Jeremy Stacey – Drums

London based guitarist and composer, David Preston has
been described by the Guardian as “Virtuosic” and TimeOut
as “A superb modern jazz guitarist”.
He released his debut album ‘Purple / Black’ on Whirlwind
Recordings in April, 2023 featuring ECM recording artists,
Kit Downes, Sebastian Rochford and bassist Kevin Glasgow.
A finalist at the Montreux International Guitar competition,
David is composer and co-leader for the acclaimed UK
modern-jazz trio ‘Preston Glasgow Lowe’ and has released
two albums (’16 & ’18) on UK/US label, Whirlwind
Recordings. The trio has performed internationally in Japan
and Europe as well as playing over 150 concerts throughout the UK.

David has been active as a sideman to a variety of UK
musicians such as Jeremy Stacey, Lianne La Havas,
Nathaniel Facey, Asaf Sirkis, Peter Ind, Emma Rawicz, Eska,
Goldie & the Heritage Orchestra, Jamie Murray, and the
internationally celebrated piano and drum virtuoso Gary Husband.

He has performed/toured/recorded with many US artists such
as Grammy-Winning US jazz vocalists Melody Gardot, Curtis
Stigers, Jesse Harris, and notable US based musicians Sy
Smith, David Binney, Ingrid Jensen, Charnett Moffett, Patrick Cornelius and Tim Armacost.

Purple / Black received Editors Choice and a 4 star review in May issue of Jazzwise Magazine.

Vol.2 of ‘Purple / Black’ will be released on Whirlwind
Recordings in December 2023.