Hello everyone – here’s what we’ve got lined up for you on Mondays in September. We’re so excited about these gigs, so please keep showing your support and tell all your friends. Jazz at The Oxford relies entirely on ticket sales for finance, and is run on a volunteer basis by people passionate about one of the longest running, highest quality independent venues in London. 

If any friends would like to join this newsletter, head to http://eepurl.com/dPXcWP. It also helps us when you tag us in videos or posts to social media, so please continue to do that: instagram @jazzattheoxford and facebook.com/jazzattheoxfordtavern/.

Finally, a heads up for November: we are running three gigs in one week as part of the London Jazz Festival in November, on Monday 14th, Wednesday 16th, Friday 18th. We have some incredible bands lined up so keep your eyes peeled. 

5th September – Paul Edis Trio

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/555389/

Paul Edis – Piano
Adam King – Double Bass
Joel Barford – Drums

‘Brilliant young pianist’ and composer Paul Edis brings his new piano trio to Jazz at The Oxford to perform original music and new arrangements of standards, including compositions from his most recent album, ‘The Still Point of the Turning World’.

Rooted in the straight-ahead swinging tradition, but always seeking out and exploring new sounds, nobody sounds quite like him or transports you to the places he travels to with his music. Simultaneously soothing and stirring, rapturous yet relaxed, Edis is a natural melodist who finds the emotional resonance of every note. With an unmistakable style that sounds like the missing link between Bill Evans, Brad Mehldau and Claude Debussy, he plays without a trace of bombast or affectation.

12th September – Josh Morrison Quartet

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/555393/

Josh Morrison – drums
Steve Fishwick – trumpet
Sean Fyfe – piano
Mátyás Hofecker – bass

“Scalding swing” – thejazzmann.com

Joshua Morrison is an in-demand drummer from London. He has appeared with many of the UK’s top jazz artists, as well as international stars such as Grant Stewart and Eric Alexander. From 2012-2021 he worked with top US vocalist Stacey Kent, with whom he recorded two albums and toured internationally.

Tonight he brings a fantastic quartet, featuring some of London’s finest musicians.

19th September – Donovan Haffner Quintet

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/555395/

Donovan Haffner – Alto Sax
Francisco Garcia de Paredes – Guitar
Jay Verma – Piano
Harry Pearce – Bass
Zoe Pascal – Drums

Donovan Haffner is an alto saxophonist with over a decade’s experience. He is presently studying at the Royal Academy of Music, specialising in Jazz. Donovan has played with a multitude of professional musicians including big contemporary names such as Moses Boyd and Jay Phelps and was mentored by Gary Crosby, Alex Davis and Binker Golding of Tomorrow’s Warriors. The group plays originals written by Donovan, influenced by Joe Henderson, Immanuel Wilkins and Walter Smith, as well as Kenny Dorham and Mark Turner and more.

26th September – Karim Saber Quintet

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/555397/

Karim Saber – Guitar
Alex Wilson – Piano
Matt Cook – Tenor Saxophone
John Williamson – Bass
Jack Thomas – Drums

Led by guitarist and composer Karim Saber, who is steadily building a profile as a performer on the domestic and European scenes, this dynamic ensemble combines fiery extended improvisation with memorable original compositions. Featuring some of the most exciting young musicians in the UK (all of whom met whilst studying at the Royal Academy of Music), this group’s first performance at the Oxford Tavern takes place ahead of their debut album recording (scheduled for Winter 2022).

“Amidst the many London guitarists, Karim is one whose playing I am most excited about. He’s got ferocious chops, a great repertoire and I really enjoy his writing” – Ant Law

“This band can PLAY and is one to look out for on the London scene going forward” – London Jazz Guitar Society

Hello everyone!
More great gigs on the way this month. Please spread the word, and support us by sharing and tagging on social media. See you on Mondays!

1st August – Rachael Cohen

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/551134/

Rachael Cohen – Alto Saxophone
Noah Stoneman – Piano
Joe Downard – Bass
Jason Brown – Drums

We’re so pleased we could get Rachael back so soon after the heatwave forced the postponement of her gig in July!

Rachael, a London-based alto saxophonist and composer, is one of the brightest emerging stars of her generation.  Her skills as a composer and improviser have gained her a great deal of attention in the UK and beyond. This year she deservedly placed in Downbeat’s ‘Rising Star’ alto saxophone category.

2012 saw Rachael record her critically-acclaimed debut album ‘Halftime’ on Michael Janisch’s Whirlwind Recordings, which catapulted Cohen’s reputation to one of the premier new voices of her generation in the UK’s jazz and improvised music scene. Featuring top UK guitarist Phil Robson, ‘Halftime’ was highly praised nationwide and overseas upon its release in 2013 with four star reviews from major publications and earning her a spot in MOJO magazines top ten Jazz albums of 2014. 

Rachael has since toured and continues to work extensively across the UK with her own projects and has come to be a mainstay at London clubs such as Ronnie Scott’s and the Vortex as well as having her residencies at other clubs throughout London. 

“Cohen takes a softly devious approach reminiscent of Lee Konitz – but, as with the canny Cool School veteran, the quietness is deceptive and the subtlety is in the weighting of phrases and the hipness with which she plays off the rhythm section.” – The Guardian

8th August – Nel Begley

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/552920/

Nel Begley – Voice
Paul Edis – Piano
Luke Fowler – Bass
Ollie Peszynski – Drums

Nel Begley is a vocalist and composer, recently moved to South London. She exploded onto the Leeds Jazz scene after graduating from Leeds Conservatoire.

She has performed at major festivals and shows around the UK and Europe including Latitude, Bestival, Pizza Express Soho and Jamboree Barcelona.

Nel is currently completing her masters studies at Guildhall and performs for her original project Rafe’s Dilemma.

In August she plans to bring some of the finest Jazz musicians London has to offer to serenade you with a range of songs that are close to her heart, including works by Joni Mitchell, Thelonious Monk and others. 

15th August – Alec Harper Quartet

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/552922/

Alec Harper – Tenor Saxophone
Nick Costley White – Guitar
Tom Farmer – Bass
Will Cleasby – Drums 

Alec Harper has established himself as one of the leading tenor saxophonists in the U.K. When he’s not busy performing with popular outfit “Kansas Smitty’s”, you can find Alec fronting his own band and as a sideman for admired local bands. Alec has recently toured with Tom Misch as well as a stint recording and performing with the esteemed WDR big band. He has performed at venues all over the world including North Sea Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scott’s, Dizzy’s Coca Cola (NYC). Be sure to head down to Alec’s Wednesday night residency at Soho’s “Louche” bar where you can catch his Quartet.

“A leading contender among the heavies”
Lance Liddle

22nd August – Calum Gourlay Quartet

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/552924

Helena Kay – Tenor
Kieran McLeod – Trombone
James Maddren – Drums
Calum Gourlay – Bass

Calum Gourlay’s award nominated quartet playing in its original lineup for the first time in nearly three years. Featuring music from their ‘New Ears’ album and new compositions.

Calum Gourlay was born in Glasgow and grew up playing in Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra, The National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland and Tommy Smith’s Youth Jazz Orchestra, before going on to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He has since established two residencies at the Vortex Jazz Club, London – Thelonious from 2015 to 2017 presenting the entire catalogue of Thelonious Monk with Martin Speake and Hans Koller; and a monthly big band residency playing his own music starting in February 2017. As a sideman, he has performed with many leading jazz musicians from across the UK, and the world. Gourlay has held the acoustic bass chair with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Tommy Smith, since 2006. He has also featured prominently with Tommy Smith’s own quartet. Since 2018 Calum has been a professor of Jazz Bass at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance. He has also taught one to one at the Royal Academy of Music and presented his own big band music with The Guildhall Big Band. His debut album ‘Live at The Ridgeway’ (2015) received rave reviews from the UK jazz press, not least because of its confident format – a solo, live recording in front of an intimate audience. In 2019 Calum released his first quartet album ‘New Ears’ on Ubuntu records. In 2020 the album was nominated for both a Scottish Jazz Award and an Ivor Novello Composer Award.

29th August – Noah Stoneman Trio

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/552926/

Noah Stoneman – Piano
Will Sach – Bass
Jason Brown – Drums

Noah Stoneman is a 21 year old pianist and composer from north London. He is currently studying at the Royal Academy of music and is adept at a wide range of musical idioms. What binds these different languages together is improvisation; the art which Noah aims to master throughout his career. He regularly performs as a sideman for some of the finest musicians across the UK from all generations. With his own trio you can expect poetic and dynamic compositions and a sense of fluidity across the whole ensemble.

Poster, newsletter and tickets below!

Hello everyone! Thanks so much for your continued support. As always, please tell your friends and share your experiences by tagging us on Instagram and Facebook, etc.

Here’s our line-up for July with links to tickets. We continue to be blessed with incredible bands and can’t wait to see you at these gigs!

4th July – Miles Mindlin Quartet (featuring Alexandra Ridout)

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/551130/

Alexandra Ridout – Trumpet

Ferg Ireland – Bass

Steve Brown – Drums

Miles Mindlin – Guitar

We are delighted to welcome the wonderful young guitarist Miles Mindlin, and he is joined by long-term collaborator and incredible trumpeter Alexandra Ridout, on a brief visit back from setting the New York scene alight. An all-star rhythm section completes a band that is not to be missed.

Miles Mindlin is a 21 year old jazz guitarist from London. He has been gigging professionally since the age of 14 and has played at some of the most prominent UK and European Jazz clubs and Festivals. After beginning his studies at the Royal Academy in 2019 Mindlin released his debut Album ‘Life Still On’ and is soon to record his second. 

He regularly performs with Artists from the Uk and the Usa such as Alexandra Ridout, Giacomo Smith, Jason Brown, James Maddren, Rachel Cohen, Jamie Cullum and Joe Webb. 
 

11th July – Helena Kay’s KIM Trio + Jonny Mansfield

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/551132/

Helena Kay – tenor saxophone

Calum Gourlay – double bass

David Ingamells – drums

+ Jonny Mansfield – vibraphone

“Kay and their trio confirmed both their understated group virtuosity and command of narrative drive.”

Mike Hobart, Financial Times

Tenor saxophonist Helena Kay (Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year 2015, winner of Peter Whittingham Jazz Award 2017) leads a trio comprising some of the most in demand musicians on the London jazz scene, joined for this performance by the similarly lauded Jonny Mansfield.

Helena Kay is a tenor saxophonist and composer based in London. Originally from Perth, Scotland, they moved to London in 2012 to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 2016 with a First Class in BMus Jazz (Hons). During their time studying, they were awarded the Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year Award (2015). In 2021, they were selected to become a City Music Foundation Artist. 

Kay released their debut album Moon Palace in 2017 after winning the Peter Whittingham Jazz Award the same year. They recorded the album with their band Helena Kay’s KIM trio, released on Ubuntu Music in December 2018. The album features David Ingamells on drums and Ferg Ireland on double bass.

Kay draws influence from different places which are important to them: Scotland, London, and New York, each of which have been their home during their career. While in New York, they had lessons with some of the greats of the contemporary jazz scene – Dayna Stephens, Melissa Aldana, Chris Cheek and Rodney Green.

Kay also plays with various groups such as Calum Gourlay Quartet, Issie Barratt’s Interchange Dectet, EuroRadio Jazz Orchestra 2017 and the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, and has performed at numerous festivals such as London Jazz Festival, Glasgow Jazz Festival, as well as venues including as Ronnie Scott’s, The Royal Albert Hall and The Vortex.

Their latest project, Helena Kay’s KIM Trio + Peter Johnstone, features Kay on tenor saxophone & compositions, Calum Gourlay on double bass, David Ingamells on drums and Peter Johnstone on piano. This group will be recording and releasing Golden Sands later this year. 

18th July – Rachael Cohen

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/551134/

Rachael Cohen – Alto Saxophone
Noah Stoneman – Piano
Joe Downard – Bass
Luca Caruso

Rachael Cohen is renowned by both fellow musicians and audiences for her unique tone and “softly devious” improvising (Guardian). We can’t wait to welcome her to the Oxford again!

Rachael, a London-based alto saxophonist and composer, is one of the brightest emerging stars of her generation.  Her skills as a composer and improviser have gained her a great deal of attention in the UK and beyond. 

2012 saw Rachael record her critically-acclaimed debut album ‘Halftime’ on Michael Janisch’s Whirlwind Recordings, which catapulted Cohen’s reputation to one of the premier new voices of her generation in the UK’s jazz and improvised music scene. Featuring top UK guitarist Phil Robson, ‘Halftime’ was highly praised nationwide and overseas upon its release in 2013 with four star reviews from major publications and earning her a spot in MOJO magazines top ten Jazz albums of 2014. 

Rachael has since toured and continues to work extensively across the UK with her own projects and has come to be a mainstay at London clubs such as Ronnie Scott’s and the Vortex as well as having her residencies at other clubs throughout London. 

“Cohen takes a softly devious approach reminiscent of Lee Konitz – but, as with the canny Cool School veteran, the quietness is deceptive and the subtlety is in the weighting of phrases and the hipness with which she plays off the rhythm section.” – The Guardian
 

25th July – The London Django Collective with special guest Elias Prinz

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/551136/

Harry Diplock – Guitar

Elias Prinz – Guitar

Matt Holborn – Violin

Pete Thomas – Bass

The London Django Collective was born out of the desire to create a local and innovative forum for musicians influenced by the musical legacy of Django Reinhardt. Gypsy jazz has always had a place in the hearts of revivalists and traditionalists but the Collective have a vision of true progression for the style whilst nodding to the great musicians who came before them.  

After a series of EP releases showcasing each members original music in late 2019 the Collective are back, fresh after lockdown, with new music.  Featuring some of the best gypsy jazz musicians in London, their releases have been held to high acclaim, played on BBC radio and listened to all over the world. Come to explore the spirit of Django and see the flair and swing the band brings to the London Jazz Scene!

Hello everyone – here’s what we’ve got lined up for you in the coming month. We’re so excited about these gigs, so please keep showing your support and tell all your friends. The poster is below, and scroll down for info and tickets.

If any of them would like to join this newsletter, send them to jazzattheoxfordtavern.com/about. It also helps us when you tag us in videos or posts to social media, so please continue to do that: instagram @jazzattheoxford and facebook.com/jazzattheoxfordtavern/.

6th June – Nat Steele

Nat Steele – Vibraphone

Matyas Gayer – Piano

Dario Di Lecce – Bass

Mark Taylor – Drums

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/548165/

Nat Steele brings his new quartet to the Oxford, featuring the talents of Mark Taylor on drums, recently returned to these shores after a 25-year long stint in New York, with the award-winning young pianist Matyas Gayer and long time associate from his MJQ band Dario Di Lecce on double bass. They play a winning mix of straight ahead, swinging standards and jazz compositions.

Nat is a jazz vibraphone player based in London. In 2017 he launched his debut album, “Portrait of the Modern Jazz Quartet” on Trio Records, with a sold-out album release concert held at Ronnie Scott’s, followed by 2 years of touring the UK with the quartet. The album was awarded “Jazz Album of the Month” by BBC Music Magazine, with a plethora of positive reviews in the jazz press, including 4 stars in The Observer and Jazzwise Magazine. It even made it into the top 10 in the jazz charts in Japan. In 2019 he was invited by Grammy-award winning pianist, arranger and composer Alan Broadbent to give the world premier of a new work celebrating the 25th anniversary of Watermill Jazz. In 2020 – just before the pandemic – he completed an 18-date Arts Council funded tour of the UK with the MJQ band featuring guest tenor saxophonist Grant Stewart, who came from New York for 2 weeks to play.

As well as working as a performer, Nat has been very actively involved in promoting jazz and founded a jazz festival, BopFest, in 2015 with saxophonist Allison Neale. The annual festival, initially just long weekend, has grown into a 7-day long extravaganza of bebop and straight ahead jazz in London featuring some of the best musicians from the UK, Europe and America, with the festival attracting both private and Arts Council funding and getting significant audience numbers and press attention.

He’s currently working on two new albums which should come out in 2023.

13th June – Michelangelo Scandroglio and Alex Hitchcock

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/548167/

Michelangelo Scandroglio — Bass

Alex Hitchcock — Tenor Saxophone

Rachael Cohen — Alto Saxophone

Jay Davis — Drums

Saxophonist Alex Hitchcock has put together this special gig featuring a leading voice on the Italian Jazz scene.

Michelangelo Scandroglio is a bass player based in Italy who has studied with (amongst others) Joe Sanders, Harish Raghavan, Ben Street and Ben Wendel. At the age of twenty he was one of the winners of the Riga International Jazz Bass Competition, and was subsequently invited by Adam Yuang Hong to play at Beijing Jazz Festival.

Other accolades and awards have come from Veneto’s “Tomorrow’s Jazz”, Umbria Jazz’s Conad Jazz Contest, Musica Jazz, and “AIR”, organized and financed by the Italian Jazz Association (MIDJ) and MIBACT (Italian Ministery of Culture Activity), a program which consisted in a one month artistic residency in Lima ( Perù). 

In 2020 he released “In the Eyes of the Whale” his first album as a leader on Auand Records, featuring as a very special guest the international jazz star Logan Richardson. This album allowed him to win the “Nuova generazione”, a program financed and promoted by MiBAC ( Italian Ministery of Culture activity), I-JAZZ and SIAE, which resulted in a tour of the major festivals in Europe and around the world.

His playing CV includes such heavyweights as Logan Richardson, Glenn Ferris, Ben van Gelder, Marvin “Bugalu” Smith, Alex Sipiagin, Gregory Hutchinson and Seamus Blake.

20th June – Xhosa Cole Quartet

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/548169/

Xhosa Cole – Tenor Saxophone
Steve Saunders – Guitar
Josh Vadiveloo – Bass
Nathan England-Jones – Drums

Winner of the 2018 BBC Young Jazz Musician of the year, Xhosa Cole is an embodiment of the success of numerous community arts programmes in Birmingham including the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra, Jazzlines Ensemble and Birmingham Music Service. Having grown up in Handsworth and first played the Tenor at Andy Hamilton’s Ladywood Community Music School, he’s now among a long legacy of Birmingham Saxophonists including Soweto Kinch and Shabaka Hutchings. Xhosa has performed twice at the BBC Proms, Composed music for the Ripieno Players, a Birmingham Based String Orchestra, recorded saxophone for Mahalia’s debut album ‘Love and Compromise’, completed a 22 date UK tour, all along side his studies as a scholar at Trinity Laban Conservatoire. Xhosa Also received the Parliamentary Jazz Award for ‘Best Newcomer’ in 2019 and Jazz FM ‘Breakthrough act of the year’.

Xhosa’s earliest memories of the arts are with ACE Youth Dance group. However, since playing in Holyhead School’s Jazz band with Ray Prince and Sid Peacock he decided to pursue music and joined the Jazzlines Ensemble, Birmingham Schools Symphony Orchestra, Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra among others. Xhosa attended courses with the National Youth Jazz Collective and National Youth Wind Orchestra. He is now finishing his degree in Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London alongside a wide spectrum of work writing and performing across the UK. in 2019 Xhosa received the Parliamentary Jazz award for ‘Best Newcomer”.

27th June – FORJ

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/548171

Joe Wright – Tenor saxophone
Josh Arcoleo – Tenor saxophone
Nick Jurd – Double Bass
Jonathan Silk – Drums

Forj is an exciting quartet led by drummer Jonathan Silk, featuring the critically acclaimed and long time friend and collaborator, Nick Jurd on double bass alongside the incredible musicianship of two of London’s finest improvisers, Joe Wright and Josh Arcoleo on tenor saxophones. This band promises high octane grooves and expansive improvisation across a whole series of original compositions. Forj attempt to bridge the gap between chaos and purpose. With original compositions as a framework, the band move to reshape what the music is at every outing. With improvisation at the heart of the ensemble, every performance is a new experience. Performing a rocky, but subtle, set of intricate grooves and diverse melodies, Forj blur the lines between composition and improvisation in a highly interactive manner in this exciting chordless ensemble.

Debut release Skirfare was released in February 2021, only available through their dedicated album builder on the Forj website. Their latest album Our Space is to be released April 2022 and is available through the FORJ bandcamp.

“An excellent addition to the Birmingham scene” – Tony Dudley-Evans (UK)
“Forj’s set was a wild, muscular delight” – London Jazz News (UK)
“devilishly tight” – London Jazz News (UK)

Poster below, biogs and ticket links below that!

Hello everyone – I hope you’ve all enjoyed the sunny bank holiday weekend! Here’s what we have coming up in May (plus a reminder of the wonderful last gig in April.) Your support means so much, and please tell all your friends! And feast your eyes on the treats we have in store for you…

2nd May – Kourosh Kanani Trio

www.wegottickets.com/event/544794/

Kourosh Kanani – Guitar

Matt Davies – Drums

Dave O’Brien – Bass

Since their first album release in September 2021, the Kourosh Kanani trio have gained international recognition as one of the most unique guitar trios currently working.

The music is steeped in Persian folk and the intricate rhythm systems of south India, and, being combined with improvisation and jazz, forms an intense progressive rock feel.

The new trio have been playing concerts around London and recently made a special appearance on MBCPersia with tour dates underway.

The magical Chemistry between the musicians creates a spell-binding dynamic, bringing the pilgrimatic compositional style of Kanani to immense life.

9th May – Swing You Sinners

www.wegottickets.com/event/544796/

Special Guest (TBC) – clarinet

George Crowley – tenor sax

Sam Wooster – trumpet

Andrew Woodhead – piano

Nick Jurd – double bass

Jeff Williams – drums

Andrew Woodhead and friends present a 21st Century Improviser’s take on the music of Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet and Cab Calloway, inspired by the dark, surreal rotoscoping of Fleischer Studios’ cartoons. This is also a great chance to catch up with the incredible tenor player George Crowley, whose long history with the Oxford our more experienced regulars will remember well.

16th May – Will Arnold-Forster 

www.wegottickets.com/event/544799/

Will Arnold-Forster – Guitar

Joe Webb – Piano

Dario Di Lecce – Bass

Steve Brown – Drums

Will Arnold-Forster is a recent graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. A recipient of the Yamaha Jazz Scholarship, he has performed across the country and in all of London’s major jazz venues, including Ronnie Scott’s The Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall & The Barbican Center. Tonight he leads a quartet comprising long term collaborators Joe Webb (piano), Steve Brown (drums) and Dario Di Lecce (double bass) to perform compositions written by/associated with the great Jim Hall.

As many of you will know, Will is also responsible for the past few years of excellent programming here at the Oxford. We are delighted to welcome him back to play with this really special band.

23rd May – Jonny Mansfield Quintet

http://www.wegottickets.com/event/544823

Jonny Mansfield – Vibraphone

Dominic Ingham – Violin

Rob Luft – Guitar

Will Sach – Bass

Dave Hamblett – Drums

Jonny Mansfield is an award-winning percussionist and composer. He has worked with international artists such as Chris Potter, Orlando Weeks and Yazz Ahmed, performing worldwide. He released his debut album ‘Elftet’ on Edition Records after being awarded the Kenny Wheeler Prize in 2018 as well as being nominated for Ivors Novello composition awards for large jazz ensemble.

His quintet features strings and percussion to create rich textures that allow for familiar folk-like melodies to guide the listener through sonic landscapes. Influences are drawn from Norwegian drummer Thomas Strønen, Scottish fiddler Aiden O’Rouke and Chilean guitarist Camilla Meza.

‘Strikingly original music’ – Jazzwise.

‘Jonny Mansfield, whose incredible relaxed demeanor belied the quite mystifying way he managed to make this complex instrument sing.’ – London Jazz News.

‘Really beautiful music.’ – Jorge Rossy

‘A musical vision beyond his years.’ – Evan Parker

30th May – Aisling Lavelle

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/544825/

Aisling Lavelle – Voice

George Crowley – Tenor Saxophone

Nick Costley-White – Guitar

This is a new trio exploring a selection of beautiful well and lesser known songs from the post-50s Brazilian repertoire. Aisling grew up on a healthy diet of straight-ahead jazz and fell in love with improvising at an early age thanks to singers like Anita O’Day, Sarah Vaughan and British jazz legend Tina May.  After studying Portuguese, she developed a love of Tom Jobim’s music, Chico Buarque’s lyrics and Elis Regina’s voice, all of whom have heavily influenced this project.

‘mature, confident and highly musical personality‘ – Jazzwise

Poster below, newsletter, lineups, ticket links below that!

Happy April, everyone! The year rolls on and we are looking forward to bringing more great artists to the Oxford this month. As always, we and the artists appreciate all your support and the great vibe you bring to the gigs. 

Incredible bands, a perfect acoustic space and an enthusiastic, knowledgeable audience form a sort of tripartite ‘chicken-and-egg’ cycle that sustains this special night. We here at HQ feel lucky to be part of it. Keep telling your friends and spreading the word! Without further ado, here’s what’s coming up in April.

4th April – Felix Rossy Quintet

Tickets: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/542747

Felix Rossy — Trumpet

Alex Hitchcock — Saxophone

Ivo Neame — Piano

Misha Mullov-Abbado — Bass

Marc Michel — Drums

The first gig of April features an all-star pan-European quintet led by trumpeter Felix Rossy, son of revered drummer Jorge Rossy (Brad Mehldau) and already a renowned musician in his own right, performing across Europe including at Loft Club Köln, Ronnie Scotts, and Sunset Sunside Paris, and in the US (Smalls, Jazz Gallery NYC to name a couple). The rest of this exciting group comprises the acclaimed saxophonist and composer Alex Hitchcock, acclaimed composer and pianist Ivo Neame, acclaimed composer and bassist Misha Mullov-Abbado, and acclaimed drummer Marc Michel. There aren’t enough synonyms for ‘acclaimed’, and there isn’t much else to say – don’t miss it.

11th April – Miguel Gorodi quintet feat. Nathaniel Facey

Tickets: http://www.wegottickets.com/event/542749                

Miguel Gorodi – Trumpet

Nathaniel Facey – Alto

Alcyona Mick – Piano

Calum Gourlay – Double Bass

Will Glaser – Drums 

Miguel is a trumpet player and composer performing across a broad spectrum of jazz and improvised music. He released his debut album Apophenia in 2019, showcasing his compositions for nonet; “Skilled, consistently interesting & colourful compositions & arrangements are combined with exceptional playing, both individually & collectively, to produce music that both fascinates and excites” (Ian Mann, thejazzmann.com).

Miguel has put together a new quintet of musicians that will be very familiar to most fans of jazz in the UK. Nathaniel Facey, Alcyona Mick, Calum Gourlay and Will Glaser are incredible musicians who share a passion for the jazz tradition and can express the music in their own individual styles. For their inaugural performance the quintet will be performing compositions by some of their shared influences including Thelonious Monk, Ornette Coleman and Eric Dolphy. 

18th April – Riley Stone-Lonergan

Tickets: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/542752

Riley Stone-Lonergan – Tenor saxophone

John Williamson – Double Bass

Dave Ingamells – Drums

Unfortunately FORJ have had to pull out due to illness, but will be back at the end of June. We do however have a massive treat in their stead – one of our absolute favourite musicians in the form of tenor saxophone hero Riley Stone-Lonergan. Many of you will have seen Riley before, either at the Oxford or elsewhere, but if you haven’t he’s a genuine force of nature, and in my mind one of the most heartfelt and moving improvisers in the country. He’ll be playing with John Williamson and Dave Ingamells.

25th April – Georgia Mancio

https://www.wegottickets.com/event/542756

Georgia Mancio — Voice

Kate Williams — Piano

Julie Walkington — Bass

Dave Ohm — Drums

Multi award-winning jazz vocalist, lyricist and producer, Georgia Mancio, is a supreme storyteller, creating work of both beauty and bite. A deeply authentic communicator for our times, Georgia’s invoking performances transport the listener and linger long in the mind. Her copious industry acknowledgements include consecutive wins at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards: Best Vocalist (2021) and Best Album (Finding Home, 2020), and several nominations at the Jazz FM, British Jazz and Urban Music Awards.

Her revered partnership with Grammy-winning pianist/composer, Alan Broadbent, has yielded two albums (Quiet Is The Star, Songbook), a book (The Songs of Alan Broadbent and Georgia Mancio) and performances across Europe and the US, including Ronnie Scott’s and Jazz at Lincoln Center.

“[Mancio] has everything covered – technical mastery, expressive range and a remarkable versatility” — The Observer, 4*

“Impossible not to fall in love with her voice… a magnificent example of strength and talent” — Jazz in Europe

Poster below, newsletter and tickets further below!

MARCH 2022

Monday 7th March – Deschanel Gordon

Ticket link: www.wegottickets.com/event/539273/

Deschanel Gordon – Piano

Will Sach – Bass

Will Cleasby – Drums

Since graduating from Trinity Laban Conservatoire, BBC Young Jazz Musician winner 2020 Deschanel Gordon is already making huge waves. One of the brightest prospects of his generation, he has worked with the likes of Mark Kavuma, Cassie Kinoshi’s SEED Ensemble and US-born singer Judi Jackson. Tonight he leads a trio including two of London’s most in-demand rhythm section players, Will Sach and Will Cleasby.

He has performed at many of London’s best-known jazz venues, including the 606 Club, Ronnie’s Scott’s, the Jazz Café, the Barbican and Cadogan Hall. He has also traveled widely, playing at jazz festivals in Europe and the USA, including Moods in Zurich, New York’s Winter Jazz Festival, Jazz TM in Romania and Fasching in Sweden. 

“the piano man to watch…Deschanel Gordon” 

London Jazz News

“Deschanel Gordon…a player of immense stature with a seemingly unending stream of ideas…simply jaw dropping” 

Sussex Jazz Magazine 

Monday 14th March – Jo Harrop

Ticket link: www.wegottickets.com/event/539152/

Jo Harrop – Vocals

Jamie McCredie – Guitar

Jihad Darwish – Bass 

After moving to London, Jo Harrop quickly established herself as one of the most unmistakable voices in British jazz, performing everywhere from the Royal Albert Hall to the Sunset Sunside Jazz Club in Paris.

Having signed to London-based jazz label, Lateralize Records, she recently received a raft of rapturous reviews for Weathering The Storm, her debut with guitarist Jamie McCredie. Effortlessly blurring the lines between jazz and folk, the Guardian dubbed it “a little gem of an album: simple, modest and perfect,” whilst BBC 6 Music’s Iggy Pop fell in love with her voice, calling her “a very fine jazz singer.” Warm, smoky and capable of the most delicate dynamics, Jo Harrop’s mellifluous voice reveals an intimacy few singers are capable of generating.

Monday 21st March – Nick Costley-White Quartet

Ticket link: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/539154/

Nick Costley-White – Guitar

Ivo Neame – Piano

Conor Chaplin – Bass

James Maddren – Drums

Nick Costley-White is one of the most in demand guitarists on the UK jazz scene, renowned for a deep understanding of the jazz tradition and repertoire, alongside a virtuosic technique and progressive approach to improvising. Here he leads his “New Quartet” featuring the fearless and virtuosic piano playing of Phronesis pianist Ivo Neame, supported by the inventive and swinging rhythm section of double bassist Conor Chaplin (Marius Neset, Laura Jurd) and drummer James Maddren (ENEMY, Gwilym Simcock). The quartet perform new compositions by Nick which draw on the melodic and rhythmic counterpoint of classic 60s Blue Note Jazz as well as Brazilian influences from the likes of Hermeto Pascoal and Jacob Do Bandolim recontextualised in an open, fluid improvisational environment.

“I was struck by the sheer presence and melodic heft and ease of Nick Costley-White’s playing. The ideas flow naturally, the sound is gorgeous, there’s just nothing missing”  Sebastian Scotney, London Jazz News

Monday 28th March – Chris Maddock Quartet

Ticket link: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/539157/

Chris Maddock – Saxophone

Tobie Carpenter – Guitar

Liam Dunachie – Organ

Ed Richardson – Drums

Chris Maddock is a superb young saxophonist, arranger and composer based in London, currently making quite the name for himself on the UK jazz circuit. Having landed a spot on Birmingham Conservatoire’s prestigious jazz course, he won the Mike Gibbs/BBC Big Band composition & arranging prize. After graduating, he was awarded the Yamaha Scholarship for outstanding jazz musicians and has been a sought-after sideman and bandleader ever since, performing countless shows at the UK’s most prestigious jazz venues. Chris and his quartet (Liam Dunachie-organ; Tobie Carpenter-gtr and Ed Richardson-drums) will be promoting their brand new album The Hunt, released on Ubuntu Music in October. This current project offers a contemporary, groovy take on the classic Hammond organ trio line-up, augmented with saxophone – sure to be a thrilling set from some masterful young musicians.

“…a lovely lyrical player who can also turn up the heat” The Jazz Breakfast

“Saxophonist-composer Chris Maddock’s take on the traditional tenor sax-Hammond quartet…has a youthful, contemporary energy” Jazzwise

Welcome back everyone!

We hope you’ve all had a good Christmas and New Year, and we’re excited to have some great music lined up for you over the next month. Firstly – a slight change of faces at Jazz at the Oxford HQ as we say a massive thank you to Will Arnold-Foster for all the amazing work he’s done over the last few years. We all love you Will! We (John Williamson and David Ferris) can’t wait to get to know all of you and if we do half as good a job as Will did then we’ll be very happy! Here’s what we’ve got in store for you:

Monday 31st January – David Ferris/John J Williamson featuring Sam Braysher

Ticket link: www.wegottickets.com/event/536803/

Sam Braysher – Alto Saxophone

David Ferris – Piano

John J Williamson – Bass

Will Cleasby – Drums

For our first gig back we’re joined by the amazing Sam Braysher on alto, alongside Will Cleasby on drums. In addition to performing with the leading lights of the London jazz scene, Sam has won widespread acclaim for collaborating with musicians of international renown on his two albums as a bandleader.

“I can’t think of another alto saxophonist with a sound quite like Sam Braysher’s” Dave Gelly, the Observer

Monday 7th February – Djangada

Ticket link: www.wegottickets.com/event/536805/

Sam Watts – Piano

Matheus Nova – Bass

Marcinho Pereira – Drums

Djangada play Brazilian music with a jazz piano trio sound and approach, performing their own arrangements of Brazilian classics. The focus is particularly on composers from Bahia, including Gilberto Gil and Dorival Caymmi. The trio has worked together as the rhythm section for various Brazilian bands in the past but this is their first outing as a trio.

Monday 14th February – Josephine Davies Trio

Ticket link: www.wegottickets.com/event/536807/

Josephine Davies – Saxophone

Dave Whitford – Bass

Gene Calderazzo – Drums

Saxophonist Josephine Davies, winner of the 2019 Parliamentary Jazz Award for best instrumentalist, and known for her original and dynamic trio ‘Satori’, brings another fantastic band for tonight’s performance, featuring drummer Gene Calderazzo and bassist Dave Whitford.

Monday 21st February – Soul Time! Steve Fishwick/Leon Greening quartet play the music of Bobby Timmons

Ticket link: www.wegottickets.com/event/536809/

Steve Fishwick – Trumpet

Leon Greening – Piano

Matyas Hofecker – Bass

Matt Home – Drums

SoulTime! is a new and exciting jazz quartet co-led by renowned pianist Leon Greening and exceptional trumpeter Steve Fishwick. Rounding out the top-flight rhythm section is Matt Home on drums and Matyas Hofecker on double bass. The group is dedicated to exploring the music of one of their musical heroes, pianist, and composer Bobby Timmons. Timmons was an important influence on the music in the late 1950s and early 60s. His contribution to the Hard-Bop and Soul-Jazz styles is often overlooked in the jazz history books. The success of groups such as Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers and The Cannonball Adderley Quintet wouldn’t have been possible without hits that were penned by Bobby, including ‘This Here’, ‘Dat Dere’, ‘Moanin’, and many more. This group is committed to presenting the music in the spirit in which it was originally created, with plenty of melody, soul, and down-home grooves.

“Leon Greening epitomises the assured confidence of a new generation” Jazz Journal

“Steve has his own style. He plays from the bottom to the top of the horn whilst maintaining the integrity of the chords. I can’t think of another trumpeter who can do what he does!” Wynton Marsalis

Monday 28th February – Pete Horsfall Quintet

Ticket link: www.wegottickets.com/event/536811/

Pete Horsfall – trumpet

Giacomo Smith – alto saxophone

Joe Webb – piano

Ferg Ireland – bass

Will Cleasby – drums

Pete Horsfall is an acclaimed trumpet player, vocalist and songwriter based in the UK.

His latest album Nighthawks received critical acclaim, including a four star review in the Guardian. Described by All About Jazz as ‘one of the year’s most original releases’, the record was featured on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3 and Jazz FM.

Pete performs as a soloist at many prestigious venues and festivals throughout the world. These include The Lincoln Center (NYC), Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Sunset/Sunside (Paris), The Royal Albert Hall, North Sea Jazz Festival (NDL), the Cadogan Hall, London Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, the Southbank Centre, La Spezia Jazz Festival (IT) and many more.

He has also played trumpet and flugelhorn for pop & hip-hop groups including DJ Premier, De La Soul, Friendly Fires. DJ IQ and many others.

In addition to leading his own solo projects, you can find Pete playing regularly with Kansas Smitty’s Big Four, vocalist and broadcaster Clare Teal, and Guy Barker. He also leads the highly respected traditional jazz ensemble Basin Street Brawlers.

Dear all,

as April draws to a close, we’ve yet another fabulous programme of monday night jazz coming up for you in May at the Oxford Tavern, here’s what’s on the horizon…
 

6th May: Leon Greening 

Hard swinging pianist Leon Greening brings his world class quintet to The Oxford to kick things off on the 6th May. Featuring some of London and New York’s finest, Nat Steele (vibraphone), Colin Oxley (guitar), Adam King (double bass) and special guest Mark Taylor (drums) – this gig will mark the end of their spring tour, as they perform their interpretations of lesser-known hardbop selections from the jazz cannon. 

’This was a highly engaging evening of classic hard bop with some incredible original material from Leon Greening, surely one of the UKs finest pianists,’ 

Charlie Anderson, sussexjazzmag.com
 

13th May: David Ingamells 

David Ingamells has established himself as one of the most versatile jazz drummers of his generation. He performs regularly at all the major jazz clubs and venues in the UK and will be joined this evening in trio by visiting New York based pianist JinJoo Yoo and bassist Simon Read. 

“Irrepressible, Purist Fun From an Important, Individualistic New Voice in Jazz Piano”

New York Music Daily 
 

20th May: Giacomo Smith 

Internationally renowned virtuoso saxophonist Giacomo Smith – founding member of the hugely successful Kansas Smitty’s House Band – brings his quartet to The Oxford on the 20th May. One of the finest players of his generation, any chance to see Giacomo play is not to be missed…
 

27th May: Matyas Gayer 

Hungarian pianist Matyas Gayer closes our May programme, bringing his trio comprising Matt Home (drums) and Jeremy Brown (Bass) to The Oxford on the 27th May to perform selections from his critically acclaimed debut album ’Never Ending Story’ amongst other arrangements of his own from the Great American Songbook. 


As always you can find us in the upstairs function room at our favourite pub, The Oxford Tavern in Kentish Town. Doors open at 8pm, music from 8:30. £8/£5 concessions on the door. 

We look forward to seeing you at one of our May dates and thank you for your support so far. 

Best Wises,

Jazz at The Oxford