We are currently in the midst of our guitar summer festival, with three more excellent guitarists scheduled to perform. Please note that on one occasion (19th of August), we will move the ‘Jazz at the Parakeet’ event to the Old Queens Head in Angel due to maintenance work at the Parakeet. This is a one-time change, so there’s no need to worry!
As usual, before we announce the 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 this month. We really appreciate any support you can give us by sharing social media posts, bringing friends and family to the gigs or just spreading the word about our line-up each month.
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!
Simon Woolf – Double Bass Donovan Haffner – Alto Saxophone Fraser Urquhart – Piano Joe Edwards – Drums
Bassist Simon Woolf (Bill le Sage, Bobby Wellins, Don Rendell) brings his “Young Masters” quartet to the Parakeet in a programme interspersing compositions by some of the jazz legends with whom he has played (Benny Golson, Harry Allen, Al Cohn) with his own tuneful originals.
“This band features some of the exceptional younger musicians I have particularly enjoyed meeting and playing with over the past couple of (post-Covid) years. Donovan Haffner, recently graduated from the RAM, immediately impressed me with his beautiful tone and melodic gifts. Fraser Urquhart, who moved down to London from Edinburgh a couple of years ago, shares my passion for Jimmy Rowles. Need I say more? Joe Edwards, who has an engineering degree and hails from the South Coast, has a great beat, perfect dynamics and elephant ears.”
Francisco Garcia de Paredes – Guitar Ruta Sipola – Flute “tba” – Piano Harry Pearce – Double Bass Tom Potter – Drums Eliana Veinberga – Vocals
Francisco Garcia de Paredes is a Jazz guitarist from North London and Graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Since graduating Francisco has been working full time doing music. He has performed alongside musicians such as Gareth Lockrane, Rachel Cohen, Jay Phelps and recently the National Youth Jazz Orchestra with Bob Mintzer.
Francisco is also a graduate of the Tomorrow’s warriors jazz programme studying under Binker Golding, Nathaniel Facey and Gary Crosby, alongside contemporaries such as Harry Ling, Donovan Haffner, Maddy Coombs and many more.
His music draws influence from musicians such as Gretchen Parlato, Aaron Parks, Jim Hall, Kurt Rosenwinkel amongst many others and tries to blend these influences to create his own compositional voice
19th of August – Rory Mann (note: this gig will be at the Old Queens Head Angel)
Rory Mann – Guitar Matt Anderson – tenor Benji Bown – piano Chris Diamond – bass Luke McCarthy – drums
Rory Mann is an award winning, highly proficient guitarist, composer and educator hailing from Yorkshire, now based in London. He has made a name for himself around the UK playing in a number of different settings, bands and projects. His debut EP ‘The Way Out’, featuring Saul Duff on tenor saxophone, Joe Wilkes on bass and Oli Reeves on drums, was recorded in Leeds and released in December 2022. The EP features four of Rory’s cutting edge, unique compositions developed over his years living in Leeds.
Karim Saber – guitar Matt Cook – tenor sax Alex Wilson – piano John Jones – bass Jack Thomas – drums
Born and raised in London, guitarist Karim Saber is steadily building a profile as both a performer and composer to watch. Known for his instrumental prowess and creativity, he is in demand as a sideman and regularly tours throughout Europe as part of the Lukas De Rungs Quintet/Kosmos Suite project. His group features some of the most in demand and creative young musicians in London and released it’s debut album ‘Transmission’ in January 2024 through UK based label Ubuntu Music.
‘Amidst the many London guitarists, Karim Saber is one who’s playing I am most excited about. He’s got ferocious chops, a great repertoire and I really enjoy his writing’ – Ant Law
‘Karim is one of the most recognisable and distinctive guitarists to emerge on the UK jazz scene in recent years. His compositions, tone and ideas are unique to him and I absolutely love this new album he has put together. I think he will be a much sought after play once audiences get a chance to hear this beautiful set of original tunes’ – Chris Montague
‘From the opener, Blossom, it’s evident that Saber already has virtuosic abilities’ – Jazz Journal
‘The deep connection these young lads share is enviable, with each one of them locked in and focused on a mutual cause’ – Presto Music
If you thought things were hotting up this month already, brace yourself for the burning line-up we have at the Parakeet!
As usual, before we announce the 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 this month. We really appreciate any support you can give us by sharing social media posts, bringing friends and family to the gigs or just spreading the word about our line-up each month.
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!
In a 20 year career James Allsopp has been a featured performer and recording artist for an incredibly diverse range of musicians. James has played in concert and on albums by legendary artists such as The Last Poets, David Axelrod, Dr John and Mulatu Astake, for European jazz luminaries such as Django Bates, Nostalgia 77, Kit Downes and Polar Bear, on more commercial albums by Jamie Cullum and Jorja Smith and as featured soloist in a wide range of compositions by composer Brian Irvine. James’s debut album was nominated for BBC Jazz Award for Best Album 2007 and he won the BBC Jazz Award for Innovation 2008.
This gig will feature a never before performed set of compositions as well as repertoire from our as yet to be released album. This brand new lineup expands the sound world of the band and we are very excited to debut it at the Parakeet. This is joyous, life affirming music. Deceptively simple, deeply melodic, with a healthy dose of the other worldly.
Led by London vocalist Zoe Francis, featuring multi award-winning UK legend guitarist Jim Mullen, and the incomparable Ross Stanley on Hammond organ, have now recorded 2 albums together. “Somewhere in the Night” being there recent release. This trio combines Zoe’s love of hammond and guitar groups, with classic standards. Her love of a great lyric, set to fresh arrangements and tempos, amplified by the rich layers of sound from Ross’s Hammond and Jim’s melodic blues lines make this trio sound like a mini orchestra!
Zoe Francis began singing jazz while living in New York, attending the workshops of Barry Harris and sittin’ in on jam sessions and gigging in Manhattan, Harlem and Brooklyn, giving her the opportunity to sing and work with many great musicians. Zoe moved to London in 2014 after recording her 1st album with multi award-winning pianist Dave Newton. Her 2nd album “The very thought of you” is a live recording at 606 club with great musicians Jim Mullen, Stan Sulzman, Gareth Williams, Enzo Zirilli, Mick Hutton. Zoe has performed at many venues in UK, Italy and Germany.
Jim Mullen has worked with many international artists including, Gene Harris, Jimmy Smith, Frank Wess, Johnny Griffin, Terry Callier, Brian Auger, Mose Allison, Georgie Fame, Claire Martin, AWB, and a 15 year partnership with great UK tenor saxophonist Dick Morrissey in much loved UK band Morrissey Mullen. Jim has recorded many organ trio, and quaryet albums under his own name.
Monday 15th July – Ant Law and Chris Montague Quartet
Two of the most exciting guitarists to emerge for the UK in recent years, Chris Montague and Ant Law have formed a quartet with brand new material written together. Ant and Chris have huge mutual respect for each other’s playing and writing and decided to compose a set of material together, it will also feature the incredible Conor Chaplin on bass and Jeremy Stacey on drums. Initially conceived after a duo performance several years ago, this is the debut performance of this thrilling new collaboration. Ant and Chris have expanded the concept into a quartet and the new music has a diverse mix of contemporary influences. Chris Montague is widely recognised for his skills as a guitarist, composer and producer. As a founder member of Troyka he has garnered a reputation for his distinctive approach to the guitar and has received much admiration for his contribution to many contemporary recordings. In May 2020 Chris released ‘Warmer than Blood’ on Whirlwind recordings with Kit Downes (ECM) on piano and bassist Ruth Goller (Skylla) on bass to much critical acclaim. Chris was born in Gateshead (UK) and began playing guitar at an early age. Some of the musicians and bands Chris has worked with have included; Troyka, Squarepusher, Benny Greb’s Moving Parts, Janek Gwizdala, Sarah Gillespie, Monocled Man, Charlie Watts, Darry Jones, Chuck Leavell, Dave Douglas, Django Bates, Shinya Fukumori, BJ Cole, Colin Town’s Blue Touch Paper, Nick Smart’s Trogon, Trish Clowe’s, BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Chris is also a Spitfire Audio recording artist. As a composer Chris has received several commissions to write for different musicians, including: Royal Academy of Music Big Band, Threads Orchestra, EFG London Jazz Festival and several large guitar ensemble pieces for Hull and London Jazz Festivals. ‘Its nimble music, the composing is original and as modern as the minute, and the virtuosity and power of the jamming makes your hair stand on end.’ – The Guardian British guitarist Ant lives in London and is “a game changer” and “an innovator” according to The Guardian. His 6th album ‘Ensconced’ is a collaboration with Milan-born Turkish singer Brigitte Beraha and will be released (on Ubuntu Music) 16th August 2024. His previous album ‘Same Moon in the Same World’ (Outside in Music) was released on 4th November 2022. Same Moon is an ongoing collaboration between Ant and the brilliant saxophonist & composer Alex Hitchcock. Recorded in 2020/2021 across multiple continents, bridging the gap between London, Amsterdam and New York, it brings together a stellar cast of guest musicians performing new compositions: vibraphonist Joel Ross, bassists Linda May Han Oh, Ben Williams and Jasper Høiby, and drummers Jeff Ballard, Kendrick Scott, Sun-Mi Hong and Eric Harland. The Same Moon quartet toured in Europe in December 2022: Ant, Alex Hitchcock (saxophone), Conor Chaplin (bass) and Jeff Ballard (drums) who appears on the album. In 2023 Ant and Alex toured with Jasper Høiby (bass) and Sun-Mi Hong (drums), both of whom also feature on the album. Tour booking is underway for this lineup throughout 2024 and 2025, and this quartet have recorded a brand new album – stay tuned for more information!
Guitarist Mike De Souza leads his quintet Rick Simpson (piano/synth), Tom Barford (tenor sax), Huw V Williams (bass), and Jay Davis (drums), on a tour celebrating his latest album Chrysalis (Fresh Sound New Talent). Written post-lockdown, the title alludes to the emergence from a state of isolation, having changed in a positive way, just as a butterfly emerges transformed from its chrysalis state.
Fierce moments of high energy and introspective periods of calm and impressionistic beauty blend with multiple melodic layers and juxtaposition between acoustic and electronic sound to create an uplifting set that at times evokes a mood reminiscent of alternative-rock bands such as Radiohead, or indie-folk bands such as Big Thief, yet retains the risk-taking, exploration, and language of jazz.
Press for Slow Burn (2019)
“Magnificent” – Chris Philips (Jazz FM)
“The writing is intelligent and multi-faceted” – The Jazz Mann
“An impressive show of musical innovation” – All About Jazz
Sam Jesson will bring his all-star trio to the Parakeet. Expect some tunes by Monk, Giuffre, Ellington, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, as well as some new originals written by the trio which they’ll be recording soon for a new release.
Before we announce the amazing and musically diverse 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 this month.
Please keep on coming to our weekly Monday nights and we really appreciate any support you can give us by sharing social media posts, bringing friends and family to the gigs or just spreading the word about our line-up each month. June looks like it will be an amazing month of live music!
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!
Jamie O’Donnell – alto saxophone Jon Gordon – alto saxophone Sean Fyfe – piano Joe Dessauer – drums Matyas Hofecker – bass
A student of bebop legend Barry Harris, alto saxophonist Jamie O’Donnell has immersed himself in the music of Phil Woods, Jackie McLean, Bird, Charles McPherson, and Cannonball Adderley. As a composer, he had written countless tunes for his own bands, as well as commissions for student festivals. Over the decades Jamie has played with Bob Martin, Robert Anchipolovsky, Greg Abate, Mike Outram, Gareth Lockrane, Gwilym Simcock and many others
The band tonight will feature the legendary American alto saxophonist, Jon Gordon, along with talents of the Canadian pianist Sean Fyfe, bassist Matyas Hofecker and drummer Joe Dessauer. One of Phil Woods’ most famous proteges, Jon won the prestigious Thelonius Monk Competition in 1996 and he has played and recorded with Red Rodney, Phil Woods, Benny Carter, Roy Eldridge, Barney Kessel, Al Grey, Eddie Locke, Mike LeDonne, Mel Lewis, Doc Cheatham, Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein, A truly contemporary and unique saxophonist, Jon has developed one of the most distinctive alto sounds in jazz, composing for and recording 15 albums as a band leader. He is also a writer, having written several books about the music and about his life.
Matt Cook – Tenor Saxophone Karim Saber – Guitar Reuben Goldmark – Piano John Jones – Bass Kai MacRae – Drums
Matt Cook is a London based Tenor Saxophonist that has been described in JazzJournal Magazine as ‘Spectacular’ as well as likened to maestro saxophonists such as Wayne Shorter (London Jazz News 2020) and Mark Turner (Marlbank 2024).
Matt established his quintet whilst at The Royal Academy of Music in London combining some of the most creative young musicians on the London Jazz Scene. ‘I wanted to bring four very different musical voices together that could each bring their own style and flair to the music.’
Matt’s eclectic compositional influences range from modern jazz contemporaries such as Immanuel Wilkins and Ambrose Akinmusire, to older pioneers such as John Coltrane and Joe Henderson. He is not afraid to bypass genre, with flavours from 20th Century classical composers like Messiaen and Ravel and even nods to alternative rock bands such as Radiohead.
Matt strikes the balance between honouring the tradition in his compositions without being stifled by it. Repetition is a key part of his compositions, a technique he draws from spiritual jazz, creating meditative and transcendent moments. Expect memorable melodies, expansive improvisations and deeply moving harmonic progressions.
Germana Stella La Sorsa – Voice Sam Leak – Hammond Organ Tom Ollendorff, – Guitar Jay Davis – Drums Tara Minton (Special Guest) – Harp
Italian London-based singer Germana Stella La Sorsa migrated from Puglia, Italy in 2017 and quickly established herself on the London jazz scene. “Nudging boundaries as she goes” (The Slow Music Movement) and exploring “the crossroads of many musical components, including story, composition, genre and style as well as instrumentation and effect” (London Jazz News), La Sorsa released her debut album ‘Vapour’ in 2021 on 33 Jazz Records.
Following the success of her first record, the singer melds her disparate influences in her second studio album, ‘Primary Colours’. Praised as “a sure-fire statement of her confident stature in amongst London’s top jazz cats.” (Presto Music), La Sorsa’s new work continues to ride the contemporary/avant-garde jazz wave, further exploring the boundaries of improvisation and sound experimentation and drawing upon modern sounds and grooves, from drum’n’bass to Latin music.
Honey Boulton – guitar, Joe Webb – piano Will Sach – bass Will Cleasby – drums
Coming up at the Parakeet jazz guitarist Honey Boulton will be presenting a fresh array of original compositions, ranging from swing to blues to bebop, calypso and beyond, there will be something to everyone’s taste. Joining Honey on the bandstand is pianist Joe Webb, Will Sach on Bass, and Will Cleasby on drums, all old friends met in his days of working behind the bar at Kansas Smittys.
An in demand guitarist on the London jazz scene, don’t miss this special opportunity to hear Honey play his own compositions, inspired by the jazz greats of times past and the events of and experiences of times present. The music demonstrates playfulness, emotion and virtuosity. Having just been in the studio finishing an upcoming album, ‘Honey Plays Boulton’ the quartet are working together to make some of the most swinging and feel good music possible with a tight knit unit and real musical chemistry. Expect tight arrangements with the spontaneity and freedom of 21st century jazz music.
Before we announce the amazing 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. April was an amazing month for the music and you absolutely proofed to be the best audience in London for jazz music. This all makes us very happy hosts.
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!
Rory Ingham – trombone Matt Carter – organ Luke Tomlinson – drums
Threes Up Organ Trio is a high energy trombone-led organ trio playing a mixture of ferociously swinging standards and adventurous original music written by all members of the group.
Rory Ingham, jazz trombonist/educator/composer, is a winner of Rising Star in the British Jazz Awards. Rory was chosen as ‘One To Watch’ in Jazzwise, and was announced a winner of the British Trombone Society Awards. He was also a finalist at the International Trombone Festival in California.
Born and raised in Yorkshire, England via Scotland, Rory is now based in London having graduated from Royal Academy of Music. He has played with internationally-acclaimed musicians such as Chris Potter, Dave Holland, and Ingrid Jensen, and with many ensembles including BBC Big Band, Mike Gibbs Big Band, Guy Barker Big Band, and London Concert Orchestra. He has performed at prestigious venues across Europe, including Royal Festival Hall, Bimhuis (Amsterdam), Jamboree (Barcelona) and the Royal Albert Hall, where he was a featured soloist.
Rory was the featured artist in Jazzwise’s “Taking Off” in 2019, and interviewed on BBC Radio 3 discussing his other project, Parliamentary Jazz Award nominated ‘Bonsai’ who released a new record in 2019 on Ubuntu Music, receiving much critical acclaim. Rory is proud to be endorsed by Michael Rath Trombones.
Matt Carter is a piano player based in London. Recently graduated from Royal Academy of Music, Matt is part of ‘The Ashton Jones Project’ which released their debut album to critical acclaim a few years ago and have also supported Incognito as part of the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. He’s toured the country with soul band ‘Lack of Afro’ and appears on the album ‘Jack of All Trades’ and the E.P ‘Back in Business.’ He’s played with soul superstars Joss Stone, Beverly Knight, Angelo Starr and Mica Paris, including a live TV performance on the Alan Titchmarsh Show and a gig at European Parliament. He’s played at many of London’s most iconic jazz venues including shows at Ronnie Scotts, The Jazz Cafe, The Pizza Express and The 606 Club, and performs regularly both as a sideman and also as the leader of his own group, The Matt Carter Septet.
Luke Tomlinson is a young and budding drummer on the rise on the UK music scene. He has, since graduating from Royal Academy of Music, begun to firmly establish himself on the London jazz scene as “a highly-charged, creative and swinging drummer” (Gareth Lockrane) with world-renowned jazz vibraphonist Joe Locke describing him as “an excellent drummer… it was a lot of fun playing with him”.
Luke currently plays regularly with jazz artists such as Claire Martin OBE, Emma Smith (Jazz Now – BBC Radio 3), Ray Gelato (Sir Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams and HM The Queen) and Claire Teal (BBC Radio 2).
Alongside his jazz career, Luke also has a strong foot-hold in the pop industry, playing regularly with promising, up and coming artists such as Peter Ibbetson (George Fitzgerald), NYM (Paloma Faith) and Caleb Hawley.
Once a fig takes the listener with them on a musical journey as they intertwine Swedish and English folk traditions with original music and improvisation. Spinning, trance-like melodies morph into electrifying groove-based tunes as tales from the forest meet daydreams in the big city. The trio has opened up a new world with their unique sound and strong chemistry, passing on something truly special to their audience.
Rebecka Edlund is a London-based Swedish singer, lyricist and composer with a soft spot for the ocean, anecdotes and rusty orange. Her music is a concoction of jazz and folk music traditions, whale song, bird whistles and other strange, beautiful sounds. Rebecka’s debut album, ’Något om en björk’ (’Something about a birch tree’), was nominated by Lira Music Magazine as one of the best folk jazz albums of the year (2022). She has performed at renowned venues around Europe, including Ronnie Scott’s, King’s Place and Green Note, with esteemed musicians such as Rob Luft, Elliot Galvin, Laura Jurd and Corrie Dick.
Phoebe Harty is a cellist from Lancashire and has grown up playing the folk and traditional music of her home and lots of other beautiful places and countries. She has a deep love for the stories and the people she’s met through music, having also studied and worked across genres including classical, pop and more, weaving the voice of the cello into countless worlds of colour, beauty and fun.
Cori Smith is a viola player and composer from the North of England. Her compositions communicate and connect with audiences, drawing them into a world of entrancing and thought-provoking sounds. Sharing music and stories is a huge part of her life; inspiration comes from many different places, people and plants she meets along the way. From classical to English and Swedish folk music, Cori weaves together her different musical backgrounds, and is perpetually inspired to find and create new colours and worlds with Phoebe and Rebecka.
Monday 20th of May – Vasilis Xenopoulos and Paul Edis
Paul Edis – piano Vasilis Xenopoulos – saxophone John Williamson – bass Billy Pod – drums
Vasilis Xenopoulos and Paul Edis began playing together 20 years ago, when they had both relocated to West London to study. Originally from Greece, Vasilis had just finished studying at Berklee College in the US, whilst Paul had moved South from the Northeast of England. In the intervening years they’ve played numerous gigs together, releasing their first album in 2016, entitled A Narrow Escape to critical acclaim. Their latest recording features original music inspired by the many places they’ve called home over the years. ‘Feels Like Home’ was released in April 2024 on Ubuntu Music and is available to stream and download on Bandcamp and in all the usual places. Completing the quartet line-up for Jazz at the Parakeet are virtuosos John Williamson (double bass) and Billy Pod (drums).
Sam Norris – alto sax Oli Hayhurst – bass Darren Beckett – drums
Sam Norris – Hailing from Cambridge, UK, award-winning saxophonist and composer Sam Norris’s love of jazz was ignited when he heard Coltrane’s A Love Supreme aged 12. Since then, he has been fascinated with luminaries of improvised music such as Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk and Lee Konitz. This passion is combined with equal interests in contemporary classical, folk and hip hop- a melting pot of influences that has led him to develop a distinctive improvisational and compositional language. Sam leads his own quartet and will release his debut album in summer 2024 featuring his original compositions. He also works across the UK and EU with notable improvising musicians including Ronan Guilfoyle, Alex Ridout and PHEMO Quartet. He was a finalist in the Musicians’ Company Young Jazz Musician of the Year competition in 2022 and won the Craig Ball prize in 2021, during his studies at the Royal Academy of Music.
Oli Hayhurst- Oli Hayhurst graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in 2000. Whilst still a student under the late Jeff Clyne he was touring with Gilad Atzmon and Cara Dillon. In 2006 he was featured on Zoe Rahman’s Mercury nominated album, ‘Melting Pot’. He continued to play with Zoe until 2011 playing at festivals throughout Europe and recording a further three albums. This was the first of frequent pairings with Gene Calderazzo which have been continued in the bands of Julian Siegel and Pharoah Sanders. As a member of Ray Gelato’s Giants from 2008-15 he toured extensively and held annual residencies at Ronnie Scott’s in London and the Blue Note Milan. He was been a regular in Pharoah Sanders’ quartet for European dates from 2012-2022 playing alongside Kurt Rosenwinkel, Nicholas Payton, Dan Tepfer, Joe Farnsworth, Gene Calderazzo and William Henderson. The quartet played headline concerts at festivals all over Europe. He also played extensively with Cockney Rebel and Steve Harley’s acoustic band and features on the album ‘Uncovered’. He has played on over 70 albums and worked with artists as diverse as Melanie C, Vanessa Mae, Dionne Warwick, Bill McHenry, Maureen Lipman, Steve Hackett, Lau, Alison Balsom, Kirk Lightsey, Maria Ewing, Alan Broadbent, Bobby Wellins, Reem Kelani, Collabro, Thomas Lang, Il Divo, Kit Downes, Sheridan Smith, Bob Monkhouse, Jacqui Dankworth and both Michael Rosens, the poet and the saxophonist.
Darren Beckett-
Darren Beckett (drums) won a prestigious Bass Ireland Award as a teenager, leaving the Emerald Isle to study jazz in New York, where he resided for 21 years. Across his career, he has played drums everywhere from Carnegie Hall to the Royal Albert Hall. He’s performed on over 50 albums with notable names like Lee Konitz, James Williams, Brandon Flowers, Madeleine Peyroux, and Kenny Wheeler, George Colligan, and Daniel Lanois. Darren was Madeleine Peyroux’s drummer for 9 years and tours with Brandon Flowers of ‘The Killers’ playing on and touring his 2 solo albums, and is credited as co-writer on the lead single ‘Can’t Deny My Love’ on Brandon Flowers’ number one charting second solo album, ‘The Desired Effect’. He has toured with Lauryn Hill, Beth Orten, Mercury Rev, Sinead O’Conner, Richard Hawleys ‘Standing at the Skys Edge’ and OJ Harvey’s London Tide at The National Theatre.He has worked with notable producers Daniel Lanois (U2) Stuart Price ( Madonna, The Killers) Mark Platti ( David Bowie) Larry Klein ( Joni Mitchell).He is a member of New York Indie rock band Ambulance Ltd who released their debut record on TVT records to global acclaim. Since returning to the U.K. he has been very active also on the UK and European scene playing and recording with Van Morrison, Ronnie Wood, Billy Bragg, Sinead O’Connor, Ronan Keating Adrian Utley.
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!
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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 in February. Since we took over we’ve been really touched by the atmosphere and sense of community in the room each and every Monday night – and we know how much this means to the bands who come down to play!
Speaking of… an even bigger thanks to @nickcostleywhite, @stanbrunt, @adamosmianski, @reubengoldmark, and their bands for providing us with insanely enjoyable sets of such high-quality music.
So here’s to March, and long may the seriously high-quality music continue!
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!
This collaborative quartet formed in 2020’s first lockdown as a means of sonic therapy, deciding – when gigs, audiences and open venues and were a remote prospect – to learn and explore music by Ornette Coleman.
In the intervening years the repertoire has expanded to include other luminaries of the avant-garde – Don Cherry, Dewey Redman, Albert Ayler, Arthur Blythe and more – explored in freewheeling and conversational style by 4 improvisers with distinctive voices.
Monday 11th March – The Alex Merritt/ Antonio Fusco Quartet
The Alex Merritt/ Antonio Fusco Quartet reunites friends and musical compatriots Alex and Antonio with pianist Bruno Heinen and bassist Henrik Jensen. Building on a history of collaboration that spans performances in London and Beijing, Antonio and Alex have chosen original music for this tour, including some brand new compositions and arrangements, that highlight and bring out the distinctive approaches and musical personalities of each member of this band.
Contemporary straight-ahead influences sit side-by-side with inspiration from modern classical music leading to an engaging, fresh sound and approach to group interplay. The harmonic/ melodic worlds of Olivier Messiaen, Scriabin and Ravel combine with jazz influence from John Coltrane, Joe Henderson and others in Alex’s approach to writing. The pairing here with Bruno Heinen, whose roots are in both jazz and impressionistic classical music, is a natural one; a combination that brings fruitful musical rewards when joined by the powerhouse rhythm section of Fusco and Jensen.
Monday 18th March – Arbenz X Neame /Hart / Pursglove: “Conversation”
“Jazz is supposed to be the most unselfish of art forms. In jazz, you give yourself completely to make somebody else play their best. You try to do something to make them, inspire them to do something. So it is a matter of sacrifice.” – Dizzy Gillespie
In this brand new European collaboration, acclaimed Swiss drummer Florian Arbenz joins the sensational British musicians Percy Pursglove on trumpet/flugelhorn, Ivo Neame on Keys and Jim Hart on vibraphone/percussion to launch the album ‘Conversation’.
Florian collaborated with Pursglove and Jim Hart different contexts, but this is their first project together with Ivo Neame!
Arbenz’s choices for Conversation were selected for their unmistakably unique voices on their respective instruments. Arbenz himself says, “it doesn’t happen so often that I immediately get captured by a musician by just hearing him/her on a record. And I think this is a big link for me to Jim, Ivo and Percy.”
An improvised exploration of the realm between jazz and improvised music, the quartet’s sophisticated and open-minded sound is equally comfortable in either world. Strikingly vast in texture and feeling, the ensemble shifts rapidly between tight, syncopated grooves, flurries of virtuosic trumpet playing, passages melancholic openness, and powerfully dense harmonies.
With a slew of awards and world-class collaborations under their belts, the ensemble’s collective international reputation cannot be understated.
Osian Roberts was born and raised in Cardiff and took up the alto saxophone aged nine. He soon switched to tenor, and after showing early promise on the Welsh jazz scene, he won a scholarship to study jazz saxophone at The Royal Academy of Music in London, where he stayed after graduating. Whilst in London, he played with many of the UK’s leading jazz figures, including Dave Cliff, Mike Carr, Jim Mullen, Peter Ind, Iain Ballamy, Simon Woolf and Mark Nightingale. In addition to his work as a sideman, he formed a quintet with his Academy classmates Steve and Matt Fishwick, which recorded several albums on the Hard Bop Records label. After many years in London, Osian relocated to the Czech Republic, where he has since established himself as a valued member of the European jazz community.
Hello everyone! We’re back with an incredible line up for February. We would like to thank John and Dave for all the hard work they’ve put into the parakeet over the last years and we’re very happy to take over.
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.
Monday 5th February – Nick Costley White trio plus Will Barry
Nick Costley White – Guitar Tom Farmer – Double Bass Josh Morrison – Drums Will Barry – Piano
Nick 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. Nick is lucky enough to have performed with some of the most renowned jazz musicians in the country including Stan Sulzmann, Gareth Lockrane, Jason Rebello, Alex Garnett, Mark Taylor, Steve Fishwick, Brandon Allen, Jeff Williams and Asaf Sirkis and holds the guitar chair with the London Jazz Orchestra. Nick performs extensively throughout the UK as well as touring in Europe, Australia, China and South America.
Stan Brunt – Guitar Kai MacRae – Drums John Jones – Double Bass Reuben Goldmark – Piano
Stan Brunt is a guitarist and composer from Leeds, who has moved to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music. Currently in his fourth and final year, he has received tuition from some of the best players and teachers on the UK and European music scene. Stan combines a mix of contemporary and older styles in his playing and writing, creating special sound. With his quartet they blend together to form a unique and engaging performance, playing intricate originals and arrangements bound to captivate any audience.
Adam Osmianski – drums Joy Ellis – piano/vocals Jonny Wickham – bass
Samba Azul is a constantly-evolving group of musicians led by drummer Adam Osmianski who share a love of the varied, beautiful, and exciting sounds of Brazil. What began as an intimate trio has grown into a diverse chameleon collective sometimes involving as many as nine musicians. Tonight at The Parakeet they will appear as a classic piano trio.
In the 1960s while the cool, mellow sound of Bossa Nova was popular in Rio and spreading throughout the world, another style of music began to appear as a reaction to Bossa Nova. Often performed by the musicians who backed famous Bossa Nova singers, the music they created was an edgier, more driving style inspired by the hard bop sound and the Blue Note label. This style came to be known simply as “Samba Jazz” or “Hard Bossa”.
Reuben Goldmark – Piano John Jones – Double Bass Jonah Evans – Drums
Pianist and composer Reuben Goldmark was a finalist in the prestigious BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year competition in 2018 and has performed his compositions at the Queen Elizabeth Hall as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. Reuben’s music was also broadcast on BBC 4 and BBC Radio 3. He recently graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied with Kit Downes and is a recipient of the 2022 Dankworth Prize for composition.
For this performance Reuben will be joined by fellow RAM colleagues John Jones and Jonah Evans. The trio will play a set of original compositions by the bandleader. Expect lyrical melodies and hooks underpinned by high-tech grooves and metric modulations, as the trio shifts effortlessly between simplicity and complexity.
Hello everyone – it’s another exciting month at the Parakeet, including a bonus two-gig week during the EFG London Jazz Festival. We are expecting these gigs to be busy, so please do get your tickets in advance at the links below. Any help you can give us to get the word out is greatly appreciated, so please follow us and tag us on social media, tell your friends, and bring some people along with you! Hope to see you all very soon.
Nell Greco – Voice Maria Chiara Argirò – Keys Pedro Velasco – Guitar Ruth Goller – Bass Yusuf Ahmed – Drums
Nell is a London-based vocalist and songwriter with a deep curiosity for story-telling and improvised voice work. Having spent her formative training years performing a classic standards repertoire around UK music venues and jazz clubs, she’s most recently branched out into songwriting, collaborative vocal improvisation and exploring the potential and versatility of the voice.
As well as her original music project, Nell currently performs with Ruth Goller’s Skylla, and writes and performs as one half of Akimbo – a project she and guitarist Pedro Velasco started to explore the boundaries of their instruments, in duo. Inspired by players like Lionel Loeke and Gretchen Parlato, they look to play with the “limitations” and possibilities of music given the size of the ensemble. They’re currently producing their first album of originals, due out in 2024. During 2021s lockdown, Nell was a member of This Is Our Music alongside Kit Downes, Chris Montague, Ruth Goller, Pedro Velasco and Thea Spiers. The collective’s aim was to continue performing their original material live despite the limitations of the time, and these broadcast performances fuelled her desire to write more. The result was a menagerie of stories, rich in imagery but open to interpretation from the listener.
The songs come to life thanks to the incredible group of intuitive and versatile players who join her in performance. Each player brings their distinct voice to create soundscapes that reflect the meaning and enhance the music. Genre doesn’t really apply at this point – yes they’re all established in the world of jazz, but each is listening, improvising and responding to the other, bringing this element of jazz tradition into a new realm of hard-to-pin-down music.
In 2022 she recorded the material at Eastcote Studios and the record, ‘Inanima’, will be released on Clonmell Jazz Social on 3rd November, 2023.
Monday 13th Novmeber – Tori Freestone Trio (EFG London Jazz Festival)
Tori Freestone – Tenor Saxophone Dave Manington – Bass Tim Giles – Drums
Tori Freestone has been creating a stir in the UK and abroad in recent years winning prestigious awards including the Ivor Novello for jazz composition and receiving rave reviews including Guardian Jazz album of the month for her ‘El Mar de Nubes’ 2019 trio release. Her unique writing style is not only steeped in the jazz tradition but reflects her roots in folk music and is also influenced by Latin and Brazilian music spending much of her youth and adult life in the Canary Islands where she now does much of her composing. Tori plays these compositions with the melodic yet robust approach that she has become so well know for and the trio, with her long time colleagues Tim Giles (drums) and Dave Manington (bass), themselves much in demand on the London jazz scene, has an incredible rapport and interaction that gives audiences a buzz and sense of excitement in a live setting. The music from her recent release and fresh compositions composed during the lockdown brings the level of interaction from the 3 musicians to new heights.
“Freestone has caused a stir far beyond the UK… an impressive original and formidable trio” Leibnitz Jazz Festival, Austria review “She’s got a real burn to her playing ..with weaving lines and constant listening, supporting and interacting from the bass and drums…my ears never get tired”, Ingrid Jensen’ ‘Artist Choice’ Jazz Times, USA – top 10 UK artists article “Freestone has clearly listened widely, but her musicality and broad experiences have stirred all that input into an imposingly original sound”. John Fordham, The Guardian **** review, UK
Wednesday 15th November – Joe Webb Trio (EFG London Jazz Festival)
Joe Webb – Piano Will Sach – Bass Sam Jesson – Drums
Joe Webb, described as one of the UK’s most captivating young pianists, is excited to present an evening of brand new music with his trio. With a performance CV that includes collaborations with renowned artists such as Wynton Marsalis and Jamie Cullum, Joe is now taking his own music on the road.
Inspired by performances together serving as the house band at a prominent London venue for over two years, Joe began composing music specifically tailored to double bassist Will Sach and drummer Sam Jesson.
Webb’s ability to seamlessly intertwine the raw energy of 90’s guitar bands, his love for football, and his deep-rooted connection to the Jazz piano tradition, will no doubt captivate audiences and create an excitement from global audiences. Notably, Joe has recently inked a record deal with the esteemed jazz record label “Edition Records,” an exciting development that will see him release new music alongside his trio in 2024.
“There are few people more joyous to listen to at the piano than Joe Webb” – Jamie Cullum “He can swing and is melodic and he lets the ideas unfold without the arbitrary stuff” – Brad Mehldau “Joe is a great young pianist. Go check him out, he’s very talented” – Jason Rebello
QOW TRIO is a unique multi-generational jazz band featuring award-winning young firebrand saxophonist Riley Stone Lonergan, British Jazz legend Spike Wells (Tubby Hayes, Bobby Wellins) on drums, and multi-genre bassist and bandleader Eddie Myer. The trio initially got together through their mutual love of Sonny Rollins’ classic piano-less trios of the 1950s but soon found themselves expanding their repertoire to explore the rich and varied territory laid out by the great tradition of big-toned tenor players over the generations.
Their debut album was released on Ubuntu Music to excellent reviews in national press and has been played on JazzFm and BBC Radio 3, and extensively playlisted on Spotify. They’ve played sell-out shows at PIzza Express Soho, The Vortex, The 606 Club, Love Supreme Festival, Swanage Jazz Festival, Rye Jazz Festival, The Brighton Jazz Festival, and taken a tour of Ireland, alongside numerous club dates, and they have begun 2023 with headline billing at the famous Jazz In The Round in the Marylebone Cockpit Theatre. Now they’re back with a whole new set of material for their upcoming second release! Expect exciting, dynamic modern jazz played with a ton of swing and plenty of soul.
Aidan Pope – Guitar James Owston – Bass Matthew Holmes – Drums
Award winning guitarist, Aidan Pope brings his trio featuring Matthew Holmes’ (Tony Kofi, Orphy Robinson) on drums and UK double bass staple James Owston to the Parakeet. This set will feature a mixture of originals, reworks and favourite tunes from Aidan’s recent album ‘Standard State’, as well as some brand new pieces.
Hello everyone! We’ve got another really nice month of gigs coming up. Please continue to spread the word about our gig, whether via word of mouth or on social media (you can find us on Facebook and Instagram.) A quick look ahead to November – we are hosting two gigs as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, with Tori Freestone on Monday the 13th and Joe Webb on Wednesday the 15th. Tickets for these are already available on the festival website (https://efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk/) and we would recommend getting hold of tickets early as we expect these gigs to be busy!
James Owston – Bass Alex Merritt – Tenor Saxophone Euan Palmer – Drums
This exciting new trio brings together the creative minds of James Owston (bass), Alex Merritt (tenor saxophone) and Euan Palmer (drums). After forming in late 2021 for a concert at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, the trio reformed in March 2023 for a performance at the Hexagon Theatre/MAC promoted by Fizzle. Sharing a strong musical connection, this trio sees James, Alex and Euan digging into a range of inspirations across a broad stylistic spectrum – bringing their unique approaches to the fore to create a very personal group dynamic, that is both highly energetic, interactive and engaging.
James Owston has fast become a well-known name on the UK jazz scene, notably through his work with Clark Tracey, Paul Dunmall, Neil Yates, Xhosa Cole, Alex Clarke, Martin Speake, Greg Abate and many more. This trio sees James take on the leadership role, allowing space for each musician’s stylistic input whilst also showcasing his own progressive and melodic approach to playing the bass. With firm roots in bebop and the jazz tradition, heavily influenced by Ray Brown, Charles Mingus, Scott La-Faro, Charlie Haden and other pioneering bassists, Owston also draws from his experience in modern and contemporary music in his approach to improvising and writing music. In 2018, James was a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician Award and performed at the Queen Elizabeth hall with Gwilym Simcock and Asaf Sirkis.
Tenor saxophonist and composer Alex Merritt draws from a range of influences in his approach: being equally inspired by the jazz tradition, contemporary jazz and contemporary classical music (in particular, tenor saxophonists Joe Henderson, John Coltrane and Warne Marsh and composers Henri Dutilleux, Olivier Messiaen and Toru Takemitsu are favourites). Alex has recently released 2 albums with the prestigious Spanish label Fresh Sound New Talent, the most recent of which ‘Common Threads’, which Alex produced, featured Steve Fishwick, Tom Ollendorff, Alex Hitchcock and John Turville amongst other leading lights of the contemporary UK scene.
Euan Palmer’s playing is rooted in bebop, with key influences including Dan Weiss, Brian Blade and Bill Stewart as well as Ben Riley and Elvin Jones. Some recent musical highlights have included a UK tour with Greg Abate in 2022 and a recording with the Dave Ferris Septet in early 2023, featuring New York guitarist Peter Bernstein.
Kasper Rietkerk – Alto Saxophone Max McLeish – Trombone Jonah Evans – Drums Alex Lockheart – Guitar Benji Bown – Piano Toby Yapp – Bass
KRSIX is an instrumental sextet led by saxophonist Kasper Rietkerk. Their narrative music is most reminiscent of something between Brian Blade’s Fellowship of Acoustic and Radiohead. They did their first few shows in the spring of 2021 in London, where they are based. The music is rooted in jazz but you can hear influences from rock to folk and blues music. All the music is written and arranged by Kasper and the songs are mostly influenced by things that he observed and experienced after he moved to London.
Award-winning saxophonist Kasper Rietkerk worked with Eddie Chacon, John Caroll Kirby, Ben Nobuto, Jean Toussaint (among others) and he is part of the Emma Rawicz Jazz Orchestra. He did several tv and radio performances and took part in writing the music for VPRO’s television series ‘Naar Bed’. In 2023 Kasper and his band KRSIX played several gigs in the UK, where Kasper is based, and in the Netherlands, where he is originally from. With his Dutch group Das Sound Kollektiv, Kasper released two albums and an EP of which they got most ‘successful’ with their ‘+1’ release. For this release he worked with many singers and rappers as Ntjam Rosie, Ruben Hein, Rico and Tennishu (Butcher Brown).
Kasper is an alto saxophonist who started playing saxophone at a young age. A bit later, he first heard the sound of saxophonists like Cannonball Adderley, Kenny Garret and Paul Desmond and that made him eventually decide to study jazz saxophone. After his bachelor he moved to London and graduated from his masters at the Royal Academy of Music in 2023, where he got an award for his final exam performance. Kasper is currently working on the release of his debut album, recorded with KRSIX in London. He released his home recorded and self produced EP ‘alt.esc’ in February 2022. He is involved in other projects such as the Medan Trio, where he writes and performs improvised music accompanied by visual art. From 2019 till 2021, he played lead alto in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra from the Netherlands, which was led by Ruben Hein.
‘Great alto sound that carried strongly over the band’ Jason Yarde ‘Fantastic saxophonist’ Jean Toussaint ‘Played with great projection and fluency of ideas’ Michael Mondesir
Rod Oughton – Drums Helena Kay – Tenor Saxophone Sam Watts – Piano Flo Moore – Bass
Tomorrow’s New Quartet is a London-based ensemble, playing the original compositions of drummer / composer Rod Oughton. The band is comprised of some of the UK’s fastest rising stars, and features Helena Kay on saxophone, Deschanel Gordon on piano and Flo Moore on bass. Their debut album ‘All Together, Now!’ was named Editor’s Choice by Jazzwise Magazine, and was frequently played on BBC Radio 3 and Jazz FM. Their 2022 release tour took them all over the UK and culminated in a sold-out show at Pizza Express Dean St. They are currently working towards their second album.
‘Very Fresh’ – Jumoké Fashola **** ‘A quartet for today as well as tomorrow’- Jazzwise Magazine
Monday 23rd October – Landsberg/Sikivie/Bryson/Ellison
Ofer Landsberg – Guitar Paul Sikivie – Bass Alex Bryson – Piano Robbie Ellison – Drums
London drummer Robbie Ellison brings together a stellar international quartet for a special night at The Parakeet on Monday 23rd October – only to be missed by fools and ne’er-do-wells. Featuring the world class talents of Ofer Landsberg on guitar, Paul Sikivie on bass, and Alex Bryson on piano, the night will be sure to swing you into the rudest of health. Ofer is a world-class guitarist currently based in Tel Aviv but has had extended periods of living and working in New York and London. He studied with Barry Harris and has played with the likes of Frank Hewitt, Grant Stewart, Jimmy Lovelace, Gil Coggins and Jimmy Wormworth as well as all the top players in London.
Paul Sikivie is one of the most in demand bassists and composers on the NYC jazz scene and has played in the bands of household names such as Wynton Marsalis, Cecile McLorin-Salvant, Johnny O’Neal, Grant Stewart, Pasquale Grasso, Aaron Diehl and many more.
A fluent and impressive pianist, Alex Bryson includes work with the likes of US stars Grant Stewart & Chris Cheek on an impressive CV. After attending college in London he moved to the US, ending up working at many prestigious venues in both NYC and Washington, and now is one of the UK’s most in-demand and swinging jazz pianists.
Robbie Ellison is a young jazz drummer and composer who has shared the bandstand with the likes of John Marshall, Mike LeDonne, Eric Alexander, Tom Kirkpatrick, Ivo Neame, Sara Dowling, and that dude from Gabriel. As an arranger and composer he has had work for symphony orchestra commissioned for the Battersea Jazz Festival, and his Septet, featuring his original compositions and arrangements, played to a sold out Parakeet earlier this year.
Barry Green – Piano Conor Chaplin – Bass Vinnie Sperrazza – Drums
Barry splits his time between London and Rotterdam. He has played and recorded with artists such as Drew Gress, Tom Rainey, Gerald Cleaver, Ben Street, Charles McPherson, Conrad Herwig, Bill McHenry, Rudy Royston, Dick Oatts, Ian Shaw, Claire Martin, Peter King, Bobby Wellins and Henry Lowther. He has played at clubs and festivals internationally for the last 25 years. He teaches at Guildhall and Groningen,NL.
Tonight features New York drummer Sperrazza who is very active on the NY scene playing with amongst many others Chris Speed, Ethan Iverson, Jakob Saks. His articles on the online magazine substack about drummers are a revelation!
Jazz in Kentish Town 