Classically trained composer, sought after collaborator and 5 times Grammy award-winning pianist Bill Laurance has built a career uniquely blending genres of music that seem to be at stylistic polar opposites with each other. Originally trained as a classical pianist, Laurance has been demonstrating his unique creativity and improvisation for many years as a founding member of Snarky Puppy.

“A Jazz Maestro” The Guardian

His diverse work includes advertising compositions for Apple, film soundtracks such as "Un Traductor" (2018) and collaborations with renowned ensembles such as the WDR Big Band and the Metropole Orkest. Most recently, he released the highly acclaimed album "Where You Wish You Were" (ACT Music) together with Michael League. His latest release "Affinity" is a tribute to the jazz pianist Bill Evans and shows Laurance's striving for individual interpretations, whereby the piano remains the unifying constant in his versatile work.

** SOLD OUT **

Please click the tabs before for more details

Evening Performance 8pm to 10.20pm

The event is at the Performing Arts Studio at the University of Surrey.

Doors open from 7.15pm. Please note there are no physical tickets, just give your name on the door when you arrive. There’s a bar available beforehand and at the interval.

Tickets: General admission £29 (Guildford Jazz members £27). Students £10 (limited availability!)

If you have any questions please contact us by emailing info@guildfordjazz.org.uk

General admission £29

Guildford Jazz Members £27

Students £10 (limited tickets available)

All prices include booking fees

Pianist, keyboardist and composer Bill Laurance’s music evokes a striking sense of time and place. As an original member of 5-time Grammy Award-winning group Snarky Puppy, Laurance has toured the world countless times, playing hundreds of concerts to tens of thousands of fans worldwide.

'Bloom', the ACT debut of pianist and composer Bill Laurance as leader, marks the transition from the smallest possible form of musical interaction to a large-scale, broadband format. Following the internationally acclaimed ACT release 'Where You Wish You Were' in duo with multi-instrumentalist and Snarky Puppy bandmate Michael League, Laurance now teams up with Manchester-based 18-piece string orchestra The Untold Orchestra and creates a work of convincingly epic pro-portions. Combining Bill Laurance’s classical sensibilities with jazz, pop grooves, and powerful orchestral synchronicity, 'Bloom' runs the gamut of emotions and moods.

“That’s where the magic is; the space between what is prescribed and what isn’t” says Laurance.

The eponymous opening track of the album impressively demonstrates how organically and naturally, Laurance manages the balancing act between an orchestral sound, the accessibility and groove of pop music and the freedom of jazz: a series of dark, warm string chords introduces a sense of spaciousness and sonic depth.

Featuring his widely lauded improvisational skills, Laurance perfects the balance of straddling virtuosity without becoming self-indulgent. His playing transcends mere technical mastery on the piano, instead weaving these techniques into something that captivates the listener, no matter what music they usually feel at home with. It respects the full instrumentation of his compositions, creating breathing space for each musician to be heard and understood. And so, 'Bloom' ties in with its predecessor album 'Where You Wish You Were', albeit with completely different means: With its vocal and narrative quality, this music creates spaces and dream worlds in which listeners can lose themselves with joy.

How the flint first sparked....

Attending the University of Leeds, he majored in classical composition, exploring jazz, funk and drum’n’bass in addition to classical music. Since then he has honed the melodic immediacy of this approach, along with his intense improvisational prowess, forging a distinctive personal style that embraces English classical, electronica and jazz-rock sensibilities, alongside gritty contemporary grooves.

In the early-noughties, a twenty-something Laurance was trying to make a living on the Leeds music scene, when an unremarkable but timely pick-up gig presented itself with a young Michael League in singer Michael Solomon Williams’ band. Gigs in the north of England forged a friendship with League, who happened to be looking for a new piano player, and League invited Laurance to the US to record the first Snarky Puppy album, The Only Constant, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Since then, Laurance has clocked up recordings and or performances with such renowned artists as David Crosby, Morcheeba, Salif Keita, Terence Blanchard, Susana Baca, Lalah Hathaway, Laura Mvula, Jacob Collier, Musiq Soul Child, Khalid Sansi, Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke, Carlos Malta, The Metropole Orchestra and the WDR Big Band. He has also worked extensively in the dance world with companies including Alvin Ailey, Ballet Rambert, Matthew Bourne's Adventures in Motion Pictures, Phoenix Dance, Northern Ballet Theatre and the English National Ballet. He has also composed music for a variety of different clients including Apple, Sky, Nokia and Hewlett Packard.

He is a champion of cutting-edge keyboard developments and is endorsed by: Moog, Mellotron, Sequential, Korg, Nord, Roli Seaboard, Yamaha, Roland, Arp Odyssey, Keyscape, Sound Brenner, Native Instruments and MXR. Alongside Laurance’s touring as a solo artist and with Snarky Puppy, Laurance is the Artist in residence at Morley College London. He is is a passionate educator and continues to give clinics at music institutions all over the world.

Listen here: https://youtu.be/X3WBuQoGtsc

Performing Arts Studio (PATS), University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH

There’s a large car park along the perimeter road – drive straight on at the roundabout once you get on campus and it’s signposted on the left after a little way. Parking is free after 5pm and if you require a disabled parking bay please let us know.

Download campus map (PDF)

The Performing Arts Studio is building 20 on the map  . There’s a footpath that runs from the perimeter road between the AQA and Austin Pearce Building (buildings 4 and 5) – turn right at the top, over the mini roundabout, and the PATS studio is along the road on the left.

Seating is unreserved, please select your seats when you arrive.

An evening with writer, musician, broadcaster , Jazz historian and host of BBC Radio 3’s"Jazz Record Requests”, Alyn Shipton, discussing and playing the music from his latest book., “The Gerry Mulligan 1950s Quartets” , which offers an intimate look at Mulligan's musical development from the initial quartet with Chet Baker to its successors with Bob Brookmeyer, Jon Eardley, and Art Farmer.

Includes an interview with Alyn and a performance of Mulligan’s music by a live quartet featuring Alyn and Alan Barnes on baritone an Ian Smith on trumpet.

In association with Guildford Book Festival

++ Pre gig menu from Mandira’s Kitchen (please see the Event Info tab for the menu)

The performance is upstairs in Guildford Pavilion, The Sports Ground, Woodbridge Road, Guildford GU1 4RP

Please note there are no physical tickets, just give your name on the door when you arrive. There’ll be seating reserved for you.

Doors open supper available from 6.15pm, interview with Alyn Shipton at 7.30pm, performance 8.30pm to 10:15pm (with interval). Licensed bar. Seating is cabaret style and there is a lift for disabled access.

Pre-gig Far Pavilions Menu from Mandira’s Kitchen. Please select chicken or vegetarian:

• Vegetable Samosas (served with tamarind chutney)

• Chicken (or Paneer) Rezela (a delicately spiced dish made with poppy seeds, mace and whole spices)

• Berry Pulao (Fragrant Basmati rice, spice and cranberries - as served in the Iranian cafes of Bombay)
  

Full Price £20 /Guildford Jazz members £18

Students £7 / Student Members £5

Meals £13

Alyn Shipton, writer, musician, broadcaster and Jazz historian. A recognized international authority on Jazz, he has written and edited many books on the subject of Jazz and those who make it. Alyn is also a presenter, writer and producer of programmes for BBC radio and was also a Jazz critic for the Times for many years.

He is currently the presenter of Jazz Record Requests. Until May 2012 he produced and presented Jazz Library and many of these shows are still available online to UK listeners. Previously, he presented the weekly show Jazzmatazz on the BBC World Service for six years until March 2003. Later that year, he won the Marian McPartland / Willis Conover Award for lifetime achievement in Jazz broadcasting.

The performance is upstairs in the Pavilion building at the Guildford County Cricket Club, The Sports Ground, Woodbridge Road, Guildford GU1 4RP

For sat navs please check the postcode takes you to Wharf Road. There’s a car park alongside, entry from Wharf Road. If you’re approaching from Guildford town centre, Wharf Road is on the left just before the Sports Ground. If you’re approaching from the A3/Ladymead there’s no right turn into Wharf Road, but continue to the next roundabout to double back.

The car park next to the Pavilion holds about 40 cars (to enable emergency access, cars can only park in the marked bays). Unless it’s very wet, the overflow car park at the far end of the Cricket ground will be open.

To access the overflow car park, turn left as you come out of Wharf Road and carry on along Woodbridge Road towards the railway bridge, and the entrance to the ground is just before the end of the green fence that runs along the perimeter of the ground, next to the Woodbridge Café.

You might prefer to use one of the larger public car parks which are just a few minutes walk away: the open air Mary Road Car Park (GU1 4QU) or multi-storey Bedford Road Car Park (GU1 4SJ)

Seating is either in front row settees/armchairs, central round tables, or rear high chairs/tables. Seats will be reserved for you when you book. If you’re a Guildford Jazz member, please let us know if you have a seating preference in on the booking form. Notes on the layout:

Front row: Seats 1 to 5 are sofas or armchairs

Middle tables: Tables 6 to 23 and 32 are small tables , each seating 4 (for bookings of 1 or 2 seats, we’ll seat you at a table with others, please let us know if you have friends coming who you’d like to sit with!).

Rear tables: Tables 24 to 29 are tall tables suitable for 2 people, with high stools.

Groups: Table 31 and 32 are suitable for larger group of 6 or more

High stools : 30 and 34 are single high stools (no table) , suitable for 1 to 3 people

One of the headline events and a rare coup for the Festival. the pairing of the gifted jazz pianists Jason Rebello and Gwilym Simcock will be performing together on two Steinway concert grand pianos.

Adventurous, sophisticated and technically brilliant, both musicians are stupendous improvisers who blend jazz and classical influences to mesmerising effect. Dovetailing beautifully creative originals, zestful standards and mercurial improvisations, this is a hot-ticket set from two of the most inventive pianists in jazz.

Early booking highly recommended.

“A memorable feast of creative jazz piano”  Scotsman.

“Simcock: An extraordinary musician”  Jamie Cullum.

“Rebello: Viscerally exciting”  Jazzwise.

** SOLD OUT **

Evening Performance 8pm to 10.20pm

The event is at the Performing Arts Studio at the University of Surrey.

Doors open from 7.15pm. Please note there are no physical tickets, just give your name on the door when you arrive. There’s a bar available beforehand and at the interval.

Tickets: Full Price £22 (Guildford Jazz members £20), Students £12 (Student Members £10)

Please note there are limited student tickets available

If you have any questions please contact us by emailing info@guildfordjazz.org.uk

General admission £22

Guildford Jazz Members £20

Students £12/ Student Members £10 (limited tickets available)

All prices include booking fees

GWILYM SIMCOCK

JASON REBELLO

Celebrated British jazz pianist Jason Rebello was labelled a veteran by critics at 19 and over the next decade won most of the major jazz music awards.

“At 21, he’s probably the most gifted and fluent pianist to emerge in Britain since Django Bates” - Neville Hadsley, Jazz FM 1990

Classically trained but inspired by Herbie Hancock, he came to the attention of one of the founders of jazz fusion, Weather Report’s saxophonist Wayne Shorter. Impressed by his musical fluency and style, Shorter produced his No 1 debut album A Clearer View October 1990 Novus PD 90527.

By 1992 Jason’s musical talent and endearing personality enabled him to feature in a wide range of media projects including Artrageous BBC 2 which Janet Street-Porter invited him to present. Popular and confident, Jason chose to produce his second album Keeping Time. He invited a wealth of his musical friends to feature including soul diva Jocelyn Brown and Marianne Jean- Baptiste.

Jason undertook a gruelling schedule promoting his own band across the UK and Europe as well as appearing with notable artistes including Bud Shank, Wayne Shorter, Gary Burton, Branford Marsallis, Tommy Smith, Jean Toussaint, Desree, Mica Paris, Carleen Anderson and Omar. He also performed several classical concerts with the Nice Symphony Orchestra and the Halle Orchestra.

Make It Real July 1994 is Jason’s best-selling album to date. A heady mix of jazz, latin, soul and hip-hop featuring the vocal talents of Maysa Leak, Joy Rose and Cleveland Watkiss and Faithless rapper Maxi Jazz. An inspirational re-working of Gershwin’s Summertime received much radio play and was voted a KISS Classic by KISS Radio. Following a sold out UK tour and European festival dates, The British Council also sponsored a tour of Brazil. The musical partnering of Jason with Joy Rose produced a further album of just piano and voice.

In 1999 Jason travelled to New York to record Next Time Round with his trio featuring Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts and talented British bassist Orlando Le Fleming. The album was a return to acoustic jazz. Following the untimely death in 1998 of piano legend and personal hero Kenny Kirkland, Jason was invited by Sting to take his seat in the band. Jason recorded with Sting on his Grammy winning album Brand New Day 1999 and Sacred Love 2003. He toured the world as part of Sting’s band for 6 years and on the night of September 11 2001, Jason recorded the live DVD and CD All this Time at Sting’s home in Tuscany.

It was through an introduction from Sting that Jason met guitar legend Jeff Beck. Beck was looking for a new keyboard player to follow Jan Hammer. He was keen to recruit Jason, whose keyboard skills and musical versatility complemented Beck’s love to improvise and experiment in the world of fusion. Jason once again toured the world as part of Beck’s band for 6 years, and was introduced to the world of Rock music. He worked together with Beck on his 2010 album Emotion and Commotion and co-wrote the single Hammerhead which won a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance and was voted a Rock Classic by Planet Rock Radio.

Technique, diversity and adaptability have enabled Jason to work with artists across the musical spectrum such as Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Pee Wee Ellis, Joss Stone, Madeline Peyroux, Manu Katche and recently Charlene Soraia. In 2007 Jason inspired by family life in Bath embarked on the Jazz Rainbow project. Created as through of a love of teaching and a belief that expression through music is an important part of a child”s development, Jason has worked nationally to promote learning through musical workshops in schools. The project resulted in Jazz Rainbow November 2007, a charming reinvention of much loved children”s tunes the whole family could enjoy.

In 2103 Jason released “Anything but Look” featuring Omar, Will Downing, Jacob Collier, Joy Rose, Pino Palladino, Troy Miller, Paul Stacey, Jeremy Stacey, Miles Bould, George Rebello, Xantone Black.

His latest solo piano CD ‘Held‘ on Edition Records won best new CD in the 2016 British Jazz Awards. In 2018 he recorded on Tim Garland’s Album ‘Weather Walker‘.

Jason continues to teach, lecturing at various schools and music colleges including The Guildhall School of Music and Bath Spa University. He also helped to set up the Jazz Factory at the Wiltshire Music Centre.

“In terms of sheer ability and potential, Jason is probably the finest young jazz musician this country has produced. His playing has great poise and maturity, which is unusual in somebody so young.” Stuart Nicholson, author Jazz: The Modern

Performing Arts Studio (PATS), University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH

There’s a large car park along the perimeter road – drive straight on at the roundabout once you get on campus and it’s signposted on the left after a little way. Parking is free after 5pm and if you require a disabled parking bay please let us know.

Download campus map (PDF)

The Performing Arts Studio is building 20 on the map  . There’s a footpath that runs from the perimeter road between the AQA and Austin Pearce Building (buildings 4 and 5) – turn right at the top, over the mini roundabout, and the PATS studio is along the road on the left.

Seating is unreserved, please select your seats when you arrive.

Formed in 2006 SSGC is one of the UK’s foremost gospel choirs and have performed venues like the Jazz Cafe, the Albert Hall, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the 606 Club and Cadogan Hall as well as festivals like Big Church Day Out, Greenbelt, Marlborough International Jazz Festival, and Cheltenham Christian Arts Festival.

In December 2023 the Choir once again performed alongside the inimitable Joe Stilgoe for his Christmas Show at the Hammersmith Lyric whilst in November 2023, the choir joined the LSO and LSOCC onstage at the Barbican under the baton of the great André Thomas for their annual Gospel Explosion

“ Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir, one of the very happiest and best sounds in London’s musical life made it onto the big stage at a full Barbican Hall last night. And triumphed” – London Jazz News

The choir will be performing with their own fabulous rhythm section so expect joyous gospel, infused with infectious soul and funk – not to be missed!

Please click the tabs below for more details and to book tickets

Doors open 6.30pm

Start time 7.30pm until approx 9.30pm

Tickets £15

9 piece Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir with Choir Director Kathy McLeish.

Band - Pete Yarde Martin on Keys; Jonathan Cox on bass guitar, and Jordan Lowe on drums.

St Saviour’s is located in Woodbridge Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4QD.

By Car

Leave the M25 at Junction 10 and take the A3 (Portsmouth Rd/Ripley Bypass) towards Guildford. Leave the A3 to join the A320 / A25 towards Guildford Town Centre. From this direction. the Woodbridge Rd (A322) is a left turn at the Jaguar garage / Magnet kitchens cross roads and St. Saviour’s can be found 3/4 mile down the road, just off the roundabout. There is no parking at the church site however there are car parks located in York Rd, Commercial Street, Leapale Rd and Bedford Rd.

By Bus

Guildford’s main bus station is located 1 minute’s walk away from the front door of St Saviour’s. Local bus route regularly connect with the station as well as out-of-town ‘Park and Ride’ services.

By Train

Guildford is a 38 minute train journey out of central London, on the Waterloo to Portsmouth line. The main Guildford train station is a 5 minute walk from St Saviour’s. The church is a similar distance from the London Road station.

For more information please visit https://st-saviours.org.uk/find-us/

Seating is unreserved , please choose your seats when you arrive

The Pete Roth Trio creates jazz for a new generation of music enthusiasts that look beyond the ordinary jazz conventions. The Trio consists of Mike Pratt on bass and, as special guest, the legendary Bill Bruford on drums.

Please click the tabs below for more details and to book tickets

The event will be held in Growler & Cans craft beer, taproom& bottle shop

Start time 9pm until approx 10.30pm

https://www.growlersandcans.co.uk/

Tickets £15

Pete Roth - guitar

Bass and drums tbc

24 Chertsey Street

Guildford

GU1 4HD

There is some (unreserved) seating, and standing room

Award-winning, multi-horn-playing, and internationally recognised saxophonist Tony Kofi teams up with The Organisation, featuring Liam Dunachie on Hammond organ, Tristan Mailliot on drums, and Simon Fernsby on guitar.

Formed in the early 2000s as the house rhythm section for a selection of residencies in South London and elsewhere, The Organisation combines the bluesy soul jazz side of the Hammond canon with their knowledge of the more modern post-bop side of the repertoire (as typified by Woody Shaw's Moontrane), which works perfectly with Tony's approach to the sax.

Their aim became to play unacknowledged classics, many from the Blue Note repertoire of the 1960s and elsewhere. This approach was validated by the reception received for their 2018 debut album Point Blank (the title taken from the classic 1967 John Boorman film of the same name starring Lee Marvin and Angie Dickinson).

The band performs a hard-hitting selection of tunes in blues, jazz, and funk idioms, including tunes by Pat Martino, Joe Henderson, Joe Sample, and others.

We are delighted to welcome this fantastic band to the 2024 Guildford Jazz and Soul Festival!

“One of today’s hottest and most innovative quartets” — BBC Music Magazine

“A killer band with real bite” — Jazzwise

*** SOLD OUT ***

The performance is in the newly refurbished function room of The Stoke, 103 Stoke Road, Guildford, GU1 4JN

The function room has it’s own entrance, behind the pub, and it’s own toilets and private bar.

There is a small car park outside the pub but we would recommend parking at the Guildford College student car park, Stoke Road GU1 1EZ (located off the Recreation road roundabout). Parking is free after 6pm and is a couple of minutes walk from The Stoke .

Please note there are no physical tickets, just give your name on the door when you arrive.

Doors open from 7.15pm, and the performance starts at 8pm. There will be an interval and there is a licensed bar.

Seating is unreserved cabaret style. - please select your sets when you arrive.

Food is available, order in the main pub with your table number when you order and they’ll deliver it to your table.

If you have any questions please contact us by emailing info@guildfordjazz.org.uk

Full Price £18 /Guildford Jazz members £16

Students £7 / Student Members £5

Tony Kofi - sax

Liam Dunachie - Hammond organ

Tristan Mailliot - drums

Simon Fernsby - guitar.

The performance is i the function room of The Stoke, 103 Stoke Road, Guildford, GU1 4JN

There is a small car park outside the pub but we would recommend parking at the Guildford College student car park, Stoke Road GU1 1EZ (located off the Recreation road roundabout). Parking is free after 6pm and is a couple of minutes walk from The Stoke ..

Seating is reserved cabaret style,

Rising star Emily Masser is an astonishing vocalist. Still just 20 years of age and attending The Guildhall School of Music, her range, variation and seemingly effortless delivery reflect a confidence and ability which belie her years.

As a finalist at the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards and Jazz Newcomer of the Year nominee in the 2021 & 2022 Parliamentary Jazz Awards, Alex Clarke is one of the most in-demand and versatile young reeds players to have emerged on the British jazz scene. Praised for her extensive repertoire list and intelligent ear for harmony, her sound is steeped in the tradition of bebop and her deep respect for the heritage of the music can be heard in a hard-swinging, melodic approach reminiscent of Scott Hamilton and Lester Young, with strong bop influences of Phil Woods and Cannonball Adderley.

With one of the UK’s top pianists. Rob Barron , the ultra-swinging drummer Steve Brown (Scott Hamilton, Barry Harris) and Guildford Jazz’s Marianne Windham on bass.

We are delighted to welcome this fantastic quintet to Guildford Jazz to open our Autumn Season!

++ Pre gig Indo Chinese menu from Mandira’s Kitchen (see menu on the Event Info tab. Please note food orders close on Monday 2nd))

*** SOLD OUT, please contact us if you would like to be notified of any returns, thank you ***

The performance is upstairs in Guildford Pavilion, The Sports Ground, Woodbridge Road, Guildford GU1 4RP

Please note there are no physical tickets, just give your name on the door when you arrive. There’ll be seating reserved for you.

Doors open from 7pm, supper served from 7.15pm, and the performance starts at 8pm. There will be an interval and there is a licensed bar. Seating is cabaret style and there is a lift for disabled access.

++ Pre gig menu from Mandira’s Kitchen:

• Vegetable Spring Rolls

• Calcutta Chilli Chicken or Gobi Manchurian (Cauliflower tossed in a tangy sauce)

• Schezwan Fried Rice

• Prawn/Vegetable Crackers
  

Full Price £20 /Guildford Jazz members £18

Students £7 / Student Members £5

Meals £13

EMILY MASSER

Emily Masser is a 20-year-old jazz singer and saxophonist from Wigan currently studying at London’s Guildhall School of Music. Besides the superb musical education she received at Manchester’s famous Chetham’s School of Music, Emily was also given invaluable guidance in jazz by her father, the highly respected saxophonist Dean Masser.

Emily gained attention and approval from jazz luminaries Claire Martin and Liane Carroll. Her breakthrough came as a member of The Clark Tracey Quintet, with the release of their acclaimed album, "Introducing Emily Masser” consisting of Emily’s arrangements and vocals. This album enhanced her already existing presence on the scene and gained significant support from the jazz community, marking her as a “New star of British jazz”

ALEX CLARKE

As a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards and nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2021 & 2022, Alex is known to be one of the most in-demand and versatile saxophonists to have emerged on the British jazz scene.

Praised for her intelligent ear for harmony and a deep knowledge of repertoire across a broad spectrum of styles, Alex's sound is steeped in the tradition of bebop. Her total respect for the heritage of the music can be heard in a fiery, melodic approach inspired by the likes of Phil Woods, Cannonball Adderley and Vincent Herring.

In summer 2022, she released her quartet's latest album “Only A Year”, which features some of the UK’s finest musicians: David Newton, Dave Green and Clark Tracey. Since then, the Alex Clarke Quartet have gone on to make numerous appearances at jazz clubs and festivals such as Peggy's Skylight, Southport Jazz Festival and Scarborough Jazz Festival.

As well as working as a bandleader, Alex performs alongside many notable names such as Alan Barnes, Bruce Adams and Art Themen, and has worked with prestigious big bands such as The Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra and The Simon Spillett Big Band. She is also a member of The Clark Tracey Quintet, who have an upcoming CD release and tour in Spring 2024.

Outside of jazz, Alex has had much experience playing a variety of music from Ska and Motown, to folk and prog rock. She is equally comfortable working alongside DJs for private and corporate functions. As a session musician, Alex has recorded for projects ranging from folk to Northern soul, including sessions at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London.

As an educator, Alex worked at Warwick School for 3 years as their Music Assistant, as well as tutoring for organisations such as The National Youth Jazz Collective at workshops, Summer Schools and Saxophone Days across the country. She is also available for private tuition online, and in person in the Warwickshire area.. Alex is proud to be an official Vandoren Artist, using their reeds and accessories across all horns.

ROB BARRON

Rob Barron is a first call pianist highly regarded for his improvisational flair, innate musicality and a deft touch that reveal influences inspired by Blue Note greats Cedar Walton, Wynton Kelly and Sonny Clark. His love for the piano came at an early age and quickly developed into a prodigious talent for musical expression, anchored by a deep respect for musical history and culture. Graduating from Leeds College of Music with a BA Hons in Jazz Studies, Rob received the prestigious College Award for Outstanding Performance and went on to gain his Masters Degree in Music Performance at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Rob has flourished in the rich environment of the London jazz scene, entertaining audiences by performing with visiting American and European jazz musicians Phil Woods, Grant Stewart, Patti Austin, Al Jarreau, Marlena Shaw, Dmirty Baevsky, Fabien Mary and John Marshall to name a few. Featuring on many movie soundtracks, most prominently Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby, Rob’s session work includes such names as The BBC Big Band, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Jamie Cullum, Claire Martin, Liane Carroll and Rachel Portman. He has appeared on over than thirty albums. His own piano trio was formed 2012. Performing regularly at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club, their engaging blend of musical creativity led them to open for The Louis Hayes Quartet, The Kenny Barron Trio and Cecile McLorin Salvant. Rob’s album, From This Moment On, released in October 2020 received a 5 star review from BBC Music Magazine, citing “This is classic piano trio jazz at it’s very best.” The album has already had over 7 million plays on digital streaming platforms.

Dedicated to pushing himself to greater heights, Rob regularly dives into the New York scene to study with some of the best pianists in the city, including Mike LeDonne, Michael Weiss, Michael Kanan and David Hazeltine. Rob also spends his time as professor of jazz piano at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

STEVE BROWN

Steve has become one of the most sought after and sensitive drummers in the country and since studying in New York in the early 1990s has worked with almost every major British artist, as well as many visiting American musicians. Steve is a long term colleague of tenor star Scott Hamilton and his studio credits include albums with Stacey Kent, Dave Newton, Andy Panayi and various groups for Alan Barnes's Woodville label.

The performance is upstairs in the Pavilion building at the Guildford County Cricket Club, The Sports Ground, Woodbridge Road, Guildford GU1 4RP

For sat navs please check the postcode takes you to Wharf Road. There’s a car park alongside, entry from Wharf Road. If you’re approaching from Guildford town centre, Wharf Road is on the left just before the Sports Ground. If you’re approaching from the A3/Ladymead there’s no right turn into Wharf Road, but continue to the next roundabout to double back.

The car park next to the Pavilion holds about 40 cars (to enable emergency access, cars can only park in the marked bays). Unless it’s very wet, the overflow car park at the far end of the Cricket ground will be open.

To access the overflow car park, turn left as you come out of Wharf Road and carry on along Woodbridge Road towards the railway bridge, and the entrance to the ground is just before the end of the green fence that runs along the perimeter of the ground, next to the Woodbridge Café.

You might prefer to use one of the larger public car parks which are just a few minutes walk away: the open air Mary Road Car Park (GU1 4QU) or multi-storey Bedford Road Car Park (GU1 4SJ)

Seating is either in front row settees/armchairs, central round tables, or rear high chairs/tables. Seats will be reserved for you when you book. If you’re a Guildford Jazz member, please let us know if you have a seating preference in on the booking form. Notes on the layout:

Front row: Seats 1 to 5 are sofas or armchairs

Middle tables: Tables 6 to 23 and 32 are small tables , each seating 4 (for bookings of 1 or 2 seats, we’ll seat you at a table with others, please let us know if you have friends coming who you’d like to sit with!).

Rear tables: Tables 24 to 29 are tall tables suitable for 2 people, with high stools.

Groups: Table 31 and 32 are suitable for larger group of 6 or more

High stools : 30 and 34 are single high stools (no table) , suitable for 1 to 3 people