Chill out and get your groove on as another month of cool jazz music gets underway at Barnes Bull’s Head pub.
The pub, in Lonsdale Road, has a proud history of hosting some of the greatest talents ever to swing the microphone and while the temperatures outside may be falling - inside things are hotting up nicely.
Things kick off this Thursday (4) with Rick Laughlin’s Electet in which the keyboard wizzard’s eight-piece funky Latin Jazz collective featuring Rob Hughes and Stewart Curtis on tenor saxophone, Simon Bates, alto, Graham Flowers, trumpet, Richard Pywell, trombone, Paul Carmichael, bass and Simon Pearson, drums take to the stage.
Featuring Rick Laughlin’s original arrangements and compositions, the band is made up of some of London’s finest musicians from both the jazz and pop worlds who have appeared at major venues around the globe and whose playing credits include Ronnie Scott, ABC, Loose Tubes, Michael Buble, Bette Midler, Alan Holdsworth and Rick Astley.
Show time is 8.30pm Tickets £8 in advance and £10 on the door
Next up the following day (Friday) is Richie Milton & The Lowdown featuring Linda Hall: With six well received albums to his name, singer/songwriter and guitarist Milton and his band are always in demand for festivals all over Europe.
His driving Rhythm and Blues sound mixes up Southern Soul and Chicago Blues with just a touch of New Orleans funk and a dash of Latin all stirred and shaken to produce some of the best swinging, jumping Rhythm & Blues you have heard for a long time.
Bobby Bland meets Joe Tex with a hint of Percy Mayfield.
Show time 8.30pm Tickets £8 in advance and £10 on the door
Then a week on Saturday (13) fans are in for a treat as Reuben Richards Connection, one of the best performance artists in the country, comes to town.
Reuben’s extraordinary voice and charismatic stage presence has made him a must see performer in today’s live music arena. Best known for his work with Reuben Richards & The Soul Train, one of the most celebrated bands on the International and UK circuits, the charismatic singer’s new venture, Reuben Richard’s Connection, is a new and exciting departure reflecting his very special talent.
Drawing on a wide sphere of influences, with musical nods to Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and Otis Redding, together with his own unique style, this crossover Soul and Blues singer will be debuting original songs from his forthcoming album, Taking A Chance, a potent blend of Gospel tinged, Memphis influenced, Blues, Soul and R&B.
The much sought after vocalist, who over the years has appeared with artists such as Dr John, Steve Cropper, Ike Turner, Pee Wee Ellis and Otis Grand, will be performing with his new cutting edge six piece line-up featuring the highly acclaimed keyboard player Christian Vaughan (ex-Crusaders).
Show time 8.30pm Tickets £10/£12
On Thursday September 18 prepare for Trio Manouche: Very Hot and Very Swing. The UK’s leading Gypsy Swing ensemble perform inspired re-worked classics of Django Reinhardt in addition to their own highly acclaimed material penned by their band leader Simon Harris, bringing a unique and highly contemporary twist to this ever more popular genre.
Plaudits from fellow music legends include Sting who said: “Excellent, I was hooked after just 8 bars. Your band swings beautifully”
And KT Tunstall who added: “I love this band, amazing musicianship and a great vibe” Show time 8.30pm
Tickets £10 in advance & £12 on the door
Finally for now diary in the Sunday September 21 for Sunday Lunchtime Sessions (2pm) with Tyger Tyger: A scintillating cocktail of Django Reinhardt influenced Hot Club De Paris, with a touch of the Temperance Seven and a dash of Charlie Christian playing a sparkling selection of Swing Jazz & Blues classics, with an irreverent off the wall Jazz humour. Featuring Swing Guitar Supremo, Charles Alexander, John Bayley, Guitar, Vocals & pithy anecdotes, Dave Moses, Double Bass & Harmony Vocals and Olly Wilby on Clarinet & Saxophone Show time 8.30pm
Tickets £8/£10
