The PizzaExpress Jazz Club in London’s Soho is one of the most respected venues in the capital and in December is playing host to such artists as Gwilym Simcock, Judy Carmichael, Antonio Forcione, Acoustic Alchemy and G-Funk.
Located in the heart of the capital in Dean Street customers can enjoy a special experience: live jazz of the highest standard in a unique environment, and delicious pizza.
Tom Cawley and Kit Downes at PizzaExpress (Photo by David Sinclair)
Over the years, many of the world’s finest jazz musicians have taken to the stage here including: Roy Haynes, Kenny Garrett, Martin Taylor, Scott Hamilton and Mose Allison.
With live jazz seven nights a week it has also been a showcase for new talent: Norah Jones, Jamie Cullum, Diana Krall, Brad Mehldau, Amy Winehouse, Danilo Perez, Stacey Kent, Avishai Cohen, Acoustic Alchemy, Peter Cincotti, Peter White and Rokia Traoré have all appeared and dazzled audiences.
The word “Club” relates to the warm atmosphere and comfortable surroundings, not the entrance policy – you do not need to be a member to visit, though they recommend booking in advance.
None of the tables are far from the stage and a state-of-the-art sound system helps make this one of the top jazz venues in the country.
Directions
Dean Street connects two of the most popular areas of the West End, Shaftesbury Avenue and Oxford Street.
The Club is 30 seconds walk west of Soho Square, or one minute walk south down to Dean Street from Oxford Street. The nearest tube station Tottenham Court Road.
You can reach them by phone on 0845 6027 017
For more details and to book go to their official website: www.pizzaexpresslive.co.uk/jazzList.aspx
DECEMBER LISTINGS
The full gig listings for December 2009 are as follows:
TUESDAY 1st DECEMBER 2009 – GWILYM SIMCOCK TRIO WITH GERARD PRESENCER (£15 / Music Students £10)
Gerard Presencer is universally recognised as one of the best trumpet/flugelhorn players in his field. He was first noticed on the world
stage at the age of 18, for his work with Rolling Stones drummer Charlie
Watts, whom he continues to work with; writing, producing and playing.
He is, however, probably best known for his solo work on the 3 million selling album by US3, Hand on the Torch on Blue Note. It is Gerard’s trumpet that is featured so heavily on the big hit of that CD, Cantaloop. On the British Jazz scene, Gerard has won the trumpet category of the British Jazz Awards 4 times, most recently in 2002. Gerard has always played many diverse forms of music. He has recorded with Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. He has recently completed work on a film score with Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead. He has played and written for many others, including Jamiroquai, Ray Charles, Robbie Williams, Joni Mitchell and James Brown. Gerard collaborated on an unplugged project, culminating with a duo performance of ‘Roxanne’ on the BBC’s Top of the Pops with Sting. He is currently working in Copenhagen with the Danish Radio Big Band. Gwilym Simcock (Piano), Yuri Goloubev (Bass), James Maddren (Drums). Special Guest Gerard Presencer (Trumpet)
WEDNESDAY 2nd & THURSDAY 3rd DECEMBER 2009 – GWILYM SIMCOCK TRIO WITH WOLFGANG MUTHSPIEL (£20 / Music Students £10 )
“Muthspiel combines a flawless technique honed by classical training with
a restless musical imagination as likely to derive inspiration from Bach as
from the blues or the Beatles.” The Times
Muthspiel’s tricky compositions (have) an unstoppable groove over which he unveils a solo of Schwarzenegger proportions…These tunes go places, lots of them, and each is more interesting than the last.” The Village Voice
Wolfgang Muthspiel (born March 2, 1965 in Judenburg, Austria) is an
Austrian guitarist and composer most associated with jazz. He started
playing the violin at six and began study of the guitar as a teenager. After studying classical and jazz guitar in Graz, he completed his studies at the New England Conservatory and the Berklee College of Music. His high reputation, even in young years, made him the replacement of Pat Metheny in Gary Burton’s band. In the following years Muthspiel played with several famous jazz greats like Maria Joao, Dave Liebman, Peter Erskine, Paul Motian, Bob Berg, Gary Peacock, Don Alias, Larry Grenadier or John Patitucci. Later a collaboration with famous Norwegian jazz singer Rebekka Bakken followed. In 2002 Muthspiel returned to Vienna, founding his record label Material Records, which focuses on publishing own records as well as those of young aspiring musicians. Besides his own band, the Wolfgang Muthspiel 4tet, he is collaborating with Brian Blade in the project “Friendly Travelers” and with Ralph Towner and Slava Grigoryan in a new Guitar Trio named MGT. In 2003 he won the European Jazz Prize. Gwilym Simcock (Piano), Yuri Goloubev (Bass), James Maddren (Drums). Special Guest Wolfgang Muthspiel (Guitar)
FRIDAY 4th & SATURDAY 5th DECEMBER – JUDY CARMICHAEL (Double Shows – £25)
…‘exhilarating positive pianist …flawless technique’ – New York Times
“fresh, dynamic interpretation of her own” – Washington Post
Vivacious Grammy nominated pianist and Steinway artist Judy Carmichael is one of the world’s leading interpreters of stride piano and swing. Count Basie nicknamed her “Stride”, acknowledging the command with which she plays this technically and physically demanding jazz piano style. Singer-pianist Judy (New York) makes her Maidstone debut ahead of a national tour in a rare intimate solo performance featuring her dazzling keyboard skills and sultry vocals.
SUNDAY 6th UNTIL WEDNESDAY 9th DECEMBER – ANTONIO FORCIONE QUARTET (£20)
“A thrilling journey round the world … passion, grace and fire” - The Times
“One of the great acoustic guitarists” – The Guardian
To lovers of acoustic guitar virtuosity, award-winning Antonio Forcione is the duke, the devil and the pope, all rolled into one. His band, the Antonio Forcione Quartet (AFQ) has been performing all over the world, wowing audiences at sell-out concerts in festivals in countries as far reaching as the Philippines, Australia, Zimbabwe, Barbados, Jamaica, Brunei, New Zealand, Canary Isles, as well as numerous venues in Europe and the UK and at major festivals including Womad (UK & Sicily), consistently receiving the highest 5 star reviews year after year at the Edinburgh festival. Theirs is a truly international line-up. From Brazil, the charismatic master-percussionist Adriano Adewale; from Nigeria/Grenada/UK, the beautiful and talented cellist Jenny Adejayan and last but not least the multi-instrumentalist Australian Nathan Thompson on double bass. Between them they have performed with some of the biggest names in both the pop and jazz world, done countless tours, charity concerts, workshops and albums, all too numerous to mention here.
THURSDAY 10th UNTIL WEDNESDAY 23rd DECEMBER – ACOUSTIC ALCHEMY (£25 / Fri & Sat Double Shows except Fri 11th)
We play a lot of Acoustic Alchemy’s music on Jazz FM – they are one of the Station’s favourite and most popular artists. And I have to say, mine too. If you like their music, like we all do, then don’t miss the chance to see them live.” Richard Wheatley – MD of Jazz FM
About to celebrate their twenty fi fth anniversary in 2010 triple Grammy
nominated transatlantic super group Acoustic Alchemy returns to Dean
Street on December 10th for their traditional slice of Christmas Pizza. Featuring tunes from their eighteen album catalogue they will play
seventeen shows from Dec 10th to Dec 23rd and return on the 31st of
December for a New Years Eve spectacular. Acoustic Alchemy features the twin guitar signature sound of Greg Carmichael and Miles Gilderdale together with Fred White on keys and the Grainger Brothers Gary and Greg on Bass and Drums. These AA Christmas shows are always extremely popular so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
** CLUB CLOSED ON THURSDAY 24th, FRIDAY 25th & SATURDAY 26th DECEMBER 2009 **
SUNDAY 27th UNTIL WEDNESDAY 30th DECEMBER – G-FUNK (£22)
Acoustic Alchemy’s groovy stepchild returns to the PizzaExpress Jazz Club for four sensational shows before getting together with AA for a New Years Eve mega party. With the legendary rhythm section of Greg and Gary Grainger running the engine (Santana, Earth Wind and Fire, Pockets, Whitney Houston etc.) and Miles Gilderdale and Fred White supplying the melody it’s Funk with a capitol G all the way. This year’s special guest vocalist is a real American Superstar. Julia Nixon has not only had a UK no. 1 with “Breakin’ Down”, but has also been the star of the Broadway production of “Dreamgirls” and her formidable four octave voice will provide the perfect accompaniment to the funkiest band in town.
THURSDAY 31st DECEMBER – ACOUSTIC ALCHEMY & G-FUNK (£115 – Including 3 course meal & glass of champagne)
For one of the most exciting – and certainly the biggest – party nights of the year, these two bands come together for a New Year’s Eve Spectacular. The award-winning band continues to win world-wide critical and popular acclaim for their signature guitar instrumentals and intimate musical encounters with Latin, jazz, pop and soul. G-Funk however only know one thing – how to *Party!*. Doors will open at 7.30pm. On arrival you and your guests will be greeted with a glass of Champagne followed by a three-course meal from our menu. What better way can there be to start 2010?
PIZZA ON THE PARK PROGRAMMING – DECEMBER 2009
* Get directions to Pizza On the Park by clicking here *
TUESDAY 1st DECEMBER UNTIL SATURDAY 5th DECEMBER 2009 – RICHARD RODNEY BENNETT & CLAIRE MARTIN (£25)
“World-class” (The Times)
“Style does not go out of style” (The Daily Telegraph)
Direct from rave reviews at New York’s Oak Room the supremely elegant duo Claire Martin and Sir Richard Rodney Bennett make a welcome return with a new show ‘The Best Is Yet To Come’, again paying tribute to legendary Broadway composer Cy Coleman. This season precedes the release of their next CD collaboration ‘Witchcraft’, due for release in 2010.
SUNDAY 6th DECEMBER – LOST SUPPER: HOLLY PENFIELD (£15)
Always admiring female singers, “When I was growing up, I wanted to be a combination of Laura Nyro, Janis Joplin and Joni Mitchell.”
Holly’s UK debut was at the 1992 Edinburgh Fringe with her original and critically acclaimed show “Fragile Human Monster,” which was recorded as a CD. Penfield also promoted her Canadian-released album, “Parts of My Privacy.” Following her Edinburgh success came a string of European dates, including music festivals in France, Italy and Germany; gigs in Istanbul, Munich, Copenhagen, Tel Aviv and Tokyo. At the enormous Budokan Theatre, where Holly competed in the Yamaha Songwriting Festival, she won a motorcycle! She has also appeared with her quintet at Cairo’s legendary Mena Hou Oberoi Hotel, at the base of the Keops Great Pyramid, singing swing at the El Khalifa Room. Holly Penfield comes from a musical lineage; her grandmother Anna Penfield was a classical pianist with the New York Philharmonic Ballet and Opera. Holly’s own serious songwriting talents come to the fore when she delivers her original song, “What Would Love Do?” Her most recent CD “Le Jazz Hot,” recorded live at Pizza on The Park, is available on her website, which also features adventurous visuals.
MONDAY 7th DECEMBER – LOST SUPPER: SCALES OF THE UNEXPECTED (£15)
Scales of the Unexpected Scales cram the entire works of Abba, Madonna and Stock, Atiken and Waterman into their incredible medleys and revisit some of the best-loved (or best-forgotten) One Hit Wonders. Scales of the Unexpected is a barbershop quartet that gives you a whole lot more than a short back and sides. Their hilarious harmonies and deranged dancing make the perfect show for corporate events, parties, awards ceremonies, weddings, cabarets and comedy nights. They pay harmonic homage to the greatest popular music of all time, from Queen to Kate Bush from Take That to Kylie, from U2 to E.T. via the Sound of Music and our favourite movie themes.
TUESDAY 8th DECEMBER – MELINDA HUGHES (£8 Adv / £10 Door)
The Elegant chanteuse Melinda Hughes presents a totally original Cabaret.
Newly written songs about the credit crunch, celebrity, the modern art world and the smoking ban are presented in a jazz style, backed by the K&T Jazz trio. Kiss & Tell will take you on a witty journey of satire, with its routes in 1930’s Weimar Germany.
WEDNESDAY 9th DECEMBER - SO PRODUCTIONS PRESENT ‘SWING INTO CHRISTMAS (£15)
Join So Swing as they perform all the great Rat Pack hits, with a Christmas twist – guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit. So Swing are Emma Morris, Brad Ward & Chris Warden who have performed in venues such as The London Hippodrome & Cafe Royal, and are delighted to be making their Pizza on the Park debut. Accompanied by the So Swing Trio.
THURSDAY 10th DECEMBER – SATURDAY 12th DECEMBER: DOMINIC ALLDIS (£15)
“It’s rare to find a pianist-singer with a style so finely integrated that it’s hard to think of voice and piano as separate elements… We’re lucky to have him.” Dave Gelly, The Observer
In this pre-Christmas show, Dominic celebrates the Great American Songbook as well as cabaret classics by Dave Frishberg, Noel Coward and Flanders & Swan. He will be accompanied by a stellar rhythm section, Dave Mannington on bass & Tristan Maillot on drums, with special guest saxophonist Alex Garnett on Friday and Saturday. Dominic Alldis (piano & vocals), Dave Mannington (double bass), Tristan Maillot (drums) & [Friday & Saturday] Alex Garnett (saxophone).
SUNDAY 13th DECEMBER: FLAMIN’ DAMES (£15)
The fabulous Flamin’ Dames salute Judy Garland and Pizza on the Park veteran star, Richard Rodney Bennett in a feast of classics, unusual gems & unique vocal arrangements from such giants as Rodgers and Hart, Kurt Weill, Harold Arlen and Stephen Sondheim. Vocal duo, Flamin’ Dames (Helen Whittington & Hilary Fisher) accompanied on the piano by the virtuosic Nikhil Dally have delighted audiences throughout the UK in concerts sponsored by the Arts Council’s Rural Touring Scheme. In October 2007 they toured the Scottish Highlands & Islands as well as performing at Aberdeen’s Community Arts Festival, “Aberfest” hosted by the Lemon Tree Theatre. In 2008 they were one of the acts attracting attention at Brighton Festival Fringe. “Must be a contender for fringe moment of 2008” said “Unlimited Media”.
MONDAY 14th DECEMBER – LOST SUPPER: FRISKY & MANNISH (£15)
Their interpretation of [these] iconic Western standards sheds new light on hitherto undiscovered subtextual meanings within even the most banal of lyrics from the likes of Madonna, Meat Loaf and the Pussycat Dolls.
When they arrived in London, hot off their critically-acclaimed sell-out European cabaret tour, cabaret curiosities Frisky and Mannish found it quite hard to settle in. Material that had completely stormed in Armenia was being received with polite yet disdainful silence by English audiences. They needed to work fast, so they went to www.guitartabs.com and downloaded a selection of famous pop song chords with the intention of crossing over on to the mainstream music scene. The rumours are true. They have arrived. No touching.
THURSDAY 17th UNTIL SATURDAY 19th DECEMBER – GARY WILLIAMS (£20)
Internationally acclaimed vocalist Gary Williams brings a Rat Pack infused shot of Yuletide cheer to Pizza on the Park with a very special series of performances of his acclaimed show ‘A Swingin’ Christmas’. With his ease of delivery and immaculate phrasing Gary epitomises the charm, charisma and suave musicality of the swing era. Gary first shot to public attention appearing with the BBC Big Band, thus launching a stellar career that has seen him perform worldwide as a featured soloist with big bands and concert orchestras, appear on radio and television, release nine solo recordings to date, entertain at Buckingham Palace for the Prince of Wales and contribute over 150 starring performances on the West End stage in the international hit ‘The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas’. Internationally acclaimed vocalist Gary Williams brings a Rat Pack infused shot of Yuletide cheer to Pizza on the Park with a very special series of performances of his acclaimed show ‘A Swingin’ Christmas’. With his ease of delivery and immaculate phrasing Gary epitomises the charm, charisma and suave musicality of the swing era.
Gary first shot to public attention appearing with the BBC Big Band, thus launching a stellar career that has seen him perform worldwide as a featured soloist with big bands and concert orchestras, appear on radio and television, release nine solo recordings to date, entertain at Buckingham Palace for the Prince of Wales and contribute over 150 starring performances on the West End stage in the international hit ‘The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas’.
SUNDAY 20th DECEMBER – GEORGIA MANCIO WITH IAN SHAW (£15)
“Marvel at the way Mancio’s rhythmic grasp never fails her in such a variety of groove and swing. She is, without question, the real thing.” – Jazz UK
“A performer of character, conviction, and relaxed virtuosity” – The Guardian ****
“Ian Shaw…my tears were real…you cannot download this” – The Observer
“disarmingly witty and blessed with a connection so deep and powerful, it can pin you to your seat” – The Independent
Award-winning rising-star vocalist, Georgia Mancio, invites one of the world’s premiere jazz talents, Ian Shaw, to mark the end of the year and her first decade as a professional. Georgia has supported Cedar Walton and Steve Smith at Ronnie Scott’s and performed with: Sheila Jordan; Liane Caroll and the Frank Griffith Nonet. Her first collaboration with Ian at The True Jazz Voice (2008) led to duo performances at Pizza Express Jazz Club and North Devon Festival and most recently as part of a choir formed by Ian and led by the legendary Bobby McFerrin (Meltdown 2009). Tonight’s special performance showcases Ian’s incredible BBC award-winning skills as both vocalist; writer and pianist as heard on his long-awaited solo album, Somewhere Towards Love (Splash Point Records): a collection of slightly askew love songs from Eubie Blake’s Memories of You to the allegorical hymn Into My Arms by Nick Cave. Into this mix come Georgia’s sublime jazz and Latin American influences from her 2008 release, Trapeze, newly written material from her forthcoming album, Silhouette, (which will feature Ian) and notwithstanding a festive classic or two.
MONDAY 21st DECEMBER – ANNEMARIE BORG PRESENTS ‘COLOURS OF TIME’ WITH GUITARIST NICOLAS MEIER (£20)
“Music is a form of expression that transcends prejudices and taboos. In this global, changing and troubled world, music is in constant motion as we are ourselves, it touches all and reaches deep within, boundaries are easier to break, cultures and generations meet…” – Annemarie Borg
An evening of world music from yesterday to now. Bringing together their international backgrounds, their openness to many different styles, with some original material from their new releases. Some jazz, some blues, some folksongs, and electronica. With Gabriel Keen (piano) Dave Suttle (Bass) and flamenco guitarist Jorge Bravo.
TUESDAY 22nd DECEMBER – IN THE CHRISTMAS WITH SHONA LINDSAY & GLYN KERSLAKE (£15)
Join two of the West End’s foremost musical theatre stars for an intimate celebration of festive cheer. Shona Lindsay and Glyn Kerslake met whilst playing Christine and The Phantom in the London production of “The Phantom of the Opera”. This Christmas they reunite for an evening filled with original arrangements of Yuletide classics and a selection of well-loved popular songs.
WEDNESDAY 23rd DECEMBER – MANHATTAN SWING WITH FRANK SINATRA (£20)
Manhattan Swing return to Pizza on the Park featuring international vocalist Paul Holgate (”So Sinatra”) as Frank Sinatra. Following sell-out appearances, Manhattan Swing is one of the leading modern Big Bands in the UK, comprising the finest musicians in the country and led by renowned bandleader Toby Cruse. They play to packed venues all over London and the home counties and regularly make appearances abroad. Paul is one of the leading Sinatra impersonators (c. 1953 to 1965) in the world, capturing the essence of Frank in an “uncanny” way. Together, they perfectly recreate one of the most stylish periods in American music history. Incorporating all the classics from the roaring sounds of “The Lady Is A Tramp” to the hit finger-snapping “I Get A Kick Out Of You” to the heart-wrenching torch song “One For My Baby”, this show is a rare treat for real Sinatra fans and casual observers alike. Book early to avoid disappointment.
THURSDAY 31st DECEMBER – SO PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS SWING INTO THE NEW YEAR (£85 inc. a glass of bubbly on arrival, three course dinner, party novelties and cabaret)
PizzaOnThePark will be ‘Swinging’ into the New Year with So Swing as they perform their unique, polished and witty cabaret featuring a mixture of great Rat Pack hits and well known classics. Accompanied by the So Swing Trio
Doors open 8pm, Carriages 12.30am
THE PHEASANTRY
* Get directions to The Pheasantry by clicking here *
FRIDAY 4th DECEMBER – THE ANGELITA JIMENEZ BAND (£12.50)
“Angelita is a bewitching, beguiling songstress for sure” – Emrys Baird, Blues and Soul.com
Angelita is a singer and composer from Brazil. Playing guitar from a very young age she has mastered her sound which combines contemporary Bossa Nova and Samba influences. Her vocals are warm and silky combining traditional and the contemporary effortlessly both in English and Portuguese. Angelita has a truly mesmerising quality when she performs. As well as a natural beauty her musical style transcends all audiences. Often compared to Norah Jones and Katie Melua she has her own unique style.
SATURDAY 4th DECEMBER UNTIL SATURDAY 5th DECEMBER – EARL GREEN AND THE RIGHT TIME (£12.50)
“There’s surely no more soulful singer than Earl Green in this country.” – Juke Blues Magazine
Earl Green is the premier blues voice in the UK. Digital Blues voted him best UK Male vocal in 2004. He has been twice voted best vocalist by the British Blues Connection. Blues. DJ Paul Jones described him as delivering “great vocal performances.” Born in Jamaica he came to Britain on his thirteenth birthday. Raised in Lewisham he saw T Bone Walker and a host of blues giants in London’s clubs. A founder member of Otis Grand and the Dance Kings he recorded two albums Always Hot and He Knows the Blues. In 2000 Earl joined Paul Lamb and the King Snakes. Earl is a prolific and excellent songwriter. His debut solo album Feel the Fire (Abacabe Records ABACA CD 002) featured WC Handy award winner Joe Louis Walker.
FRIDAY 11th DECEMBER – TONY MOMRELLE (£12.50)
Tony Momrelle is a charismatic soul singer and songwriter, one of the most exciting and significant musicians on modern British stage. Tony has toured with some of the greatest artists in the world such as Elton John, Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion and Janet Jackson. His talent and drive impressed Incognito’s, Bluey so much that as result he offered him the job as the lead male vocalist of the famous British Acid-jazz band. Prior to his stint with the renowned Incognito Tony was already a solo recording artist who had released two studio albums under his name. Music critics such as John Rockwell and Paul Morley consider Momrelle as the new Stevie Wonder of the 21st century because of his similarity to the music legend’s vocal vibe. While on tour with Incognito in Japan Tony got a surprise phone call from Stevie Wonder who said he loved his voice and was a fan of the band.
SATURDAY 12th DECEMBER - IOTA featuring DAVE CLAYTON (£12.50)
Dave came to Simply Red on the Home album. He was a band member of ABC for three years and has also toured with George Michael, Marc Almond and Jason Donovan to name a few. He has recorded with the likes of U2, Bob Marley, Sinead O’Connor, Depeche Mode, Paul McCartney, George Michael/Elton John, The Beloved and Robbie Williams. Wearing his producer hat he has worked with Take That (Babe), The Human League, Kraftwerk, Les Mckeown and Lenny Henry. He also has writing credits for Sinead O’Connor, Bomb the Bass, Michael Hutchence and ABC. Dave is an immensely talented musician and composer. His solo project Iota provides gorgeous rhythms and driving jazz funk. Expect a fabulous night of serious grooving.
This Sunday we have a musical birthday celebration from Maze to wish Frankie Beverley a happy birthday. On the first Sunday of our dance month three selections aimed to keep dancing feet nice and fresh plus cuts from the mature and fresh side of the music garden.
This week and throughout December, I’ll be playing my pick of the best jazz and soul of 2009. We’re certainly spoilt for choice as this has been one of the best years for good new music for a long time.
