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Here are all the listings for the Pizza Express, Dean Street, in London’s Soho, for May 2012.
To buy tickets for any of the shows, visit the Pizza Express website.
Tuesday 1st May 2012
Sacha Boutros
£20
Direct from the US internationally acclaimed vocalist Sacha Boutros returns to Dean Street in a rare appearance this side of the Atlantic to celebrate her new CD, “Sacha, Live in Hawaii.” One of the freshest and loveliest voices in jazz and no stranger to audiences from Hawaii to Japan, San Diego native and New York City transplant Sacha Boutros – of Mexican and Lebanese descent has made many public appearances and enjoyed the growing popularity of a rising star with her multi-lingual, four-octave, classical-Latin range. Sacha has had the pleasure of performing with and opening alongside such artists as: Julio Iglesias, Marvin Hamlisch, Patti Austin, Chubby Checker, James Moody, Ann Hampton Callaway, Claudio Roditi, Red Holloway, Karrin Allyson, Terrell Stafford, Frankie Laine, Geoffrey Keezer, Chuchito Valdes, Kay Star, Patty Paige, Herb Jeffries, Jeff Goldblum, and countless other jazz greats.
Rob Rickenberg (Bass) and Paul Elldridge (Piano).
Wednesday 2nd May 2012
Ken Peplowski
£17.50
Virtuoso of all musical styles and arguably the jazz world’s best bridge between the swing era and today. As the late Mel Torme said “the man is magic”. The NY Times wrote “Ken’s Goodman straight up, with a twist of lightning”. Ken is an outstanding clarinet and saxophone player and a charismatic entertainer who delights audiences throughout the world with his warmth, wit and musicianship. Accompanied by three of his favourite musicians this is a rare chance to hear him in London – Book early.
‘Melodic intrigue and swing era bravura’ – The Guardian.
With John Pearce piano, Dave Chamberlain bass and Steve Brown drums.
Thursday 3rd May 2012
Shez Raja ft Soweto Kinch and Jay Phelps
£17.50
Dynamic bass guitar virtuoso Shez Raja leads a stellar line-up of international jazz stars including Soweto Kinch and Jay Phelps. Together they’ll be performing tracks from Raja’s highly acclaimed new album, Mystic Radikal (33 Records) recorded with Andy Sheppard and Claude Deppa. The Collective’s live show is an eclectic headcharge of raw energy and always leaves audiences uplifted, inspired and asking for more. Expect exciting music that evokes all of the emotions – a mix of euphoric jazz, thundering funk, lyrical ballads and intoxicating grooves.
“The music got me wondering where the Mahavishnu Orchestra would be now if they’d been led by Jaco Pastorius; Yep, it’s that good!” – FlyGlobal Music.
Shez Raja (bass guitar), Soweto Kinch (alto sax), Jay Phelps (trumpet), Aaron Liddard (alto sax), Pascal Roggen (electric violin), Alex Stanford (keyboards), Chris Nickolls (drums)
Friday 4th May 2012
Shez Raja ft Denys Baptiste and Shabaka Hutchings
£17.50
Saturday 5th – Friday 11th May 2012 (Double Show Fri & Sat)
Brian Culbertson
£30 (Fri & Sat 1st Show) / £28.50 (Sat 2nd Show & Sun) / £25 (Mon-Tue) / £26.50 (Thu)
Brian Culbertson is a chart topping, multi talented instrumentalist and keyboard maestro, who is a true Smooth Jazz superstar. Sky fm Smooth Jazz are delighted to welcome him back to Pizza Express Jazz Club, after his record breaking visits of the past two years. Brian’s dynamic performance style is legendary and not to be missed.
With Brian will be Simply Red’s Mark Jaimes (guitar), Andy Whitmore (keyboards), Derek Nash (saxophone), Marc Parnell (drums) and Otto Williams (bass).
Saturday 12th May 2012 (Double Show)
The Snake Davis Band
£20
Not heard Snake Davis playing before? You could be mistaken. Recently interviewed on The One Show, he’s performed with legends such as James Brown to Take That; Dionne Warwick to Primal Scream as well as M-People, Heather Small and Lisa Stansfield.
Expect to hear anything from jazz standards to Michael Jackson or Prince with lots of tunes in-between; soul, funk, jazz, chill ambient. Listening to Snake in concert is a moving, soulful experience. Snakes’ musicians perform with the same flawless perfection; their relaxed style brings a sense of fun to the evening with a rapport and enthusiasm that’s infectious.
Snake Davis on saxes, flute, whistle and shakuhachi, Paul Birchall on keys, Simon Goulding on Bass Guitar, Ali Thynne on Drums.
Sunday 13th May 2012 – Lunch
Zoe Schwarz: Blue Commotion
£10
Featuring established jazz musicians stamping their personality on blues flavoured tunes delving as far back as Willie Dixon, Billie Holiday and Muddy Waters, and reaching forward via some originals penned by Zoë and Rob Koral. The band plays with a jazz sensibility and return to PizzaExpress Dean Street (for a Sunday lunch-time special) as part of a tour in support of the acclaimed Blue Commotion album released in September 2011. The musicians include Paddy Milner on piano, Paul Robinson on drums, Steve Thompson on double-bass, band leader Rob Koral on guitar, and the captivating and highly individual vocals of Zoë Schwarz.
‘Eye catching jazz vocals meet sumptuous guitar’ – Guitarist Magazine, Jan 2012.
Sunday 13th May 2012 – Evening
Worshipful Company of Musicians Jazz Winner’s Gig: Lewis Wright Quartet
£15
Lewis Wright is an exciting young vibraphonist on the jazz scene. In 2011 he graduated from Trinity College of Music with First Class Honours and later that year at the Soho Jazz Club won the Worshipful Company of Musicians Young Jazz Competition. Lewis said: “The WCOM jazz prize is a great opportunity for young musicians to showcase their music at a top venue. It’s really fantastic to have their support”. He returns with his own band, the Lewis Wright Quartet, which includes Nathaniel Facey (2010) and Sebastian Forbes (2009) both former winners of the WCOM Young Jazz Competition!
Lewis Wright (Vibraphone), Nathaniel Facey (Alto Saxophone), Tom Farmer (Bass), Shane Forbes (Drums)
Monday 14th May 2012
Jazz “Up West” with Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
Tickets: £15 (£10 for Trinity Laban Students)
An evening featuring four small groups from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, comprising some of Britain’s most accomplished young jazz talent.
The bands play a range of styles of jazz; from the modern straight-ahead, swinging Quartet with Leo Aarons Richardson to the rising trumpet star Laura Jurd’s quartet featuring the extraordinary Elliot Galvin. Saxophonists Chris and Huw Morgan’s quintet are hip and modern, yet informed by the jazz tradition, while the “Ellington in Anticipation Project” features the Duke’s music, beautifully reconsidered and arranged by Mark Lockheart.
The Leo Aarons-Richardson Quartet plus…Noemi Nuti
The Laura Jurd / Elliot Galvin Duo
The Morgans, featuring Huw and Chris Morgan
Ellington in Anticipation, directed by Mark Lockheart
Leo Aarons-Richardson Quartet plus…Noemi Nuti
Leo Aarons-Richardson (tenor sax), Sam James (piano), Nick Ereaut (bass), Peter Hill (drums), Noemi Nuti (vocal)
The Laura Jurd / Elliot Galvin Duo
Elliot Galvin (piano), Laura Jurd (trumpet)
The Morgans, featuring Huw and Chris Morgan
Huw Morgan (alto), Chris Morgan (tenor), Elliot Galvin (piano), Ollie Hopkins (bass), Alex McManus (drums)
“Ellington in Anticipation” directed by Mark Lockheart
Jonathan Murray (trumpet), Max Johnson (alto sax), Felix Cox (bass clarinet), Filipe Monteiro (guitar), Chris Eldred (piano), Loz Garrett (double bass), Corrie Dick (drums)…Directed by Mark Lockheart.
Tuesday 15th May 2012
Lea DeLaria’s Wall2Wall: The Swinging 60′s Songbook with Special Guest Ian Shaw
£20
On this Wall2Wall Songbook event at PizzaExpress, Lea covers The Swinging 60′s Songbook, with vocalist Ian Shaw as Special Guest, and a brilliant line-up including pianist and musical director Janette Mason, Simon Little on bass and Mark Fletcher on drums. Reserve early at Wall2Wall, the seating sells out, the music never does!
Lea DeLaria has distinguished herself in every form of entertainment that she touches: jazz musician, Broadway diva, actor, writer and stand-up comic. The New York Times describes her as “Every inch a star.” Lea’s Warner Bros. albums including: ‘Play It Cool’, ‘Double Standards’, ‘The Very Best Of Lea DeLaria’, ‘The Live Smoke Session’ and ‘Be A Santa’, have confirmed her as an outstanding vocalist, with rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic.
Wednesday 16th May 2012
The Carpathian Inflammable Shadow Puppet Orchestra
£12
They’re not from Carpathia, and unless you pour lighter fluid all over them, they will only ignite musically. You won’t see a shadow puppet on stage and they’re more of a quartet than an orchestra, but don’t let this put you off, for when they take to the stage their combined musical force has been known to tear a hole in the space time continuum releasing a thousand zulu space warriors. In fact If Carlsberg made classical prog folk funk music it would probably sound like this. The band consists of Dr Goat Foot, a virtuosic six string bass playing Mexican drug mule. Gary O’Toole, the greatest drummer ever to break the woman’s high jump record while eating a sandwich. Barbara Bartz, a flame haired Polish violin wielding temptress that once played for Bulgarian royalty using a violin made entirely from cheese, and Jane South, who’s enchanting flute melodies earned her a place in record breaking history for the most snakes charmed in one go at the 2008 New Delhi synchronized snake charming festival.
Dr Goat Foot (Bass), Gary O’Toole (Drums), Barbara Bartz (Violin), Jane South (Flute)
Thursday 17th & Friday 18th May 2012
Jorge Vercillo
£25
With over 1.5 million CDs and DVDs sold in over 15 years of his career, Jorge Vercillo is now a hit maker and a very sought composer. So far, Vercillo released 7 CDs and 3 DVDs winning Platinum, Gold Discs 3 and 2 Latin Grammy nominations (2007 and 2009). His songs have been recorded both by new exponents, and by big names in our music, like Ana Carolina, Maria Bethania, Caetano Veloso, Leila Pinheiro, Luisa Possi, Danilo Caymmi, Pedro Mariano, Jorge Aragão, Peri Ribeiro, among others.
In 1993, it as a chance to record their debut album, “O encontro das Águas” produced by Renato Correa. The album was well received and two songs from the repertoire become radio hits in the whole country and two other songs has been part of the trail of TV Globo novels. Packaged by the good effect of his debut album, Jorge Vercillo launches the CD “In all that is beautiful” in 1996, bringing experiments and mergers with world music.
Jorge Vercillo (Singer-Composer and Guitarist), Claudio Infante (Drums), Andre Neiva (Bass).
Saturday 19th May 2012
Tommy Blaize Band
£17.50
The Tommy Blaize Band are the most famous UK group you never knew you knew. Drawing its members from the Strictly Come Dancing house band, the group routinely perform week after week to millions of viewers on the BBC’s primetime weekend show. Now after years earning a reputation as some of the most accomplished session musicians in the business, the group are set to step into the limelight in their own right with their own material, after the clamour from fans of the show (and even Sir Bruce Forsyth) became too much to ignore. Led by truly phenomenal lead singer Tommy Blaize, who has collaborated with everyone from Basement Jaxx and Stevie Wonder to Amy Winehouse and Robbie Williams, the list of legendary names that Tommy and his band mates David Arch (keyboards), Paul Dunne (guitar), Andy Caine (guitar), Trevor Barry (bass) and Ian Thomas (drums) have worked with simply reads like a who’s who of music. Co-Produced by Grammy nominated producer Steve Price, ‘Don’t Ya Love Life’ features twelve original tracks penned by the group that are simply so instantly ‘classic’, you find yourself wondering why you’ve never heard them before, or if you maybe even had that first dance with the love of your life to their music!
Sunday 20th May 2012
Georgia Mancio and James Pearson
£15
“an exceptionally gifted artist. He shows signs of true greatness” – Sir John Dankworth.
A rare chance to hear this stunning duo of award-winning jazz vocalist, lyricist and producer, Georgia Mancio, and pianist, composer and Musical Director of Ronnie Scott’s Club, James Pearson. Both artists have worked across an impressive range of musical genres: Georgia has performed with jazz luminaries Bobby McFerrin, Sheila Jordan, Ian Shaw and Gwilym Simcock; and James with Paul McCartney, Wynton Marsalis, the Philharmonic and BBC Concert Orchestra. Tonight, following on from their astonishing debut at the club in October – part of Georgia’s international voice festival, ReVoice! – their programme encompasses The Beatles, Lionel Bart, Tom Jobim, David Bowie, Rodgers and Hart, Chick Corea alongside Italian and Latin American folk songs.
A very special evening not to be missed.
Monday 21st May 2012
Royal Academy of Music PG Jazz Composers Octet
£15
Some of the most exciting players on the UK scene have come from the Royal Academy of Music’s thriving jazz course, including Gwilym Simcock, Ivo Neame, Jasper Hoiby and Kit Downes. Tonight sees the current Postgraduate students Jazz Composers Octet take the stage in a programme of their own music, under the guidance of Jazz Composition Professor, Pete Churchill. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch what is, if history is anything to go by, sure to be the next crop of jazz stars for the future.
“It is a great privilege to bring this incredible band to one of London’s most exciting venues. These are players of the very highest calibre writing innovative and personal music, what better place to showcase it than here at Dean Street Pizza Express!” – Nick Smart (Head of Jazz, Royal Academy of Music).
Paola Bottomley (voice), Christodoulos Aspromallis (trumpet), Matthew Herd and Rob Cope (reeds), Tom Green (trombone), Alex Roth and John Arman (guitar), Pete Lee, Tom Millar and Sam Watts (piano), Chris Hyson (bass), JJ Wheeler and Dave Smyth (drums).
Photo of Matthew Herd is courtesy of RAM.
Tuesday 22nd May 2012
Dave Ohm’s Unit Of Resistance featuring Nigel Hitchcock
£15
Drummer Dave Ohm is described as a “Powerhouse” (Time Out) and “Splendidly
Inventive” (Metro).
He has worked with Benny Golson, Gregory Porter, Claire Martin, Ian Shaw, The Ronnie Scotts Allstars & Georgia Mancio. A night of joyful improvisation and energy is guaranteed. Dave has put together a formidable Quartet, with Nigel Hitchcock on sax (Ray Charles, Stan Tracey, Robbie Williams), guitarist and producer Paul Stacey (Tommy Smith, Gary Husband, Tom Jones, Oasis, Black Crowes) and big band leader and bassist Laurence Cottle (Pee Wee Ellis, Bill Bruford, Jim Mullen). They will be playing material from Victor Feldman to Bill Stewart.
Wednesday 23rd May 2012
Ciyo’s Jazz Guitar Collective featuring Jim Mullen
£15
From early beginnings having first been taught to play the guitar at the age of nine by his father, Ciyo has participated musically in theatrical, studio recordings and live performances alongside a parade of internationally acclaimed artists. Ciyo has toured with Courtney Pine, Byron Wallen, Ronnie Laws, Billy Paul, Jean Toussaint, Maxi Priest, Beres Hammond, Horace Andy, Cleveland Watkiss, Steel Pulse and a host of others. He counts quality time spent with George Benson as amongst his most inspiring experiences to date.
Jim Mullen is one of the finest jazz guitarists in the UK with an International reputation that keeps his diary full whenever top US jazz stars ranging from Gene Harris to Jimmy Smith, Mose Allison and Terry Callier are touring in the UK and Europe. Jim started out in the late 60′s and early 70′s, playing and recording with rock bands including Pete Brown’s Piblokto, Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express, Vinegar Joe and Robert Palmer. For Nigerian born Femi Temowo who first came to the UK in 1986 with very little English – music became the language through which he could communicate, express himself and bridge the gap between his old roots and his new home. After learning the guitar aged 17, he launched into a BA degree at Middlesex University in Jazz during the daytime, while at night he immersed himself within the London jazz scene, trying to get his face and sound known around town.
Ciyo Brown, Jim Mullen & Femi Temowo (Guitars), Winston Clifford (Drums), Oli Hayhurst (Double Bass).
Thursday 24th May 2012
James Morton’s Porkchop
£20
Following his sold out concert at the PizzaExpress, Soho during the London Jazz Festival 2011, James returns to the venue to preview material from his new album to be released in September 2012. Expect another sizzling performance from this virtuoso Alto-Saxophonist supported by a stellar line-up musicians.
James Morton (Alto Sax), Denny Illett (Guitar), Dan Moore (Hammond Organ), Simon Lea (Drums).
Friday 25th May 2012
Artist Liaison Services Presents: Angelita Jimenez
£17.50
Brazilian born singer/songwriter and composer Angelita Jimenez, is fast establishing herself in the UK music scene for her stunning soft vocal delivery, perfect for her Brazilian Music style. She has built a strong name for herself after a few sell out gigs, two of which were at PizzaExpress Dean Street, 606 Club, London Latin Music Festival, opening acts such as the James Taylor Quartet, Jazz FM’s Discovery Show and appearing in her own SKY TV series about Brazilian Music. She will also in 2012 be appearing in her first project as an actress called Rooms The Movie, where she gets to perform in the movie some of her own compositions. Early booking is highly recommended:
‘Amazing’ – Mike Vitti (Jazz FM)
‘Alluring’ (Time Out)
Kiris Houston (piano/keys/guitar), Moyses dos Santos (Bass), Fabio de Oliveira (Drums), Filipe Monteiro (acoustic/electric guitar).
Saturday 26th May 2012
Czech Music Direct Presents: Christian Tamburr ‘Places’ Album Launch
£17.50
In recent years Christian Tamburr has reinvented the vibraphone, an instrument he began playing in his early teens. He is also a pianist, and has worked as musical director for Julio Iglesias. Among the Jazz greats Christian has performed with are – Dave Brubeck, Ira Sullivan, Clark Terry, James Moody, Art Van Damm and Marcus Printup. With His Quartet, Christian Tamburr has performed around America and Europe. He’s thrilled to be making his UK debut and launching his new CD ‘Places’ at the PizzaExpress Jazz Club, Dean Street. Christian Tamburr is a multi-instrumentalist, accomplished on the piano and trapset as well as world and orchestral percussion. However, his true talent is exhibited on his instrument of choice, the vibraphone. Confirmed when Downbeat Magazine awarded him “Outstanding Solo Jazz Performer”. In 2008 Christian joined Cirque du Soliel as a Musical Director for a new production to be opened in Macao China. Christian currently holds the principle residency as pianist at the Aria Resort and Casino at City Center in Las Vegas NV.
Christian Tamburr (Vibraphone), Takana Miyamoto (Piano), Enzo Zirilli (Drums) and Mark Hodgeson (Bass).
Sunday 27th May 2012 – Lunch
Triplicate: Free Lunch Show – Soho Flea Market Festival 2012
Triplicate is an exciting new trio, taking popular songs from a variety of genres and creating contemporary arrangements that are both hip and humorous, Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” for instance, and often off-the-cuff for that extra bit of edge! Although only three members, they produce a sound that’s more in keeping with a quartet.
They can cater for any event, having already been seen at an OK Magazine party, The London Food Awards, The PizzaExpress Facebook Winners Party and a number of public venues.
Triplicate is comprised of Alexander Bennett (Piano and bass keyboard), Andy Lewis (Vocals and Flugelhorn/trumpet) and Jamie Trowell or Henry Tyler (Drum Kit and Backing Vocals).
Sunday 27th May 2012
Jamie Moore & Dave Reay
£15
Jamie Moore and Dave Reay share a passion for the guitar that shines through in every style they play. Whether it’s Latin, swing standards, original compositions, gypsy or acoustic favourites their infectious interaction gives that little bit extra. As well as their featured acoustic work, this dynamic guitar duo switch to electric guitars for that classic, mellow jazz guitar sound often topped off with smooth vocals from Jamie.
With Andee Price (bass) and John Willis (drums / percussion). Canadian born UK-based Jamie Moore is an exceptionally versatile guitarist / vocalist and composer. He is pleased to be returning to the PizzaExpress Jazz Club this time with virtuosic Kent based guitarist/composer Dave Reay. Jamie and Dave teamed up just over two years ago and are currently recording their first CD.
Monday 28th May 2012
Will Butterworth Trio
£15
Critically acclaimed pianist Will Butterworth performs his new jazz suite “The Nightingale and the Rose” with his trio. Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s famous children’s story, Butterworth has written new music to reinterpret the tale of love and sacrifice. With Henrik Jensen on Bass, and Pete Ibbetson on drums, the ‘Will Butterworth Trio’ has become an extremely interactive and powerful unit, in which each voice shares equal prominence. Last years tour received rave reviews from audiences and critics alike…This is the only London date of the 2012 “Nightingale” Tour, and the gig will be recorded by Music-Chamber records.
“Thrilling” – The Guardian.
Will Butterworth (Piano), Henrik Jensen (Bass), Pete Ibbettson (Drums).
Tuesday 29th May 2012
Julian Siegel Quartet
£15
The Julian Siegel Quartet released their second album ‘Urban Theme Park’ in April 2011, the follow up to the debut album ‘Close Up’, released in 2002 to rave reviews. The band features inspirational pianist Liam Noble, his fluid touch and dazzling imagination perfectly complementing Siegel’s music and playing and providing a perfect foil for the many directions the music can turn. With the creative spark of dynamic drummer Gene Calderazzo and the deep groove of bassist Oli Hayhurst dove-tailing perfectly with Siegel and Noble this is unquestionably one of the UK’s most exciting and powerful quartets.
The music the band plays moves freely through varied sound-worlds and colours, from undercurrents of bop into electro-acoustic trance, from an acoustic quartet playing early-electric Miles to dancing West African drum grooves, searching ballads and joyful melodies.
“Entirely distinctive and very original” – The Observer.
www.juliansiegel.com
Julian Siegel (Saxophone), Liam Noble (Piano), Gene Calderazzo (Drums) and Oli Hayhurst (Bass)
Wednesday 30th May 2012
Michael Garrick’s Lyric Ensemble – Album Launch: Home Thoughts
£15
The ebullient and restless creativity of Michael Garrick, coupled with his enthusiasm and boundless energy, placed him at the forefront of UK jazz from the 1960s until his death in November of 2011. His final creative endeavour was the group which he dubbed ‘The Lyric Ensemble’. In singer Nette Robinson, he found a muse with which to indulge his love of poetry and music, revelling in her ability and eagerness to sing whatever melody his mind could conjure. On May 30th, we celebrate the launch of the group’s second album. An auspicious date; had Michael been alive this would have marked his 79th birthday.
“The JMW Turner of jazz composition, I’d say” – Ken Rattenbury, Crescendo International.
Nette Robinson (vocal), Nikki Illes (piano), Tony Woods (saxes/reeds), Matt Ridley (bass), Chris Nikolls (drums).
Plus special guest Gabriel Garrick (flugelhorn – on selected numbers)
Thursday 31st May 2012
Ian Shaw Sings Ray Charles
£20
“Irrepressibly brilliant” – Time Out
BBC Award Winning jazz singer’s passion for Ray Charles goes back to his early teens. On hearing Ray’s version of “Yesterday’, he was hooked and began to devour the entire recorded collection, from the early bluesy cuts through the classic interpretations of the likes of “Georgia On My Mind”, “Hit The Road Jack” and “I Can’t Stop Lovin’ You” to the later soul-injected duets with the likes of Gladys Knight and Norah Jones, including the Stevie Wonder penned “Heaven Help Us All”. Backed by a superb trio led by Janette Mason, ‘Ian Shaw Sings The Music Of Ray Charles’ is a must for jazz, blues, country and soul fans and has become a festival favourite. Book now as it is a sure-fire sellout judging from Shaw’s appearance at last year’s London BluesFest at Dean Street.
