The 606 Club has become one of London’s leading jazz venues over the last 30 years, run by musician Steve Rubie since 1976.

The Club currently books 2 bands a night on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and one Band a night from Thursday to Monday. With Sunday lunches (Big Bands and Gospel Choirs) and a special ‘Singers’ night on Sunday evenings the 606 Club is a major employer of British jazz and related music artists in the U.K.

The ‘606’ has a late night supper license, which requires non-members to eat a substantial meal in order to be served alcohol, so booking a table for dinner in advance is essential on Fridays and Saturdays. This basement Jazz Club has a reputation for great jazz and fine food with candle-lit tables and jazz murals adding to the relaxed ambience.

This month features artists such as Ola, Dave O’Higgins, Ian Shaw, Liane Carroll, Kit Downes, Mica Paris, Laurence Cottle and Barb Jungr.

Founded as a small 30-seater venue at 606 Kings Road, it established a stellar reputation amongst musicians and audiences. Eventually it out grew the original Club and, although it retained the name 606 Club, moved in May 1988 to the present 165 capacity basement site at 90 Lots Road in Chelsea.

The Club originally established a policy of only booking U.K based musicians in order to support the local scene. In recent years this has changed with the Club’s new European Exchange initiative and support from Yamaha U.K. encouraging a rich cross cultural platform for British and Overseas musicians.

To get to the club just follow the directions on this map.

You can also book a table here.

For more information just visit their official website at www.606club.co.uk

NOVEMBER LISTINGS

Here are the gig listings for The 606 Club during November 2009.

JOE STILGOE (Tues 10th November): A highly talented singer/pianist who is currently attracting a lot of attention on the UK music scene. Working in a style reminiscent of the classic Jazz singer/pianists such as Nat King Cole and Harry Connick Jnr Joe brings his own, unique, blend of charm and musicality to his set of Jazz standards and excellent originals. Although still in his 20’s he is a highly experienced musician, including appearances at Ronnie Scott’s, the Royal Festival Hall and the Groucho Club as well as live broadcast from The Stables, Wavendon with the John Dankworth Band. His recent work in New York was also met with universal praise. The quartet tonight also features the wonderful sax playing of Tom Richards. [Click here to book]

“Many a musician twice his age might listen with a mixture of envy and admiration” Cabaret Scenes, New York

“Great” John Dankworth

SIMON WOOLF SEXTET (Weds 11th November): Simon, one of the country’s leading Jazz bass players (the big one, not the electric variety), is one of the most musical and tasteful players on the scene, and his band reflect his interest in melodic, straight-ahead, Jazz. The repertoire of the group consists of Simon’s originals plus a variety of classic Jazz standards, all arranged by Simon, and performed by some of the finest players around. The front line tonight will feature the brilliant Gareth Lockrane on Flute, the beautifully melodic Mark Crooks on sax and clarinet and the wonderful trumpet of Steve Fishwick. “..spirited, melodic and swinging.” Observer. KATE WILLIAMS is a fine pianist who has been making a name for her self as both performer and composer/arranger. A winner of the John Dankworth Award at the British Jazz Awards 2000 she has been working with her trio, performing a terrific mixture of jazz standards and originals, for some time now, impressing all those who hear it. [Click here to book]

“A worthy addition to the ranks of British Jazz composer pianists…” The Observer

GIORGIO SERCI – ROBERTO MANZIN QUINTET (Thurs 12th November): This is a terrific quintet featuring the playing of ex-pat Italians saxophonist Roberto Manzin and guitarist Giorgio Serci. In Italy Roberto Manzin played with many of the top Jazz musicians such as Tony Scott, Manu Katché and Donna Summer as well as featuring on countless sessions and TV shows. In 1998 he moved to London to continue his musical activity, playing mainly in clubs and festivals. Roberto has recorded more than thirty albums and his fluent and inventive sax playing has been heard all over Europe with the likes of James Brown, Trilok Gurtu, Jason Rebello, Jim Mullen, Antonio Forcione and Carmel. Giorgio Serci. In 1999 Giorgio founded the six piece band “Big Sunflower” with which he won the International Jazz Award Sant’ Anna Arresi, in Italy. In 2000 he supported Shirley Bassey at the Royal Festival Hall and then performed alongside saxophonist Andy Sheppard at the Brecon Festival, Jazz Cafe, and the City of Birmingham Symphony Hall. He went to New York to perform and record his own album “New York Sessions” and in 2003 he joined the project “Let Freedom Ring” led by the saxophonist Denys Baptiste with whom he played at the North Sea, Berlin and London Jazz Festivals. He has recently performed solo at the Purcell Room as part of the London International Guitar Festival, as well as the Sony Jazz Stage, Riga Latvia and the Sage Gateshead. Giorgio is a degree lecturer at the “Academy of Contemporary Music” in Guilford. He endorses Yamaha guitars. The music the band will be performing tonight will be drawn from Roberto and Georgio’s recent collaborative album “Silver Lining”. [Click here to book]

“Giorgio Serci combines the strong, pure sound of a trained classical guitarist with the harmonic and rhythmic instincts of a contemporary jazz musician… his solo lines always purposeful, his harmonies often effectively dissonant.” Jazzwise

** LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL (Friday 13th – Sunday 22nd) **

Yamaha UK @ The 606 Club

DAVE LEWIS’S “1 UP” featuring NOEL McCALLA (Fri 13th November @ 9:30pm – 1:30am): After studying at the world famous Berkeley school of music in Boston, USA, Dave returned to this country to a wealth of work. His robust and melodic tenor playing has been heard with a variety of artists and he is currently the featured saxophonist with the iconic band the “Blockheads”. His own band is an impressive array of talent, in particular the iconic R&B/Soul singer Noel McCalla. Noel first came to prominence with the seminal funk band Morrisey/Mullen and has for the last 15 or so years been the voice of Manfred Mann’s “Earth Band”. A brilliant singer it is with great pleasure that we welcome him to the Club. Tonight the band will be performing material from their latest album “Turn It Round”. Great band, great gig this. [£13] [Click here to book]

“SAXOPHONE SUMMIT” FEATURING PETER KING-alto; ED JONES-tenor; FRANK WALDEN-tenor (Sat 14th @ 9:30pm – 1:30am): As part of the LJF festivities we once again present three World Class saxophonists for a unique “saxophone summit”. These brilliant players span three generations and have between them more than 90 years experience of playing Jazz at the highest level. PeteR King. After taking the scene by storm in the early sixties with the Ronnie Scott quintet, Pete has gone on to establish himself unequivocally as one of the finest alto saxophonists in the world. His fabulous technique allied with an unerring sense of harmony has made him one of the greatest players this country has ever produced. Currently the featured saxophonist with the Charlie Watts band his playing has made him famous worldwide. Pete has always been a great supporter of the Club and it is with enormous pleasure that we welcome this saxophone giant. “plays with…searing authority” Guardian; Ed Jones. Over the last 20 years or so Ed has established himself as one of the most innovative and sought after sax players on the scene. His muscular and highly accomplished bop influenced tenor playing has been featured in a wide variety of contexts, most notably with the Jazz crossover groups “Us 3” and “Incognito”. But his Jazz credentials are just as solid, with work alongside artists such as George Benson, Dianne Reeves, Horace Silver and Claire Martin. “..a formidable saxophonist” Jazz UK: “One of the most gifted Jazz musicians from the 80’s” Time Out. FRANK WALDEN. Although perhaps not as well known on the UK Jazz scene (yet) as the other two sax players featured this evening, Frank’s credentials are also extremely impressive, including work with the likes of JTQ, Keane, Russell Watson and Martha Reeves. Frank was also one of the two featured sax players with Amy Winehouse (oh, that sax player) being featured on both her live shows and her album “Back to Black”. His TV work has taken in shows such as the Grammy Awards, MTV Movie Awards, Glastonbury and the Michael Parkinson Show. A fluent and creative modern jazz saxophonist he is perhaps best known here at the Club through his appearances with the Simon Mulligan Quartet. [£13] [Click here to book]

SUNDAY LUNCHTIME SPECIAL (1:00pm-4:00pm) with the 606 CLUB BIG BAND (Sunday 15th November): One of the most impressive 16 piece Big Bands working on the jazz scene, this occasional band boasts amongst its alumni some of the finest players around. Musicians who regularly work with the band include Ian Thomas-drums, Laurence Cottle-bass, Mornington Lockett and Sam Mayne-saxes. The band, like the Club itself, specialises in arrangements by British based musicians including the likes of Stan Tracey, Pete Hurt, and Laurence Cottle. This is a fabulously powerful and exciting sound with virtually all the members of the band being exceptional soloists as well as impressive band players. [£10] [Click here to book]

And then in the evening:

IAN SHAW (8:30pm – 11:00pm) **Winner BBC Jazz Awards 2007/8** One of Europe’s great male jazz vocalists. Named Best Vocalist of the year twice (!) at the BBC Jazz Awards, multi Award Winning Ian Shaw is a huge talent with the most engaging personality and an ability to make every song his own. At the same time nobody slips more happily into rattling bebop with warmth, intelligence and swing. Described as “the voice of the decade” it is not by chance that he was the first British Jazz vocalist to be signed to an American label, Milestone, which resulted in a number of highly acclaimed US recordings. Watch out for his latest release on Linn Records “Lifejacket”, a fabulous collection of his original material, out now. [£10] [Click here to book]

“One of the scene’s class acts..” The Guardian

“..our finest Jazz singer” Time Out

“an eye-watering vocal range and bucketloads of soul” BBC;

“an artist on top of his game” Jazzwise

LIANE CARROLL (Monday 16th @ 8:30pm – 12:00 midnight) **Winner BBC Jazz Awards 2005/6**. **Parliamentary Jazz Awards Musician of The year 2008”**. The first artist ever to win two BBC Jazz Awards in the same year, for ‘Best Vocalist’ and ‘Best of Jazz”, Liane is a multi award winning dynamic vocalist and pianist whose amazing talent has been captivating audiences around the world. She is recognised as one of the finest singer/pianists on the scene, working with the likes of Gerry Rafferty, Ladysmith Black Mombazo and Paul McCartney and has been a featured performer at the Glastonbury Festival. Her albums on Splash Point records have been received with universal acclaim and led to an hour long “special” on BBC TV featuring her performance at the Brecon Jazz Festival. A world class performer her powerful, blues tinged, voice combined with strong piano playing and exciting infectious material, not to mention a wicked sense of humour, make this a truly remarkable gig. [£10 / Booking advised] [Click here to book]

“..swinging like hell one minute, brutally expressive and heartbreakingly tender the next….utterly brilliant” Time Out

“A jazz force to be reckoned with…the real thing” The Independent; “..world class” Guardian

“..deeply soulful” The Times

“..fizzing with creative energy” The Observer

“…unswerving honesty and molten intensity…burningly expressive” Jazzwise

FEMI TOMOWO (Tues 17th @ 7:30pm – 12:00midnight): Multi-talented guitarist, composer, producer and musical director Femi Temowo was born in Lagos, Nigeria, arriving in the UK aged 10. He began playing the guitar at the age of 17 and by 2001 had obtained a degree in music from Middlesex University. Already a busy guitarist whilst at University, from 2001 Femi travelled the world playing with a variety of artists including George Benson, Terri Walker, Roachford, Jason Rebello and Amy Winehouse and in 2003 saxophonist Soweto Kinch asked him to form part of Soweto’s award-winning quartet, an association that continues to this day. In 2006 Femi set up his own record label, Femitone, that released his debut album “Quiet Storm” to great critical acclaim. Soweto Kinch said of the album, “I really believe that in years to come people will look back and see how important a work it is.” The gig tonight will see Femi’s latest project uniting the rhythms and music of his native Nigeria, particularly the use of the “talking drum”, with the modern Jazz feel of his own compositions. [Click here to book]

“Hugely skilled guitarist … see him switch effortlessly between….Afro-beat grooves and a natty line in post-Wes and Benson solo flights.” Jazzwise

Alternating with:

ZEM AUDU One of the highly talented crop of younger players currently coming through Zem is already attracting considerable attention for his powerful, melodic, modern jazz tenor saxophone playing. A past student of Courtney Pine’s, Zem already includes work with the likes of Tomorrow’s Warriors, Nu-Troop and Jazz Jamaica on an impressive cv. Now leading his own quartet, as well as working as a sideman for artists such as Frank McComb and Trevor Watkis, he is rapidly establishing an impressive reputation. Now splitting his time between London and New York Zem is set to become one of the leading lights on the UK jazz scene. [£10] [Click here to book]

“great young musican…” Jazzwise

“recommended” Time Out

IAIN BALLAMY’S “ANORAK” (Wednesday 18th @ 7:30pm–12:00midnight): Iain Ballamy is an Award winning saxophonist who is one of the most interesting and creative players on the World Jazz stage. A leading UK musician since his time with “Loose Tubes” and the Bill Bruford Band in the mid 80’s, Iain’s cv reads like a who’s who of Jazz, including the likes of Hermeto Pascoal, Gil Evans and long time collaborator Django Bates. He has appeared at numerous International Festivals and venues and can be heard on over 40 CDs. Parallel to his international jazz career Iain has also pursued his interest in world music, playing concerts in India and Europe and forging strong working relationships with renowned musicians from Hungary, Norway, Spain, Sudan and Brazil. Not surprisingly Iain recently received the Award For Innovation at the BBC Jazz Awards. A special performer who combines intense creativity, broad musical influences and winning humour all in one, unique, style. Also featured are the brilliant pianist Gareth Williams, the highly respected bass player Steve Watts and iconic drummer Martin France. [Click here to book]

“..leaves you in absolute awe…the sheer virtuosity and sense of joy makes you feel like a kid about to step onto a twinkling, old-fashioned merry-go-round” BBC

Alternating with:

KIT DOWNES: **Winner BBC Jazz Awards 2008/9**. Although still relatively new to the UK Jazz scene this young Award winning pianist has already made quite an impact. His fluent, highly creative, focused playing has been heard with the likes of “Troyka”, Clark Tracy, Seb Rochford, Gilad Atzmon, Fraud and Acoustic Ladyland. However, it was his work with the highly successful band “Empirical” that lead to his International recognition as one of the finest pianists of his generation. With “Empirical” Kit performed at the JVC New York Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Vancouver Jazz Festival, Toronto Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival and Oslo Jazz Festival. “Empirical” also won ‘Best Band’ at the Parlimentary Jazz Awards 2008 the first ever EBU Jazz Competition held at the North Sea Jazz Festival last year, and the Peter Whittingham Award. Since leaving Empirical at the end of 2008 Kit’s trio has gone from strength to strength and it is that trio which will be performing this evening, featuring fellow Royal Academy alumni Calum Gourlay-bass (Tommy Smith, Tom Cawley) and James Maddren-drums (Marc Copeland, Stan Sulzman) performing original music inspired by influences ranging from Bela Bartok to Keith Jarrett to Rufus Wainwright. [£10] [Click here to book]

“Prodigious… a brilliant soloist” Tim Out

“Kit Downes is about to emerge as a formidable force…his originals were haunting, and his hypnotic playing fizzed with ideas”

“Prodigious… a brilliant soloist” Tim Out

“Kit Downes is about to emerge as a formidable force…his originals were haunting, and his hypnotic playing fizzed with ideas” JazzUK

THE 606 CLUB in Association with YAMAHA UK Present: *******MICA PARIS******* IN CONCERT (Thursday 19th November): With her roots firmly in soul and gospel music, Mica grew up singing in her grandparents’ church and by her mid teens was making regular appearances with ‘The Spirit of Watts’ gospel choir. At 17 she got her first break as a backing vocalist with the UK chart band ‘Hollywood Beyond’ and the following year, 1988, she released her debut, platinum selling album, ‘So Good’, from which she had her first top ten hit with ‘You Are My One Temptation’. From that point on Mica’s career gained momentum with more top 10 hits and catapulting her into the spotlight in not only the music industry but also in the West End and Broadcasting. Now, with her latest album ‘Soul Classics’, Mica reconnects with her roots. It finds Mica tackling some of the greatest songs in the soul canon, giving them her own unique spin. ‘Soul Classics’ marries traditional soul values and Mica’s desire to reinterpret and reinvigorate songs that have a timeless resonance and by reconnecting so determinedly with her roots Mica has without question reinforced her reputation as one of the UK’s finest soul vocalists. The range, power and sheer soulfulness of Mica’s performance combined with the intimacy of the 606 Club makes this without question a very special gig. Booking essential. [Click here to book]

“Remarkably gifted vocalist…a talent….of giant proportions” Independent

Also featured tonight will be the brilliant UK saxophonist NIGEL HITCHCOCK with his quartet. Nigel is unquestionably one of the finest saxophonists of his generation. This multi-award winning musician was lead alto with the NYJO at the age 12, graduating to busy professional session musician by the time he was 16. He has been a featured player with some of the finest musicians in the World, including work with the likes of Ray Charles, Tom Jones and Robbie Williams and Jazz musicians such as Stan Tracey and Claire Martin. In more recent years he has also added composing and arranging to his accomplishments, including works for full-scale orchestra. A fantastic post-bop player his remarkable technique and ferocious attack make him one of the most impressive saxophonists in Europe. [£18] [Click here to book]

“Nigel Hitchcock…..rich…powerful and individual saxophonist” Independent

SAMARA (Friday 20th November @ 9:30pm – 1:30am): “Samara” is a six piece jazz/latin group lead by the 606 Club’s Steve Rubie on Flute and saxophone. The pianist, Neil Angilley works with Vanessa Mae, Shirley Bassey and “Down to the Bone”, Dill Katz, the bass player is visiting professor at the Guildhall, Nic France the drummer has worked with just about everyone, including “Loose Tubes” and Bill Withers, the percussionist, Dawson Miller is generally recognised as one of the most versatile and experienced players on the scene, and the singer Liliana Chachian, who includes work with iconic dance band “Da Latta” and the influential “Negrocan”, is considered to be one of the finest Brazilian singers currently working in Europe. The music is an infectious blend of Brazilian Samba, jazz/latin and Soul, and we all have a great time. [£13] [Click here to book]

“Cracking Latin-jazz quintet led by 606 proprietor Steve Rubie on flute and alto saxophone…explores these Latin jazz classics in great rhythmic style” Time Out

ALEX GARNETT’S “JAZZ AMBASSADORS” (Saturday 21st November @ 9:30pm – 1:30am): A “musician’s musician” Alex Garnett’s powerful, flowing, hard bop sax style has been heard with some of the finest players around. Best known for his work with Ray Gelato’s “Giants” Alex also includes work with the likes of Van Morrison, Jules Holland, Paul Weller and US blues-man Albert King. A terrific player he is universally admired and respected. This six piece band with it’s powerhouse frontline of two saxes and trumpet also includes the fluent and forceful sax playing of ex pat Australian Brandon Allen and the sophisticated post-bop trumpet of Steve Fishwick.. The combination of these three compelling musicians makes for a truly exciting and exhilarating gig. [£13] [Click here to book]

“Alex Garnett…one of Great Britain’s most accomplished post bop musicians” Allaboutjazz

SUNDAY AFTERNOON GOSPEL BRUNCH WITH THE **“606 GOSPEL GROUP”** and Special Guests RICHARD COTTLE and NOEL ROBINSON (Sunday 22nd November): After two years of hosting some of the finest Gospel performers around we decided that it was time that we formed our very own Gospel Group! So, under the auspices of 606 regulars, keyboardist Miko Giedroyc and bass player Andre Gabriel in association with the brilliant Gospel singer and choral director Tracey Campbell, we present our very own 10 piece Gospel ensemble, the “606 Gospel Group”. This is a group comprising of a 4 piece band accompanying a 6 voice Gospel choir under Tracey’s direction. The choir is drawn from a pool of some of the finest Gospel singers on the scene with some terrific singers signed up to work with us. Our Special Guests today will be the brilliant pianist Richard Cottle and one of the UK’s finest Gospel exponents, the singer Noel Robinson. And don’t forget this is our family day so children are more than welcome. [£10] [Click here to book]

Then, in the evening:

LAURENCE COTTLE BIG BAND featuring CLAIRE MARTIN-vocals (8:30pm – 11:00pm): Laurence Cottle is one of the finest electric bass players this country has ever produced. His stunning technique has been featured on innumerable recording sessions. The bass player with the Bill Bruford Band his jazz credentials are impeccable, including Jim Mullen, Claire Martin, Jason Rebello and Tim Garland as well as work with the likes of Gary Moore, Cozy Powell and Black Sabbath (really!). As well as one of the country’s finest players Laurie has also established himself over recent years as a writer of some considerable note and this high energy Big Band features the cream of modern British jazz musicians. [Click here to book]

“…a .polished and punchy Big Band…..Laurence Cottle’s Jaco Pastorius-like electric bass almost steals the show” Guardian

CLAIRE MARTIN is generally considered to be one of the finest jazz vocalists to have come from this country in the last thirty years. Variously described as “..the outstanding voice of her generation” and “.a born musician” this award winning Internationally acclaimed artist has no less than four British Jazz Awards, 11 albums and a host of high profile admirers to her name. With her husky, perfectly controlled, voice, flawless time and impeccable taste she performs a magnificent set of jazz standards and more contemporary jazz material, in her own, inimitable style. [£15] [Click here to book]

“Claire Martin…a meticulous blend of brilliant material and flawless craftsmanship… New York Observer

“peerless” Time Out

“the UK’s most sophisticated Jazz singer” Evening Standard

The 606 Club gratefully acknowledge the support of Yamaha UK without whom the LJF gigs would not be possible.

HAMISH STUART (Mon 23rd November): Probably best known for his work as the original lead singer/guitarist with “The Average White Band”, has had an illustrious career as both songwriter and performer. He has worked with the likes of Diana Ross, George Benson and Chaka Khan (for whom he wrote the No. 1 chart hit “Whatcha Gonna Do For Me”) culminating in six years with the Paul McCartney Band. Although still “guesting” in other people’s bands from time to time (several tours with Ringo Starr for instance) since ’94 he has largely led his own band, which is a “super-group” in every sense of the word and very much out of the R&B tradition, although considerably more sophisticated than the 70’s version. Working with a bunch of fellow World class musicians (Adam Phillips, Graham Harvey, Steve Pearce, Bosco D’Oliveira and Ian Thomas) the band is very much a World Class outfit. It’s great that Hamish likes working at the Club so much as this is always a fantastic night. [Click here to book]

“Hamish Stuart…a gem…Stuart’s voice was solid throughout, and his guitar work and backing band were excellent.” SoulTracks

“..fantastic” Seattle-pi

JANE PARKER (Tues 24th November): Best known for her work with the band “Lush Life” Jane sings a terrific swinging selection of jazz standards from the 30’s to the 90’s. A highly experienced performer Jane includes work at venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, Café de Paris and Le Cafconce (Casablanca) on a lengthy and impressive cv. Accompanied by her excellent trio Jane’s hypnotic renditions of classic standards are quite special. “Jane Parker’s breathy vocals, reminiscent of Rickie Lee Jones or sometimes Billie Holliday, are both sultry and steamy as the bayou itself.” Blueprint magazine. And jane will be alternating sets with Al Wynette. Our regular Mainstream quintet who have been working the first Friday of the month virtually since we opened. Featuring Al on trumpet (and occasional vocals!) and Ron Findon on sax and clarinet this is terrific “good-time” jazz featuring music primarily from the twenties and thirties, and great fun. [Click here to book]

CECILIA STALIN (Weds 25th November): Swedish by birth Cecilia’s first studies were at Skurups Folkhögskola and she then went on to study at the Stockholm Royal College of Music and in 2003 at the New School of Music in New York. Since 2004 she has been working in Sweden, New York and her adopted city, London as a singer, composer, arranger, recording artist, teacher and vocal coach. Blessed with a wonderful, pure tone and great time Cecilia has built an impressive reputation amongst many of the most influential musicians on the UK Jazz scene as the singer to watch. Her set is a wonderful mix of Jazz standards and excellent originals and her band, not surprisingly, includes some of the finest players around. Highly recommended. “wow, what a voice!” Radiovista. [Click here to book]

RICHARD FAIRHURST. After winning a scholarship to study at the renowned New School University in New York multi Award winning pianist Richard Fairhurst returned to the UK at the age of 19 to form his first band “The Hungry Ants”. Winner of the Daily Telegraph Young Jazz Musician of the Year and the Pat Smythe Award he issued 3 critically acclaimed albums and performed with the “Ants” all over the World, including festivals in Jerusalem, Copenhagen, Cologne, Vienna and Senegal as well as regular appearances at UK festivals such as Bath, Cheltenham and Glasgow. A Steinway International artist since 1998 he was a finalist in the 2000 Montreux Jazz Festival’s Solo piano competition and in 2004 he was commissioned to write a work for the Cheltenham Jazz Festival which resulted in his winning the BBC Jazz Award for “Best New Work” in that year. Currently a visiting professor at the Royal Academy of Music Richard continues to develop as a composer, writing both contemporary classical and jazz works. A former Sunday Times “rising star” Richard is without question one of the most interesting and talented players around. [Click here to book]

“…he unselfconsciously improvises, making chord sequences sound fun!” Time Out

“..a powerful keyboard virtuoso capable of both meditation and funkiness….one of the UK’s most innovative pianists” Guardian

“…luminous and lyrical” The Times

TIM GARLAND QUARTET with Special Guest SHAHIN NOVRASLI (Thurs 26th November): Tim Garland’s powerful and distinctive sax playing made a serious impression on the British Jazz scene when he first appeared with the likes of John Dankworth and Kenny Wheeler. Since then, his Jazz/Folk fusion band “Lammas” and tours with Chick Corea’s band “Origin” have gained him international acclaim. Most recently the featured saxophonist with the Bill Bruford Band, Tim is also an accomplished and highly regarded composer, writing for ensembles from trios to full choirs and orchestras, and an Educator of considerable note. One of the UK’s finest musicians. Shahin Novrasli is a rising piano star of the jazz world, earning much respect and attention for his unique synthesis of Azerbaijani Mugham melodies and jazz. His music combines two great cultures from the East and the West – the exotic melodies, sharp harmony, and capricious rhythms of the East, with the lightning-quick improvisations of Jazz. Born in Baku in 1977, by age eleven he had played at the Azerbaijan State Philharmonia and as a soloist with the Symphony Orchestra. He now continually tours and teaches internationally as well as composing using a new approach to jazz fusion, his latest CD “Eternal Way” being a synthesis of jazz trio with folk instruments. Shahin has performed and recorded with Kenny Wheeler, Udai Mazumdar, and Jeff Lederer amongst many others. This gig also features Paul Clarvis-drums and Malcolm Crease-bass. [Click here to book]

“…one of the most important British Jazz musicians..” Jazzwise

“special..swings with momentum and grace” Time Out

“exemplary work…utterly distinctive” The Times

“A world class player” Evening Standard

MANTECA feat MARTHA ACOSTA-vocals (Fri 27th November): This 8 piece salsa band, formed by famed Colombian singer Martha Acosta, has been “salsa-ing” across the UK and Europe for almost 5 years now. Martha, best known for her work with her all woman Latin band “Candela” and Roberto Pla’s “Latin Ensemble”, drives the band along with her searing Latin vocals and powerhouse personality. And she is ably supported by some of the finest Latin musicians on the scene, including Don Fiora (bass), Satin Singh (percussion) and Paul Jayasinha (trumpet). One of the best salsa bands working the scene today. [Click here to book]

“Ripping funky Salsa from the finest Latin musicians of London, guaranteed to induce all manner of heel-stamping and handclapping” Fact Magazine

BOBBY WELLINS (Sat 28th November): One of the icons of British modern jazz, Bobby is originally from Glasgow and was on one of the biggest selling jazz albums ever produced in this country, Stan Tracey’s “Under Milk Wood”, recorded in the late sixties. After taking a sabbatical from the music for 7 years, Bobby came back in the early eighties to lead the Charlie Watts Big band, as well as a number of small groups which re-established him as one of the finest melodic saxophonists in the world. His gentle sound and approach are unique, and make for a fine and highly enjoyable nights listening. [Click here to book]

“..impeccable control, combined with a rich, luxuriant, tone” The Scotsman

“A masterful display of controlled sensitivity from one of the most original voices in European Jazz ” The Sunday Times

BARB JUNGR (Sun 29th November): Variously described as “Britain’s most gifted song stylist” and “one of Europe’s most intriguing and intelligent interpreters of the contemporary song” Barb Jungr has successfully combined the intricacies of cabaret with the power of Jazz to create a unique concept of the popular song. It is little surprise that her 6 CD’s have been variously Album of the Year in The Sunday Times, The Telegraph and The Washington Post, and she also won “Best International Artist” in New York’s Backstage Awards for Excellence in Cabaret. After her sell out run at New York’s prestigious Cafe Carlyle the critics went wild, “sensational” The New York Times, “One of the very best nightclub singers in the World” Time Out, New York. The Independent on Sunday put Barb in their hot 100 things in Britain saying “she…is tantalisingly close to mass attention with her jazzy versions of Dylan, Elvis and Nina Simone”. Check out her singing “Like a Rolling Stone” on You Tube. And the intimacy and power of her performance is highlighted by the use of her wonderful trio, featuring Jenny Carr on piano and Jessica Lauren on organ. [Click here to book]

“Poised between pop, jazz and cabaret Jungr’s tributes..are among the most thoughtful of the last decade.” Sunday Times

“genius” Time Out London

** 606 CLUB SPECIAL** LILLIAN BOUTTÉ with Denny Ilett-guitar (Mon 30th November): On the music scene for more than 30 years Lillian is a monument to Jazz, Gospel and R&B. She has performed and recorded with a myriad of legendary musicians including Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison, Dr. John and our own Humphrey Lyttleton. Named “New Orleans Musical Ambassador” in 1986, she was only the second jazz legend in the city’s history to be accorded this honour – the first being Louis Armstrong. A successful actress and stage performer she appeared in and sung on the sound track of Allan Parker’s “Angel Heart” and was for 4 years a featured performer in the classic stage show “One Mo Time”, performing with the show in New Orleans, Sweden and Brazil. In 1992 she took the show “Spirit of Louisiana” to Germany, she then toured “Gospel United” around Europe culminating in 1995 with Lillian and her group performing in Denmark with a 3,000 voice Gospel choir. Lillian has been touring almost non-stop for the last 18 years doing concerts, club dates and festivals all over the world and with the help of 17 albums has striven to convey New Orleans’s unique atmosphere to an international audience. Although now based in Europe this has become particularly important for Lillian post Hurricane Katrina and she has been widely praised over the last 3 years for her tireless efforts to raise money for victims and to enable reconstruction work in her devastated home town. A unique singer who blends all that is best in Jazz, Gospel and R&B in one high energy, enormously entertaining package. The band Lillian leads tonight also features one of the UK’s finest guitarists, Denny Ilett. Booking advised. [Click here to book]

“A versatile singer from New Orleans……she takes a song and turns it into a work of jazz art. Her renditions…reflect the depth of her feeling for her gospel roots…. One can understand upon hearing Lillian Boutte sing why music is her life” All Music Guide