This site now constitutes an archive of East Side Jazz Club gigs from May 2008 to October 2019.  It will stand as a lasting memorial to Clive Fenner, without whom none of this would have been possible.  Thanks for the countless memories Clive - you really did make a difference.

Tuesday, 22 October, 2019

8.30 - 11.00pm
£7 on the door
Benn Clatworthy Quartet


Tonight, our annual welcome back to tenor ace Benn Clatworthy, grandson of the famous theatre and revue artist, Gertrude Lawrence. Raised in London he has been a resident of Los Angeles since 1980. As a teenager Benn took sax lessons from Ronnie Scott who recommended him to Berklee College, Boston. Benn’s distinctive, muscular saxophone and flute feature in his unique arrangements of standards from Cole Porter to Marvin Gaye, John Coltrane to the Beatles. His work credits include such notables as Cedar Walton, Lionel Hampton and Jimmy Cleveland. Benn has released eleven CDs to critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic.

Tuesday 15 October, 2019

8.30 - 11.00pm
£7 on the door

"Simon Spillett is the kind of big toned wailing tenor player that I like. The influences of Tubby Hayes and Johnny Griffin are clearly discernible in his sound, harmonic thinking and in his direct no-nonsense determination in getting things swinging. This refreshing attitude is also in evidence in his composing. He has written a whole raft of catchy hard bop tunes which are great launching pads for the soloist and that never fall into the trap of complexity for complexity's sake. A great player" - Alan Barnes. "Those of us who have heard him...have been left blinking in disbelief. It's not just his mastery of the tenor saxophone, phenomenal though that is, but the absolute conviction of his playing that is so impressive" - Dave Gelly, Sunday Observer. "The world's leading Tubbiologist" - Jack Massarik, Jazzwise.

Tuesday, 8 October, 2019

8.30 - 11.00pm
£7 on the door

Tori Freestone & Alcyona Mick Duo (1st set)
Tori Freestone Trio (2nd set)



"A warm and distinctive duo recording. The musical chemistry between the pair is pleasingly obvious throughout" 4 Star Jazz Mann review for Tori and Alcyona’s duo album.“..She’s got a real burn to her playing ..with weaving lines and constant listening, supporting and interacting from the bass and drums…my ears never get tired”, Ingrid Jensen ‘Artist Choice’ Jazz Times, USA – top 10 UK artists article. "The third album from this impressive trio shows formidable range, balancing free-jazz delicacy and bite" - 4 Star Guardian Review for Tori's latest trio album.

Tuesday, 1 October, 2019

8.30 - 11.00pm
£9 on the door



Chris Laurence has maintained a dual career in both jazz and classical music. In the classical world he was principal double bass with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Orchestra until 1995, playing on many of their famous recordings. Jazz artists he has recorded with include J.J.Johnson, Tony Coe, Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan, Clark Terry, Johnny Mathis and Lena Horne. He also spends a lot of time recording music for TV, Film and Albums, most notably “Leaving Las Vegas”, Ken Loach’s “Looking For Eric”, “The Constant Gardener”, Howard Shores’ score for “Hugo” and most recently was featured on the sound track of Mike Leigh’s “Mr Turner”. In 2007 he recorded a CD with his own jazz quartet titled “New View”, along with Frank Ricotti (vibes), John Parricelli (guitar), Martin France (drums) and featuring Norma Winstone (Vocals). As well as jazz and classical music, Chris has also featured on albums including Elton John, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Joni Mitchell, David Gilmour, Michel Legrand and guitarist John Williams.

Tuesday, 24 September, 2019

8.30 - 11.00pm
£7 on the door

David Angol Quartet



Tonight a big welcome to tenor player David Angol. Born in Preston to Dominican parents, David grew up listening to reggae, calypso, soul and blues music. He was raised with the musical influences of his stepfather who played the steel drums, but he always had an ear for jazz which became a big part of David’s life. He has since progressed to saxophonist bandleader, composer and session musician. David's playing credits include Bobby Watson, Jools Holland, Bheki Mesleku, Ralph Moore, Jerry Bergonzi, Jean Toussaint, Kenny Garrett and Tony Kofi.

Tuesday, 17 September, 2019

8.30 - 11.00pm
£12 on the door
Net proceeds from tonight will be donated to Cancer Support UK, in memory of Clive

A Musical Tribute to Clive Fenner featuring Liane Carroll on vocals and piano with special guests 
Julian Siegel (tenor sax)
Simon Purcell (piano)
Loz Garratt (bass)
Gene Calderazzo (drums)



An evening of musical excellence, performed by his friends, dedicated to the memory of Clive and recognising his massive contribution and support for the music, the musicians, students and the jazz loving community.
Where would we be without the East Side Jazz Club? 
Thanks for everything Clive, your legacy lives on.

Tuesday, 10 September, 2019

8.30 - 11.00pm
£8 on the door

John Altman Quintet


Familiar to us all as the accomplished leader of his astonishing big band, as well as a prolific composer for the movies, television and commercials, tonight John Altman lays down his baton to front a small group. An Emmy and BAFTA winning composer, John began his musical journey at age 3 with Judy Garland at the London Palladium. Commencing his recording and live career as an in-demand saxophonist in the late 60s he has performed with many of the major figures in music over the last few decades including Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Muddy Waters, Nick Drake, Eric Clapton, Sting, Phil Collins, Jimmy Page, Little Richard and Van Morrison, also jazz giants Al Cohn, Jimmy Heath, Chet Baker, Bud Freeman and Joe Newman.

Tuesday, 3 September, 2019

8.30 - 11.00pm
£8 on the door



Leytonstone Festival
Henry Lowther's Still Waters
Tonight, as part of the Leytonstone Festival, a rare privilege for the club to present Henry Lowther with his own group ‘Still Waters’. Woodstock survivor Henry Lowther has had a varied career since the 60’s working with both the Gil Evans and George Russell Orchestras, John Dankworth, Peter King, Kenny Wheeler, Charlie Watts, Loose Tubes and John Surman on the jazz scene, to Manfred Mann, Buzzcocks, John Mayall and Keef Hartley at the legendary Woodstock Festival in August 1969. On the classical side, Henry is an accomplished composer, as well as being a featured member of the London Brass Virtuosi. Pete Hurt has quietly been part of the London jazz scene for almost four decades and has developed one of the most uniquely distinguishable sounds and styles. Apart from his great saxophone playing he has also been recognized for his compositional and arranging skills.

Tuesday, 30 July, 2019

8.30 - 11.00pm
£7 on the door


George Crowley Trio


A new trio from saxophonist and composer George Crowley, featuring BBC New Generation Artist Rob Luft on guitar and award winning drummer Tim Giles. The trio weave their way through colourful material spanning lesser known gems of the tradition alongside Crowley’s originals, with a focus on spontaneous interaction and creative, colourful playing. He can be found playing with bands and musicians such as Melt Yourself Down, Julian Argüelles' Septet, Yazz Ahmed, Red Snapper, the Michael Chillingworth Septet, Rick Simpson's Klämmer and the Olie Brice Quartet featuring Jeff Williams. Outside of the world of jazz and improvised music he has worked with artists such as Boy George and Culture Club and Mount Kimbie. "It’s rugged, clever, crisply played contemporary jazz, from a fine young composer/player who knows where the music has been and where he’s headed with it" - John Fordham, The Guardian on George's 2nd album 'Can of Worms’. "Chattering free jazz-y horn dialogues and surging Afro-Cuban-edged themes gave way to cooler, wormier high-register unisons, with a gospel tinge at times that recalled something of Mingus... the thunderous applause and whoops at the end of the second set was thoroughly deserved." Jazzwise (live review).

Tuesday, 23 July, 2019

8.30 - 11.00pm
£8 on the door


Alison Rayner Quintet


ARQ's profile has risen dramatically over the past five years, with extensive touring and critical acclaim for their two albums 'August' (2014) and 'A Magic Life' (2016). They carried off the 2018 Parliamentary Jazz Awards 'Ensemble of the Year' award and Alison was runner-up Best Double Bass 2018 British Jazz Awards. The group's third album 'Short Stories' is due for release October 2019.
"If the first rule of life is to do what makes you happy… this album tumbles and flows with such a spirit, performed by a quintet whose musicality and heart enables it; a celebration of life itself" - LondonJazzNews. "A gorgeous album synthesising mood, melody and the interplay between musicians totally at home with each other" - Jazzwise.

Tuesday, 16 July, 2019

8.30 - 11.00pm
£10 on the door

Clive Fenner's R & B All Stars
Derek Nash very generously suggested tonight's gig should have a name change to recognise the tremendous enthusiasm Clive always gave this annual gig and indeed the joy he got from playing it. All Stars they really are, with several members of Jools Holland's famed Rhythm & Blues Orchestra plus guitarist Dave Ital (Maceo Parker, James Brown & Incognito), Pete Whittaker, a leading exponent of the Hammond organ, Geoff Gascoyne (Jamie Cullum) the go-to bass player plus top session drummer and Dave Gilmour accompanist Nic France.
Derek Nash is a vibrant and charismatic performer on all four saxes from soprano to baritone. Derek is of course best known as leader and arranger, since its inception over 30 years ago, of the award winning ensemble 'Sax Appeal'. His playing credits include David Sanborn, Mavis Staples, Eric Clapton, Tom Jones, Jools Holland and the late Spike Robinson with whom he recorded an award winning CD 'Young Lions Old Tigers'. Derek is also a respected recording engineer. He was awarded a gold disc for his work on 'Pointless Nostalgic' by Jamie Cullum and has recorded for Bobby Wellins, Dave O'Higgins, Martin Drew, Geoff Gascoyne, Georgie Fame and George Melly.

Tuesday, 9 July, 2019

8.30 - 11.00pm
£8 on the door




Born in Vancouver, Canada 1982, Jay took up the trumpet at 11 years of age. At 15 he became the youngest artist to lead his own band at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Keen to develop his career further, Jay moved to London at the age of 17 where he immediately attracted the attention of Gary Crosby who engaged him as a dep for Jazz Jamaica All Stars and Nu Troop. In 2002 Gary offered him a place in the core band of Tomorrow's Warriors. Formerly co-frontman of the much admired band Empirical, Jay has been a featured  member of Dennis Rollins’ Badbone & Co and has performed with Andrew Hill, Wynton Marsalis, Ray Brown, George Benson and Hugh Masakela. Tenor player. flautist and composer Xhosa Cole was winner of the BBC Young Jazz Musician award for 2018. Bassist James Owston was another of the finalists.

Tuesday, 2 July, 2019

8.30 - 11.00pm
£7 on the door

Dave Storey Trio


Drummer, composer Dave Storey and his trio are currently touring their debut album 'Bosco' showcasing the group's ability to push boundaries whilst maintaining a fluid, conversational approach to improvisation. "..with his longstanding Trio collaborators James Allsopp (saxophone) and Conor Chaplin (double bass) - takes the listener on a thrilling and immersive journey across eight original compositions and one (not-so-standard) standard.. Throughout the record, leader Storey plays with great musicality and maturity, resisting the urge to stamp his authority too aggressively.. whether coaxing more from his bandmates through slick comping, trading choruses with Allsopp on his own 'Cautious Tortoise' or supporting the beautiful and poignant melody on the session's only non-original, Strayhorn’s 'A Flower is a Lovesome Thing' with elegant brushwork.." www.thejazzmann.com


Tuesday, 25 June, 2019

8.30 - 11.00pm
£8 on the door



    "Alan Barnes is the most reliably entertaining, multi-skilled reed virtuoso on the UK scene" - John Fordham, Guardian. Alan has enjoyed a prolific career, playing and recording for many bands. He has dominated the British Jazz Awards over the years, having won the alto sax section in 1993, 95, 97 & 99, the clarinet award for 94, 96 & 98 and being voted the top baritone player in 98, 2000 & 2002. In 2001 and 2006 Alan received the prestigious BBC Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year award and in November 2003 was made a fellow of the Leeds College of Music. 2003 also saw the inception of Alan’s own record label Woodville Records. Alan is joined by the co-leader of his award-winning quintet - trumpeter par excellence Bruce Adams, himself a previous winner of the top trumpet prize at the British Jazz Awards.

    Tuesday, 18 June, 2019

    8.30 - 11.00pm
    £8 on the door

    Steve Fishwick Quintet

    Steve Fishwick is already a firm favourite here with his stylish and perfectly executed take on the classic hard bop sound. By the time Steve and his twin brother, drummer, Matt enrolled at the Royal Academy of Music in London at the age of eighteen, they had led their own group and were familiar faces on the Manchester jazz scene. He co-leads a sextet alongside saxophonists Osian Roberts and Frank Basile. Their most recent album 'In The Empire State' being recorded in New York. "Throughout the proceedings Steve Fishwick proves himself to be a world-class player.." - Brian Robinson, Jazz Journal. On the more commercial side he has performed with such stars as Kylie Minogue, Jools Holland and Jamie Cullum and can be heard playing the jazz trumpet solos on the soundtrack to the British movie release 'Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll'. Tonight, Steve is joined out front by reeds player James Allsop, making his East Side debut and returning in two weeks.

    Tuesday, 11 June, 2019

    8.30 - 11.00pm
    £7 on the door

    As a saxophonist and composer, Mark Lockheart's work often defies categorisation and crosses the boundaries of the jazz, new music and folk worlds. Mark came to prominence in the mid 1980s with the influential and radical big band Loose Tubes, which he toured with throughout the USA and Europe and recorded with until its demise in 1989. In the mid-nineties Mark toured extensively with Django Bates' Delightful Precipice. Subsequent projects include Mark Lockheart's In Deep, Seb Rochford's Polar Bear, Perfect Houseplants, Disassembler and Robert Wyatt’s Soup Songs. Voted ‘Parliamentary Jazz Musician of the Year’  for 2010, Mark's CD 'Days Like These' features seven original compositions played by Mark with the NDR Big Band. In 2013 Mark released ‘Ellington In Anticipation’ a radical reworking of Ellington tunes with an all star line up including pianist Liam Noble. Most recently Mark has completed a major jazz/orchestral work titled Days On Earth for jazz sextet and 30-piece orchestra, released on Edition Records in January 2019.

    Tuesday, 4 June, 2019

    8.30 - 11.00pm
    £10 on the door

    Adam Glasser Sextet

    Tonight we welcome a sextet with some familiar faces - Adam Glasser’s unique harmonica sound combines his South African roots with many years immersed in the UK jazz scene initially playing piano his own groups as well as for SA legends such Dudu Pukwana, and as musical director for 16 years of the veteran SA vocal group the Manhattan Brothers. His 16 years as musical director led to his producing their final album ‘Inyembezi’ for EMI in 2006. Adam has since released 2 critically acclaimed albums of his own – ‘Free at First’ (2010 SAMA Best Modern Jazz Album) and ‘Mzansi’ (nominated 2012 SAMA Best Jazz Album). Adam's playing credits include Hugh Masekela, Joe Zawinul, Martha Reeves, Jimmy Witherspoon, Sting and the Eurythmics. Chris Batchelor needs no introduction, trumpeter and composer, founder member with Loose Tubes alongside another Tubes member Steve Buckley, plus the debut appearance of sax player George Crowley who leads his own combo here at the end of July.

    Tuesday, 28 May, 2019

    8.30 - 11.00pm
    £7 on the door

    "I bought my first vibraphone at the age of 24 (after a wasted youth being a very bad - not to mention unemployed - rock drummer) and played my first gig at the age of 28. I am completely self taught."
    "Barba Lunga represents the twentieth album of Beaujolais’ solo career and finds him in a pared down trio format.. Since I last saw him perform Beaujolais has sprouted an impressive grey beard that makes him look a little like Robert Wyatt. I’d have thought it would get in the way when he is soloing on the vibes but nevertheless the new album is named for it - 'Barba Lunga', meaning 'Long Beard'. As on 'Mind The Gap' and 'Sunset' the focus is again very much on Beaujolais’ original writing. The album’s two covers are a remarkable arrangement of the Jimi Hendrix classic 'The Wind Cries Mary' and an adaptation of the Stan Freeman/Jack Lawrence tune 'Faith'. ..The trio makes for a cohesive, well balanced and interactive unit that delivers some well integrated ensemble playing alongside the brilliance of the individual solos" - Ian Mann, www.thejazzmann.com
    "..in full flight with two mallets in each hand, he gives the world's best vibes players a run for their money" - James Griffiths, Guardian

    Tuesday, 21 May, 2019

    8.30 - 11.00pm
    £7 on the door


     Saxophonist Vasilis Xenopoulos was born in Athens and started playing clarinet and piano at 9 years of age. He started on the saxophone at 13, and continued his music studies at the Philippos Nakas Conservatory in Athens. In 1999 Vasilis was awarded a jazz scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston MA. By 2002 Vasilis had moved to London and continued his studies under the guidance of Eddie Harvey, Stan Sulzmann, Jimmy Hastings and Pete Cook. Vasilis formed his first Quartet in 2005 and gradually established himself as one of London’s up and coming jazz saxophonists. As a jazz musician he has worked with some of the best musicians in the British jazz scene, such as Jim Mullen, Steve Waterman, Alan Barnes, Derek Nash, Bruce Adams, Martin Shaw, Nigel Price, Ray Gelato and many others. In 2009 he formed his current ensemble “The Xtet" and their debut album “Loud City" containing 8 original compositions was released on 33Jazz Records in 2011 to much critical acclaim.

    Tuesday, 14 May, 2019

    8.30 - 11.00pm
    £7 on the door

    Martin Shaw was born into a family of musicians, both his mother and father being accomplished pianists. He began piano lessons at the age of 9 and started studying the trumpet at the age of 11. Four years later Martin became a member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Great Britain and remained there for 3 years. He subsequently gained a place at the Royal Academy of Music in London. In 1989 Martin was invited to study at Berklee college of music in Boston. Martin has worked with many leading jazz artists including Cleo Laine, John Dankworth, Pete King, Dick Morrisey, Tim Garland and numerous big bands including the BBC Big Band; he has also recorded, performed live and toured extensively with various pop artists including Sting, Jamiroquai, Natalie Cole, Paul Young and the Brand New Heavies. In 2001 Martin was appointed professor of Jazz Trumpet at the Birmingham Conservatoire.

    Tuesday, 7 May, 2019

    8.30 - 11.00pm
    £7 on the door

    Chris Biscoe is self taught, starting on alto sax then tenor, soprano, baritone, flute and alto clarinet. He started working with Mike Westbrook in 1979 and has played in many of Mike’s projects. He has also toured and recorded with George Russell, Andy Sheppard, Grand Union, Chris McGregor, Didier Levallet and worked with Hermeto Pascoal, Dewey Redman, Kenny Wheeler and the New York Composers Orchestra. A recent venture for Chris (on baritone & alto clarinet) along with Allison Neale on alto has been a new band 'Two of a Mind'. The band’s debut album on Trio Records, includes some tracks using arrangements from those original recordings, as well as new compositions and arrangements by Chris and Allison. "Exploring afresh the freewheeling, wonderfully melodic interpretations of standard material recorded 50 years ago by Gerry Mulligan and Paul Desmond on Blues in Time and Two of a Mind, this new band promises to evoke the spirit of these classic recordings while giving free reign to the personalities of the five musicians."

    Tuesday, 30 April, 2019

    8.30 - 11.00pm
    £10 on the door

    Omar Puente with the East Side Latin All Stars

    Tonight we get in the Cuban groove with our good friend Omar Puente and I defy anyone to sit still for long. The infectious cross rhythms from this authentic combo are guaranteed to get the club cooking. Omar began serious music studies at the age of 8. At 12 he left his family to take up a place at the prestigious Escuela Nacional de Arte in Havana. His education was furthered by playing with fellow students and visiting tutors such as Paquito d’Rivera and Dizzy Gillespie. In 1998 he formed the group Raices Cubanas (Cuban Roots). Since arriving in England, Omar has maintained an international profile, playing all over Europe, USA and Africa with such musicians as Tito Puente, Kirsty MacColl, Jools Holland, Courtney Pine and recently Nigel Kennedy 's new, three-electric-violin "Chilling-est Violinists". Omar teaches jazz violin at Leeds College of Music and conducts workshops in schools on the cultural and musical development of Cuba.

    Tuesday, 9 April, 2019

    8.30 - 11.00pm
    £8 on the door

    "The tall, shaven-headed Damon Brown is a well-known figure in Europe, his trumpet and long-gauge flugelhorn a well-known and welcome sound in Paris, Barcelona and other jazz-friendly cities for years. Only back home in London is he taken for granted, a curious and regrettable state of affairs. On a good night he is one of the world's finest players, and last night was such a one. Fluent, impassioned and technically superb - unlike most of his rivals.. Damon never splits a note - he produced a series of swinging and shapely solos that had the crowded venue in the palm of his hand." - Jack Massarik, London Evening Standard. "Christian Brewer’s alto sound is light - though he can dig in when needed - and he is a remarkably fluent and craftsmanlike improviser. Though fresh ideas flow inexorably, Brewer is not tempted to waste notes despite his fluency, so that there’s a real sense of purpose about his work." - Peter Martin, Jazz UK
    Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)