Scarborough Jazz

Every Wednesday unless indicated otherwise.
£5 minimum donation unless indicated otherwise.
Doors open 7.45, music starts at 8.15 (8.00 when there’s a support band).
Students pay half price.

May 01
Clark Tracey Quintet
The season kicks off with a fabulous quintet led by award winning drummer Clark Tracey, featuring outstanding young musicians including finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician in 2020, saxophonist/flautist Alex Clarke, an astonishing young vocalist Emily Masser (Dean Massers’s daughter), one of our most experienced pianists Graham Harvey, and the technically gifted and competent, hard swinging upright bassists, James Owston. Tickets £10.

4pm Clark Tracey Masterclass
Hear Clark share stories from his drumming career, talk about the jazz legends that have influenced him, and give practical insights into drumming techniques. If you play, bring your sticks and learn from a hero! Open to all whether participating or just to enjoy watching. Free entry — donations welcome.

May 08
Esther Bennett + MG3
A vocalist who combines sensitivity with a sparky sense of humour. Her song delivery leaves audiences utterly compelled. ‘…a smokily appealing lower register and a winning sense of humour’. (Jazz Wise Magazine) Accompanied by our house band: Mark Gordon on piano, Bob Walker on bass, and Tom Townsend on drums.

May 15  
Anna Chandler + MG3
8pm Lactose Exhibition
Anna is saxophonist based in Leeds whose playing ranges widely from contemporary to bebop, from swing to fusion, with strong elements of Art Pepper and Paul Desmond playing alto.

Support from the ever-evolving and increasingly bizarrely-named ensemble of composing and improvising young local musicians led by trumpeter Sam Wrigley.

May 22  
The King of Swing - A Tribute to Benny Goodman with the Derrick Harris Septet
Seven leading jazz musicians brought together to play sparkling new arrangements by Derrick Harris, featuring many of Goodman's most famous hits. This band has been thrilling audiences both for listening and dancing. Alan Barnes and Munch Manship (clarinets & saxophones), Mark Chandler (trumpet), Derrick Harris (guitar), Andzrej Baranek (piano) Jose Canha (bass) and Paul Smith (drums). Tickets £10.

May 29
Mike Hall + MG3
A saxophonist who has worked with a legion of big names in British jazz and was director of the RNCM big band for 20 years.
 
June 05
 Al Morrison + MG4
8pm Murray Robinson
Laid back bluesy jazz guitar from the leader of Al Morisson’s Blues Experience with the 4-piece edition of our house band. Support from exciting young saxophonist Murray and friends.

June 12
 Toby Brazier Sextet
Leeds based band playing original jazz fusion compositions and standards. Toby Brazier (trumpet), James Boyes (alto sax), Will Powell (guitar), Joe Boyes (piano), Sam Jackson (bass) and Josh Smout (drums).

June 19  
Scarborough Jazz Introduces… Zak Parlby / Jamie Gallacher
Our slot for students/recent graduates of Leeds Conservatoire features a double bill of tenor saxes separately and together.

June 21
Scarborough Tropicala! with Carioca Soul
A special Friday evening event as part of Scarborough Fringe with Carioca Soul’s unmissable sounds of Brasil ’66, plus a special cross-generational support set, Brazilian grooves from DJ Filey Selassie, and a late(r) finish! Just £5

June 26
Jim Birkett + MG3
8pm Lactose Exhibition
We’re delighted to welcome back this consummate guitarist for his first guest appearance at the club in five years. Local young ensemble play support.

July 03  
Emma Johnson's Gravy Boat
A cinematic, melodic quintet led by Leeds based saxophonist and composer Emma Johnson. Their new album, Northern Flame, is inspired by stories of resilience, strength and light of Northern women. ‘Emma Johnson and her Gravy Boat are one of the most refreshingly imaginative and perfectly configured acts in contemporary Jazz.’ (Trust The Doc). Emma Johnson (saxophone), Fergus Vickers (guitar), Richard Jones (piano), Angus Milne (bass) and Steve Hanley (drums). Tickets £10.

July 10
Sam Dunn and Nina Clark
Guitarist Sam Dunn teams up with vocalist Nina Clark to celebrate 50 years since the first collaboration of Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass.

July 17  
Rod Mason + MG3
8pm Lactose Exhibition
The larger than life saxophonist, co-founder of the Northern Jazz Orchestra, who has played with just about everyone.

July 24  
Simon Spillett + MG3 with Andy Champion
In his twenty five year career saxophonist Simon Spillett has won numerous awards and become a solid fixture on the UK jazz scene, regularly playing sold-out gigs at major festivals and at Ronnie Scott’s. A charismatic performer with a dry observational wit, he never loses sight of the fact that jazz is entertainment as much as self-expression. ‘Straight-ahead, high energy jazz is his line and he does it with aplomb.’ (The Guardian). As an extra treat Andy Champion takes the bass chair with MG3. Tickets £10.

July 28
Scarborough Jazz Club 40th Anniversary celebration at Scarborough Spa
Celebrating forty years of Scarborough Jazz we’re putting on a free all-day event at the Spa. Watch out for details of a star studded line-up.

July 31
Stuart McDonald and Emily Brown + MG3
Emily Brown is a Yorkshire-based jazz singer making her name on the Northern jazz scene. Accompanying her on saxophone is Stuart, one of the club’s most regular guests.

August 07  
Matt Smith
A saxophonist known for his powerful, gutsy playing, Matt has toured the UK and Europe with a wide range of pop and jazz artists. With Dean Stockdale (piano), Bob Walker (bass) and Tom Townsend (drums).

August 14  
Martin Jones + MG3
8pm Hopeless Causes
Martin has spent over forty years entertaining audiences with his relaxed vocal and trumpet techniques. Support from jam band led by local multi-instrumentalist Dylan Riley.

August 21
Toby Greenwood + MG3
Leeds based tenor and soprano saxophonist whose influences include Wayne Shorter, Sonny Rollins, Latin and South African grooves.

August 28  
Olivia Cuthill Quintet
Olivia Cuttill is a trumpeter, composer and lyricist raised in East London now living in Leeds. The Quintet play music from their new album ‘The Whole Damn Plan’ as well as new compositions and favourite standards. Alongside Olivia are Issey Chivers (vocals), Tom Harris (piano), Fergus Quill (bass) and Miles Pillinger (drums).

MAY-AUG 2024