Pete Long Multi instrumentalist playing Thursday December 11 2025 at Googlies
ALWAYS A HIGHLIGHT HERE AT GOOGLIES, saxophonist and clarinettist Pete Long brings his extensive talents back to our stage.
Pete has built one of the most diverse careers in British jazz. His versatility across the woodwind family has made him a first-call musician for everything from West End theatre pits to international jazz festivals. He’s equally at home on alto, tenor, baritone saxophone and clarinet, with flute and even oboe in his arsenal.
His collaborators read like a who’s who of music: Dizzy Gillespie, John Scofield, Chick Corea, Tom Jones, Norah Jones, Georgie Fame and Lionel Richie. He spent five years with Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and arranged for Paul McCartney, John Cale and Texas. You’ve heard his baritone sax and oboe work whether you know it or not—his playing on Stereophonics’ “Handbags and Gladrags” made it the UK’s best-selling single of 2002.
Pete has become one of Britain’s leading big band directors. His award-winning Echoes of Ellington recreates Duke’s sound using original manuscripts from the Smithsonian. His innovative “Jazz Planets” album—reimagining Holst in Ellington’s style—won The Times’ “Must Have Jazz CD of the Year” in 2018. He regularly directs the Big Band at Ronnie Scott’s and has commissioned work ranging from a jazz Swan Lake to orchestrations for The Moody Blues.
As an educator, Pete works with young musicians across Britain, from West Wales to the Royal Academy, Guildhall and Royal College. His masterclasses and workshops have influenced a new generation of players.
Tonight you’ll hear the full range of Pete’s artistry—his technical command, his deep knowledge of jazz tradition, and his ability to make audiences laugh between numbers. Another unmissable evening awaits.
An optional 2-course supper at £15.00 is available but must be booked, vegetarians & others with dietary requirements will be accommodated if requested when reserving.
Reservations are required for all events.
Entry: members £10.00 non-members £12.00 unless marked*
(Entry marked * will be members £12 non-members £15)
There is a 50% concession for students for all events.
We do not have the facility to accept payment for entry or meals by credit or debit cards although we do at the bar.
For information about ULEZ please see ‘About our Venue’ page.