We're delighted to welcome back Liverpool-born saxophonist Tim Whitehead, one of Britain's most thoughtful composers and improvisers. Tim plays soprano, alto and tenor saxophone, plus flute, with what The Times describes as "a sense of grace and economy."
We're thrilled to welcome back vibraphone virtuoso Anthony Kerr, widely regarded as one of the most exciting vibes players in British jazz today.
Born in Belfast, Anthony studied at the Belfast School of Music before moving to New York in the mid-1980s to study with David Friedman and Kenny Werner. He won a scholarship to the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music in 1987, launching a stellar international career.
We're delighted to welcome back award-winning clarinettist Julian Marc Stringle, hailed by Sir John Dankworth as "the best clarinet player to emerge in British jazz for several decades."
Julian started as a child prodigy reed player. He studied at the Latymer Music School and London College of Music, learning clarinet with Wilf Keeley and composition with William Lloyd Webber. He made his TV debut with Acker Bilk at just 14, leading his teenage Dixieland band "Young Jazz." At 17, he formed a modern jazz quintet and toured Europe.
We're pleased to welcome back rising trumpet and flugelhorn talent Marco Natale-Miles, a versatile player making his mark on the jazz scene.
Marco is an alumnus of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO), which he joined at age 13 and remained involved with throughout his development. He studied at prestigious institutions including the Purcell School, the Royal Academy of Music Junior Jazz department, and graduated from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
SUCH A PLEASURE TO WELCOME BACK Louise Cookman, one of the UK's leading big band, jazz and swing era vocalists. For more than two decades, her rich, velvety voice, instinctive musicality and warm, witty stage presence have won over audiences throughout the UK and abroad.
Louise specialises in swing and big band vocals, with a deep love and understanding of the Great British and American songbooks. Her warm tone and engaging personality allow her to connect effortlessly with live audiences, bringing infectious joy to every performance.
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.
A TRUE LEGEND OF BRITISH JAZZ GUITAR, John Etheridge brings his remarkable breadth and virtuosity back to our stage.
Pat Metheny calls him "one of the best guitarists in the world." Eric Clapton told him early on, "You're not a blues player, but you're a great guitarist." Jimi Hendrix simply said, "You're great." Such praise comes to few musicians, but John has earned it through decades of fearless eclecticism and brilliant playing.
The calibre of musicians Geoff works with tells you everything - American visitors like Scott Hamilton and Greg Abate, British heavyweights Derek Nash and Digby Fairweather, and he even hit the road with Martha and the Vandellas.
Expect top-drawer trombone tonight.
Over sixteen albums, she's developed a sound that's unmistakably hers. She's shared stages with the cream of British and international jazz talent - Ian Shaw, John Etheridge, and Claire Martin among them.
The Guardian called her "a world-class act", but we think she's simply one of the most compelling performers you'll catch at any jazz club in the country.
Don't miss this one.
Allison's approach is understated but deeply musical. She favours the classic songbook and works beautifully in a quartet setting, particularly with guitar in the rhythm section. Over the years Allison has recorded several lovely albums exploring standards and bop repertoire. Expect lyrical, carefully crafted playing - the real deal.
