<img src='' title='Event Category: Music' alt='' id='templ_icon_' width='' height='' /> Event Category: Music

Virtuoso jazz with influences from Flamenco, Tango & the Middle East virtuoso UK-based guitarist Nicolas Meier has carved a reputation as one of the world’s most original and uniquely talented guitarists. He mixes jazz with his love of Eastern & Middle Eastern music, Flamenco, Tango and more. This quartet exudes passion, versatility and musical fluency.

His triple album Magnificent was widely praised by critics, including John Fordham noting that the musical collection “…often suggests a wellspring of ideas and experiences in Nicolas Meier’s head and fingers that had been waiting for an opportunity to burst out.” The World Group tour includes Birthday Celebrations for Nicholas and encompasses gigs in the USA, France and his Swiss homeland as well as the UK. Make a date to hear this superbly engaging band!

“Meier’s scintillating playing on assorted fretted and fretless guitars is sometimes reminiscent of Metheny or McLaughlin but with a highly melodic, pan-Mediterranean eclecticism of his own…” Scotsman 4/5*

Nicolas Meier – guitars
Richard Jones – violin
Kevin Glasgow – electric bass
Demi Garcia – percussion

Presented by Jazz Steps

*Please note, seating for Jazz Steps shows is unallocated

Caribbean-influenced jazz originals from pianist & composer Luke Bacchus – with Marlon Hibbert on steel pans.  This young quartet’s passionate celebrates the immense musical heritage of the Windrush Generation.

BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 finalist, pianist and composer Luke Bacchus is one of the most exciting emerging jazz musicians on the UK scene, as well as internationally – he played in the  Montreux Jazz Festival house band this summer.

Born and raised in London to Guyanese parents, Bacchus musically explores his Caribbean heritage as one of his major sources of inspiration, taking in genres and rhythms well beyond what we conventionally hear about. These compositions were first performed this summer at the Vortex Jazz Club, London – on the 75th Anniversary of the first arrivals from the Caribbean on the Windrush.

The line-up is the same as at the Vortex and includes young steel pan virtuoso Marlon Hibbert, winner of multiple awards who, at the age of just 17 years, founded the hugely successful Endurance Steel Orchestra which has developed in breadth and depth over the years he’s been leader.  Nate Ricketts (drums) and Amy Gadiaga (bass) complete the line-up. (NB: Menelik Claffey (bass) was listed in our early printed programme}

Luke has a distinctive sound, pairing entrancing rhythms from the Caribbean with jazz harmonies in his original compositions, as well as a unique approach to playing standards.

Initially teaching himself jazz piano from YouTube videos, Luke went on to study at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, London.  Musical influences include Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner and Thelonious Monk.

Watch his BBC 2022 Jazz Finalist performance here, with trio partners Michael and Mark Mondesir.  In the run-up to this, he talks about his musical background here.   Another video is of his composition ‘Cannibalisme’ live at the Crypt, London in March 2023. (NB: Amy Gadiaga plays bass in this line-up).

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear a memorable session of Caribbean-influenced jazz originals from pianist and composer Luke Bacchus – with Marlon Hibbert on steel pans.  A passionate celebration of the immense musical heritage of the Windrush Generation.

Luke Bacchus – piano
Marlon Hibbert – steel pans
Nate Ricketts – drums
Amy Gadiaga – double bass

Presented by Jazz Steps

*Please note, seating for Jazz Steps shows is unallocated

A mixed bill featuring professional keyboardist , Mark Everatt, playing  a variety of top hits and well known tunes, using state of the art keyboards. One of the best barbershop quartets, Oakie Dokie, will entertain with superb close harmony singing of some well known numbers and Nottingham’s newest originals band, the trio, called NG42 will play a few of their freshly written pop songs!

Join Rebel Rebel for a powerful musical experience as they present the greatest hits of David Bowie from across his career alongside a full performance of the seminal Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust album.

*Please disregard a previous note that the car park will be closed. The date of the car park closure has been moved to 22 February.

The top organ players from across the country play at The Bonington Theatre on the first Monday of each month!

An evening of vintage swing music from the golden age of Big Bands!

Full of vibrant energy, the Tony Farrell Big Band features musicians performing music from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and many more from the golden era of swing! The line-up of four trumpets, four trombones, five saxes, piano, bass, drums, guitar and singers is in-keeping with the traditional swing era bands.

Performed by the Tony Farrell Big Band

“A celebration of classic Seasonal Swing !” (Telegraph)

Swing ‘n’ sing-along into Christmas – with the unique Five Star Swing Band show – As featured at London’s Leicester Square Theatre and BBC “Children in Need” .

Enjoy all your favourite Christmas songs with the dynamic swing band treatment from Glenn Miller, Sinatra, Basie, Nat King Cole – jazzing up those Jingle Bells!

“Superb – they swing like crazy!” says Sheila Tracy, BBC. As seen at Dame Vera Lynn’s Charity Ball & Blackpool Tower Ballroom. “Swing and Song of the highest order” – Telegraph. Featuring Simone from the Ivy Benson Orchestra, and Chris Smith (Jnr) composer and arranger for the BBC Radio Big Band, Herb Miller Big Band (Glenn’s brother), plus Tony Bennett’s trombonist!

“A celebration of barbershop a cappella”

Join Lace City Chorus, the 2023 UK barbershop a cappella champions! The chorus will be joined by participants of their recent 4 week learn-to-sing course Do Something For You.

There will also be two special guests in the form of  Nottingham’s Major Oak Chorus and the Notivation Quartet.

We have had so many requests for Joanna to return to Jazz in the Bar that she’s back by popular demand!

The musical combination of Joanna’s expressive vocals and her father Bob’s arranging and piano playing skills has long been one of the most potent on the local scene. Choosing her material from the best of classic jazz and standard songs, Joanna delivers a polished performance every time.

The trio has performed with a galaxy of UK and American jazz musicians including Scott Hamilton, Karen Sharp and Spike Robinson.

Bob is on piano with Steve Truman’s accomplished bass playing and Clive Loveday’s subtle but swinging drums.

Expect an evening of toe tapping finger snapping jazz…