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Four of the East Midlands’ best jazz musicians + special guest singer Helen Gayle come together with an evening of music by the Fab 4, bringing a special jazz touch to some of the best songs of the 20th Century. Many Lennon & McCartney compositions stand up well to a jazz treatment, interpreters including George Benson & Herbie Hancock. On this occasion Helen Gayle will be stepping into Diane Krall’s shoes on vocals.

You can even play ‘Spot the Song’ with the jazz introductions of some of these classics. They are all great songs and will shine in these hands.

Matt Ratcliffe (piano)
Helen Gayle (Vocals)
Ben Martin (Tenor/soprano)
Martyn Spencer (Bass)
Tymoteusz Jozwaik (drums)

Presented by Jazz Steps

Together, Alan Barnes and Dave O’Higgins have a long-standing dynamic musical chemistry that makes them ever-welcome at the Bonington and venues across the UK. Both played with their own bands in Jazz Steps’ first year – 1997.

Alan, a multi-reed master and witty raconteur between numbers – excels in his chameleon-like fluency across diverse genres, never ceasing to surprise and delight. Likewise, as band leader and sideman, Dave O’Higgins also has many albums to his credit.

Expect and rollicking evening of great jazz from this quintessential quintet fronted by two reed-players of distinction.

Alan Barnes (reeds)
Dave O’Higgins (reed)
Rob Barron (piano)
Adam King (bass)
Josh Morrison (drums)

Presented by Jazz Steps

Jean Toussaint Quintet will be playing new material ahead of the release of his album Songs for Sisters Brothers and Others – a collection of new compositions in tribute to his siblings and people and places important in his life.

On a multi-date UK tour that includes the Bonington (of course!), his band features Freddie Gavita trumpet, Jonathan Gee piano, Mutale Chashi bass and Shane Forbes drums.

Influenced by his African Caribbean heritage and the New York jazz scene where he grew up, Toussaint was inspired early on by “the funk, soul, calypso and reggae bands of [his] youth”. Toussaint went on to form bands, tour, and become a member of the legendary Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers – a jazz combo and rite of passage in the jazz world.

Toussaint played to a near-capacity Bonington audience in December 2018 with music from his album Brother Raymond that gained a 4-star Guardian review, saying he displayed “His own style, fluent and assured, with angular asides to keep you guessing”.

Be at this gig to experience musical insights from his new compositions – sure to be profound given the dedications.  Formidable musical creativity from brilliant musicians.  Book early – and bring your friends!

“He is one of the great saxophonists. He has a mellow tone, so soulful you feel he could slip into funk or blues at any second.” – London Jazz News

Jean Toussaint – saxophone
Freddie Gavita- trumpet
Jonathan Gee- piano
Mutale Chashi- bass
Shane Forbes – drums

Presented by Jazz Steps

Julian Siegel is one of Nottingham’s own “born and bred” jazzers appearing in our first Jazz Steps season in 1997 with the band Partisans. Over the years since, he’s
performed with international musicians such as Bill Frisell, Steve Swallow and Kenny Wheeler. His composition for jazz orchestra celebrating Nottingham Lace was recorded locally by the BBC for broadcast.

For over a decade, he has worked with this highly inventive and dynamic quartet, making him a favourite all over Europe – and definitely so with Nottingham audiences. Be there for this session of eclectic, vibrant music.

Julian Siegel (reeds)
Liam Noble (piano)
Oli Hayhurst (bass)
Gene Calderazzo (drums)

Presented by Jazz Steps

Damon Brown performed in our very first Jazz Steps season, 25 years ago. – with this return being a deliberate nod to our anniversary! He’s performed with his own groups and with the band Killer Shrimp back in 2010. His no-nonsense trumpet style wins him many fans. We tracked him down to Seoul, South Korea, and invited him over for a rare UK appearance, backed by a superb trio.

Damon Brown (trumpet)
Leon Greening (piano)
Adam King (Bass)
Matt Skelton (drums)

Presented by Jazz Steps

The Edison Herbert Trio have a reputation for their engaging grooves, sensitive ballads and foot tapping numbers that mix the familiar with the new in a refreshing way. Edison is a sensitive and melodic guitarist and his trio bring excitement, verve and vitality to everything they play. He is revisiting some ‘My Favourite Tunes’ that include some stand-out jazz standards.

Edison Herbert (guitar)
Jose Canha (bass)
Josh Smout (drums)

Presented by Jazz Steps