The Filthy Six are the most exciting, authentic Soul Jazz outfit in the UK today and have established themselves as one of the most electric live acts on the scene. Their soaring horns, blistering guitar and gut-wrenching organ are fuelled by one of the hardest grooving rhythm sections around, producing a hip-shakingly powerful mixture of jazz, funk and boogaloo totally in keeping with the finest traditions of the late 60s Blue Note/Prestige sound. Led by Trumpeter Nick Etwell (Tom Jones/Mumford & Sons/Beck/David Axelrod), this band of musical gunslingers have worked with some of the biggest names in Music: Amy Winehouse, Mavis Staples, Ronnie Spector, Duran Duran, Mark Ronson, Robbie Williams, Jill Scott, Ronnie Wood, Jack White, Dionne Warwick, The Foo Fighters, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Spiritualized and the Atomic Bomb Band to name a few. These instrumental groove merchants fuse boundless energy and musicianship to create tight, funky music for the mind, body and soul: a good time guaranteed! The Filthy Six - Soho Filth : EP Out Now on Color Red Back to their Filthy best with their mastery of that 60s Soul Jazz groove" - Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show, BBC6Music "The Blue Note sound remains an integral part of the group's make-up and this captivating EP captures the appeal of their raw energy in four vibrant tracks - London Jazz News

Join the Jay Rayner Sextet as they celebrate the greatest jazz-influenced chart hits of the 80s, including dance floor fillers by Sade, Matt Bianco, Swing Out Sister and Sting.

The Godfather of Swing Mr Ray Gelato has been taking his special brand of swing, jazz and R & B music all over the world since 1988. This multi-talented singer, saxman, songwriter and band leader has appeared at festivals, clubs and concert stages from Brazil to New York City.

Guy Chambers presents an evening of his favourite songs played with some of the finest musicians in the UK. You will hear the The Beatles, Bowie, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and a few Robbie Williams songs thrown in for fun.

UK Blues Award as the EMERGING ACT OF THE YEAR 2023 Hailing from Bristol UK, with a sound echoing the 1960' s British R'n'B bands, The Terraplanes have been a breath of fresh air since the release of their debut E.P Midnight Train in 2020. With the commercial success and critical acclaim of their first full album Stepping Stones in 2022 plus some blistering live festival performances have seen them gain a league of followers around the world. The chemistry between the two founding members is the driving force of the band. Nick Scrase's authentic guitar/vocal tones Eduardo Allen's hi energy harmonica skills and stage performance make for an electric live show. The band are ably supported by Tom Turner (drums), Craig Shaw (guitar) and Pete Tyler (Bass).

‘The Antidote’ are an exciting young contemporary jazz quintet, featuring leading lights of the UK scene. Brainchild of bassist Matt Ridley, the music is firmly rooted within the contemporary jazz discipline, and also emanates both rock overtones and classical influences, evolved from decades of genuine passion for music. Matt inhabits his own space within the creative diaspora, being able to navigate a broad spectrum of inspirations and transform them into a vibrant and exciting sound.

Finn Genockey is a drummer / composer from London currently studying in his final year at the Guildhall School of Music. Since starting drums at the age of 6, Finn has had plenty of experience performing with some of the most notable jazz artists such as Rufus Reid and Stan Sulzmann at some of the country’s top jazz venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, PizzaExpress Soho and Vortex as well as across the world in places such as Germany, France and the Caribbean. He also regularly writes music for the ensembles he runs: including his own 20-piece Jazz Orchestra, The London Intercollegiate Jazz Orchestra which he recently founded for a debut performance for EFG Jazz Festival 2023 as well as the international group: ‘Inc Quartet’.

London’s premier funk collective return for another night of pure uncut groove. This performance will include a new expanded line-up debuting brand new material. Renowned for their high level musicianship and electrifying live shows, the band has garnered the support of BBC Radio 6, Jazz FM, Blues And Soul magazine and Radio/Club DJ’s far and wide. Following performances at Ealing Jazz Festival and Manchester Jazz Festival, they recently released their album 'Live At Hideaway London'

Expect a velvet voiced pick and mix of swinging, bluesy, ballady, and iconic songs alongside a hefty dose of sizzling brass. A celebration of some of the 'Vintage Vegas' sounds that have inspired Georgina's unique talent. From Louis and Ella to Ray Charles, Sinatra and Adele.

After a number of successful top-twenty singles in the UK, the band went on to score unprecedented international success with the release of the classic ‘Nightbirds” recording and the title track has now become a standard in the popular music repertoire. This success was repeated with the top-ten hit “Down on the Street and the award-winning video established the band’s personnel of Jill Saward(lead vocs), Bill Sharpe(keys),Keith Winter(gtr), George Anderson(bass) and Roger Odell(drums). With the magic Al Jarreau/Shakatak combination,the group went on to record the track ‘Day by Day’ to further international acclaim. Along with this successful recording career, Shakatak had firmly established themselves as a vibrant live act, combining astute musicianship with a sense of fun that communicated strongly with world-wide audiences. Their performance in Japan’s Budoken Hall won them a Silver Award at the Tokyo International Song Festival-other awards include the “Best Instrumental Album’ for 6 consecutive years-and other live concerts of note have been the East meets the West Border Concert at the time of German re-unificationin 1989 and the open air concert in Cape Town for the Millennium Celebrations 2000 where they played in front of 250,000 people.Shakatak have enjoyed a level of success and career longevity rarely paralleled in contemporary music – but then Shakatak is a particularly unusual group. Because of the nature of their music, their fan base is one that is far reaching while always retaining an ‘underground element’. This paradox sees the band, who are known primarily as serious jazz/funk musicians, enjoying both high ‘cult’ status and instant recognition as a household name.

Saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa spent more than a decade as a member of The Rippingtons and was a founding member of The Sax Pack, along with Steve Cole & Kim Waters. He’s also no stranger to PizzaExpress either having appeared there with The Sax Pack and as guest saxophonist with Acoustic Alchemy over the years. Jeff has an impressive back catalogue of 11 CDs including the new title “Luminoso.

Firm favourites on the blues & jump-jive scenes, the award-winning Cadillac Kings feature five of the UK's top blues and roots musicians. Inspired by the sounds and styles of the ‘40s & ‘50s with a distinctly modern take lyric-wise, this is a band with a reputation for wowing their audiences, at club and festivals across the UK & Europe. Since their formation in 2000 the band has opened shows for acts such as John Mayall, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Rod Piazza, Lazy Lester, Magic Slim, Lil' Ed & His Blues Imperials, Louisiana Red, Larry Garner, Sherman Robertson, Little Feat & Delbert McLinton to name but a few!

King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys are more than just the world's greatest swing & R&B band, they are an institution. The band have been on the road for almost three decades playing every European country as well as touring the USA, Russia and the Middle East, recording ten CDs. Dazzling musicianship,​ riveting stage performances, more than 50 TV appearances (including, somewhat bizarrely, five episodes of Teletubbies) and 75 radio broadcasts have established them as the Kings of Swing.

Following 7 consecutive sold out shows for PizzaExpress Live, The Soul Steppers make their eagerly awaited return to the Soho Jazz Club for another seriously soulful live performance. The Brighton based 10 piece outfit bring an exclusive live set of deep funk & soul music, an authentic mix of their own arrangements of rare & underplayed ‘45 gems from the 60’s & 70’s and their own material. The band features super soulful female vocals, firing funky keys, screeching horns, backed by a super tight rhythm section. The 'Steppers have come together to shake up and wake up the live soul music scene with their unique blend of sister funk & sweet soul. This aint no soul standards covers band, this is 100% bona fide big band funky soul music, perfect for the knowledgable soul heads & ideal for those who just love the funk & soul sound.

Join Down for the Count All-Stars, the UK's hardest swinging band, for "one hellova celebration of vintage music" (TimeOut London) – it's time to Swing That Music! Described as "a breath of fresh air on the swing scene" (Twinwood Festival), Down for the Count are regularly found in legendary clubs across the UK and abroad (Ronnie Scott's London, Le Caveau de la Huchette Paris), at festivals such as London Jazz Festival, and on BBC Radio. Now, they’re bringing the sounds and vibes of the best jazz clubs to theatres around the country – with an electrifying show packed full of energy, top-notch musicianship, and bags of their signature wit and charm. In this new show for 2026, you'll hear instrumental songs from the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Glenn Miller, vocal classics from singers such as Nat 'King' Cole, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, and original arrangements of jazz standards penned by the band’s own musicians. Down for the Count recreate classic tunes from the Swing Era, but this is no mere nostalgia trip – the band perform each song in their own unmistakable style, breathing new life into the best vintage music. Combine that with the top-tier instrumental solos, sublime vocal performances, and irresistible warmth and joie de vivre, and you get a show that will leave you in the highest spirits, wanting more.

Star of UK jazz, Hannah Horton, brings her ‘Inside Out’ tour to PizzaExpress Jazz Club. A melodic maverick, visionary jazz saxophonist and composer, her music is rooted in jazz, folk and funk. ‘Inside Out’ presents Hannah’s original compositions alongside iconic songs that she holds close to her heart in an intriguing show that strikes the perfect balance between exciting new music and timeless classics. Hannah has wowed audiences in two sold-out London Jazz Festival shows and alongside great artists like Amy Winehouse, Ian Shaw and John Etheridge.

After a phenomenal sell-out show in February, Shane Hampsheir returns with his celebration of swing and jazz classics and, once again, his spectacular and popular 17-piece jazz orchestra is in tow. The show will feature soothing and romantic standards by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Michael Bubl as well as punchy and exciting arrangements popularised by Harry Connick, Jr., Joe Williams and Sammy Davis, Jr. You can also expect to hear some brand new arrangements (by Evan Jolly and Graeme Taylor) previously featured on Shane's debut big band album and his recent iTunes Jazz Chart Number 1 singles.

Dave O'Higgins, with his personal and recognisable style, is justifiably one of the most popular saxophonists on the UK and international jazz scene for 30 years and has 24 albums as leader under his belt. Dave's tenor and soprano sax sounds are highly personal and recognisable, with a clear sense of melodic development and adventure. With an excellent sense of pacing and presentation, he has a wide palette from Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane, Joe Henderson through to Stanley Turrentine and Michael Brecker. No stranger to Dean Street audiences, Dave has enjoyed an extended series of sold-out concerts here playing "The Blue Note Years" followed by his "Three Tenors" concerts - (the music of Stanley Turrentine, Hank Mobley and Dexter Gordon), culminating in two remarkable concerts in 2022 and 2023, playing the music of the great John Coltrane.

CHARLIE BATES is a multi-award-winning composer, arranger and pianist based in London. After graduating from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire with first class honours and as a multiple prize-winner, he released his debut album for big band ‘Silhouettes’. This went on to be dubbed ‘impressive and inventive’ by The Guardian. He went on to work with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra as composer-in-residence, whom he conducted at Air Studios and Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club. He has since been awarded the Dankworth Award, the Eddie Harvey Award and an Ivor Novello award for composition. He has performed live on BBC2 and his music has been broadcast on BBC TV and Radio, as well as Jazz FM. More recently, he has been working with the world famous NDR Big Band in Germany as a guest composer, arranger and conductor, "Impressive and Inventive, Teeming with melodic inventiveness"_ John Fordham, The Guardian_ "A true talent" _Tim Garland, UK Saxophonist/Composer._ From South West London comes HELENA DEBONO, a young jazz vocalist. She has been captivating audiences with her emotional renditions of Jazz standards and her own original music since she was a teenager. Her natural, effortless vocals have already received acclaim amongst the UK Jazz scene and leaves audiences wanting to hear more. She has performed at many venues including Ronnie Scotts, PizzaExpress Soho and Holborn, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Manchester Jazz Festival and many more. In July 2021 Helena released her debut album called ‘Right Here’ which is a mix of Jazz standards and her own originals. The album received great reviews and has over 30k streams on Spotify. She performed a Sold-Out Album Launch show at PizzaExpress Holborn and her band were invited to perform a livestream from Ronnie Scotts which has over 5k streams. Helena graduated with a BA (hons) first class degree in Jazz Music from Leeds College of Music. She has performed at many venues in Leeds including the Brudenell Social Club and Hifi. In 2019 Helena became the Female vocalist for The National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO), during this time she was interviewed by Emma Smith for BBC Radio 3 “Jazz Now”. She is now the Vocal Coach for NYJO. In the Summer of 2019 Helena was thrilled to perform with ‘The London Gay Big Band’ at London Pride in Trafalgar Square. She has also performed with ‘The Puppini Sisters’.

This showcase is a unique musical fusion of Tango and Jazz, a fascinating journey from the origins of traditional Tango to the innovative proposals of Astor Piazzolla's music. Tango Jazz Quartet magically captures the harmonies and the improvisation of jazz to blend them with the melodies and rhythms of tango. The striking contrast between the vibrant and playful "milongas", the romantic "tango-waltzes" and the electrifying music of Piazzzola will not leave anyone in the audience indifferent. The band has also worked in the production of musical films: it has produced the documentary "Tango Meets Jazz" premiered at the 2020 Black Mountin Jazz Festival in Wales and the film "Centenary of Music & composer Astor Piazzola" together to Welsh violinist Xenia Porteus premiered at the 2021 Brecon Jazz Festival in Wales. Saxophonist and clarinetist Gustavo Firmenich, leader of TJQ recreated with this band the dancing evenings that were common in the golden era of the tango in Buenos Aires, where Tango and Jazz lived together although playing separately. Founded in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2009 and after more than 13 years of uninterrupted tours, Tango Jazz Quartet has consolidated its presence in the music scene of most places in the world. Declared since 2012 "Musical Group of Cultural Interest" by the Argentine Foreign Ministry and awarded the "Ambassadors of Tango" diploma by the Legislature of the City of Buenos Aires.

In the November 2022 EFG London Jazz Festival, JBGB Events brought together The Simon Spillett Big Band, in an exclusive London performance, to celebrate a colossal musical genius of yesteryear, the late, great saxophonist Tubby Hayes, arguably the nation's best-loved jazz legend. The concert was a sensational sold-out success, with the audience enthusiastically in awe, not only of the remarkable and innovative musicianship of Simon and his energetically talented band of British jazz greats, but also discovering the musical genius of the late Tubby Hayes' superb jazz writing. There was no hesitation for JBGB Events to extend the return invitation for a second London concert in June 2023; a further sold-out concert and hence this has led to our double Spring and Autumn 2024 booking.

He’s the former music director for Dave Koz, and as well as many appearances here with Dave, keyboardist Brian Simpson is now a PizzaExpress regular is his own right, having also shared the stage here with Paul Brown and Marc Antoine over the years, as well as a number of solo performances. Brian’s shows are always great fun, as he plays his entire repertoire of his many smooth jazz hits. And there a lot of them! Playing with Brian will be Mark Jaimes on Guitar, Orefo Orakwue on Bass, Alex Bone on saxophone and Westley Joseph on Drums.

Building on the success of a solo EP released in early 2021, Franco-American jazz pianist Tom Sochas, previously known for his work with London staple Phoenician Blinds, returns to Pizza Express with his debut trio album The Sorcerer, out on Khumbu Records. The album, set to be released in April 2022 introduces Tom’s new trio with Greek bassist Thodoris Ziarkas and British drummer Olly Sarkar. Expect a blend of hard hitting post bop and delicate contrapuntal melodies, infused with textural analog electronics and a couple very special guests. Not to be missed!

Presenting the debut performance of his newly formed big band, Jonny Ford is one of the rising stars of the UK jazz and big band scene. Having worked with Heather Small, Cory Wong, The NDR Big Band, and Gareth Lockrane Big Band, he brings together some of the UK's most exciting improvising musicians to premiere a thrilling set of brand-new original music. Throughout the evening you'll be taken on a journey through intricate layers of orchestral jazz, infused with vibrant energy, exceptional skill, and unwavering passion. The Jonny Ford Jazz Orchestra is a collective of individual voices/soloists, and the music has been constructed to feature the extraordinary talents and artistic visions of each individual.

Additionally, the band will present infectious melodies from their upcoming album release, along with artistic and entertaining arrangements of much-loved Beatles tunes, Motown classics, Great American Songbook favorites, and even 1940s Italian hits. The band will guide you through a whirlwind of their artistic catalog, beautifully complemented by Francesca’s soaring vocals and inimitable energy. Luminoso has been delighting London audiences at legendary jazz clubs such as Pizza Express Soho, Peggy’s Skylight, and Wilton’s Music Hall, and is thrilled to take the stage at The Pheasantry for the first time. Don’t miss this chance to experience a night of spectacular music at one of London’s most iconic venues, promising to be a highlight of the season. BRIAN CLEMENS Brian Clemens is a London-based jazz pianist, arranger, and bandleader originally from Los Angeles. After earning his master’s degree in California and studying under Grammy Award-winning pianist and arranger Bill Cunliffe, Brian established himself in the vibrant Los Angeles music scene. He has headlined renowned venues such as Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Jazz Grill and Pizza Express, Soho. Recently, he relocated to London, where he directs and leads his acclaimed jazz band, Luminoso. His latest album, “Live in London Ft. Francesca Confortini,” was recorded in London in the fall of 2023 and was hailed as “an exhilarating and entertaining set of creative arrangements of standards and original music” by JazzWiseUK. Brian Clemens draws inspiration from legendary pianists such as Oscar Peterson, Billy Taylor, Ray Charles, and George Shearing. His arranging style reflects the influence of greats like Billy May and Nelson Riddle. FRANCESCA CONFORTINI Italian-born jazz vocalist Francesca Confortini brings her soulful tone to every performance. With a background in musical theatre and international experience as a singer for the likes of Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), along with work with gypsy-jazz ensembles Trio Manouche and Gypsy Dynamite as well as her trio Jazz Silhouettes, she exudes sophistication and warmth in everything she does. A versatile vocalist capable of moving from her neo-jazz originals to interpretation of the American Songbook classics Francesca is without doubt “one to watch”!

Phoenician Blinds are steadily becoming a staple of the London jazz scene. Fusing modern jazz landscapes with hard hitting grooves and exploratory cinematic compositions, they bring a fresh perspective to the classic jazz outfit. London-based, yet Pan-European, Phoenician Blinds combine influences creating a sound sure to make you groove and contemplate the essence of soulful music.

In the winter of 2022, following a series of performances across London and Birmingham, Dreamscapes captured their original music in a studio recording session, culminating in the much-anticipated release of their self-titled EP in January 2024. Returning with renewed energy, Dreamscapes are gearing up for an exciting series of live performances, including this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival and their first UK tour in September.

Led by Colombian pianist Ivan Guevara and British cellist / conductor Graham Walker, Classico Latino combine a heady mix of piano, cello, violin, vocals, bass and percussion, performed by a group of musicians with a truly global reach. Having released five successful studio albums, as well as entertaining audiences all over the world from the iconic Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London to the foothills of the Colombian Andes, Classico Latino released their latest album 'Salsa Classics' in November 2023 to much critical acclaim, culminating in an epic, sold-out concert at the prestigious King's Place venue in London featuring Colombian superstar - Fruko. Tonight they will also feature music from their 'Havana Classic' repertoire together with songs from 'Journey Through Latin America'.

Singer, songwriter and pianist Jon Regen plays songs from his long-awaited new album Higher Ground, just out October 4, 2019 on Ropeadope. Produced by Jamiroquai keyboardist Matt Johnson, the album includes musical performances by legends like Andy Summers of The Police, Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Chuck Leavell of The Rolling Stones and Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran. Other notable guests include Larry Klein, Matt Rollings, Ricky Peterson, Jerry Marotta, Keith Carlock, Tim Lefebvre, Davey Faragher, David Palmer, George Marinelli, Julia Kent, Matt Beck and Grégoire Maret.

With a clear sense of purpose, 23-year-old singer, songwriter and guitarist Rosie Frater-Taylor blurs the lines between jazz, folk, pop and soul. Think Joni Mitchell meets George Benson, Lewis Taylor teams up with Emily King or a female version of John Mayer! Rosie's critically acclaimed 2nd album 'Bloom' (2021) was nominated at Gilles Petersons WorldWide Awards, named Jazz FM 'Album Of The Week' and made KCRW's 'Albums Of The Year' list. Bloom accumulated over 2m streams, catching the attention of the likes of Jamie Cullum, Gilles Peterson, Jordan Rakei, Nitin Sawhney, Snarky Puppy's Michael League, Blue Notes Don Was, with Complex Magazine, Bandcamp, Jazz re:freshed and global platform Pickup Music championing the young musician too. In 2022, Rosie played over 60 shows across Europe, including opening for legendary singer Kurt Elling and playing Gilles Petersons WorldWide Awards and We Out Here on the main stage. The native Londoner started playing drums at the age of 8, picking up the guitar and ukulele soon after. She spent her early teens discovering her musician parents record collection, an eclectic mix of artists: Zero 7, Tania Maria, Seal, Pat Metheny and more. She began exploring her own love of songwriting, jazz and alternative harmony studying at both the Roundhouse and Royal Academy Of Music. Partial to a DIY-slant, Rosie set off laying out multi-layered guitar-based demos on Cubase at the age of 16. These would eventually become her self-produced debut album 'On My Mind' (2018), a unique collection of songs which garnered praise from BBC 6 Musics Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 1s Abbie McCarthy, Becca Stevens badass, with Jazzwise Magazine hailing her one to watch. Unreserved seated show with limited standing room.

This is music played the way it should be: live, dangerous, joyful and full of heart. Its a show that leaves audiences buzzing long after the final note. Ben Waters is internationally known as one of the UKs most explosive boogie-woogie and rock n roll pianists a performer whose high-energy style has taken him around the world and onto stages with some of the biggest names in music. Tom Waters is a Royal Academy of Music graduate and a formidable saxophonist whose sound spans blues, soul, funk and rhythm & blues. From the raw power of Big Jay McNeely to the groove of Maceo Parker and the sophistication of David Sanborn, Tom brings fire, authority and huge musicality to every performance. Between them they have played and shared stages with The Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, Ray Davies, Rod Stewart, Mick Hucknall, Dave Stewart, Johnny Depp and many more. Joining them is award-winning percussionist, drummer and multi-instrumentalist, James Larter - one of the UK's most exciting rhythmic voices who has recorded with artists such as Sampha and Gang of Youths as well as leading orchestras including the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the English National Opera. James has worked with legendary producers Tony Visconti, Dave Okumu and Chris Kimsey. Enjoy an explosive combination of boogie-woogie piano, powerhouse saxophone and driving percussion; its a night of music that lifts the roof and warms the room at the same time.

The Pete Roth Trio comprises Mike Pratt on bass and features the incomparable Bill Bruford on drums. This is not just a band; it's an unmissable experience that will leave a lasting impression. Whether performing original compositions or re-imagining classics, the Trio consistently delivers a spellbinding performance in an unforgettable evening of musical brilliance! The band creates jazz for a new generation of music enthusiasts, exploring beyond traditional jazz conventions. A jazz standard might reveal its essence only in the final moments of performance. Roths original compositions, such as Dancing with Grace, the Trios collaborative works like Trio in Five and Looking Forward to Looking Back, or their reinterpretation of masterworks like Anton Dvoraks Largo from Symphony #9, offer just a few gateways into the creative world of the Pete Roth Trioa world that will likely reshape your perspective on what the guitar trio format can achieve.

PizzaExpress Live in partnership with the Hampstead Jazz Club, proudly present a jazz pianist, composer and arranger Elchin Shirinov. He was included in All About Jazz's December 2022 poll of the top 200 favourite living pianists in the world. From 2018 to Oct 2022 he was a member of the famous jazz double bassist Avishai Cohen's trio, during which time he recorded 3 albums as part of the trio and toured internationally at festivals and venues such as Blue Note New York jazz club, Ronnie Scott’s jazz club, Blue Note Tokyo jazz club, Tokyo Jazz festival, Jazz a Vienne, Jazz in Marciac, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Berlin Philharmonie concert hall, Paris Jazz festival, London Jazz Festival, Barbican.

Following their sold-out inaugural Dean Street 2023 concert, it's a warm welcome return for Pete Long and his Echoes of Ellington Big Band presenting the Duke Ellington Song Book. Their long awaited and much anticipated debut concert with this 2024 show continues the now well-established Dean Street tradition of weekend big band lunchtime concerts. This concert will again feature the sensational voice of Sara Oschlag, echoing the style of the great Ella Fitzgerald.

UK drumming phenomenon Steve Taylor brings to life the spirit of the immortal Buddy Rich Big Band sound, and beyond! Featuring vocalist Josie Frater & the hottest big band on the London scene, including Parliamentary award winning Phil Meadows & Vasilis Xenopoulous. Expect ‘Rich’ classics such as West Side Story, Birdland, and Love For Sale seamlessly mixed with Steve's fiery & hard-hitting new arrangements.

An evening of stunning South American infused music, with the world famous Roberto Pla and his 12-piece band of saxophones, trumpets, trombones plus a mighty layered percussion section - with Roberto on timbales and featuring the compelling personality and voice of Graciela Rodriguez. Expect a night of sizzling Salsa and Latin infused rhythms, guaranteed to have the audience on their feet.

The audience to the last concert were enthusiastic. "Just wonderful" "Totally original" " ...compelling sounds" " What an amazing British band of talent"The band will play not only the music from their first album, "Fistfight At The Barndance", rated a top five jazz album of the year in the British Jazz Awards, and short listed as Best jazz album in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, but also new compositions and arrangements, in preparation for their much anticipated 2024 new album, by what has been called "Probably the best Jazz Big Band since Thad Jones & Mel Lewis" - The Hoste of JazzGareth's Band features a combination of established British jazz greats with Academy trained younger musicians, in multi layered arrangements scored for 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, 5 reeds, guitar, piano, bass, percussion and drums in addition to Gareth on the entire flute family.Here's' the band in brilliant form in a previous PizzaExpress Jazz Club performance.

This is an outstanding showcase for the best of the current young British based jazz musicians, one of whom will be awarded the Musicians’ Company Young Jazz Musician Award, in memory of the acclaimed first winner of the competition, Tina May and chosen by the voting audience present at the gig. The Winner receives the Company’s coveted medal, £1,000 prize and the opportunity for the band of his/her choice to perform as part of the Company’s jazz programme. From over 50 nominations, from many of the UK’s leading jazz musicians, the Company’s Jazz Committee selected six of the most outstanding young artists.

From the USA Angelo Starr younger brother of the late great Edwin Starr presents a Soul & Motown party. He has taken over lead vocals with Edwin Starr’s original band which is still intact with sax, keyboard, percussion, lead guitar, bass guitar, drums & male and female backing vocalists. Plus support from... LORRAINE SILVER Northern soul legend Lorraine Silver recorded the classic “Lost Summer Love” for Pye Records when she was 13 years old in 1965.The track went on to become an iconic track at the legendary WIGAN CASINO allnighter in the 70’s and due to high public demand the single was re-released on the Casino Classics label and sold in excess of 30,000 copies.In her set she also performs versions of some Northern Soul classics including “Landslide” & “Long After Tonight Is All Over”.She now has a new release “Fever Raging Out Of Control” which is receiving extensive radio airplay. MR GRIFF After spending over 20 years as a session drummer, working with a host of acts and musicians both locally and internationally, Ian Griffith aka ‘Mr Griff’ is now fronting his own project. Drawing on a wealth of influences from his years as a drummer, and with a band packed with some of the finest local Cambridge players, Mr Griff creates a unique blend of Soulful, Bluesy, Funk, guaranteed to get you moving. He cites influences like Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield and Bill Withers and with powerful vocals, catchy song writing and infectious grooves the band definitely hark back to that classic era. JOE STAXX Staxxy (ex The Smokestax and Shelta) is a Blue Eyed Soul singer like none other! Think of a cross between Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and Steve Marriott. Joe'll be playing keys accompanied by old bandmate Dan on guitar. DJ TONY DELLAR (Howard Mallett & Cambridge 105 Radio). A legend on the Cambridge Northern Soul scene, he's been there right from the beginning!

John brings this long established and hugely popular band to the PizzaExpress for a rare London appearance. Gigs by this band are uncommon and each one is a riotous celebration of the fabulous music of the late Frank Zappa, played by a band of some of the great names of British music. Originally formed in 1998, for an Arts Council show, the band went down so well that a long tour was undertaken, and they have stayed together to this day. Everybody who hears this show is struck by the vitality of the music and the performance. John is joined by Steve Lodder (keys), Annie Whitehead (tbn), Shanti Jayasinha (tpt), Simon Bates (sax), Rob Statham (bs), Mike Bradley (drs).

Come and join Voodoo Brass Band at the legendary PizzaExpress Soho where they will be showcasing an eclectic mix of tunes, consisting of hard-hitting originals as well as pop classics that are sure to get everybody up dancing and singing along! Voodoo are quickly making their mark in the UK brass band and jazz scene with sold out performances throughout London, and are also coming off the back of a recent single release - ‘Earthquake’. With megaphone rapping, trombone dance moves and a beatboxing sousaphone, this show is set to be one of Voodoo’s most exciting performances to date. Don’t miss out!

Experience the enduring legacy of The Soft Machine, a band that has defied time and reinvented itself since its inception in 1967. With 56 years of groundbreaking innovation, relentless exploration, and boundary-pushing artistry, The Soft Machine has become a true legend, an ever-evolving force to be reckoned with. In the early 2000s, the band assembled a lineup comprised of esteemed members from its iconic 70s era, including John Etheridge, John Marshall, Roy Babbington, and Theo Travis on saxophone and keys. Sadly, Roy has retired, and we mourn the recent passing of John Marshall, whose memory will be honored in this special concert.

Grammy winning keyboardist Gregg Karukas has 12 solo CDs to his. He also has a list of collaborations that reads like a who’s who of the music industry. Gregg has been music director to Boney James and Dave Koz and has many smooth jazz number ones to his name. He was also one of the founding members of The Rippingtons. It great to be welcoming Gregg back to PizzaExpress once again. Playing with him will be JAMES PUSEY on guitar, OREFO ORAKWUE on bass and MIKI RAMON on sax. Drummer to be announced.

Sambroso Noda, the beating heart of London’s Cuban community and flourishing music scene, has whipped up a bonafide all-star group of musicians to pay their own unique and loving tribute to the wonderful world of Cuban music.