Alex Garnett Returns to Ladbroke Hall for a jazz performance celebrating the legacy of alto saxophone great Lou Donaldson, best known for his soulful, blues-drenched approach to the instrument, deeply informed by the bebop language of Charlie Parker. Lou was always concerned with pleasing the people, reaching audiences far beyond the realm of hardcore jazz fans long before critics coined the term “crossover” music. Garnett follows Lou’s ethos: “We’re trying to get this music settled back down, ’cause it’s kinda gotten outta hand!” He promises an evening of blues-infused bebop classics drawn from the grooviest depths of the Blue Note vaults. Alex has been living and working professionally as a musician since 1995, enjoying a varied career as both a jazz artist and session musician across a wide range of stylistic settings. Garnett feels honoured to be among the very few UK jazz musicians to headline from Ronnie Scott’s current “All Stars” roster, as well as having run his own infamous late-show slots for a nine-year stretch. Alex has been a regular sideman of choice for American artists touring Europe and has performed in over 30 countries worldwide. His appearances include such prestigious venues as the Blue Note, Lincoln Center, Birdland, Porgy & Bess, Roomful of Blues, and The Sage, alongside festival appearances at Umbria Jazz, Cork, Rochester (NY), Barcelona, Montreux, Oslo Jazz Festival, Zermatt Unplugged, and the North Sea Jazz Festival, to name but a few. Tonight’s prestigious accompanists are all stars in their own right, collectively boasting accolades that read like a who’s who of top-tier performers across the musical spectrum. Line Up: Alex Garnett– saxophone Ross stanley -Hammond organ Gareth Fowler – guitar Joel Barford – drums

Ladbroke Hall welcomes Finnish guitarist Jonas Metsäkylä for a rare one-off concert, leading his international quartet. Now based in Paris, Metsäkylä is a highly regarded jazz musician known for his driving swing and compositions shaped by the influence of Wes Montgomery and the high-energy Blue Note era. Expect a set rich in groove, intensity, and strong melodic lines. He’s joined by drummer Steve Brown, one of the most respected figures on the UK jazz scene. A first-call choice for visiting international artists, Brown is a long-time member of the Scott Hamilton Quartet and a former member of the Barry Harris Trio. His playing is deeply rooted in swing, combining precision with musical sensitivity. On tenor saxophone is Fraser Smith, one of the UK’s most compelling contemporary players. His recordings have attracted over 1.3 million streams, and his latest album was featured in both The Times and Jazzwise Jazz Albums of the Year lists, receiving four-star reviews from each. John Fordham of Jazz News describes him as “nonchalantly confident and very hard swinging.” Presented by Ladbroke Hall. This is an 18+ event