606 Jazz Club, Chelsea, London, Programme for 1st to 16th February 2025.
Monday, January 20, 2025
Laura Thorne of the 606 Club has forwarded details of some forthcoming live jazz events. Fully detailed schedule attached.
Laura Thorne writes;
606 Club Live Music: Upcoming Shows, 1-16 February
Hello all you connoisseurs of culture and lovers of live music – greetings from the 606 in Chelsea, known for presenting the best jazz, soul, Latin, groove, R&B & blues musicians in the UK bar none. We hope that 2025 is off to a hopeful beginning!
This mail provides information about our February events from Saturday 1st through Sunday 16th. For additional information about these shows, photos and video clips visit https://www.606club.co.uk/events/.
This period of course includes Valentine’s, where we will be celebrating all things romance with not just a special programme of music, but a bespoke menu of fabulous food which you can view here: https://www.606club.co.uk/events/view/valentines-night-louise-balkwill/
And we’ll even be keeping the love going on the Saturday as the charming singer & actress Rachel Sutton &her band are joined by special guest, saxophonist Paul Booth (Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, Matt Bianco). https://www.606club.co.uk/events/view/rachel-sutton-featuring-paul-booth/
1-16 FEBRUARY 2025 LIVE MUSIC GUIDE
Sat 1st 9:00pm DEREK NASH
The multi-Award-winning saxophonist Derek Nash is perhaps best known as one of the featured saxophonists with the Jools Holland Band. An experienced musician of many years standing his muscular, fluent, modern jazz playing has been recognised with numerous awards, including being voted one of the top 5 saxophonists in the country. Tonight Derek is bringing his great, swinging, band to the Club so expect something really quite special.
“bravura display of contemporary saxophone” The Observer;
“breathtaking” Sunday Times;
“the music fizzes with energy” Observer
Sun 2nd 1:30pm SUNDA LUNCH: KAW REGIS
After establishing himself in his native Brazil, multi-instrumentalist/singer/composer Kaw Regis reached new heights upon moving to the UK. Highlights include collaborations with Maxi Priest &Alcione, as well as performances for Mick Jagger and Princess Anne. Kaw’s first musical love is Brazilian MPB & bossa nova, and for this 606 show he will be joined by some of London’s finest Latin jazz musicians, pianist Sam Watts, bassist Michael Bailey, drummer Marcinho Pereira and percussionist Jansen Santana, along with renowned Uruguayan guitarist Guille Hill, who will guest for a couple of songs Featuring songs from different eras and regions, as well as some original material, this promises to be a memorable afternoon.
Sunday 2nd 8:00pm POLLY GIBBONS
Polly Gibbons is a consummate performer, as much at home singing tender jazz ballads as she is performing rockin’ R&B classics. Nominated Vocalist of the Year by Jazz FM, she is now well established in the US with three albums on American label Resonance Records. In 2022 Polly fulfilled her ambition to record an album of original songs, “As It Is”, written, arranged and produced by her and co-produced by musical collaborator and artistic director at Ronnie Scott’s, James Pearson, also featured on piano this evening. And watch out for the wonderful guitar playing of Al Cherry.
“a truly exceptional…talent, possessing a voice of such sizzling intensity and raw emotion you could fry an egg on it” Jazzwise
Mon 3rd 8:00pm THUNDERTHUMBS
Join us to celebrate the great Soul and Funk songs from the likes of George Benson and Michael Jackson with “Thunderthumbs”, the 10-piece band led by bassist Phil Mulford. Inspired by the great US bassist Louis Johnson’s work the set runs from Louis’ time with Billy Preston in 1972 through to his own band The Brothers Johnson and the Quincy Jones hits on which he played. The gig features 3 brilliant singers, Jacqui Hicks & Debby Bracknell (Shakatak) & Simon Foster (Flying Pickets), a deeply grooving rhythm section and powerhouse horns. The music tonight will feature a tribute to the late, great, Quincy Jones and if you like 606 regulars All Fired Up you’ll love this! “Hicks…a singer of warmth, poise and intelligence” Yorkshire Post
“Take Stevie Wonder, Joe Cocker, that dude from The Commitments, Michael McDonald…and roll them up into one and you get something resembling the virtuosity that Simon Foster shows” RARB.org
Tue 4th 8:00pm PHIL ROBSON TRIO
UK-born, award-winning guitarist Phil Robson’s fluent and creative playing was first recognised as something special in the 90’s. His band ‘Partisans’, co-led with saxophonist Julian Siegel become a seminal influence on the UK and European contemporary scene for over 20 years, and he’s also known for his work with acclaimed singer/songwriter Christine Tobin. In addition, Phil has led bands featuring jazz legends such as David Liebman, Mark Turner, Billy Hart, James Genus & Marc Copland, as well as working as a freelance musician with a huge cross spectrum of internationally renowned artists (Kenny Wheeler, Barbra Streisand, Vince Mendoza, Django Bates, Steve Wilson, Maceo Parker & others too numerous to list). Based in New York from 2015 -2020, Phil now resides in Ireland, making his appearances in London all the more of a special occasion! Tonight, joined by Mark Hodgson-bass & Will Glaser-drums Phil will lead this hard swinging trio through a cocktail of Robson originals, classic tunes by Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, Dave Holland etc, and choice standards.
“Phil Robson’s inventiveness on the guitar is unstoppable” The Telegraph;
“Robson performs impeccably” AllAboutJazz
Wed 5th 8:00pm PAUL MORAN SB3 JAZZ ORGAN TRIO WITH GUEST VOCALIST BETHANNIE HARE
Fondly known as the ‘Jazz Geordie’, for over a decade Paul Moran was the Musical Director for iconic singer/songwriter Van Morrison, as well as working with the likes of Tom Jones & Rick Astley. Fluent on piano, Hammond organ, trumpet and more, tonight, the band consists of the superbly tasteful UK guitarist Artie Zaitz (Mark Kavuma, Camilla George), ace drummer Mez Clough (Van Morrison, Madness), and guest vocalist Bethannie Hare. While known to many from her role on Hollyoaks, Bethannie is also an impressive singer, describing her style as blending “the torched, jazzy soulfulness of Etta James and Amy Winehouse to the cutting edge pop sensibilities of Billie Eilish”. This outstanding ensemble will feature music from Paul’s record “Smokin B3 Volume 2”along with a choice mix of Funk, Soul and straight ahead ’Swingin’ bop Jazz’.
“..the B3er-horn man still knows how to work a groove….Moran hums on the Leslie amps ...a juke joint that jumps” Jazz Weekly;
“Moran’s accompaniment throughout was just right….and his keyboard playing shined on the….organ” Downbeat
Thu 6th 8:00pm CLOSED FOR PRIVATE EVENT
Fri 7th 9:00pm THE COALMINERS
With their dedication to what they to refer to as “Swamp Soul” this brilliant 7-piece band, with their unique mixture of New Orleans Groove and Funk, bring the rhythm and soul of the deep south (that’s Louisiana, not Brighton…) alive. Featuring vocalists Tommy Hare & Amy Bird, drummer Pat Levett (Jon Cleary), pianist Paddy Milner (Tom Jones), guitarist Rob Updegraff (Gregory Porter), saxophonist/singer Ben Somers (Dr John, Seal) and bassist Spencer Brown, this highly impressive line-up are guaranteed to raise the roof!
“totally blows me away…perfect” BBC Radio 2;
“Tommy Hare…just oozes charisma.” GetWestLondon;
“Riotous” Jazz FM
Sat 8th 9:00pm DENYS BAPTISTE
A leading light on the London jazz circuit Denys Baptiste’s impressive talent, built on a foundation of a powerful technique and an ability to improvise effortlessly across a wide range of musical styles, is only matched by his creative energy and musical endeavour. A multiple award winner, including the “Mercury Music Album of the Year” and “MOBO Award for Best Jazz Act” his CV is littered with collaborations with high profile artists including Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Courtney Pine, Julian Joseph & Manu Dibango. Tonight his remarkable quartet will feature the upcoming Award-winning pianist Sultan Stevenson (Parliamentary Jazz Award 2023 “Newcomer of the Year”). “Denys Baptiste…the icon of British jazz” Time Magazine;
“master saxophonist” Evening Standard;
“Baptiste…a journey of unregulated bliss” Liverpool International Jazz Festival
Sun 9th 1:30pm SUNDAY LUNCH: VIVIANA ZARBO FT. LAURENT MEDELGI
A classy and elegant performer with a sumptuous voice and winning delivery singer/actress Viviana Zarbo has developed an innovative repertoire from the Great American Songbook. Drawing inspiration from great jazz singers such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O’Day and Sarah Vaughan as well as actresses/singers such as Julie London, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland, she’ll be joined by her quintet featuring a very special guest from France, guitarist Laurent Medelgi, who has performed internationally at venues including The Blue Note, Birdland & Smalls in New York and even lately in China at Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai. Viviana is now based in China (!) as well so this is a rare opportunity to hear this impressive artist.
“Charming… with a true passion…the real deal” thejazz.co.uk
Sun 9th 8:00pm SOME KINDA WONDERFUL PRESENTS: THE WONDER OF STEVIE FT NOEL MCCALLA & DEREK NASH
Well, this is pretty special, two of the UK’s finest musicians, saxophonist Derek Nash (Jools Holland) and singer Noel McCalla (Manfred Mann), come together to celebrate the music of one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time, Stevie Wonder. Accompanying these two remarkable musicians will be their stellar band, including Neil Angilley (Vanessa Mae)-piano. Unique and powerful.
“Nash…breathtaking” Sunday Times;
“McCalla…spine tingling” Guardian
Mon 10th 8:00pm MIKE REDFERN
Guitarist Mike Redfern graduated from the prestigious Guildhall School of Music in 2016 and has gone on to establish himself as a go-to sideman in and around London performing regularly at venues including Ronnie Scott’s, The 606 and Camden Jazz Cafe. Recent credits include gigs with the likes of Georgia Van Etten, Jo Harrop, Ashton Jones, Hope Winter and more. Tonight Mike returns to the 606 with a lineup featuring Christian Prior-organ, Oscar Reynolds-drums and Matt Davies-saxophone ready to explore a mixture of exciting original tunes and arrangements of well-loved staples from the jazz/blues repertoire. Expect a night of hard-hitting grooves ranging from Ray Brown to Stevie Wonder with some of the UKs most exciting young musicians, not to be missed!
Tue 11th 8:00pm PATRICK HAYES’ ‘TRIBUTE TO THE CRUSADERS’
Tonight, top UK trombonist and arranger Patrick Hayes brings his sextet to the Club, paying tribute to 1970s jazz-funk pioneers “The Crusaders”. Patrick has performed, recorded or arranged for an impressive range of artists, from Chaka Khan to Christina Aguilera, Snarky Puppy and Christian McBride, and is probably best known at the club as the trombonist & horn arranger for 606 favourite Hamish Stuart’s 10-piece band. The music features an amazing lineup including Adam Phillips (Tina Turner), Jim Watson (Sting) and Neal Wilkinson (Sir Paul McCartney), covering all eras of the iconic “Crusaders” history from the early 1970’s to the chart topping “Street Life” years of the 1980s. One not to miss!
“This is our future gold, I love it!” Tony Blackburn, BBC Radio 2;
“...absorbing live music, enhanced by the adept way Patrick Hayes…wrote all the horn arrangements” Close-Up Culture
Wed 12th 8:00pm JASON REBELLO TRIO
A multi-award winner pianist Jason Rebello has been at the forefront of the international music scene for more than 25 years. By 24 he had three highly successful albums under his belt and work with the likes of Wayne Shorter and Branford Marsalis. In 1998 he joined Sting’s band, touring the world with him before moving to the band of guitar legend Jeff Beck, with whom he still performs. Jason’s remarkable technique and fiery creativity have made him one of the UK’s finest jazz pianists. Tonight he will be appearing with his brilliant Trio, featuring the great UK bassist Orlando le Fleming (Branford Marsalis, Wayne Krantz) and superb drummer James Maddren (Gwilym Simcock, Jacob Collier). Their set will include a mix of favourite standards and Jason’s own compositions. World class!
“inspired” Time Out;
“[one] of the finest…jazz musicians this country has produced.” Jazz: The Modern Resurgence
Thu 13th 8:00pm SHEZ RAJA FT GUTHRIE GOVAN
Voted one of the ‘Hottest Bass Players in the World’ by readers of Bass Player magazine, Shez Raja is a seriously talented musician and dynamic live performer whose work in a fascinating mix of Indo-jazz, funk and groove styles has propelled him to the forefront of the UK jazz scene. Tonight Shez has invited the extraordinary UK guitarist Guthrie Govan to be his special guest. Voted ‘Guitarist of the Year’ by Guitarist Magazine, Guthrie has also been featured on the covers of both Guitar Player and Guitar World magazines. His 2006 album, “Erotic Cakes”was widely recognised as an instant classic, and he includes tours with Asia/GPS, Steven Wilson and Hans Zimmer on an impressive cv. Guthrie joins Shez’s frequent collaborators, Adam Teixeira (Tony Kofi) on drums and Chris Jerome (Courtney Pine) on keyboards. The virtuosity of Guthrie and Shez has proven to be absolutely inspired and reaches new heights with every performance.
“The hip-shaking mix of Eastern song lines and funky Western dance-beats never wavers” Evening Standard;
“The legendary electric guitar virtuoso elevated Raja’s Indo-funk sound with resounding success” Jazzwise
Fri 14th 9:00pm VALENTINE’S NIGHT: LOUISE BALKWILL
Join award winning jazz vocalist Louise Balkwill on a lovestruck journey through the timeless romantic classics of the great American songbook in this special Valentine’s Day edition! The 2022 winner of the Riga Jazz Stage international jazz voice competition, Louise has been hailed as one of the UK’s finest vocal improvisers and storytellers, with fans including jazz cream-of-the-crop Liane Carroll, Ian Shaw, Claire Martin and Leroy Jones. Most recently, she’s been appearing with celebrated vocal harmony trio The Puppini Sisters, and was also featured with Adrian Cox at our annual Jazz on the Lawn show last summer (where she was absolutely sensational)! But tonight, side by side with special guest trumpeter and vocalist Jonathan Bauer, Louise and her band, Chris Eldred-piano, Theo Malka-Wishart-bass and Josh Walker-Martin-drums will breathe new life into the great duets, ballads and love songs of the past century in a celebration of all things romance.
“Louise Balkwill… incredible vocals and engaging stage presence” Jazzwise
Sat 15th 9:00pm RACHEL SUTTON FT PAUL BOOTH
With a rich tone and sense of swing that is both moving and exciting, Rachel Sutton performs classics from The American Songbook along with her own arrangements of more modern popular songs. A 606 favourite, Rachel’s winning onstage persona will charm any audience, and she has performed as both an actress and singer in the UK and abroad to outstanding reviews. Her album “A Million Conversations” was received with considerable acclaim and she will be releasing her highly-anticipated second record, ‘Realms’ next month. Alongside her swinging rhythm section featuring Roland Perrin (Dudu Pakwana, Brotherhood of Breath)-piano Rachel has asked the superb saxophonist Paul Booth to be her special guest. Paul has toured the world as the featured sax player with the “Riverdance” show, worked with the likes of Eric Clapton and Matt Bianco and is currently a member of the Steve Winwood Band – truly one of the elite musicians on the scene.
“…music is of the highest quality” Jazz Views;
“immaculate vocals and bursting-with-life stage presence…a must see” Cabaret Scenes;
“Paul Booth…has long enjoyed a reputation as a sax player of… intensity…[as well as] an interesting composer…. the result is a delight.” Daily Telegraph
Sun 16th 1:30pm SUNDAY LUNCH: 606 GOSPEL GROUP
Under the auspices of bass player/guitarist Andre Gabriel we present our very own 9-piece gospel ensemble, the “606 Gospel Group”. This is a great group comprising a four-piece band accompanying a five-voice gospel choir. The choir is drawn from a pool of some of the finest gospel singers on the scene and they have been featured as part of the London Jazz Festival as well as on BBC Radio 4 and BBC World Service. This is always a fun and uplifting gig and highly recommended. And don’t forget this is our family day so children are more than welcome.
“Uplifting gospel sounds” Time Out
Sun 16th 8:00pm WAYNE HERNANDEZ
Wayne Hernandez is one of those fantastic singers who has been using his considerable talents for many years to make others sound good. He includes work with Tina Turner, Kool and the Gang and Gorillaz and more recently the Kingdom Choir, who took the world by storm performing at the wedding of Harry and Meghan. He describes his music as “…a living fusion of music styles from the Black music scene”. A brilliant set of powerful groove music from an impressive band of hand-picked musicians that defines the word “soul”.
“...it was clear that Wayne had a very special talent, his voice, it was simply breathtaking” Livemusic.fm
606 Club
90 Lots Road
Chelsea
London
SW10 0QD
020 7352 5953
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