GOSIA JANEK QUINTET: JAZZY SPRING SESSION

Saturday 22 March 2025

Join Gosia Janek for an unforgettable evening of jazz with a touch of world music. Accompanied by outstanding musicians from the London scene, Gosia will perform a unique blend of her favourite jazz standards, songs inspired by her travels around the globe, and original material – much of it premiering especially for this occasion!

Get ready for a groovy, high-energy performance, infused with the fresh Spring energy. Let’s celebrate the start of the new season with creativity, vibrant rhythms, and musical exploration. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind experience.

Line up:

Gosia Janek - vocal

Anita Łazińska – keys and vocal

Ben Hazelton- double bass

Giuliano Osella- drums and percusions

Dawid Frydryk- trumpet

Singer-songwriter and an award-winning artist Gosia Janek has collaborated with leading Polish musicians, won Szansa na Sukces (2010), and toured nationwide after The Voice of Poland (2014). During her years in London, she performed with the renowned Alle Choir London (Pitch Battle, BBC One), co-founded the jazz-ethnic ensemble Wild Whispers, and became part of the soul-blues improvising duo Trip Advisors. Now based in Warsaw, she divides her time between Poland and the UK, performing, creating innovative music projects, and working on new material that showcases her distinctive artistry.

Anita Łazińska is a versatile musician - vocalist, pianist, composer, graduate of the Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz (Poland). Currently a leader of Anita Łazińska Quartet - a band in which she presents her ideas of compositions and arrangements. Anita is also a member of H3O, Muze Voices and Wild Whispers - bands in which improvisation and searching for unusual sounds plays an important role. An active musician - she has been a part of projects such as All Souls’ Day Jazz Festival, Voicingers on Tour in London or WąbJazzno Festival (Poland). She also had the pleasure of collaboration with great musicians of the Polish jazz scene like the Leszek Kułakowski Trio, Piotr Damasiewicz, Maciej Sikała.

Ben Hazelton London-based double bassist and composer with over 25 years of professional experience. Since 1995, he has performed at renowned venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, the 606 Club, and The Jazz Cafe. Notably, Ben has toured Europe with Roots Manuva and accompanied Talvin Singh at the Royal Festival Hall. He has been the double bassist for the Alan Weekes Quartet/Quintet’s Sunday Night Residency at Uncle Sam’s since 2001, hosting jam sessions with guests like Wynton Marsalis and Esperanza Spalding. In 2018, Ben co-founded the ensemble Uniting of Opposites, releasing their debut album “Ancient Lights” under Tru Thoughts Records.

Giuliano Osella – drummer, percussionist, music director, and sound innovator, Giuliano has been a key figure in London’s live music scene since 2014. Known for his dynamic grooves, deep improvisation, and high-energy performances, he seamlessly blends afrobeat, hip-hop, world fusion, and experimental electronic elements – all with a signature touch of Italian flair. Playing drums since the age of 6, Giuliano has toured internationally with acts like London Afrobeat Collective, Kadialy Kouyate, and Don Kipper, and performed alongside legends such as Femi Kuti, Fred Wesley, Incognito, and Jazzy Jeff. His versatility also extends to theatre projects, community workshops, and street performances, making him a true force in the world of music.

Dawid Frydryk - trumpet player, composer, and educator from Jaworzno, Poland, currently based in London. He holds a master’s degree in jazz, having studied under Dr. Piotr Wojtasik. Dawid performs across London, the UK, and Europe, collaborating with numerous artists and bands in diverse musical genres. His experience includes being a member of the house band on the Polish TV show “Bar”, recording at studios including Abbey Road, performing at festivals such as Le Guess Who?, and playing with drummer Louis Moholo. He was also the originator and artistic director of the Art of Improvisation festival and meetings.

https://www.instagram.com/gosiajanini

Video 1 (“Dzien dobry Mr Blues”): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FefBSufF6Sg

Video 2 (“I Am Feeling Good”): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4hQNwUhgq4

ELSDEN MUSIC SHOWCASE: MARCH 2025

Friday 21 March 2025

ELSDEN MUSIC SHOWCASE with Julian Costello & Vertigo, Juliet Wood, and Natalie Rozario with friends!..

Tonight, independent record label Elsden Music will present three fantastic jazz groups, featuring material from award winning previous releases – as well as the first chance to hear some new material not previously performed in public.

Set 1: Julian Costello & Vertigo

Set 2: Juliet Wood

Set 3: Natalie Rozario & friends

Julian Costello and Vertigo

Released last year, Vertigo's album was chosen as one of the top ten releases of the year by Jazzviews.  This group has an exciting and unusual line up of saxophone and cello, guitar and oud, and tabla and drums. Vertigo were recently invited to perform three tunes live on BBC Radio 3's Intune programme and have been playing many concerts including sell out gigs at Cadogan Hall, Pizza Express Jazz Club and the Brecon Jazz Festival. The musicians are some of the most sought after in London and this fantastic combo creates cinematic textures, world music vibes and grooves. They also perform some well-loved classics by artists such as Sarah Vaughan, Doris Day and Jimi Hendrix.

Julian Costello - saxes

Natalie Rozario - cello and vocals

Stefanos Tsourelis - guitar and oud

Sophie Alloway - drums

Iqbal Pathan - tabla

Expect a really varied set, jamming, humour and high-quality playing.

"Costello has his own strong and distinctive musical personality allied to a creative imagination that has brought together this unusual instrumentation". UK Jazz News

Their last show was a complete sell out so get your tickets soon!

Here are Vertigo recording “The Whale” in the studio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoCw4NfQTC4

www.juliancostello.co.uk

Juliet Wood

London-based jazz vocalist Juliet Wood is establishing herself as a voice to be heard.  Juliet’s debut album Sconsolato was released in 2020. Jazz Views described it as “the best vocal album I have heard this year” and it was also chosen as one of their best albums of theyear. Juliet has quietly been working on her second album inspired by her love of Duke Ellington. It will feature familiar and less performed songs by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn – as well as songs written in tribute to the Duke by artists including Charles Mingus and Dave Brubeck. Tonight’s gig will be a chance to hear some of this new material, as well as some standards and favourites from her first album all inspired by her love of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Norma Winstone and Joni Mitchell.

Juliet Wood – vocals

Stefanos Tsourelis - guitar and oud

Ben Hazleton - bass

Sophie Alloway - drums

Here is an exclusive preview of Juliet performing Paris Blues – a rarely performed Ellington & Strayhorn song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZnWDDqUmEA

www.julietwood.com

Natalie Rozario & friends

Natalie has been playing music since an early age and formed her first band at 18, which is when she started writing. She is finally ready to release some of this material, old and new, for her first solo album. It will bring together musicians and friends and collaborators who have been an important part of her musical adventures and will share with her audience some milestones and snapshots of this journey. Expect to hear haunting melodies and beautiful playing from some exceptional musicians!

Natalie Rozario – cello and vocals

Patrick Naylor – guitar

Ben Hazleton - bass

Sophie Alloway – drums

ELSDEN MUSIC

Elsden Music is a jazz record label run by recording and mixing engineer Greg Dowling. Based in a recording studio next to the Regents Canal in East London, the well-equipped studio offers a restored 1914 Broadwood Grand Piano and a comprehensive collection of vintage and modern microphones and recording equipment.

A lifelong jazz enthusiast, Greg delights in recording and releasing music he loves, played by musicians he admires.  As well as tonight’s line up, past releases have included pianist Ilario Ferrari, guitarists Nigel Price and Alban Claret, and John Crawford’s Latin Quintet.

Future releases will include an unusual gong and trumpet album from Julie Walkington and Jim Howard, as well as an album from singer and multi-instrumentalist Basia Bartz.

www.elsdenmusic.com

MARCINA ARNOLD: EVOLUTION - ALBUM LAUNCH!

Friday 14 March 2025

“Evolution” is a mesmerizing new album by singer songwriter Marcina Arnold!

The album is a glorious body of work crafted over 3 decades of life cycles; it offers an intimate glimpse into an incredible artist and her creativity. The album shares a story of love, life and social commentary it provides a sonic landscape that journeys the listener from a sumptuous full studio production to a raw stripped down acoustic vocal and piano.  The Evolution of an artist revealing creative depth and honesty.

• This album is not only a personal journey, it reflects a musical mapping of many years of writing and making music, of life, of living, and all the ups and downs. 

• Co produced with multi-instrumentalist Eric Appapoulay who is featured all over the album with his incredible musicianship 

• The album features a phenomenal line up of musicians, UK stars Byron Wallen on trumpet, Mussinghi B Edwards & Jason Yarde on saxophones, trombonist Trevor Mires, Nick Ramm on keys/synths, Tom Skinner on drums, Rowland Sutherland on flute, Scott Arnold on percussion, the late great Brazilian bassist Ricardo Dos Santos and a guest appearance by South African poet & percussionist Eugene Skeef. 

Line up:

Marcina Arnold – vocal

Eric Appapoulay – bass and guitar, MD

Artie Zaitz – guitar and bass

Mussinghi B Edwards – sax

Byron Wallen – trumpet and flugelhorn

Trevor Mires – trombone

Rowland Sutherland – flute

Jackson Baird – keyboard/synths

Pharoah Russell – drums

Starlet - BVs

Plus, surprise guests

Marcina’s music defies genres, she has the language of jazz, soul, rhythm and blues, and folk deeply etched in her music and her voice easily crosses styles.

She has worked with some of the UKs finest jazz musicians including the late great South African Pianist composer Bheki Mseleku and was a lead vocalist with the British Jazz Hip Hop group Quite Sane led by bassist Anthony Tidd. Marcina’s roots have both a South Africasian & Celtic connection and she was steeped in traditional Scottish music from a young age. Her ability to float effortlessly across musical idioms is remarkable. Her voice is rich warm and striking a voice of brilliance!

www.marcinaarnold.com

https://marcinaarnold.bandcamp.com/music

TONY KOFI AND THE ORGANISATION CELEBRATE LOU DONALDSON!

Saturday 15 March 2025

Tony Kofi and The Organisation celebrate Lou Donaldson! 

Returning to his first instrument the alto saxophone, Tony Kofi joins the Organisation for a celebration of an alto legend Lou Donaldson, whose roots in Bebop evolved into a mastery of the Soul Jazz movement instigated by the great Jimmy Smith and championed by Blue Note founder Alfred Lion. Playing Donaldson tunes and focusing largely on his work with the Hammond organ maverick Dr Lonnie Smith, they will be playing tunes such as "Hotdog", "Blues Walk," “Good Gracious”, “Alligator Bogaloo” and "Ode to Billy Jo" as well as associated compositions by Jimmy Smith, Pat Martino, Horace Silver and others.

Line up:

Tony Kofi – alto saxophone

Simon Fernsby – guitar

Liam Dunachie – organ

Peter Cater – drums

"One of today's hottest and most innovative quartets" - BBC Music Magazine (album of the month)

"A killer band with real bite" - Mark Youl, Jazzwise.

"Right from the outset, this is a project providing a personal insight into Donaldson and his work''

"It also very clearly connects with an audience…who responded with enthusiasm and joy" - UK JAZZ NEWS

www.tonykofimusic.com

Twitter @tonykofi
Skype: tonykofimusic

Video 1 (“Full House – Point Blank”):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7ofFI9xCrQ

ELVIRA REY TRIO

Friday 7 March 2025

Join Elvira Rey Trio for an unforgettable evening of jazz, celebrating the iconic female artists who inspire her—perfectly timed for International Women’s Day! From the enchanting melodies of Polish legend Ewa Demarczyk to the timeless classics of Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall, and early musical theatre gems, plus a jazzy twist on Britney Spears’ hits. There’s something for everyone to enjoy! Experience iconic jazz standards, beloved musical theatre and pop songs like you’ve never heard before!

Line up:

Elvira Rey - vocals

Jakub Klimiuk - guitar

Benjamin Crane - double bass

Elvira Rey is a Polish-born, London-based vocalist renowned for her versatile mezzo-soprano voice and captivating stage presence. Drawing from her rich background in jazz, pop, and musical theatre, she leads the Elvira Rey Trio, delivering a sophisticated repertoire of jazz standards, reimagined pop classics, and timeless musical theatre pieces. Her performances span prestigious venues such as The London Palladium, Phoenix Arts Club, and Bridewell Theatre, as well as leading events like The Polish Ball and Charity Gala in London. Elvira combines elegance and emotion to create unforgettable musical moments for every audience.

Jakub Klimiuk is a Polish jazz guitarist and composer based in London. Throughout the years, he has recorded and shared the stage with the likes of Mark Lockheart, Jonas Kullhammar, John Horler, Dave O’Higgins and Krystyna Stańko, working with both UK-based and international projects. Jakub first made his mark on the British jazz scene at the EFG London Jazz Festival with his original project and has since performed at major jazz venues in the UK, including Ronnie Scott’s, PizzaExpress Live, 606 Club, and Vortex Jazz Club.

Benjamin Crane is a bassist and composer based in London, known for his presence on the city’s vibrant jazz scene. Whether it's swing, bebop, or jazz fusion, he brings a unique touch to every performance. His music is deeply inspired by the rich textures of Japanese pop, jazz, and classical music, blending influences in ways that are both fresh and familiar.

As a founding member of the band PYJÆN, Benjamin not only plays but also writes the music that defines the group's eclectic sound. His creative approach is rooted in collaboration, with each performance reflecting his love for storytelling through music.

www.elvirarey.com

www.jakubklimiuk.com

www.ben-crane.com

Video 1 (“Dream a Little Dream of Me”): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JLDaEyuOqc

Video 2 ("Ooops..I Did It Again"): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRfxDxNN3VM