What we’re about
Welcome to the London Jazz Meetup.
This is a group for people who love jazz and live music in all its varied forms: from swing to be-bop, acid jazz to jazz-rock. If your friends are into R 'n' B or the latest in hard-house or Justin Bieber (!) and you're not, and you need to find a group in which you can feel at home, this is the group.
Don't see anything in our calendar that you'd like to go and see? Don't just wait, be active - do consider becoming a meetup host and putting gigs you'd like to go and see with a bunch of people into our calendar.
We're about jazz music, socialising and having fun - this is not about jazz bores wearing turtle-neck jumpers! Membership is growing, so by joining you'll get a wide variety of music and get to meet some great people of all ages and backgrounds. Jazz is increasingly popular; it is still most definitely cool!
So our aim is simple. To provide an open forum for lovers of good music to meet and enjoy music in a range of venues across the city, from the large to the small and most of all to have fun. Think of it as 2,500+ friends you can call upon to go to great gigs and other events with. It's mostly about going to gigs, but we have social meetups too and, with enough support from members, other things like jam sessions, picnics and cinema visits. It also offers scope for musicians - or those learning jazz music - to hook up and share their passion. So introduce yourself and share why you joined. Do check the calendar for news about events - members are always on the lookout for suggestions for the best live jazz in London...and guaranteed fun.
This document sets out what the meetup is about and what you can expect from it.
There is a small one-off voluntary membership fee for this jazz meetup - the £2 helps with the running costs of the meetup website (payable through PayPal to londonjazzmeetup [at] icloud [dot] com, but it's also there to encourage members to commit to contributing to the group. If you pay something, you're more likely to want to join in and get value from this - after joining up, all other meetups are free (other than paying for entry to any events, which is members' responsibility).
How much is in the calendar is entirely down to the membership.
I cannot stress this enough. If there aren't gigs in the calendar you want to go and see, then think about running a meetup yourself. Meetups like this thrive on everyone joining in and contributing once in a while, and not just waiting for the organisers to, well, organise everything. If you want more variety in the calendar, then come up with ideas and suggest them. Get involved and help make this a successful meetup. Why not offer to become a 'host', so you can put gig meetups in the calendar that you want to see?
London is a fantastic city full of great music and friendly people - sign up and make the most of it !
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club Presents: Hannah Horton 'Live in Soho' Album LaunchToulouse Lautrec, London£15.00
"Live In Soho is a hugely enjoyable live album and should consolidate Hannah’s position as one of the rising stars of the UK jazz scene. Kind of Jazz >>READ REVIEW HERE<<
"There's a deeper dimension to her art" BBC Music Magazine ★★★★
"Hannah is real. She is authentic. She is an artist who draws you in, engages you, inspires you and captivates you" Jazz in Europe>> WATCH HANNAH'S OFFICIAL VIDEO <<
Hannah Horton, the award-winning UK jazz sensation, is set to launch her highly anticipated album “Live In Soho” at Toulouse Lautrec. Renowned for her melodic prowess, Hannah is not only a visionary jazz saxophonist and composer but also draws inspiration from folk and funk music. Her unique blend of genres promises an unforgettable musical experience.Accompanied by her quartet, Hannah will treat the audience to tracks from “Live In Soho,” recorded at London's famous Pizza Express, Dean St, offering a glimpse into her soulful melodies and inventive compositions. Additionally, attendees can look forward to hearing new, unreleased tracks, as well as iconic songs that hold special significance to her.
>> HANNAH HORTON WEBSITE <<
>> BOOKING << £15
* Note: To guarantee reserved London Jazz Meet Up seating bookings must be confirmed in advance.
- Pizza Express Soho Presents: THE BRASS MONKEYSPizza Express, London£20.00
## EXCLUSIVE LONDON PERFORMANCE
## THE BRASS MONKEYS
### Line-Up
Chris Dowding (trumpets / flugels)
Charlotte Keeffe (trumpets/flugels)
Jim Rattigan (french horn)
Annie Whitehead (trombones)
Kieran McLeod (trombones)
Paul Jolly (saxes/clarinets)
Ben Higham (tuba/trumpet/flugel/leader)
Olly Blackman (drums)### "… [an] eclectic jewel box of an album … something of a treasure trove of music for the listener – whether that be one who is intrigued by improvised music or seeks comfort and tradition…." Sammy Stein – Freejazzblog
This brass octet, The Brass Monkeys, is a long-held dream of leader Ben Higham, finally realised with this spectacular line-up of some of the finest players and improvisers in the UK established in 2018. To date the band has done two UK tours and just produced our second album, Lullabite, to critical acclaim - ‘Lullabite is an album that conveys a musical conversation spanning generations, styles, and emotions. It’s a continuation of the enduring spirit of jazz and its capacity for continuous reinvention. [It is] a reflection of the timeless allure of jazz, and a beacon of its ever-evolving nature.’ – Ferrell Aubre – the jazzword.com 22/11/23
Influenced by jazz, blues, reggae, country, free improvisation, soul, folk …… the band performs its unique take on tunes by the likes of Charlie Parker, Taj Mahal, Lillian Hardin Armstrong, Thelonious Monk, Lester Bowie and Jean Ritchie alongside original material inspired by the history of improvised music. 'Really enjoyable show from @8brassmonkeys …. I loved the contrast between ensemble polyphony and the sparse drums and tuba backing for featured soloist/duet/trio on material encompassing originals, Monk, Frisell, Nichols, folk, klezmer and more.' John Sharpe @JazzSnipe>>BOOKING<<
Note: Londonjazz MeetUp members MUST book tix in advance to guarantee seating with the group. Student discounted price £12.00 must be booked by calling 02037989192 and quote 'BRASS'.