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- Pizza Express Presents: Marcus Joseph 'Beyond The Dome Remix' Album Launch PartyPizza Express, LondonGBP 20.00
Experience the electrifying fusion of jazz, reggae, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms with the Marcus Joseph Band at PizzaExpress Soho! Immerse yourself in the transformative beats of Marcus Joseph's Beyond The Dome Remix album, where his alto saxophone becomes an instrument of change.
Step into a musical realm at Pizza Express Soho, where the Marcus Joseph Band is set to ignite the stage with his exhilarating Beyond The Dome Remix album! Marcus Joseph, a gifted Alto Saxophonist and poetic wordsmith, aspires to be an instrument of change through his transformative artistry. Hailing from Leicester, Marcus is more than a musician; he's a cultural luminary deeply rooted in his Afro-Caribbean heritage.
Known for his dynamic presence, Marcus actively contributes to his local community and has even graced the stage for George Cole, Leicester's first black mayor. His performances are not just a display of musical prowess; they are a celebration of cultural diversity and a testament to the power of unity.
A seasoned live performer, Marcus has traversed diverse genres, from being a vital part of the hip-hop/rock/punk-influenced jazz quartet Major Ruse to supporting acclaimed artists like Oscar Jerome, Blue Lab Beats, and The Blackbyrds. His collaborative spirit has led him to share the stage with luminaries such as Dennis Rollins, Tony Kofi, Arun Ghosh, Dave O'Higgins, Abram Wilson, Gary Crosby, and Eska. Marcus's ability to seamlessly blend various influences showcases his versatility and commitment to pushing musical boundaries.
The acclaim for Marcus Joseph extends beyond local recognition, as evidenced by his stellar performance at the Jazz Re:Freshed Outernational showcase 2023. Opening the annual event with charisma and musical brilliance, Marcus left an indelible mark on the audience. His roots in hard bop and accessible riffs make his music not only captivating but also a bridge between jazz tradition and the vibrant rhythms of Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, and Afrobeat genres prevalent in London.
Drawing from his debut album, "Beyond the Dome," tracks like "Arrival of the Giants" and "Challenge Day" are a sonic journey, offering infectious grooves and positive hip-hop vibes. Marcus's interactive approach, evident in tracks like "Feel It In My Bones" and "Morning Affirmation," turns each performance into a communal celebration of music and unity.
Witness a master class in making jazz accessible without compromising its values at Pizza Express Soho. Marcus Joseph's performance transcends the ordinary, inviting you to join a musical revolution where every note resonates with the spirit of change. Don't miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary experience, where jazz becomes a conduit for transformation.
BOOKING £20
* Note: To guarantee reserved London Jazz Meet Up seating bookings must be confirmed in advance.
- Hampstead Jazz Club Presents: Betty Accorsi QuartetHampstead Jazz Club, LondonGBP 20.00
“In a short space of time, Betty Accorsi has staked her claim as a talent to listen out for (…) forging a quartet that is distinctive and able to interpret her constantly shifting compositions” – Jazz Views
“… simply elegant, superbly crafted, sumptuously melodic jazz…” – All about Jazz
Hampstead Jazz Club Presents: Betty Accorsi Quartet
Join Betty Accorsi in her musical journey which will bring you to discover the route of the tea clipper Cutty Sark from China to London and explore the beauties of Brighton. composer currently based in Brighton.
Betty Accorsi is an Italian saxophone player, multi-instrumentalist and
composer based in Brighton. She studied classical saxophone, piano and composition at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatoire in Milan.
In 2018, she moved to London and started a Master’s degree in Jazz Saxophone at Trinity Laban Conservatoire with a scholarship. Trinity’s academic environment includes leaders in the London jazz scene such as saxophonist Jean Toussaint and composer Bruno Heinen. Searching for a more open-ended approach to artistry and composition, Betty moved to Goldsmiths University of London in 2019. She completed her Master’s in Performance under the guidance of Mick Foster, Paul Bartholomew and Dr Pete Furniss, graduating with a distinction. After completing her studies at the height of the 2020 pandemic, Betty moved to Brighton, where she currently teaches to students, schools and big bands.Betty is part of acoustic duo called Sloth in the City, formed in 2018 with percussive fingerstyle guitar player Andrea Martelloni. Their EP Remember Music, recorded in 2021 in London, is composed of originals that blend jazz forms with Celtic folk and Mediterranean music.
Betty’s main project is the Betty Accorsi Quartet. This was founded with pianist Finn Carter and drummer Scott MacDonald; they were the finest musicians in her year at Goldsmiths and very popular in the South East of London. The quartet also features in-demand bassist Andy Hamill (Van Morrison, Martin Taylor, Ibrahim Maalouf).In December 2020 they released ‘The Cutty Sark Suite‘, an album of original compositions that introduced the Quartet’s sound as jazz blending elegant soprano melodic lines with an intense rhythm section that is punk-like at times. The Quartet was also part of the 2021 Brighton Fringe Festival, playing The Cutty Sark Suite in its entirety on a live-streamed gig.
Her latest album ‘Growing Roots‘ was released on Friday 15th July 2022 with support from the Help Musicians MOBO Grant. The quartet features acclaimed London musicians Daniel Hewson (piano), Andy Hamill (bass) and Joe Edwards (drums). Betty’s approach has evolved into a refined, evocative, lyrical jazz blending her many influences into a cinematic style reminiscent of Pat Metheny, John Surman, and Jan Garbarek, Björk and the Great American Songbook to transport the audience right into each scene, complemented by Betty’s flamboyant soprano improvisation, blending Coltrane, Garbarek and Surman.
In the last two years, the Betty Accorsi Quartet has played in important Jazz venues such as Pizza Express Soho, Jazz Cafè Posk, Hampstead Jazz Club, Verdict Jazz Club, The Pheasantry (Pizza Express) and Brighton Jazz Festival, taking part at the 2024 Jazzahead! Clubnight in Bremen, Germany.
Band Line-Up Lead – Betty Accorsi (sax and vocals)
Piano – Daniel Hewson
Drums – Joe Edwards
Bass – Andy Hamill
BETTY ACCORSI WEBSITE
Doors open at 7.30 pm, music starts at 8pm. Please book a ticket in advance. Tickets £15 / £20.
or
Hampstead Jazz Club
The Duke of Hamilton
23-25 New End
Hampstead
NW3 1JD
bookings@hampsteadjazzclub.com
Tel: +44 20 7916 0595* Note: For a reserved table with the Jazz MeetUp Group bookings must be confirmed by actual bookings in advance of the gig.
- Nubiyan Twist @ OuternetOuternet London, London
Been curious about them for a while. End of their tour, by which time I predict a big buzz. Played on Jamie Cullum's R2 show on Feb 20.
About Nubiyan Twist
Nubiyan Twist is a blend of virtuosic players, skilled producers and inspired composers who have joined forces under the leadership of multi-instrumentalist & producer Tom Excell. Drawing upon jazz, hip-hop, afrobeat, Latin, soul, reggae and dance music, expect ultra-tight musicianship and an infectious and powerful 10-piece big band sound.Gig details are here. Tickets are from £22.50 (general admission ticket).
I will provide details nearer the time of when and where members can meetup to enjoy the gig together.
Please only RSVP yes when you have a ticket.