Piano Smithfield Presents: THE MICHAEL BLAKE/HANNES RIEPLER QUINTET

THE MICHAEL BLAKE/HANNES RIEPLER QUINTET

Thu 18 Sep 2025 7:00 PM - 1:30 AM | Tickets from £20 | BOOKINGS
Piano Smithfield, EC1A 9PN

Jazz at Piano Smithfield presents The Michael Blake/Hannes Riepler Quintet, feat Ivo Neame, Oli Hayhurst and Finn Genockey.

An unmissable night of transatlantic jazz, the first night of a new monthly Jazz at Piano Smithfield series of shows, with the very best Jazz Musicians from around the world.

London-based guitarist Hannes Riepler joins forces with acclaimed New York saxophonist Michael Blake for a special one-off performance. They’ll be joined by an outstanding London rhythm section: Ivo Neame on piano, Oli Hayhurst on double bass, and Finn Genockey on drums.
Expect inspired originals, electrifying interplay, and spontaneous creativity from five of the most distinctive voices on the international jazz scene.

Saxophonist Michael Blake has been a mainstay in the New York scene for over 30 years and has put out over fifteen albums under his name. His most recent, Dance of the Mystic Bliss made The Guardian’s 10 Best Jazz Albums of 2023. Blake’s saxophone playing commands a wily style that might evoke an elder, snap at a hard bop riff or blast off to the interstellar. Both an in demand sideman and session musician, he has contributed to hundreds of recordings. Among the many artists he has performed with are The Lounge Lizards, Ray Lamontagne, Steven Bernstein, Charlie Hunter and Ben Allison.

Hannes Riepler is a compelling blend of artist and mentor: an Austrian-born guitarist whose melodic and forward-thinking approach has made him a central figure in the London jazz scene. Whether leading his own quartet, collaborating with international artists, or nurturing talent in academic settings, his influence is widely felt and respected. Riepler has performed with a wide range of artists, including Chris Cheek, Julien Lourau, and Jeff Williams. His network spans many notable names in jazz. His album Wild Life features his quartet alongside guest saxophonist Chris Cheek. The original pieces are noted for being catchy, heartfelt, and free of clichés, earning praise for both writing and performance.

The award-winning British pianist and composer Ivo Neame is known for his inventive, harmonically rich style and his work with acclaimed groups including Phronesis, the Marius Neset Quintet, and Kairos 4Tet. A bandleader in his own right, he has released numerous albums blending technical virtuosity with lyricism, most recently Zettalogue (2024). Beyond performing internationally, Neame is Professor of Jazz Piano at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, where he mentors the next generation of jazz musicians.

One of the UK’s most in-demand double bassists, Oli Hayhurst is celebrated for his warm tone, rhythmic precision, and deep musical empathy. His versatility has seen him perform across the jazz spectrum, from modern creative projects to straight-ahead swing, and he has worked with many of the UK’s leading artists. Hayhurst’s playing is characterised by an unshakeable groove and a keen melodic sense, qualities that have made him a trusted anchor in both small groups and large ensembles.

A dynamic young drummer, composer, and arranger, Finn Genockey is quickly making his mark on the UK jazz scene. His music combines intricate rhythmic ideas with a strong melodic focus, as heard on his acclaimed debut album Tacet Trust. An active collaborator and leader, he directs the London Intercollegiate Jazz Orchestra and has performed with figures such as Stan Sulzmann and Rufus Reid. Genockey’s drumming is both sensitive and powerful, providing a flexible, creative foundation for any ensemble.

Doors open at 7pm. 2 Sets, first set around 8.15pm...Piano Smithfield is a part seated/part standing venue, with seats allocated on a first come, first served basis, so arrive early to find your spot...Earlybird Tickets £20 in Advance, £25 on the door (if not sold out)

* Note: For a reserved table with the London Loves Jazz MeetUp Group bookings must be confirmed by actual bookings in advance of the gig directly with the venue.

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