Bringing the best in live jazz to Guildford

WHO ARE GUILDFORD JAZZ?

Guildford Jazz is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (company number 11587522) whose aim is to bring some of Britain’s finest musicians to a local audience, in an intimate and welcoming “jazz club” environment.

Everyone is welcome, young and old. You do not need to be a jazz fanatic or expert or to join as a Member to come to any gig, although there are benefits to becoming a Member if you come regularly (click here for details). We aim to keep ticket prices affordable and offer half price tickets for students. If you’re a regular or occasional attendee at our events we’d love to hear your feedback – you can contact us here.

Lunchtime Jazz
Monday 11 May, 2pm
Guildford Institute, Ward Street GU1 4LH

Guildford Jazz anchor Marianne Windham, recipient of the ‘Services to Jazz’ Award in the 2026 Parliamentary Jazz Awards, brings her chosen instrument to the fore to explore the role of the bass in the history of jazz and considers the bassists who have influenced her playing and musical journey. With the brilliant and versatile Steve Lodder (whose career includestouring with the pop group Simply Red and musical collaborations with Paul McCartney) on piano and Martin Pyne on drums.

Derek Nash
Wednesday 6 May, 8pm
Guildford Pavilion, Woodbridge Road GU1 4RP

Irrepressible saxophone star of the Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Derek Nash is one of the hottest, funkiest players on the UK scene. He exudes an irresistible exuberance as both bandleader of his distinguished group Sax Appeal and as a distinguished jazz soloist and composer in his own right. With David Newton, (16 times winner of the British Jazz Awards for Best UK Jazz Piano Player) on piano, Sebastian de Krom on drums, and Marianne Windham on bass.

Kofi-Baptiste
Thursday 21 May, 8pm
Guildford Pavilion, Woodbridge Road GU1 4RP

Two of the UK’s finest saxophonists, Denys Baptiste and Tony Kofi celebrate one of the most iconic partnerships in jazz history: Julian "Cannonball” Adderley & John Coltrane. Steeped in the Coltrane tradition, the tenor playing of Baptiste combines technical authority with emotional depth while altoist Kofi is renowned for his fearless improvisation, powerful sound and deep-rooted connection to the jazz tradition. With Bruno Heinen (piano), Mikele Montoli (bass) and Winston Clifford (drums).

For further information visit www.guildfordjazz.org.uk

We aim to run:

  • two regular mid-week gigs each month, both featuring some of the country’s top jazz musicians

  • monthly jam sessions at the Merry Harriers pub on the second Sunday of the month

  • occasional workshops before gigs

  • summer charity events including a “Jazz in the Park” in the beautiful walled garden at Loseley Park in aid of GUTS, who aim to improve the survival rates of people with bowel cancer by funding better screening, detection, treatment and facilities, as well as research into the disease (see a short video from 2019 here) and an afternoon Jazz Festival on Wood Street Village Green in support of Challengers , who provide vital play and leisure opportunities and parental support for local disabled children and young people (read Peter Vacher’s review from 2019 here)

  • an annual Christmas gig at St John’s Church, Farncombe

occasional pop-up jazz events with organisations and venues in and around Guildford