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.

Mark Kavuma’s Sextet
Wednesday 1 October

Charismatic and visionary trumpet player and composer Mark Kavuma and his sextet present their new album ‘Magnum Opus’ featuring original compositions, arrangements and performances by leading members of the British jazz scene. Released last Autumn, the album was launched at a sold-out Queen Elizabeth Hall (Southbank Centre) as part of the London Jazz Festival.

8pm Guildford Pavilion, Woodbridge Road GU1 4RP

Nick Smart Quintet
Wednesday 15 October

Nick Smart, Head of Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music and an internationally renowned trumpeter and musical director, presents a concert to celebrate, in words and music, the life of legendary trumpeter and composer Kenny Wheeler. Also featuring Emma Rawicz (Winner of Jazz Newcomer of the Year 2022) on tenor saxophone, and renowned guitarist John Parricelli.

8pm Guildford Pavilion Woodbridge Road GU1 4RP.

Lenore Raphael
Thursday 23 October

Internationally renowned jazz pianist and Steinway artist Lenore Raphael pays tribute to two great jazz masters: pianist Oscar Peterson and alto saxophonist Sonny Stitt, famously recorded on the 1959 album “Sonny Stitt Sits in with the Oscar Peterson Trio”. This special performance also features Glen Manby (alto sax), Marianne Windham (bass) and Matt Home (drums).

8pm. University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH

Visit www.guildfordjazz.org.uk to find out more and to book

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