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.

Guildford Jazz is hosting the Guildford Jazz & Soul Festival in September which includes seven paying events:

Hejira
Friday 18, 8pm

Celebrating the greatest songs of Joni Mitchell, seven-piece band Hejira are fronted by Hattie Whitehead, who not only sings masterfully with Joni’s poise and pitch-accuracy but also plays guitar in the style of Joni Mitchell, incorporating various open tunings which lend an instant authenticity to the colour of the songs.
Surrey University, Stag Hill, GU2 7XH

Steve Waterman
Thursday 3, 8pm

Trumpeter Steve Waterman’s Octet celebrates the music of Miles Davis - one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of jazz. Featuring Alan Barnes (alto sax), Dave O’Higgins (tenor sax), Karen Sharp (baritone sax), Mark Nightingale (trombone), Gareth Williams (piano), Marianne Windham (bass) and Clark Tracey (drums).

Guildford Pavilion, Woodbridge Road, GU1 4RP

Iain Ballamy
Wednesday 23, 8pm

Saxophonist Iain Ballamy’s career highlights include performing with Hermeto Pascoal, Carla Bley and, in a live BBC broadcast, playing Richard Rodney Bennett’s Concerto for Stan Getz with the BBC Concert Orchestra. Iain’s quartet includes guitarist Rob Luft, who featured on Iain Ballamy’s latest, highly acclaimed, album ‘Riversphere’, plus Nick Pini (bass) and Corrie Dick (drums).

Guildford Pavilion. Woodbridge Road, GU1 4RP

The Mantecas
Saturday 5, 5pm

The Mantecas are a London-based, Salsa, Latin Jazz and Boogaloo band known for filling dance floors wherever they play. From Glastonbury to The Jazz Café, they’ve built a reputa- tion for high-energy performances that blend infectious Afro- Latin rhythms, punchy brass and irresistible grooves. Featuring Cuban flutist and singer Ludys Hernandez. Bring a picnic and get ready to party!

Guildford Castle, Castle Street, GU1 3UW

CK Gospel Choir
Friday 11, 7.45pm

CK Gospel Choir is a dynamic collective of London-based vocalists known for their unique blend of close harmonies, "gospel fusion", infectious energy and world-class performances. CKGC have spent almost 20 years captivating audiences across the UK and Europe, bringing gospel, soul, professionalism and unforgettable sound to every performance.

St Nicholas Church, Bury St, GU2 4AW

Lunchtime Jazz
Monday 7, 2pm

Saxophonist Alan Barnes and pianist Dave Newton have been playing duets together for decades, displaying an unrivalled musical empathy that can only come with long experience.

Guildford Institute, Ward Street, GU1 4LH


Dele Sosimi
Friday 11, 8pm

Dele Sosimihas been at the heart of the global Afrobeat scene for over 40 years, blending funk grooves, traditional Nigerian music, African percussion and an underlying sense of jazz. Plus support act The Joe Garland Band.

The Boileroom, Stoke Fields, GU1 4LS

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