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.

Denny Ilett & Pete Long

Wednesday 11 February, 8pm

Guildford Pavilion, Woodbridge Road, GU1 4RP

Guitarist/vocalist Denny Ilett has worked with leading US & UK stars, such as James Brown’s saxophonist Pee-Wee Ellis, and members of Goldfrapp, Portishead &m Mannfred Mann. Saxophonist/singer Pete Long’s CV includes work with Jools Holland, Tom Jones and Lionel Richie. These master musicians join forces in a new and exciting band, blending the Bebop of Charlie Parker with the Rhythm & Blues of T-Bone Walker and Louis Jordan to produce a treasure-trove of captivating rhythms and intoxicating melodies.

Lunchtime Jazz

Monday 2 February, 2pm

Guildford Institute, Ward Street, GU1 4LH.

This year marks the centenary of Miles Davis’ birth and our featured guest is Steve Waterman, one of the UK’s top jazz trumpet players and for whom Miles was a critical influence. The winner of numerous British Jazz awards, Steve has worked with such jazz luminaries as John Surman, Carla Bley, Andy Sheppard, Tony Coe, and Don Weller and has also recorded many critically acclaimed CDs. Joining Steve will be pianist Alex Hutton and Marianne Windham on bass.

Jo Harrop

Thursday 26 February, 8pm

Guildford Pavilion, Woodbridge Road, GU1 4RP

A welcome return to the Pavilion for world-class jazz vocalist Jo Harrop, renowned for her achingly beautiful music delivered in a warm, smoky voice that’s said to be able to 'melt even the chilliest of hearts'. Jo has received rapturous reviews for her first four albums, including winning ‘Album of the Year’ at the 2023 Parliamentary Jazz Awards, and has graced some of the world's most prestigious stages, including The Royal Albert Hall and The Lincoln Centre in New York.

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