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.

Bill Laurance Trio
Friday 7 November

Described by The Guardian as ‘A Jazz Maestro’, pianist Bill Laurance’s albums, whether solo, duo or orchestral recordings, have all been released to universal critical acclaim. There are few creative avenues that this brilliant musician has yet to explore. His latest trio with drummer Oscar Ogden and bassist Menelik Claffey has developed an
innovative musical kinship.

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

Allison Neale Trio
Saturday 15 November

Unique on the UK jazz scene, American-born alto saxophonist Allison Neale is a beautifully fluent and inventive musician, who plays in a strongly melodic ‘West Coast cool jazz’ style reminiscent of Paul Desmond (of Dave Brubeck fame). For this intimate evening recital Allison will be joined by the fine pianist Eriko Ishihara and versatile bassist Marianne Windham.

7pm, Guildford Institute, Ward St, GU1 4LH

Alexandra Ridout Quartet
Wednesday 19 November

UK born, New York based trumpeter Alexandra Ridout is one of the most talented young musicians on the international scene. Since winning the prestigious BBC Young Jazz Musician of The Year in 2016, Alexandra has received numerous international awards. The other Quartet members also have impressive credentials, having performed and recorded with a wide range of world class artists.

8pm, Guildford Pavilion, Woodbridge Rd GU1 4RP

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