Pianist Marco Marconi

“An exceptional talent” John Priestly, Sirocco Music

A warm welcome back to pianist Marco Marconi, who originally formed an all-Italian trio after moving to London in 2012 and after a period of intensive touring recorded his debut NORDIK at Fazioli Concert Hall near Venice on the 33 Jazz label in early 2013 — a well received collection of eclectic genius which garnered rave reviews. Marco then released and toured his latest and critically acclaimed album Trialogue in 2017. Hot on the heels of Trialogue Marco Marconi Trio’s next album New Roads fuses bebop, ballads, bossa nova, tango and moody numbers. This is eclectic jazz for the 21st century — edgy, soulful, spontaneously rhythmic.

Playfully nick-named ‘The Doctor’ Marco Marconi is an accomplished, classically-trained Jazz pianist who grew up in the breathtaking region of Umbria in Italy, and who made a life-changing decision to move permanently to the UK in 2012 to pursue his musical career. He made the right choice.

Marco’s skill as a composer is so naturally distinctive and seemingly effortless that he’s earned a reputation as a class act not only in his native country but also on the British festival circuit and the buzzing London Jazz Club scene.

“An inspirational feast of stylish contemporary jazz…had the audience spellbound from the onset with Marco’s original compositions interspersed with jazz standards.” Stratford Jazz

“I think everyone that heard Marco play was very impressed and I was also overwhelmed by his dedication… Marco is a remarkable musician…” Steve Symons, Cheltenham Jazz Festival

“Marco Marconi is a remarkable musician possessed of rare talent… catch him if you can, you are in for a rare treat!” Alan Bates, Candid Records

Marco is a breath of fresh air for dedicated Jazz fans everywhere." Anthea Redmond, JazzBitesRadio.com

​

with Jeremy Shoham: sax • Rick Finlay: drums • Mick Hutton: bass

£8 | £5 students in advance | unwaged: pay what you like on the night

Saxophonist Robert Fowler

"Robert's primary instrument is the tenor, which he plays with the swagger and swing of a latterday Al Cohn." Jazz Journal

Robert has played with many reputable artists, including Bryan Ferry, Madeleine Bell, Lilian Boutte, Steve Winwood and Mitch Winehouse, and in London and Paris with Canadian singer, Rufus Wainwright.

You can hear Robert's solo clarinet on the soundtrack of Guy Ritchie's film Snatch and his clarinet playing can be heard on Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. He also contributed to the soundtrack of Baz Luhrman's Great Gatsby.

Fowler is a rarity amongst the younger generation of British players in that he honed his instrumental skills in very much the classic way, as a member for ten years of The Pasadena Roof Orchestra. This band is recognised as probably the leading exponent of dance band era music, having toured the world, recorded 19 albums and appeared on television and radio numerous times in Britain and Europe.

Robert followed his time with the PRO with stints with Chris Dean’s Syd Lawrence Orchestra (re-creating the music of Glenn Miller), appearances with the BBC Big Band and Humphrey Lyttelton’s band, and two years touring with Bryan Ferry’s Roxy Music. Having well and truly paid his dues, Robert is now pursuing a solo career, having released his first CD at the end of 2004, although he continues his various assignments under other band leaders too.

Robert’s playing draws on various influences mainly from the 40s and 50s, but the result is always swinging, tasteful jazz.

To quote Dave Gelly in The Observer: “The first thing anyone notices about his tenor saxophone playing is the tone. It's broad, warm and juicy, a perfect fit for his calm, measured phrasing.”

​

with Bob Haddrell: organ • Jeremy Shoham: sax • Rick Finlay: drums

£8 | £5 students in advance | unwaged: pay what you like on the night

Guitar maestro John Etheridge

John Etheridge rightly enjoys a glowing reputation throughout the jazz world and beyond and has been described by Pat Metheny as, “One of the best guitarists in the world”.

He is a prodigiously gifted and creative player whose approach to music can only be described as ‘eclectic’ as he refuses to accommodate or even acknowledge artificial musical boundaries. His range is well illustrated by his years of touring and recording with the iconic Stephane Grappelli while simultaneously doing likewise with the legendary jazz-fusion group, The Soft Machine.

John is equally at home on acoustic and electric guitar and his willingness to engage with so many styles is matched by his ability to excel in any of them. He has played with John Williams, Yehudi Menuhin, Dizzy Gillespie, Herb Ellis, Mundell Lowe, Nigel Kennedy, Pat Metheny, Birelli Lagrene, Barney Kessel, Vic Juris and countless others. John’s ability as an outstanding composer is sometimes overlooked but he is often under pressure from audiences to feature more of his own material.

with Tim Lapthorn: piano • Jeremy Shoham: sax • Phil Scragg: bass • Rick Finlay: drums

£12 | £5 students in advance | unwaged: pay what you like on the night