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.

Jo Fooks Quartet
Wednesday 5 February

Born in Edinburgh, saxophonist Jo Fooks was named ‘Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year’ in 1992, which led to study at the Guildhall and a scholarship to Berklee School of Music’s summer jazz programme. Subsequently, she received an invitation from British trumpeter Humphrey Lyttelton to join his band, touring all over the UK. Citing Humph’s “fun-filled and melodic” approach as a major influence (along with Illinois Jacquet, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon & Cannonball Adderley), Jo’s big, bright sound has also been compared to iconic players such as Stan Getz.

8pm

Guildford Pavilion, Woodbridge Road, Guildford, GU1 4RP.

Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Quintet
Friday 14 February

Dele Sosimi, the Nigerian-British Afrobeat Ambassador, Musician and Educator, has been at the heart of the global Afrobeat scene since relocating to the UK in December 1995. Having started his musical career with Fela's Egypt 80 band in his teens, he then teamed up with childhood friend, Fela's son Femi Kuti (back in the late eighties) to kick start the Positive Force - touring, recording and performing worldwide. Over 40 years later, he remains a tireless ambassador for the unique musical movement all over the world.

7.45pm

The Boileroom, Stoke Fields Guildford, GU1 4LS

Sara Oschlag & Pete Long
“the duke ellington songbook”
Thursday 20 February 2025

Sensational Danish-born singer Sara Oschlag and Director of the Ronnie Scott’s Big Band Pete Long
pay tribute to the 1957 recording session “Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Duke Ellington Songbook' , arranged by Billy Strayhorn. The music is stunning,
the band is swinging, and we wholeheartedly advise you to get a ticket while they are available!

With Colin Good on piano, Matt Skelton on drums and Marianne Windham on bass.

20:00 22:30

Guildford Pavilion The Sports Ground, Woodbridge Road Guildford GU1 4RP

Visit guildfordjazz.org.uk 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