THURSDAYS 07 JANUARY & 18 FEBRUARY 2010 - A "Jazz & Lyrics" evening
2010 sees the return to the club of the fresh talent of Sarah Ellen Hughes, who wowed audiences during her 2008 residency. Sarah will be previewing material from her forthcoming album, which showcases her versatility in style as well as her arranging and composing talents. Her stunning band features Darren Altman (drums), Rick Simpson (piano) and Tom Farmer (bass).
MICHAEL OMER (with guest artists) - A "Jazz & Lyrics" evening
"UNWRITTEN, UNPLUGGED & UNSIGNED"
THURSDAYS 21st JANUARY & 29 APRIL 2010
"...succeeds in persuading us that there really is no sensation like syncopation." The Times (London)
Award-winning songwriter & pianist-composer Michael Omer is back once again at Pizza on the Park, to help you chase away those post-Christmas winter blues, with a cabaret which is at times edgy, funny, serious, and wonderfully entertaining.
More numbers from the "Unwritten, Unplugged & Unsigned" solo piano album will sit alongside some original songs and a few old favourites.
Just 22 years of age, Alexander Stewart is already creating a buzz as one of the most precociously talented vocalists of the new generation. With a voice rooted in Connick and Sinatra - and with a touch of the Kurt Elling rasp - Stewart avoids being a nostalgia act by a judiciously off-beat choice of material and a decidedly contemporary energy level. As well as clever re-arrangements of great standards, he translates the occasional pop song into jazz and adds some originals including songs by pianist Webb. With Alex Webb (piano), Gary Crosby (bass) and Andy Chapman (drums).
THURSDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2010 - A "Jazz & Lyrics" evening
Club favourite, Sarah Ellen Hughes, returns to preview material from her forthcoming album, which showcases her versatility in style as well as her arranging and composing talents. Her stunning band features Darren Altman (drums), Rick Simpson (piano) and Tom Farmer (bass).
THURSDAY 04 MARCH 2010 - A "Jazz & Lyrics" evening
Rising jazz vocalist Pauline Jean presents Remembering Nina Simone.A soulful, bluesy and swinging vocalist, Pauline is a native New Yorker of Haitian descent.Her repertoire includes original compositions, unique arrangements of the standards, blues and traditional Afro-Haitian music fused with jazz.Her most recent successes include performing at the 44th International Pori Jazz Festival in Finland and a tribute to Nina Simone at The Cabaret at the Connoisseur Room in Indianapolis, where she was celebrated with standing ovations.She performs with Alex Webb (piano), Gary Crosby (bass) and Rod Youngs (drums).
The Tammy Weis quintet featuring B J Cole. Following collaborations and appearances with Jamie Cullum at the Jazz Cafe, Bobby McFerrin at the Royal Albert Hall, Ian Shaw and Lianne Carroll at the Royal Opera House, and singing opposite Curtis Stigers at Ronnie Scott's, Canadian Tammy Weis has now just released a brand new album, "Where I need to be". Singing songs from this album among many other favourites, Tammy will be performing with Tim Lapthorn on piano, Al Cherry on guitar, Arnie Somogyi on bass, and Simon Lea on drums and will feature guest artist, maestro B J Cole on steels.
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IAIN MACKENZIE with the FRANK GRIFFITHS NONET
THURSDAY 01 APRIL 2010 - A "Jazz & Lyrics" evening
The Frank Griffith Nonet will be presenting the music and songs of Mel Tormé and arranger Marty Paich. Fresh arrangements from Frank Griffiths, combined with the mellow sounds of Iain Mackenzie.
Singer Iain Mackenzie's credits include The BBC Big Band, Ronnie Scott's Big Band and Kenny Wheeler and he has appeared at The Royal Albert Hall and The Berlin Jazz Festival. The Frank Griffith Nonet boasts many luminaries of UK jazz including Henry Lowther, Bob Martin, Paul Clarvis, Barry Green and Adrian Fry. The leader, an American saxophonist and composer/arranger, has written for and/or played with Mel Lewis, Ron Carter, Sir John Dankworth, Dame Cleo Laine, Tony Coe, Joe Temperley and the great Mel Tormé himself: not surprisingly, he'll have first hand anecdotes to share with all on the night.
Nonet personel for the night will include Frank Griffith- tenor sax/clarinet, Alex Garnett- alto sax, Mick Foster-baritone sax, Chris Gowewr- trombone, Henry Lowther- trumpet, Robbie Robson- trumpet, Tim Lapthorn- piano, Oli Hayhurst- bass, and Paul Clarvis- drums.
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CAROLINE NIN
THURSDAY 15 APRIL AND FRIDAY 16 APRIL 2010 - A "Sophisticated Songbook" evening
Classic feme fatale who charms and intruigues with a plethora of images, stories and memories. Her captivating rich voice and her own musical interpretations range through Edif Piaf, Liza Minnelli, Marlene Dietrich and Jacques Brel. "A spine-tingling, tear-jerking revelation" (Time Out).
THURSDAY 29 APRIL 2010 - A "Jazz & Lyrics" evening
UNWRITTEN, UNPLUGGED & UNSIGNED"
After a sell-out show in February, Michael Omer returns to Pizza on the Park for more jazz cabaret with edge!
A mix of humour, accessible jazz and original songs, with something for everyone.
Award-winning songwriter & pianist-composer Michael Omer is back once again at Pizza on the Park with a cabaret which is at times edgy, funny, serious, and wonderfully entertaining.
"The delicious, delightful and incredible Nicola Emmanuelle"
(Lord Richard Attenborough) - after a rollercoaster ride
into 2010 including the release of her new album 'Orry'
and a humbling invitation to perform for President Zuma
of South Africa during his recent state visit to the UK,
Nicola is delighted to return to the comforting surroundings
of the Pizza on the Park music room in Knightsbridge.
Offering songs from her well received and newly released
album, along with contemporary and classic arrangements
of songs from the American Songbook that are making her
name, Nicola and her band will soothe, swing and inspire
with delicious renditions from a genuinely sublime voice."
“Nicola is the real deal, one not to miss” (Time Out)
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JULIE DUNN & musicians
THURSDAY 27 MAY & FRIDAY 28 MAY 2010 - A "Jazz & Lyrics" evening
On 27 May:
Viva Ella!A tribute show to the “first lady of jazz”, Ella Fitzgerald, and her dynamic repertoire featuring favourite jazz standards from the Great American Songbook which she recorded in collaboration with artists such as Louis Armstrong, JoePass, Nelson Riddle and Billy May. Rising vocalist Julie Dunn - whose vocal timbre has been favourably compared to Ella's in the past - returns to the Pizza on the Park.Julie appears for the first time on piano together with a stellar band including "Bill Evans of guitar", Phil Lee, renowned bassist Alec Dankworth, and special guest appearance from trumpeter Ray Butcher, whose pedigree includes backing top artists such as Mica Paris and whose easy style conveys echoes of the jazz greats Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis and Wynton Marsalis all rolled into one!
On 28 May:
Singer-wongwriter, Julie returns in her own right with a broad repertoire embracing jazz, latin, swing and blues genres. She performs her own songs and standards with sassy new lyrics, and with top musicians; 2002 UK Jazz Critics Pianist of the Year John Horler on piano and Alec Dankworth on bass.
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ALEXANDER STEWART returns...
MONDAY 07 JUNE 2010 - a "Jazz & Lyrics" evening
Just 22 years of age, Alexander Stewart is already creating a buzz as one of the most precociously talented vocalists of the new generation. With a voice rooted in Connick and Sinatra - and with a touch of the Kurt Elling rasp - Stewart avoids being a nostalgia act by a judiciously off-beat choice of material and a decidedly contemporary energy level. As well as clever re-arrangements of great standards, he translates the occasional pop song into jazz and adds some originals including songs by pianist Webb. With Alex Webb (piano), Gary Crosby (bass) and Andy Chapman (drums).
