Multi-award winner as best jazz vocalist – BBC Jazz Awards 2007 & 2004 and Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2018 – Ian Shaw has amassed a number of highly acclaimed internationally released albums and is a popular performer both in the UK and the US. He has been cited, along with Mark Murphy and Kurt Elling, as one of the world’s finest male jazz vocalists.
The Godfather of Swing – Mr Ray Gelato – has been taking his special brand of swing, jazz and R&B music all over the world since 1988. This multi-talented singer, saxman, songwriter and band leader has appeared at festivals, clubs and concert stages from Brazil to New York City.
The legendary Ray Gelato and his band have had an illustrious and very successful career, including a long-established residency at London’s world-famous Ronnie Scott’s, where the
band appears every Christmas. This must-see event is always a sell-out.
He has also performed for the late HM The Queen (twice), opened for Robbie Williams at the Albert Hall, and was chosen to play at Sir Paul McCartney’s wedding. Ray is very proud to
number Van Morrison among his many fans. The band have played most of the top jazz festivals including Montreal, The Lincoln Centre in New York and numerous appearances at Umbria Jazz in Italy. Ray has also played some of the most prestigious clubs in the world including Birdland in New York and The Blue Note in Milan.
Recent highlights have included concerts at The Blue Note in Milan, Umbria Jazz’s 50th anniversary, Ronnie Scott’s and Umbria Winter Jazz.
“A powerhouse quintet that commands the stage and delights the audience, the latter even bordering on raucous in their appreciation!” – CJC
“First class” – simplyjazztalk
Led by the award-winning multi-sax player Tony Kofi, ‘Two Baritones’ illuminates the stage with a vibrant focus on the baritone saxophone—the largest and rarest member of the saxophone family. Rounding out this exceptional quintet are Hannah Horton on baritone saxophone, Pete Whittaker on organ, Steve Taylor on drums, and Joel Prime on percussion, contributing to the ensemble’s tight groove and virtuosic performances.
Tony Kofi is a British Jazz multi-instrumentalist born of Ghanaian parents, a player of the Alto, Baritone, Soprano, Tenor saxophones and flute. Having ‘cut his teeth’ in the “Jazz Warriors” of the early ’90s, award-winning saxophonist Tony Kofi has gone on to establish himself as a musician, teacher and composer of some authority. As well as performing and recording with Gary Crosby’s “Nu-Troop” and “Jazz Jamaica”, Tony’s playing has also been a feature of many bands and artists he has worked/recorded with include “US-3” The World Saxophone Quartet, Courtney Pine, Donald Byrd, Eddie Henderson, The David Murray Big Band, Sam Rivers Rivbe Big band, Andrew Hill Big Band, Abdullah Ibrahim, Macy Gray, Julian Joseph Big band, Harry Connick JR, Byron Wallen’s Indigo, Jamaaladeen Tacuma’s Coltrane Configurations and Ornette Coleman.
This dynamic group presents a captivating repertoire that includes a blend of standards and original, inspirational compositions. The quintet’s ensemble playing reaches the pinnacle of excellence, showcasing a seamless fusion of styles and an intangible energy that resonates throughout the group.
Tony Kofi, honoured as Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year in 2022, stands as one of the most esteemed saxophonists in the UK jazz scene.
“Tony Kofi’s full-bodied sound, clear articulation and committed attack carry the immediacy and impact of the established masters of the jazz saxophone…his improvisations…..tell stories and have emotional purpose” Financial Times
“There is so much respect in jazz circles for Tony Kofi.” – Jazzwise
“Passionate… superb… heartfelt” – The Guardian
“Wow, the energy, the exceptional playing and arrangements, and the excitement of hearing jazz music of this calibre live” – simplyjazztalk
Come and experience the magnetic energy of award-winning UK jazz sax star Hannah Horton with her powerhouse quartet.
A true melodic maverick and visionary saxophonist, Hannah weaves jazz, folk and funk into a sound that’s all her own—emotive, uplifting, and deeply personal.
This special evening promises an irresistible mix of standout tracks from her acclaimed albums, brand-new unreleased material, and iconic songs that have shaped her musical journey. Expect a set brimming with melody, groove, and feel-good vibes that will stay with you long after the final note.
Hannah has captivated audiences at sold-out London Jazz Festival shows and shared the stage with the likes of Amy Winehouse, Ian Shaw, and Natalie Williams. Her music is unashamedly positive and refreshingly honest, earning her accolades across the UK jazz scene.
Saxophonist and composer Hannah Horton is back at HAC with a brand-new jazz club that is causing a significant buzz in the jazz industry. Keen to bring international standard jazz music to Haverhill, A-list guests and up-coming artists, Hannah is an artist who has carved her own unique sound and vision over her career. She will be bringing her highly acclaimed quartet which includes Tim Lapthorn on piano, Rob Statham on bass and Nic France on drums.
Hannah’s music is rooted in jazz, folk and funk and her established individual and sophisticated sound is edging through boundaries and creating waves worldwide.
She has showcased her skills alongside a plethora of great artists such as Amy Winehouse, Ian Shaw (who is also guest vocalist on Inside Out), John Etheridge, Georgia Mancio and has performed at all of the UK’s most prominent jazz venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, The Royal Festival Hall, the Barbican, 606 Jazz Club and selling out at London Jazz Festival shows.
