Tori Freestone + Gareth Williams

8:00PM TORI FREESTONE is a gifted musician, who not only plays sax and flute but also violin to a high standard, and can now truly be counted as a major player on the UK jazz scene. Although she has only been around for a relatively short time she has collaborated with the likes of NYJO, the Creative Jazz Orchestra, country legend Lee Hazlewood, Cuban group ‘Orquesta Timbala’, Andy Sheppard, Ivo Neame and Neil Yates. She has performed on the RFH main stage and at the National Theatre, the Vortex and Ronnie Scott’s; at mainstream high-profile outdoor events including Glastonbury and the ‘Big Chill’; at premier jazz festivals such as London, Cork, Jersey, Cheltenham, Brecon, Manchester and Haskovo Jazz, plus tours of the UK, Portugal, Germany and Bulgaria. And if all that wasn’t enough, she also lectures at Middlesex University and Leeds College of Music. Tonight's performance, with her brilliant trio of Dave Manington on bass and Tim Giles on drums, will include original compositions from the recently released album "In the Chop House" which received 4/5 stars in the Guardian and was described as an "imposingly original sound". With her fluent technique combined with a mature and thoughtful approach, Tori’s distinctive style provides a dynamic journey through the modern jazz canon.

“excellent…very impressive…..”Jazzwise;
“Tori Freestone has a warm and open tone, her playing is melodic and innovative. [she] effortlessly switches between fiery and haunting melodies”AllAboutJazz.com; "..fluent with subtle phrases, and delicate asides...it was a combination of her drive and that rare ability of seeming to speak through the instrument ..that engaged the attention….captivatingly understated and original…Freestone was adroitly complemented by her inspired rhythm section….beautifully balanced, inventive" LondonJazzBlog

9:45PM GARETH WILLIAMS "POWER TRIO" FEATURING LAURENCE COTTLE-BASS & IAN THOMAS-DRUMS Gareth has unquestionably established himself as one of the country’s leading modern jazz pianists. A fiery and creative player his remarkable talent has been seen with an impressive array of world-class artists, from Jazz/Hip Hop band “US3” through to internationally-renowned jazz musicians such as Joe Lovano, George Coleman, Dave Liebman, Iain Ballamy and Jim Mullen. MD for iconic UK vocalist Claire Martin, Gareth has been featured at the Club on many occasions, most notably in his regular appearances with iconic US sax star Jerry Bergonzi who was so taken with his playing that he announced over the mic “I love this guys playing so much, tomorrow we’re going to go out and chose curtains!” Widely regarded as a pianist of international stature, Gareth is also an accomplished guitarist and has a great voice too, so if you’re lucky he may just sing a song or two! Tonight Gareth's "Powertrio" is completed by two exceptional British musicians, Laurence Cottle (Al Jarreau, Seal) on Bass and Ian Thomas (Eric Clapton, Sting) on drums. Fantastic modern jazz piano playing. “..dynamite pianist” Evening Standard; “.. fantastic improviser” The Guardian; “..a jewel of a player” Jazziz