Jazz Steps: Elio Rojas Trio

From lyrical to exuberant, music that span genres – jazz, Latin-jazz flamenco, salsa and beyond – often drawing on his Cuban roots.
A true virtuoso of worldwide standing, Elio creates, interprets and improvises with dazzling brilliance. From lyrical to exuberant, his trio performances span musical genres, taking in jazz, Latin-jazz flamenco, salsa and beyond.– often drawing on his Cuban roots.

Educated at the prestigious University of the Arts in Havana, Elios is a multi-talented pianist, arranger and composer;

Lineup: Elio Rojas piano, Frank Portuondo bass, Fernando Depestre drums

Presented by Jazz Steps

Jazz Steps: Patrick Cornelius Stateside Quartet

A rare and exciting opportunity to experience this USA-based Supergroup!

An all-star American quartet embark on their first European tour, led by award-winning New York altoist Patrick Cornelius. Individually, they’ve played with a galaxy of jazz heavyweights, including Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, Lee Konitz and Carl Allen.

And they’re performing here in Nottingham – so, don’t miss this chance to experience these top-line Americans performing new material that will be recorded at the end of this tour!

Line-up: Patrick Cornelius alto sax, James Francies piano, Rudy Royston drums, Michael Janisch bass

Presented by Jazz Steps

Nottingham Organ Society… Claire Greig

Claire was born and raised in Derby where I still live today. I didn’t show any interest in music until at the age the age of five, my parents took me to Pontins “Middleton Towers” on holiday. This coincided with the A.O.E National Organ Festival week. Most of my time is spent teaching music around Derbyshire, offering piano, keyboard, organ, flute and music theory lessons. Locally in Derby face to face, or online offered for those outside of Derbyshire. Learn for fun, or work towards exam grades, all levels catered for.
Concerts now being performed on the amazing Wersi OAX-1 duo.

Live & Local: Old Spot – Appalachian Fiddle and Banjo Duo

Rowan Piggott & Joe Danks were introduced in 2021 and bonded over a shared passion for Old-Time Appalachian music. An initial campsite session turned into living room jams, sharing lifts to sessions and ultimately the creation of a new touring duo – Old Spot.

​Expect Old-Time Appalachian music made with modern audiences in mind – stomping fiddle tunes and lazy banjo backbeats giving way to close harmony singing. Old Spot sees two musicians from strong traditional backgrounds exploring a shared musical love, creating new music that is bursting with joy and imagination.

Presented by Live & Local

Live & Local: The Askew Sisters

Emily and Hazel Askew have become known as two of the foremost performers and interpreters of traditional music from England. Their live performances brim with the depth and connection not only of two sisters, but also of two musicians who have been immersed in folk music all their lives.

Together, they rework and reinterpret songs and balladry, creating breath-taking arrangements, which allow words that are hundreds of years old to resonate profoundly with contemporary audiences.

In 2019, the duo returned to the studio with a fresh vision. After months deep in rehearsal, reconstructing and re-exploring their sound, unearthing old songs, as well as composing and creating new music, their fourth album ‘Enclsoure’ emerged, which was released to widespread critical acclaim…

‘Gifted multi-instrumentalists, singers and writers’
Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2

‘Beautiful, uncanny and subtly political songs’
The Guardian

Presented by Live & Local

Jazz Steps: Henry Spencer

Multi-award-winning trumpeter, bandleader and composer, Henry Spencer has numerous acclaimed albums to his name.  His quintet plays music of “astonishing dynamic variety” (Manchester Jazz Festival) drawing on jazz, rock and minimalism.

Bold and evocative compositions showcase Henry’s “spectacular technique” (The Guardian).  His well-established band do justice to music that spans passages of raw energy to intimate, emotionally-led lyrical melodies – almost as if there were words being sung.

Book now to hear this impressive band with Ant Law on guitar, a familiar and popular musician with Bonington audiences, adding to the strong mix.

Reviews of his album The Defector:

…an ambitious album … [whose music] … is bold and dynamic and is also rich in terms of colour, texture and compositional intelligence.” – The Jazz Mann ★★★★

Trumpet and flugelhorn are always centre stage, showing off dazzling technique, but the sidemen never falter… An impressive work” – The Guardian

Line-up: Henry Spencer trumpet & flugelhorn, Ant Law guitar, Matt Robinson piano, Andrew Robb bass, Jamie Murray drums

Presented by Jazz Steps

Jazz Steps: Joy Ellis Trio

Joy Ellis is a jazz pianist, singer and composer whose long-time collaborators Henrik Jensen on double bass and drummer Adam Osmianski produce music whose compelling melodies have “an introspective north European feel; delicate, intimate – no notes are wasted in its pared-back sound” (London Jazz News).  Her stage presence is easy and engaging and performances draw on music including albums with different feels.

Of her second album Dwell, BBC Radio 3 jazz critic Kevin Le Gendre noted: ‘Fantastically wistful ambiance and beautiful voice.’  Her 2017 album Life on Land was ★★★★ rated by the Guardian who praised the “Fiery improvisations from Ellis …[and] well-structured hard-bop solos on piano and Fender Rhodes.’   Her most recent album Peaceful Place is solo piano, having a relaxed and minimalist vibe in keeping with the album’s title.

Variously reminds of Keith Jarrett, Brad Mehldau and Bill Evans” about MOJO Magazine about album “Peaceful PlaceMOJO Magazine

Line-up: Joy Ellis piano & vocals, Henrik Jenson bass, Adam Osmianski drums

Presented by Jazz Steps

Live & Local: An Evening with Kellys Heroes

The richness provided by the accordion, powerful rhythm guitar and bodhran give a fullness of sound that belies the number of people on stage and with a repertoire encompassing fast and furious Celtic songs and tunes, gentle ballads and quality contemporary numbers by the likes of Christy Moore, Eric Bogle and Ewan MacColl as well as some original material, this East Midlands based band are one of the most sought after on the circuit

Presented by Live & Local

QWEEN UK

QWEEN UK are fronted by the highly talented singer and musician Dave Arnett. QWEEN UK’s extensive live repertoire encompasses all the “classic” Queen songs as well as their subtle and much-loved acoustic arrangements.

The Gary Barlow Songbook | #1 Tribute Show – Postponed

This show has been postponed. We are in the process of rescheduling!

For more information, please click here