NEXT CONCERT
Friday 9th October 2026 at  7.30pm

Another one-off concert featuring some of the finest jazz musicians in Britain.

Swing on Steroids
Ben Holder Quintet

BAND MEMBERS

Ben Holder - Violin & vocals (possibly also piano)
Julian Stringle - Clarinet
Jez Cook - Guitar
Paul Jefferies - Double bass
Nick Milward - Drums

Led by the fiery enthusiasm of Ben Holder, The Ben Holder Quartet features four of the UK jazz scene’s absolute finest players, joined by the inimitable Julian Stringle on reeds for this session.

This new show and accompanying album brims with showmanship and flair and is sure to delight any audience. Join us for an exciting musical journey through the most foot-tapping jazz and swing, with music from Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, George Gershwin, The Beatles and many more.

Musician bios below - another stunning line-up!

Ben Holder
Ben Holder is the most acclaimed and exciting jazz violinist in the UK. His classical studies began at the age of six and were complemented by training at the Birmingham Conservatoire. An introduction to jazz came in his early teens – classic masters such as Benny Goodman, Oscar Peterson and Stephane Grappelli – and lead Ben to truly find his place as a musician.

Ben possesses an innate sense of swing rhythm (something which often eludes classical players), breathtaking technical ability and true showmanship on stage. He offers flawless musicianship, heaps of energy and personality and a visible passion for his craft.

Ben's various awards bear testimony to these abilities. Often playing across the UK, Europe and further afield, he is a first-call jazz violinist for many of the country's top venues, line-ups and studios.

Julian Stringle
Julian Stringle is award-winning British jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, composer, and vocalist recognised as one of the most stylish and talented reed players in Europe. Praised by legendary jazz figure Sir John Dankworth as a "world-class" talent and "the best clarinetist to emerge in British jazz for decades," Stringle has carved out a unique space by blending traditional clarinet styles with contemporary jazz-funk, Latin rhythms, and classical music.

He was a child prodigy reed player, educated at the Latymer Music School and the London College of Music. He made his TV debut with Acker Bilk when he was just 14. At 17 he formed a Modern Jazz quintet and toured Europe with Dave Cliff, Nick Weldon, Andy Cleyndert and Mark Taylor.

He has played on concert, club, festival and broadcast dates with his own bands and with Peanuts Hucko, Wild Bill Davison, George Chisholm, Kenny Ball, Don Lusher, Kenny Baker, Cleo Laine & Sir John Dankworth. He has recorded with John Parricelli, Digby Fairweather, Danny Moss, Sam Brown, Roy Williams, Jim Mullen, Marc Almond, Tommy Whittle, George Melly, Joe Brown, Chas & Dave and the Spice Girls!

Julian currently leads The Dream Band his own exciting and melodic Latin-influenced jazz funk sextet They recently made a successful European tour where they played the first ever jazz concert in Albania. Julian has written over 30 TV jingles and documentary film scores and was voted ‘Best Clarinettist’ at the British Jazz Awards 2006/7. His highly melodic music and unique sound reaches the younger audience while his soul, original writing and phenomenal technique on his instrument excites the jazz aficionados.

Jez Cook
Jez Cook is a prominent figure on the British jazz scene, celebrated for his versatility across acoustic and electric guitar styles.Musical Style: He is known as a "guitarist's guitarist". His repertoire spans hot club/gypsy jazz (inspired by Django Reinhardt), contemporary jazz, blues, and fusion.  He has performed alongside jazz elites like John Etheridge, Gary Potter, Jacqui Dankworth, Alan Barnes, and high-profile musicians like George Harrison and Jools Holland. For over a decade, he has been a mainstay in violinist Ben Holder's ensembles, frequently touring and performing at prominent regional UK jazz events.

Paul Jefferies
Paul Jefferies is an accomplished British jazz double bassist, bass guitarist, educator, and music promoter based primarily in Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. He is a highly active figure in the UK jazz scene, widely recognised for his versatile accompaniment style, collaborative projects, and dedication to promoting live jazz through independent regional clubs.He specialises in both the acoustic double bass and the bass guitar. While rooted firmly in jazz, his playing spans blues, classical, pop, and rock music. He has toured and recorded as the featured bassist on two acclaimed albums for jazz vocalist/pianist Wendy Kirkland. He also performs with groups like Gypsy Fire, the Rob Terry Trio, and violinist Ben Holder's Spare Room Sessions.

Nick Milward
Nick Milward is one of the UK’s leading traditional and swing jazz drummers. Renowned for his taste, precision, and drive, he has anchored the rhythm sections for some of Europe’s most influential jazz ensembles over a multi-decade career.

Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen: He is widely celebrated for powering the rhythm section of this legendary British jazz band.
The Ben Holder Quartet: He regularly performs and tours with acclaimed jazz violinist Ben Holder, driving high-energy shows like their Beatles Re-imagined tour.
The Magnificent Seven Jazz Band: Formed by former members of the Chris Barber, Acker Bilk, and Kenny Ball bands, this group blends multiple eras of classic swing and early jazz.
The Craig Milverton Trio: He frequently collaborates with award-winning jazz pianist Craig Milverton, backing top-tier soloists.
The Jazz Funk Machine: Shifting gears into 1970s funk and modern jazz fusion, he provides the groove-driven powerhouse beats for this project.

He is highly regarded for his versatility. He transitions seamlessly between strict traditional "trad" jazz, high-speed bebop rhythms, and loose Latin swing. Peers and reviewers frequently note his dynamic control—shifting from a light, tasteful touch to explosive, driving momentum during live solos.