NEXT CONCERT
Friday 5th March 2027 at  7.30pm

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

Themed around Porgy and Bess
Chris Coull Quartet

BAND MEMBERS

Imogen Ryall - vocals
John Turville - piano
Simon Thorpe - bass
Matt Fishwick - drums
Chris Coull - trumpet

A new jazz suite from Chris Coull, featuring award winning vocalist Imogen Ryall, playing the music of George Gershwin in an engaging and enthralling story that is both accessible and permeates the traditions of the post bop jazz movement.

Embark on a story through time as we take you to 1930’s Charleston and a love story between down on his luck ‘Porgy’ and the sassy ‘Bess’. Featuring songs instantly recognisable (Ain’t Necessarily So, I Love You Porgy and of course Summertime) unhackneyed classics (I’ve Got Plenty Of Nothing, There’s A Boat Leaving Soon For New York) and rarely heard gems (Buzzard Song, Prayer, Strawberry Woman).

In this project, Chris has brought together three of the finest rhythm section player London has to offer, one of the finest vocalists on the UK scene and his own skills to create a dynamic, swinging and above all thoughtfully hip jazz suite, that swings from hard bop grooves, sumptuous ballads, toe tapping Latin grooves and orchestrally inspired harmonies: Using the original 1935 Gershwin score, influences from the seminal record from Miles Davis and Gil Evans and nuggets of gold from BlueNote’s heyday, the result is a narrated concert full of twists and turns in both plot and form.

Musician bios below - another stunning line-up!

Imogen Ryall

Imogen Ryall is a highly acclaimed London-born jazz vocalist and lyricist who has become a prominent fixture in the British jazz community. Known for her effortless precision and warm, inviting sound, she has performed at legendary venues such as Ronnie Scott's, the 606 Club, and The Barbican Hall. Her musicianship earned her double nominations for Best Vocalist and Best Album at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards.

Raised by parents who were both actors, she grew up in a theatrical environment. She made her singing debut at the Chichester Jazz Festival at age 17 before training at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Alongside her regular appearances on the UK jazz circuit, she has spent years headlining high-end international hotel residencies in cities like Seoul, Dubai, and Oman.

John Turville
John Turville is one of the leading UK jazz pianists, composers, and educators of his generation. A graduate of Cambridge (where he was a choral scholar) and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, he is widely celebrated for his rich harmonic language, tango-infused projects, and extensive work as a bandleader and sideman.

Recognised with awards including Best Instrumentalist at the London Jazz Awards (2010), Best Album at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards (2011), and MOJO #3 Jazz Album of the Year (2012). John leads his own trios and quartets, co-leads the sextet Solstice, directs the E17 Large Ensemble, and heads the tango quintet Almagro Ensemble.

Simon Thorpe
Simon Thorpe is one of the UK's best-known jazz bassists, nominated in 2016 and again in 2017 for a British Jazz Award. He studied violin, guitar and drums before settling on the bass in 1991. He attended Guildhall School of Music & Drama where in 1993 he gained the postgraduate certificate in Jazz & Studio Music, and an LGSM.

Simon has worked with many of the great UK and US names in jazz, recording and touring with Bobby Wellins, Stacey Kent (with whom he recorded five albums), Bheki Mseleku, Alan Barnes, Elaine Delmar, Scott Hamilton, Benn Clatworthy and Ray Gelato. Outside the jazz sphere he has played with artists as diverse as Amy Winehouse, Imelda Staunton, Imogen Heap, Alexander Armstrong, Maria Ewing, Mica Paris, Rick Astley (yes!), Sean McGowan of the Pogues and Scottish folk fiddle wizard John McCusker. He also runs several of his own projects: the swing band Jivin’ Miss Daisy, GershwINNOVATION (music inspired by George Gershwin’s work) and the Simon Thorpe Octet. He writes the music arrangements for Mitch Winehouse's 7-piece band.

Simon is also a composer, having written music for theatre, jazz ensembles, BBC TV and BAFTA award winning short film, Wedding Espresso.

Matt Fishwick
Matt Fishwick is a leading UK jazz drummer, bandleader, and educator celebrated for his subtle, swinging style and deep roots in the hard bop tradition. Born in Manchester and twin brother to acclaimed trumpeter Steve Fishwick, he studied at the Royal Academy of Music and spent years performing in New York City.

He lived and worked in New York from 2004 to 2009, playing at iconic clubs like Smalls, The Iridium, and The Rainbow Room. He has shared the stage and studio with jazz legends including Cedar Walton, Scott Hamilton, Harry Allen, George Mraz, Peter Washington, and Anita O'Day.  Matt leads his own quartet and co-leads groups alongside his brother Steve, as well as working closely with tenor saxophonist Osian Roberts and Allison Neale.

Chris Coull
Chris Coull is a Brighton-based jazz trumpeter, bandleader, arranger, and composer. Known for a swinging post-bop style influenced by legends like Clifford Brown and Lee Morgan, he is a central figure on the South Coast jazz scene.

Chris spent nearly 20 years as the Musical Director of Doha Jazz in Qatar before returning to the UK. He runs The Speakeasy Jazz Club above The Wick Inn in Hove (featuring a weekly Wednesday night band and guests) and organises Jazz at St Andrew’s church concerts on Friday evenings. Chris has recorded a series of critically praised, Blue Note-inspired albums working alongside jazz heavyweights like Andy Panayi and Mark Bassey.