SoundCellar

DAVE MANINGTON'S RIFF RAFF
2023-10-05 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | SoundCellar at The Grasshopper, 139 - 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9HT, United Kingdom
We are delighted to welcome back Dave Manington‘s Riff Raff to SoundCellar as part of a UK tour. The 6 piece band (featuring Ivo Neame on piano) produce music that is intimate and creative, with a delicate interplay forged from many years performing together.
This gig will take place at The Grasshopper,
139 – 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole BH14 9HT.
Please note: If parking in either of the car parks at The Grasshopper, you must register your vehicle on one of the dedicated terminals at the bar or in the function room.
Ticket link below
Bassist and composer Dave Manington is one of the mainstays of the London jazz scene, a founder member of the Loop Collective, he has played with many of the pre-eminent jazz musicians in the UK and Europe including Julian Arguelles, Marius Neset and Gwilym Simcock amongst many others. He co-founded the Loop Collective to pool creative resources with other like-minded musicians. His debut quartet album “Headrush” was released on Loop Records in 2008 to critical acclaim. He followed this up with two albums from his band “Riff Raff”, which were described as “Inventive, forward-looking jazz that subtly pushes the envelope whilst remaining thoroughly accessible to the listener.” The Jazzmann. He is also a founder member of the much-respected e17 jazz collective, Tori Freestone’s Trio, Solstice and Yazz Ahmed’s Quartet. Dave was nominated for an Ivor Novello award for jazz composition in 2022.
The group also features a cast of SoundCellar ‘alumni’: vocalist Brigitte Beraha (Kenny Wheeler, London Jazz Orchestra), pianist Ivo Neame (Phronesis, Marius Neset), saxophonist Tom Challenger (Foufolah/Red Snapper), guitarist Rob Updegraff (Beth Rowley/Zigaboo Modeliste) and drummer Tim Giles (Iain Ballamy/Art Farmer). The music is sophisticated and full of virtuoso playing, sometimes freely improvised with an exciting element of risk, but the song forms, melodic nature and the empathy and great ensemble playing of the group make it highly accessible.
“Riff Raff mix the leader’s clever composing with a formidable lineup, …and the soundscape embraces a 21st century sax-led cool school sound, raw guitar-fusion, diffident Wayne Shorteresque lyricism, and vocals that showcase Beraha’s eloquent lyrics and inventiveness as a wordless improviser.” The Guardian
“It also grooves like hell, with some thick mercurial riffs – full of stops, starts, and turns yet rocking in the grip of a savage momentum.” Jazzwise
Dave Manington – bass
Brigitte Beraha – vocals
Ivo Neame – piano
Tom Challenger – saxophone
Rob Updegraff – guitar
Tim Giles – drums
Entry is £15 + booking fee in advance through the below link, or £18 on the door (cash or card).
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month
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LIVESTREAM: DAVE MANINGTON'S RIFF RAFF
2023-10-05 20:01 - 22:00 | LIVESTREAM, United Kingdom
We are delighted to welcome back Dave Manington‘s Riff Raff to SoundCellar as part of a UK tour. The 6 piece band (featuring Ivo Neame on piano) produce music that is intimate and creative, with a delicate interplay forged from many years performing together.
Click here for tickets to attend the physical gig.
Livestream Ticket link below
Bassist and composer Dave Manington is one of the mainstays of the London jazz scene, a founder member of the Loop Collective, he has played with many of the pre-eminent jazz musicians in the UK and Europe including Julian Arguelles, Marius Neset and Gwilym Simcock amongst many others. He co-founded the Loop Collective to pool creative resources with other like-minded musicians. His debut quartet album “Headrush” was released on Loop Records in 2008 to critical acclaim. He followed this up with two albums from his band “Riff Raff”, which were described as “Inventive, forward-looking jazz that subtly pushes the envelope whilst remaining thoroughly accessible to the listener.” The Jazzmann. He is also a founder member of the much-respected e17 jazz collective, Tori Freestone’s Trio, Solstice and Yazz Ahmed’s Quartet. Dave was nominated for an Ivor Novello award for jazz composition in 2022.
The group also features a cast of SoundCellar ‘alumni’: vocalist Brigitte Beraha (Kenny Wheeler, London Jazz Orchestra), pianist Ivo Neame (Phronesis, Marius Neset), saxophonist Tom Challenger (Foufolah/Red Snapper), guitarist Rob Updegraff (Beth Rowley/Zigaboo Modeliste) and drummer Tim Giles (Iain Ballamy/Art Farmer). The music is sophisticated and full of virtuoso playing, sometimes freely improvised with an exciting element of risk, but the song forms, melodic nature and the empathy and great ensemble playing of the group make it highly accessible.
“Riff Raff mix the leader’s clever composing with a formidable lineup, …and the soundscape embraces a 21st century sax-led cool school sound, raw guitar-fusion, diffident Wayne Shorteresque lyricism, and vocals that showcase Beraha’s eloquent lyrics and inventiveness as a wordless improviser.” The Guardian
“It also grooves like hell, with some thick mercurial riffs – full of stops, starts, and turns yet rocking in the grip of a savage momentum.” Jazzwise
Dave Manington – bass
Brigitte Beraha – vocals
Ivo Neame – piano
Tom Challenger – saxophone
Rob Updegraff – guitar
Tim Giles – drums
The livestream will be broadcast on YouTube, via a page available when you purchase a ticket through the link below.
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month
Share this event

THE BRANDON ALLEN GROOVE BAND
2023-10-19 20:00 - 22:00 | SoundCellar at The Grasshopper, 139 - 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9HT, United Kingdom
Australian/UK saxophonist and composer BRANDON ALLEN makes a welcome return to SoundCellar with his new groove project, made up of a super-band including SoundCellar favourites Mike Outram and Jamie Murray
This gig will take place at The Grasshopper,
139 – 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole BH14 9HT.
Please note: If parking in either of the car parks at The Grasshopper, you must register your vehicle on one of the dedicated terminals at the bar or in the function room.
Ticket link below
The group performs brand new contemporary jazz/groove compositions, as well as fresh interpretations of unheard material from Brandon’s previous funk outfit (Double Whisky Amnesia), rearranged specifically for this lineup. Musical influences include Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Eddie Harris, John Scofield, Lalo Schifrin, Tom Scott, David Sanborn, The Brecker Brothers and Vangelis. Expect funky baselines, otherworldly drum grooves, soaring synthesisers and intricate and intoxicating sax/guitar melodies.
‘...A superb blend of diverse improvisation and stellar ensemble interaction…‘
‘…A saxophone heavyweight, at the height of his powers…’ Blues and Soul Magazine
Brandon Allen is one of the UK’s most in demand saxophonists, working with a wide variety artists across various genres. He leads the Brandon Allen Quartet and Sextet, The Stanley Turrentine Project as well as the Brandon Allen Groove Band. He is the saxophonist with The Kyle Eastwood Band, touring internationally and he has performed with Eric Clapton, Paloma Faith, Gary Husband, Adam Nussbaum and numerous others.
Mike Outram hardly needs any introduction here at SoundCellar! As our regulars know, he is highly regarded as one of the UK’s most accomplished and virtuosic guitarists. Mike has toured and/or recorded with Carleen Anderson, Tim Garland, Chick Corea, Steven Wilson, Nikki Iles, Herbie Mann, The Cinematic Orchestra, Laura Rossi and others. He is also an extremely respected jazz educator and in general, a bit of a ‘guitar guru’.
Jim Watson has been the first call pianist/keyboardist/MD for many of the world’s top artists for the last 20 years.
He has toured and recorded with the likes of Katie Melua, Manu Katche, Incognito, Gary Moore, Zero 7, Marti Pellow, Sting and many others. Jim is an extremely dynamic performer and he creates many different textural layers and rhythmic intricacies on the keyboards.
Chris Attwell is originally from Bournemouth but has made his name mainly in London as a ‘go-to’ session musician and producer. Having studied for a Masters at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA, we are delighted that his return to the area means we can at last have him play here at SoundCellar.
Jamie Murray is quickly becoming one of the leading drummers on the scene today. He leads ‘Beat Replacement’, a fiery post fusion band that has featured the likes of Gary Husband, Dave Preston and Mike Janisch. He has also performed with Zhenya Strigalev, Tim Lefebvre, Quentin Collins and many of the UK’s top jazz and crossover artists. Some managed to catch Jamie leading a band here for SoundCellar at The Grasshopper in November last year, featuring Dave Preston, Laurence Cottle and US superstar David Binney.
Brandon Allen – Saxes/compositions
Mike Outram – Guitar
Jim Watson – Keyboards
Chris Attwell – Bass
Jamie Murray – Drums
Entry is £15 + booking fee in advance through the below link, or £18 on the door (cash or card).
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month
Share this event

LIVESTREAM: THE BRANDON ALLEN GROOVE BAND
2023-10-19 20:01 - 22:00 | LIVESTREAM, United Kingdom
Australian/UK saxophonist and composer BRANDON ALLEN makes a welcome return to SoundCellar with his new groove project, made up of a super-band including SoundCellar favourites Mike Outram and Jamie Murray
Click here for tickets to attend the physical gig.
Livestream Ticket link below
The group performs brand new contemporary jazz/groove compositions, as well as fresh interpretations of unheard material from Brandon’s previous funk outfit (Double Whisky Amnesia), rearranged specifically for this lineup. Musical influences include Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Eddie Harris, John Scofield, Lalo Schifrin, Tom Scott, David Sanborn, The Brecker Brothers and Vangelis. Expect funky baselines, otherworldly drum grooves, soaring synthesisers and intricate and intoxicating sax/guitar melodies.
‘...A superb blend of diverse improvisation and stellar ensemble interaction…‘
‘…A saxophone heavyweight, at the height of his powers…’ Blues and Soul Magazine
Brandon Allen is one of the UK’s most in demand saxophonists, working with a wide variety artists across various genres. He leads the Brandon Allen Quartet and Sextet, The Stanley Turrentine Project as well as the Brandon Allen Groove Band. He is the saxophonist with The Kyle Eastwood Band, touring internationally and he has performed with Eric Clapton, Paloma Faith, Gary Husband, Adam Nussbaum and numerous others.
Mike Outram hardly needs any introduction here at SoundCellar! As our regulars know, he is highly regarded as one of the UK’s most accomplished and virtuosic guitarists. Mike has toured and/or recorded with Carleen Anderson, Tim Garland, Chick Corea, Steven Wilson, Nikki Iles, Herbie Mann, The Cinematic Orchestra, Laura Rossi and others. He is also an extremely respected jazz educator and in general, a bit of a ‘guitar guru’.
Jim Watson has been the first call pianist/keyboardist/MD for many of the world’s top artists for the last 20 years.
He has toured and recorded with the likes of Katie Melua, Manu Katche, Incognito, Gary Moore, Zero 7, Marti Pellow, Sting and many others. Jim is an extremely dynamic performer and he creates many different textural layers and rhythmic intricacies on the keyboards.
Chris Attwell is originally from Bournemouth but has made his name mainly in London as a ‘go-to’ session musician and producer. Having studied for a Masters at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA, we are delighted that his return to the area means we can at last have him play here at SoundCellar.
Jamie Murray is quickly becoming one of the leading drummers on the scene today. He leads ‘Beat Replacement’, a fiery post fusion band that has featured the likes of Gary Husband, Dave Preston and Mike Janisch. He has also performed with Zhenya Strigalev, Tim Lefebvre, Quentin Collins and many of the UK’s top jazz and crossover artists. Some managed to catch Jamie leading a band here for SoundCellar at The Grasshopper in November last year, featuring Dave Preston, Laurence Cottle and US superstar David Binney.
Brandon Allen – Saxes/compositions
Mike Outram – Guitar
Jim Watson – Keyboards
Chris Attwell – Bass
Jamie Murray – Drums
The livestream will be broadcast on YouTube, via a page available when you purchase a ticket through the link below
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month
Share this event

MOMENT'S NOTICE
2023-10-21 16:00 - 22:00 | The Earthhouse, The Ancient Technology Centre, Damerham Road, Cranborne, Dorset, BH21 5RP, United Kingdom
SoundCellar joins forces with the wonderful and unique Jaminaround to present MOMENT’S NOTICE: a one-off event that will take place at The Ancient Technology Centre in the one and only Cranborne Earthouse. Join us for this very special celebration of spontaneous composition.
This gig will take place at
The Ancient Technology Centre, Damerham Road, Cranborne, Dorset, BH21 5RP
Ticket link below
Moment’s Notice showcases international leading lights in the art of spontaneous composition. Usually taking place at AMP studios in Peckham, South London, each episode of the series consists of one duo and one trio playing fully-improvised, 40-minute sets. The evening culminates with a combo quintet set. Line-ups are curated by the event creator, George Nelson. For this special edition of Moment’s Notice, George has selected seven (yes! seven) brave musical mavericks who will travel to the depths of Dorset and unite under the hallowed Earthouse roof to light a fire and adventure into the unknown. It promises to be a night to remember!
Daniel Casimir, Double Bass
Jazz FM Instrumentalist of the Year (2021) and a mainstay in Nubya Garcia and Binker Golding’s bands, Daniel was also a key contributor on celebrated UK jazz albums Camilla George – Isang (2017) and Ashley Henry – Beautiful Vinyl Hunter (2020). He’s performed with a whole bunch of globally acclaimed musicians including Makaya McCraven, Lonnie Liston Smith, Julian Joseph and Jason Rebello.
Daniel’s three bandleader releases, Escapee (2017), These Days (2019) and Boxed In (2022) are all well worth seeking out.
Kadialy Kouyate, Kora, Voice
Mesmeric Southern Senegalese kora player and singer from the griot tradition. Kadialy’s presence on the London creative music scene over the last decade is significant, including collaborations with Adriano Adewale, Greentea Peng, Abel Selaocoe and Camilla George. Kadialy’s two duo pieces with Shabaka Hutchings’ on the latter’s Afrikan Culture 2023 release, are little short of remarkable.
Rosie Turton, Trombone
Nominated for Jazz FM’s ‘Breakthrough Act of the Year’, trombonist, composer and producer Rosie Turton is one of the stand-out improvisers on the UK jazz scene. Her debut ‘Rosie’s 5ive’ (2019), with Jazz Re:freshed, remains one of the label’s high watermarks, and her EP ‘Expansions and Transformations: Part I & II’ (2021) showcased Rosie’s producer credentials and underlined her ability to interweave electric and acoustic music components. Rosie’s collaborations stretch from Nérija to Nu Civilisation Orchestra, Camilla George, Soweto Kinch, Nwando Ebizie, and Dan Samsa.
Max Hallett aka Betamax, Drums
Best known for his work with Mercury Prize-nominated The Comet Is Coming, Max’s reputation as one of the top drummers in the country is well-earned. Among his must-hear releases are Soccer 96 – Dopamine (2021) with fellow Comet Danalogue,
Champagne Dub – Drops (2018) with Ruth Goller, and Betamax v Clive Bell (2021) in which Max teams up with his Shakuhachi-playing father.
MA.MOYO, Spoken Word
MA.MOYO is a Zimbabwean-born writer, sound artist & educator based in London. She was the 2016/17 Institute of Contemporary Arts Associate Poet, is the 2019 Serpentine Galleries’ Schools Artist in Residence, co-founder of literary arts platform BORN::FREE, and the author of Small Inheritances (2018). MA.MOYO’s delicate touch and powerful delivery are one half of MA.MOYO X Marysia Osu, a collaborative electronics, harp and poetry project with Polish harpist/producer, Marysia Osuchowska exploring nature, womanhood and lineage.
George Crowley, Tenor Saxophone & Clarinet
Top tier improviser active across a range of genres, George posesses one of the more distictive sounds amongst UK horn players – witness his remarkable Can of Worms alongside fellow tenor Tom Challenger. George’s body of work is expansive, from Melt Yourself Down, Red Snapper, Miguel Gorodi Nonet and Rick Simpson’s Klämmer, to the truly fantastic Brass Mask.
Afla Sackey, Djembe & Vocals
Ever since arriving in London with Kakatsitsi Master Drummers of Ghana, Afla has been a cornerstone on the UK creative music landscape. He is the founder and bandleader of 10-piece Afro-fusion orchestra Afrik Bawantu, a major cog in the Ibibio Sound Machine wheel, and his list of collaborators is dizzyingly impressive, including Seun Kuti, Sons of Kemet, Tony Allen, Yaaba Funk, Ginger Baker, Dele Sosimi & the Afrobeat Orchestra and Sun Ra Arkestra.

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ALEX CLARKE
2023-10-28 20:00 - 22:00 | SoundCellar at The Grasshopper, 139 - 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9HT, United Kingdom
We are extremely pleased to present one of the UK’s future stars in another of our special Saturday evening gigs, when we welcome the wonderful saxophonist ALEX CLARKE to SoundCellar.
This gig will take place at The Grasshopper,
139 – 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole BH14 9HT.
Please note: If parking in either of the car parks at The Grasshopper, you must register your vehicle on one of the dedicated terminals at the bar or in the function room.
Ticket link below
As a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards and nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2021 & 2022, Alex Clarke is known to be one of the most in-demand and versatile young saxophonists to have emerged on the British jazz scene. Since the age of 15, where she saw her first public performance sitting in with the Exall/Roberts Quintet at Pershore Jazz Festival, Alex has been a regular face at jazz clubs and festivals all around the country.
Known for her versatility and open-minded attitude towards jazz, Alex enjoys performing a range of genres from New Orleans to bebop. Praised for her extensive repertoire and intelligent ear for harmony, she brings a youthful, intuitive approach that always sounds authentic in a variety of musical settings. Alex’s musical voice is steeped in the tradition of jazz; her deep respect for the heritage of the music can be heard in her swinging, melodic sound, which is reminiscent of Scott Hamilton and Lester Young, also heavily influenced by Phil Woods and Cannonball Adderley.
Alex works within many genres of music including prog rock, ska, soul and motown, in addition to jazz. She released her debut album “Mirage” in 2018 and as the Alex Clarke Quartet, recorded with UK jazz legends David Newton, Dave Green and Clark Tracey, she released the album ‘Only A Year’ in 2022.
As well as leading her own projects, Alex performs alongside many notable names such as Alan Barnes, Bruce Adams, Art Themen and TJ Johnson and has worked with prestigious large ensembles such as The Simon Spillett Big Band and The Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra.
“Bathe in her command of rhythm and her gorgeous sound on alto and tenor” All About Jazz
“One of the UK’s finest young jazz talents” The Jazz Rag
For her SoundCellar debut, we are looking forward to seeing and hearing Alex perform with three of our finest musicians, all of whom, as our discerning Grasshopper audiences know, are guaranteed to provide a perfect vehicle for Alex to work with: Phil Doyle on keyboards, Ben Taylor on double bass and Andy Chapman on drums.
Alex Clarke: Saxes / woodwind
Ben Taylor: Acoustic bass
Andy Chapman: Drums
Phil Doyle: Keyboards
Entry is £15 + booking fee in advance through the below link, or £18 on the door (cash or card).
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month
Share this event

LIVESTREAM: ALEX CLARKE
2023-10-28 20:01 - 22:00 | LIVESTREAM, United Kingdom
We are extremely pleased to present one of the UK’s future stars in another of our special Saturday evening gigs, when we welcome the wonderful saxophonist ALEX CLARKE to SoundCellar.
Click here for tickets to attend the physical gig.
Livestream Ticket link below
As a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards and nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2021 & 2022, Alex Clarke is known to be one of the most in-demand and versatile young saxophonists to have emerged on the British jazz scene. Since the age of 15, where she saw her first public performance sitting in with the Exall/Roberts Quintet at Pershore Jazz Festival, Alex has been a regular face at jazz clubs and festivals all around the country.
Known for her versatility and open-minded attitude towards jazz, Alex enjoys performing a range of genres from New Orleans to bebop. Praised for her extensive repertoire and intelligent ear for harmony, she brings a youthful, intuitive approach that always sounds authentic in a variety of musical settings. Alex’s musical voice is steeped in the tradition of jazz; her deep respect for the heritage of the music can be heard in her swinging, melodic sound, which is reminiscent of Scott Hamilton and Lester Young, also heavily influenced by Phil Woods and Cannonball Adderley.
Alex works within many genres of music including prog rock, ska, soul and motown, in addition to jazz. She released her debut album “Mirage” in 2018 and as the Alex Clarke Quartet, recorded with UK jazz legends David Newton, Dave Green and Clark Tracey, she released the album ‘Only A Year’ in 2022.
As well as leading her own projects, Alex performs alongside many notable names such as Alan Barnes, Bruce Adams, Art Themen and TJ Johnson and has worked with prestigious large ensembles such as The Simon Spillett Big Band and The Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra.
“Bathe in her command of rhythm and her gorgeous sound on alto and tenor” All About Jazz
“One of the UK’s finest young jazz talents” The Jazz Rag
For her SoundCellar debut, we are looking forward to seeing and hearing Alex perform with three of our finest musicians, all of whom, as our discerning Grasshopper audiences know, are guaranteed to provide a perfect vehicle for Alex to work with: Phil Doyle on keyboards, Ben Taylor on double bass and Andy Chapman on drums.
Alex Clarke: Saxes / woodwind
Ben Taylor: Acoustic bass
Andy Chapman: Drums
Phil Doyle: Keyboards
The livestream will be broadcast on YouTube, via a page available when you purchase a ticket through the link below
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month
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HEJIRA: CELEBRATING JONI MITCHELL
2023-11-02 19:00 - 22:00
SoundCellar joins forces with the The Old Fire Station to present HEJIRA: CELEBRATING JONI MITCHELL. This 7-piece band celebrate and honour the masterpiece works of Joni Mitchell, mostly from the late ‘70s. Fronted by the brilliant Hattie Whitehead who not only has – in her own way -assimilated the poise, power and beauty of Joni’s vocals, but also plays guitar with Joni’s stylistic mannerisms. Expect a performance of the ‘great’ songs from Mitchell’s back catalogue!
This gig will take place at:
The Old Fire Station, 36 Holdenhurt Road,
Bournemouth, BH8 8AD
at 7pm
Ticket link below
Hejira’ is a 7-piece band set up to celebrate and honour the masterpiece works of Joni Mitchell, mostly from the late ‘70s. Having released the albums ‘The Hissing of Summer Lawns’, ‘Hejira’, ‘Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter’ and ‘Mingus’ (regarded as her ‘jazz period’), Joni then toured briefly with a band formed from the crème de la crème of contemporaneous jazz musicians (Metheny, Mays, Brecker, Pastorius and Alias). The tour was recorded, producing the outstanding live album, ‘Shadows And Light’; it is from this album that the band Hejira is drawing the body of its repertoire. Comprising highly experienced jazz musicians, this band is fronted by the brilliant Hattie Whitehead who not only has – in her own way -assimilated the poise, power and beauty of Joni’s vocals, but also plays guitar with Joni’s stylistic mannerisms. Expect a performance of the ‘great’ songs from Mitchell’s back catalogue!
Hattie Whitehead – vocals & guitar
Ollie Weston – tenor & soprano saxophones
Chris Eldred – keyboards
Pete Oxley – guitar
Dave Jones – bass
Rick Finlay – drums
Marc Cecil – percussion
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THE NICK COSTLEY-WHITE TRIO
2023-11-09 20:00 - 22:00 | SoundCellar at The Grasshopper, 139 - 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9HT, United Kingdom
Acclaimed UK guitarist Nick Costley-White returns to SoundCellar with his trio featuring Dave Whitford (Christine Tobin, Bill Frisell) on bass and Jay Davis (Alex Hitchcock, Matt Anderson) on drums. Expect swinging and dynamic improvising from three of the most in-demand players in the country.
This gig will take place at The Grasshopper,
139 – 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole BH14 9HT.
Please note: If parking in either of the car parks at The Grasshopper, you must register your vehicle on one of the dedicated terminals at the bar or in the function room.
Ticket link below
Nick Costley-White’s trio (featuring Tom Farmer on bass) is fresh from the studio recording a new EP “Nice Work!”, featuring compositions by some of the greats of the modal jazz era alongside favourites from the American Songbook.
Nick has performed all over the world in some of the most historic jazz clubs, including the Blue Note Jazz Club in Milan, Beijing and Shanhai, as well as tours in Australia, Brazil, Europe and America. He has recorded dozens of albums as a sideman as well as releasing his debut quartet album “Detour Ahead” in 2018 to critical acclaim. He’s continued to be in high demand as a collaborator in the bands of some of the countries most established artists including Gareth Lockrane, Martin Speake, Alex Garnett, Rob Barron, John Warren and Stan Sulzmann. In 2022 Nick was offered the guitar chair in the London Jazz Orchestra, a historic group which he performs and composes for at their monthly residency at the Vortex. Nick is also a passionate teacher and has had the great opportunity to teach as a guest both the Guildhall School of music and the Royal Academy of Music.
Nick’s bandmates Jay Davis and Dave Whitford are stalwarts of the UK jazz scene, performing in a broad range of styles at the absolute highest level. As a young music student in the late 2000s Nick was inspired to hear these two perform together on London’s buzzing grassroots contemporary jazz scene with bands such as Round Trip. It’s now with great pleasure that Nick has the opportunity to collaborate and perform so frequently with them as contemporaries.
“I was struck by the sheer presence and melodic heft and ease of Nick Costley-White’s playing. The ideas flow naturally, the sound is gorgeous, there’s just nothing missing” Sebastian Scotney, London Jazz News
Nick Costley-White: guitar
Dave Whitford: acoustic bass
Jay Davis: drums
Entry is £15 + booking fee in advance through the below link, or £18 on the door (cash or card).
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month
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LIVESTREAM: THE NICK COSTLEY-WHITE TRIO
2023-11-09 20:01 - 22:00 | LIVESTREAM, United Kingdom
Acclaimed UK guitarist Nick Costley-White returns to SoundCellar with his trio featuring Dave Whitford (Christine Tobin, Bill Frisell) on bass and Jay Davis (AlexHitchcock, MattAnderson) on drums. Expect swinging and dynamic improvising from three of the most in-demand players in the country.
Click here for tickets to attend the physical gig.
Livestream Ticket link below
Nick Costley-White‘s trio (featuring Tom Farmer on bass) is fresh from the studio recording a new EP “Nice Work!”, featuring compositions by some of the greats of the modal jazz era alongside favourites from the American Songbook.
Nick has performed all over the world in some of the most historic jazz clubs, including the Blue Note Jazz Club in Milan, Beijing and Shanhai, as well as tours in Australia, Brazil, Europe and America. He has recorded dozens of albums as a sideman as well as releasing his debut quartet album “Detour Ahead” in 2018 to critical acclaim. He’s continued to be in high demand as a collaborator in the bands of some of the countries most established artists including Gareth Lockrane, Martin Speake, Alex Garnett, Rob Barron, John Warren and Stan Sulzmann. In 2022 Nick was offered the guitar chair in the London Jazz Orchestra, a historic group which he performs and composes for at their monthly residency at the Vortex. Nick is also a passionate teacher and has had the great opportunity to teach as a guest both the Guildhall School of music and the Royal Academy of Music.
Nick’s bandmates Jay Davis and Dave Whitford are stalwarts of the UK jazz scene, performing in a broad range of styles at the absolute highest level. As a young music student in the late 2000s Nick was inspired to hear these two perform together on London’s buzzing grassroots contemporary jazz scene with bands such as Round Trip. It’s now with great pleasure that Nick has the opportunity to collaborate and perform so frequently with them as contemporaries.
“I was struck by the sheer presence and melodic heft and ease of Nick Costley-White’s playing. The ideas flow naturally, the sound is gorgeous, there’s just nothing missing” Sebastian Scotney, London Jazz News
Nick Costley-White: guitar
Dave Whitford: acoustic bass
Jay Davis: drums
The livestream will be broadcast on YouTube, via a page available when you purchase a ticket through the link below
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month.
Share this event

THE ALICE ZAWADZKI TRIO
2023-11-23 20:00 - 22:00 | SoundCellar at The Grasshopper, 139 - 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9HT, United Kingdom
One of our most popular events of 2022 was a sold out show by the wonderful ALICE ZAWADZKI and her fabulous trio. We are really pleased to welcome Alice back and once again she is accompanied by long-time collaborator MISHA MULLOV-ABBADO on bass, along with a debut SoundCellar appearance by the fantastic BRUNO HEINEN on keyboards.
This gig will take place at The Grasshopper,
139 – 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole BH14 9HT.
Please note: If parking in either of the car parks at The Grasshopper, you must register your vehicle on one of the dedicated terminals at the bar or in the function room.
Ticket link below
As many of our discerning followers will know, Alice is an outstanding vocalist, violinist, pianist and songwriter and has featured on albums by a whole host of major artists, as well as producing a fine duo album with Dan Whieldon and releasing two super albums under her own name.
Her debut album ‘China Lane’ was made Album of the Week by BBC Radio 3, she was described by The Guardian as “a genuine original” and she was nominated for vocalist of the year by both Jazz FM and the Parliamentary Jazz Awards. She trained in Jazz voice and composition at the Royal Academy of Music and in violin at the Royal Northern College of Music, with scholarships from the Musicians Benevolent Fund and the Hilda Collens Prize.
“…the missing link between Ghost in the Machine-era Police and Hissing of Summer Lawns-era Joni Mitchell…lush and dynamically shifting…fascinating and stunningly original” New York Music Daily (USA)
Her 2019 release, ‘Within You Is A World Of Spring’ was met internationally with warm critical praise, being made Contemporary Album of the Month by The Guardian newspaper, and described by Jazzwise Magazine as “Tender in spirit and defiantly anti-genre… A cornucopia of delights.” ★★★★
“beguiling and unorthodox” The Independent (UK)
Even closer to home, SoundCellar’s John regards ‘Within You…’ so highly, that he includes it in his ‘top ten’ albums of all time! With a new album recorded and due for release in 2024 on the prestigious ECM label, we are privileged to be featuring Alice here at The Grasshopper.
Misha Mullov-Abbado is one of the most in-demand bassists on the jazz circuit. In addition to leading his own fine band and releasing three albums under his own name including 2020’s excellent ‘Dream Circus’, he also regularly performs alongside his world renowned classical violinist mother Viktoria, having released a duo album ‘Music We Love’ with her in 2020. Misha’s understanding and appreciation of Alice’s music has led to the development of an outstanding partnership between them, through many performances and recordings.
Dr. Bruno Heinen is professor of piano and composition at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and has released 11 albums under his own name to date. Coming from three generations of classical musicians, Bruno started playing piano at the age of four. He started composing pieces early on, and was introduced to the world of jazz through the music of Bill Evans by his uncle (jazz pianist Johannes Heinen) in his late teens. His compositional voice has been informed by his love of composers from Duke Ellington to Béla Bártok and from Wayne Shorter to György Ligeti.
We know some were disappointed not to be able to get a ticket for Alice’s gig with us at The Avocet last year, so with the extra capacity that The Grasshopper now affords us, hopefully you can get to experience Alice and her colleagues for yourselves!
Alice Zawadzki: Vocals, Violin
Misha Mullov-Abbado: Double Bass
Bruno Heinen: Keyboards
Entry is £15 + booking fee in advance through the below link, or £18 on the door (cash or card).
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month
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LIVESTREAM - THE ALICE ZAWADZKI TRIO
2023-11-23 20:01 - 22:00 | LIVESTREAM, United Kingdom
One of our most popular events of 2022 was a sold out show by the wonderful ALICE ZAWADZKI and her fabulous trio. We are really pleased to welcome Alice back and once again she is accompanied by long-time collaborator MISHA MULLOV-ABBADO on bass, along with a debut SoundCellar appearance by the fantastic BRUNO HEINEN on keyboards.
Click here for tickets to attend the physical gig.
Livestream Ticket link below
As many of our discerning followers will know, Alice is an outstanding vocalist, violinist, pianist and songwriter and has featured on albums by a whole host of major artists, as well as producing a fine duo album with Dan Whieldon and releasing two super albums under her own name.
Her debut album ‘China Lane’ was made Album of the Week by BBC Radio 3, she was described by The Guardian as “a genuine original” and she was nominated for vocalist of the year by both Jazz FM and the Parliamentary Jazz Awards. She trained in Jazz voice and composition at the Royal Academy of Music and in violin at the Royal Northern College of Music, with scholarships from the Musicians Benevolent Fund and the Hilda Collens Prize.
“…the missing link between Ghost in the Machine-era Police and Hissing of Summer Lawns-era Joni Mitchell…lush and dynamically shifting…fascinating and stunningly original” New York Music Daily (USA)
Her 2019 release, ‘Within You Is A World Of Spring’ was met internationally with warm critical praise, being made Contemporary Album of the Month by The Guardian newspaper, and described by Jazzwise Magazine as “Tender in spirit and defiantly anti-genre… A cornucopia of delights.” ★★★★
“beguiling and unorthodox” The Independent (UK)
Even closer to home, SoundCellar’s John regards ‘Within You…’ so highly, that he includes it in his ‘top ten’ albums of all time! With a new album recorded and due for release in 2024 on the prestigious ECM label, we are privileged to be featuring Alice here at The Grasshopper.
Misha Mullov-Abbado is one of the most in-demand bassists on the jazz circuit. In addition to leading his own fine band and releasing three albums under his own name including 2020’s excellent ‘Dream Circus’, he also regularly performs alongside his world renowned classical violinist mother Viktoria, having released a duo album ‘Music We Love’ with her in 2020. Misha’s understanding and appreciation of Alice’s music has led to the development of an outstanding partnership between them, through many performances and recordings.
Dr. Bruno Heinen is professor of piano and composition at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and has released 11 albums under his own name to date. Coming from three generations of classical musicians, Bruno started playing piano at the age of four. He started composing pieces early on, and was introduced to the world of jazz through the music of Bill Evans by his uncle (jazz pianist Johannes Heinen) in his late teens. His compositional voice has been informed by his love of composers from Duke Ellington to Béla Bártok and from Wayne Shorter to György Ligeti.
We know some were disappointed not to be able to get a ticket for Alice’s gig with us at The Avocet last year, so with the extra capacity that The Grasshopper now affords us, hopefully you can get to experience Alice and her colleagues for yourselves!
Alice Zawadzki: Vocals, Violin
Misha Mullov-Abbado: Double Bass
Bruno Heinen: Keyboards
The livestream will be broadcast on YouTube, via a page available when you purchase a ticket through the link below.
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month.
Share this event

EMMA RAWICZ & THE DORSET YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA - SOLD OUT!
2023-12-10 19:00 - 20:30 | SoundCellar at The Grasshopper, 139 - 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9HT, United Kingdom
The Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra return to SoundCellar with a very special guest, the multi-award-winning young saxophonist and composer, Emma Rawicz.
This event is now SOLD OUT!

PLEASE NOTE 7pm start.
This gig will take place at The Grasshopper,
139 – 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole BH14 9HT.
Please note: If parking in either of the car parks at The Grasshopper, you must register your vehicle on one of the dedicated terminals at the bar or in the function room.
Ticket link below

Emma Rawicz is a multi-award winning young saxophonist and composer, already making waves on the UK music scene and beyond. She has been described as “An astonishing new talent” (Jamie Cullum – BBC Radio 2), ‘a force to be reckoned with‘ (Jazzwise) and ‘a fast-rising star‘ (London Jazz News). At the age of 21 she has already recorded and released an eagerly awaited debut album ‘Incantation’ featuring Ant Law, made up entirely of her original compositions. Emma’s second album ‘Chroma’ recorded in summer 2022, featuring an all-star band of Ivo Neame, Ant Law, Conor Chaplin and Asaf Sirkis, was released in August 2023.

Reviews for ‘Chroma’ **** (The Guardian) & **** (Jazzwise)

“…the warp speed of her evolution is showing no sign of slowing” (John Fordham – The Guardian)
Emma is a recipient of the 2021 Drake Yolanda Award and winner of ‘Best Newcomer’ at the 2022 Parliamentary Jazz Awards, has a Jazz FM award to her name, as well as being a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician competition.
Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra (DYJO) is a youth jazz orchestra led by renowned local jazz musician Terry Quinney. The group has enjoyed a busy gigging calendar with many performances at local music festivals and events. DYJO is made up of the big band instrument mix including: trumpet, trombone, saxophone, electric guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, drum kit, double bass and voice.

Entry is £10 + booking fee in advance through the below link, or £12 on the door (cash or card).
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MIKE DE SOUZA'S CHRYSALIS GROUP
2024-01-04 20:00 - 22:00 | SoundCellar at The Grasshopper, 139 - 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9HT, United Kingdom
Guitarist/composer Mike De Souza makes his SoundCellar debut, bringing his new project ‘Chrysalis’ to The Grasshopper. Performing original music composed during the pandemic, the band name alludes to the emergence from a state of isolation, having changed in a positive way, just as a butterfly emerges transformed from its chrysalis state. The ensemble features some of the most distinctive improvisers on the London Jazz scene including Tom Barford (Sax), Rick Simpson (Keys), Huw V Williams (Bass) and Jay Davis (Drums).
This gig will take place at The Grasshopper,
139 – 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole BH14 9HT.
Please note: If parking in either of the car parks at The Grasshopper, you must register your vehicle on one of the dedicated terminals at the bar or in the function room.
Ticket link below
Mike De Souza grew up in Hertfordshire (UK), where he first picked up the guitar at the age of 12, marking the start of a life-long obsession with music. Since graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in 2014, he has completed multiple UK jazz tours, has performed festivals internationally in Krakow (Jazz Juniors 2021), Graz (Jazzwerkstatt 2017) and Northern Spain (Ni CaJazz! and EGA Jazz festivals 2022), and regularly performs at many of the UK’s most prestigious jazz clubs including Ronnie Scott’s, and Pizza Express.
Since moving to London in 2012, he has worked with internationally renowned musicians including Terence Blanchard (2016), Martin Speake, and Byron Wallen, and has featured on numerous recordings as a side-man: Reflector (Twospeak), Beware of the Bear (Phil Meadows), and Music for Bosch People (Alex Paxton).
In 2017, he co-released the album ‘Pond Life’, also featuring SoundCellar favourite Rob Luft, as part of the group Big Bad Wolf, which was ranked 3rd in Jazzwise Magazine’s top 10 albums of the year, and received many positive reviews: “The title track affirms how inventively the quartet juggle tone colour, constantly renewing sub-themes, and subtly shifting grooves”– John Fordham, The Guardian.
As a leader, Mike has released 2 recordings to date: an EP entitled ‘Road Fork’(2018), and his debut album ‘Slow Burn’(2019). “Slow Burn is an impressive show of musical innovation and displays the guitarist’s knack for experimentation as well as his roots in jazz tradition”– All About Jazz.
Mike De Souza – Guitar
Tom Barford – Tenor Sax
Rick Simpson – Piano/Synth
Huw V Williams – Double Bass
Jay Davis – Drums
Entry is £15 + booking fee in advance through the below link, or £18 on the door (cash or card).
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month
Share this event

LIVESTREAM - MIKE DE SOUZA'S CHRYSALIS GROUP
2024-01-04 20:01 - 22:00 | LIVESTREAM, United Kingdom
Guitarist/composer Mike De Souza makes his SoundCellar debut, bringing his new project ‘Chrysalis’ to The Grasshopper. Performing original music composed during the pandemic, the band name alludes to the emergence from a state of isolation, having changed in a positive way, just as a butterfly emerges transformed from its chrysalis state. The ensemble features some of the most distinctive improvisers on the London Jazz scene including Tom Barford (Sax), Rick Simpson (Keys), Huw V Williams (Bass) and Jay Davis (Drums).
Click here for tickets to attend the physical gig.
Livestream Ticket link below
Mike De Souza grew up in Hertfordshire (UK), where he first picked up the guitar at the age of 12, marking the start of a life-long obsession with music. Since graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in 2014, he has completed multiple UK jazz tours, has performed festivals internationally in Krakow (Jazz Juniors 2021), Graz (Jazzwerkstatt 2017) and Northern Spain (Ni CaJazz! and EGA Jazz festivals 2022), and regularly performs at many of the UK’s most prestigious jazz clubs including Ronnie Scott’s, and Pizza Express.
Since moving to London in 2012, he has worked with internationally renowned musicians including Terence Blanchard (2016), Martin Speake, and Byron Wallen, and has featured on numerous recordings as a side-man: Reflector (Twospeak), Beware of the Bear (Phil Meadows), and Music for Bosch People (Alex Paxton).
In 2017, he co-released the album ‘Pond Life’, also featuring SoundCellar favourite Rob Luft, as part of the group Big Bad Wolf, which was ranked 3rd in Jazzwise Magazine’s top 10 albums of the year, and received many positive reviews: “The title track affirms how inventively the quartet juggle tone colour, constantly renewing sub-themes, and subtly shifting grooves”– John Fordham, The Guardian.
As a leader, Mike has released 2 recordings to date: an EP entitled ‘Road Fork’(2018), and his debut album ‘Slow Burn’(2019). “Slow Burn is an impressive show of musical innovation and displays the guitarist’s knack for experimentation as well as his roots in jazz tradition”– All About Jazz.
Mike De Souza – Guitar
Tom Barford – Tenor Sax
Rick Simpson – Piano/Synth
Huw V Williams – Double Bass
Jay Davis – Drums
The livestream will be broadcast on YouTube, via a page available when you purchase a ticket through the link below.
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month.
Share this event

THEO TRAVIS' DOUBLE TALK
2024-01-18 20:00 - 22:00 | SoundCellar at The Grasshopper, 139 - 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9HT, United Kingdom
SoundCellar are delighted to welcome back acclaimed saxophonist Theo Travis fronting his band Double Talk. Operating at the fluid interface between jazz, ambient and prog this four piece band also features Mike Outram on guitar, Pete Whittaker on Hammond organ and Nic France on drums.
This gig will take place at The Grasshopper,
139 – 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole BH14 9HT.
Please note: If parking in either of the car parks at The Grasshopper, you must register your vehicle on one of the dedicated terminals at the bar or in the function room.

For U18s ticket offer, click on ‘Buy Tickets’ (note: offer only available until limited numbers reached)
His many musical interests come together in this distinctive project. Described on BBC Radio 2 as “One of the very best young tenor saxophonists of this or any other jazz generation in Britain”, he has appeared on over 175 albums and played at Ronnie Scott’s in London over 70 times. A long time member and co-leader of the classic jazz rock band Soft Machine, Theo Travis has also worked with Robert Fripp, David Gilmour, David Sylvian, Steven Wilson, John Etheridge, Gong and Keith Tippett amongst others. He has performed all over the world including the USA, Canada, Japan, Europe, Scandinavia and the UK. Theo has released 2 albums with Double Talk, both critically and popularly acclaimed.
The band features Theo’s emotional tenor and soprano saxes and flute, the soulful hammond organ playing of Pete Whittaker, the explosive guitar solos of Mike Outram and the powerhouse drumming of Nic France. This will be an evening of passionate music and haunting instrumental songs from one of Britain’s top saxophonists and flautists and his band. Don’t miss! www.theotravis.com

“As a saxophonist, Travis can bridge swing-sax romanticism, Ronnie Laws funkiness, or a little of Andy Sheppard’s quirky, asymmetrical phrasing. As a flautist who sparingly deploys hypnotic electronic assistance, he can be as poetically minimalist as any ECM Records star. But he can be a headlong groover too, and there’s plenty of that on the Double Talk project, with its fierce organ-blasting, driving guitar soloing from the gifted Mike Outram, and no-prisoners drumming from the excellent Nic France” Jazz UK
” Travis’ tenor is a warm, mellifluous instrument and together with the luscious, bluesy Hammond organ they create something rather unexpected…a prog-rock/jazz/blues hybrid album of genuine power and excitement “ BBC Website
“Theo’s powerful bluesy sax playing should be enough to convince that he’s certainly one of the most intelligently accessible players around” Venue
“for those whose tastes run the gamut from pop and rock to prog, ambient and, of course, jazz, Double Talk is an album that pays big dividends for an artist (and group) that deserves to emerge from hidden treasure status” All About Jazz (USA)

Theo Travis: tenor and soprano saxes, flutes
Mike Outram: guitar
Pete Whittaker: hammond organ
Nic France: drums, percussion
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month
Share this event

LIVESTREAM - THEO TRAVIS' DOUBLE TALK
2024-01-18 20:01 - 22:00 | LIVESTREAM, United Kingdom
SoundCellar are delighted to welcome back acclaimed saxophonist Theo Travis fronting his band Double Talk. Operating at the fluid interface between jazz, ambient and prog this four piece band also features Mike Outram on guitar, Pete Whittaker on Hammond organ and Nic France on drums.
Click here for tickets to attend the physical gig.
Livestream Ticket link below
His many musical interests come together in this distinctive project. Described on BBC Radio 2 as “One of the very best young tenor saxophonists of this or any other jazz generation in Britain”, he has appeared on over 175 albums and played at Ronnie Scott’s in London over 70 times. A long time member and co-leader of the classic jazz rock band Soft Machine, Theo Travis has also worked with Robert Fripp, David Gilmour, David Sylvian, Steven Wilson, John Etheridge, Gong and Keith Tippett amongst others. He has performed all over the world including the USA, Canada, Japan, Europe, Scandinavia and the UK. Theo has released 2 albums with Double Talk, both critically and popularly acclaimed.
The band features Theo’s emotional tenor and soprano saxes and flute, the soulful hammond organ playing of Pete Whittaker, the explosive guitar solos of Mike Outram and the powerhouse drumming of Nic France. This will be an evening of passionate music and haunting instrumental songs from one of Britain’s top saxophonists and flautists and his band. Don’t miss! www.theotravis.com

“As a saxophonist, Travis can bridge swing-sax romanticism, Ronnie Laws funkiness, or a little of Andy Sheppard’s quirky, asymmetrical phrasing. As a flautist who sparingly deploys hypnotic electronic assistance, he can be as poetically minimalist as any ECM Records star. But he can be a headlong groover too, and there’s plenty of that on the Double Talk project, with its fierce organ-blasting, driving guitar soloing from the gifted Mike Outram, and no-prisoners drumming from the excellent Nic France” Jazz UK
” Travis’ tenor is a warm, mellifluous instrument and together with the luscious, bluesy Hammond organ they create something rather unexpected…a prog-rock/jazz/blues hybrid album of genuine power and excitement “ BBC Website
“Theo’s powerful bluesy sax playing should be enough to convince that he’s certainly one of the most intelligently accessible players around” Venue
“for those whose tastes run the gamut from pop and rock to prog, ambient and, of course, jazz, Double Talk is an album that pays big dividends for an artist (and group) that deserves to emerge from hidden treasure status” All About Jazz (USA)

Theo Travis: tenor and soprano saxes, flutes
Mike Outram: guitar
Pete Whittaker: hammond organ
Nic France: drums, percussion
The livestream will be broadcast on YouTube, via a page available when you purchase a ticket through the link below.
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month.
Share this event

PETER BERNSTEIN & JESSE VAN RULLER
2024-01-29 20:00 - 22:00 | SoundCellar at The Grasshopper, 139 - 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9HT, United Kingdom
1 ticket left! Book here
Livestream tickets available here
A very rare opportunity to hear the legendary New York jazz guitarist Peter Bernstein in a duo with Dutch jazz guitar master Jesse van Ruller in the intimate setting of SoundCellar at The Grasshopper. This is one of only two UK dates the duo are playing as part of a European tour.
This gig will take place at The Grasshopper,
139 – 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole BH14 9HT.
Please note: If parking in either of the car parks at The Grasshopper, you must register your vehicle on one of the dedicated terminals at the bar or in the function room.

30 Early Bird Tickets available (no U18 tickets for this event).
Peter Bernstein has been a part of the jazz scene in New York and abroad since 1989. During that time he has participated in over 200 recordings and numerous festival, concert and club performances with musicians from all generations. As a leader, Peter has released 12 albums and a DVD, Live at Smoke. He got his first break while attending the New School when he met the legendary guitarist Jim Hall. Hall asked Peter to participate in his Invitational Concert as part of the 1990 JVC Jazz Festival. The event featured such guitarists as John Scofield and Pat Metheny and was released as “Live at Town Hall Vol. 2” by Music Masters. Hall noted that Peter “…has paid attention to the past as well as the future. He is the most impressive guitarist I’ve heard. He plays the best of them all for swing, logic, feel and taste.” Also in 1990, Peter Bernstein was discovered by alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson and took part in the first of four recordings with him. He was a regular member of his group throughout the 1990s. “Some people just have it.” Donaldson said. “…most of the time you have to teach someone what to do, but Peter knows it all.” Peter has also enjoyed long musical associations with legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb (Cobb’s Mob), as well as organist Larry Goldings and drummer Bill Stewart as a member of their highly acclaimed trio. The New York Times called them “the best organ trio of the last decade”. Together they recorded a dozen records. From 1995 through 1997, Peter was a member of Joshua Redman’s band and played on Redman’s Freedom in the Groove CD. He played with Diana Krall’s quartet from 1999 through 2001 and with Dr. Lonnie Smith, the legendary organist who made his debut on the George Benson Cookbook albums. He has also recorded five CDs with organist Melvin Rhyne, known for his association with Wes Montgomery. In addition, Peter has appeared in groups led by Sonny Rollins, Bobby Hutcherson, George Coleman, David Fathead Newman, Etta Jones and Nicholas Payton.
Peter Bernstein about Jesse van Ruller: “I first met Jesse around 1995, after he won the Thelonious Monk competition. I got to play with him when I visited the school he taught at in Hilversum a few years later. I’ve been lucky enough to play some gigs with him over the years, some just duo, some as part of a concert with more guitar players. We did a little tour of Italy in 2018 as part of guitarist Rale Micic’s tribute project to Jim Hall. Jesse has been one of my favorite players ever since I first heard him and it’s always a pleasure and an inspiration to play with him.”
Jesse van Ruller won the prestigious Thelonious Monk Award on Washington in 1995. The jury, consisting of Pat Metheny, John Scofield. Jim Hall, Pat Martino and Mark Whitfield, was of the opinion that Jesse is one of the most promising talents of his time. In the same year he graduated summa cum laude from the Hilversum Conservatory. Since then he has collaborated with many of the world leading jazz musicians. He was nominated for the Dutch Bird and Edison Awards several times and to date has released 11 albums as a leader or co-leader.
Jesse about Peter Bernstein: “Around 1993 or 94, the first time I came to NYC as a young guitarist and student of jazz, I went into the East-Village, walked around and heard faint jazz music. I followed the sound and entered a club called Visiones. The sound was that of a guitar-organ-drums trio and it was the most swinging, original, soulful guitar playing I had ever heard. And it came from someone who couldn’t be much older than me. It was Peter’s trio with Larry Goldings and Bill Stewart. That experience brought the music that I only knew from a distance, belonging to an older generation, forward in time and made it relevant to me. Clearly I have been an admirer of Peter’s playing since and many years later we met and started playing together occasionally. Peter is the kind of improviser I try to be as well: impressing by not trying to impress anyone, always chasing melodic development, not relying on prepared material and ‘being in the moment’.”
Peter Bernstein: guitar
Jesse van Ruller: guitar
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month

Share this event

LIVESTREAM - PETER BERNSTEIN & JESSE VAN RULLER
2024-01-29 20:01 - 22:00 | LIVESTREAM, United Kingdom
Buy LIVESTREAM tickets here
A very rare opportunity to hear the legendary New York jazz guitarist Peter Bernstein in a duo with Dutch jazz guitar master Jesse van Ruller in the intimate setting of SoundCellar at The Grasshopper. This is one of only two UK dates the duo are playing as part of a European tour.
Peter Bernstein has been a part of the jazz scene in New York and abroad since 1989. During that time he has participated in over 200 recordings and numerous festival, concert and club performances with musicians from all generations. As a leader, Peter has released 12 albums and a DVD, Live at Smoke. He got his first break while attending the New School when he met the legendary guitarist Jim Hall. Hall asked Peter to participate in his Invitational Concert as part of the 1990 JVC Jazz Festival. The event featured such guitarists as John Scofield and Pat Metheny and was released as “Live at Town Hall Vol. 2” by Music Masters. Hall noted that Peter “…has paid attention to the past as well as the future. He is the most impressive guitarist I’ve heard. He plays the best of them all for swing, logic, feel and taste.” Also in 1990, Peter Bernstein was discovered by alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson and took part in the first of four recordings with him. He was a regular member of his group throughout the 1990s. “Some people just have it.” Donaldson said. “…most of the time you have to teach someone what to do, but Peter knows it all.” Peter has also enjoyed long musical associations with legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb (Cobb’s Mob), as well as organist Larry Goldings and drummer Bill Stewart as a member of their highly acclaimed trio. The New York Times called them “the best organ trio of the last decade”. Together they recorded a dozen records. From 1995 through 1997, Peter was a member of Joshua Redman’s band and played on Redman’s Freedom in the Groove CD. He played with Diana Krall’s quartet from 1999 through 2001 and with Dr. Lonnie Smith, the legendary organist who made his debut on the George Benson Cookbook albums. He has also recorded five CDs with organist Melvin Rhyne, known for his association with Wes Montgomery. In addition, Peter has appeared in groups led by Sonny Rollins, Bobby Hutcherson, George Coleman, David Fathead Newman, Etta Jones and Nicholas Payton.
Peter Bernstein about Jesse van Ruller: “I first met Jesse around 1995, after he won the Thelonious Monk competition. I got to play with him when I visited the school he taught at in Hilversum a few years later. I’ve been lucky enough to play some gigs with him over the years, some just duo, some as part of a concert with more guitar players. We did a little tour of Italy in 2018 as part of guitarist Rale Micic’s tribute project to Jim Hall. Jesse has been one of my favorite players ever since I first heard him and it’s always a pleasure and an inspiration to play with him.”
Jesse van Ruller won the prestigious Thelonious Monk Award on Washington in 1995. The jury, consisting of Pat Metheny, John Scofield. Jim Hall, Pat Martino and Mark Whitfield, was of the opinion that Jesse is one of the most promising talents of his time. In the same year he graduated summa cum laude from the Hilversum Conservatory. Since then he has collaborated with many of the world leading jazz musicians. He was nominated for the Dutch Bird and Edison Awards several times and to date has released 11 albums as a leader or co-leader.
Jesse about Peter Bernstein: “Around 1993 or 94, the first time I came to NYC as a young guitarist and student of jazz, I went into the East-Village, walked around and heard faint jazz music. I followed the sound and entered a club called Visiones. The sound was that of a guitar-organ-drums trio and it was the most swinging, original, soulful guitar playing I had ever heard. And it came from someone who couldn’t be much older than me. It was Peter’s trio with Larry Goldings and Bill Stewart. That experience brought the music that I only knew from a distance, belonging to an older generation, forward in time and made it relevant to me. Clearly I have been an admirer of Peter’s playing since and many years later we met and started playing together occasionally. Peter is the kind of improviser I try to be as well: impressing by not trying to impress anyone, always chasing melodic development, not relying on prepared material and ‘being in the moment’.”
Peter Bernstein: guitar
Jesse van Ruller: guitar
The livestream will be broadcast on YouTube, via a page available when you purchase a ticket through the link below.
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month.
Share this event

SARSEN DRIFT (Rebecca Nash & Nick Walters)
2024-02-15 20:00 - 22:00 | SoundCellar at The Grasshopper, 139 - 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9HT, United Kingdom
Bringing their new joint project Sarsen Drift to SoundCellar, we are really excited to have the return of Rebecca Nash on keyboards, alongside a debut appearance by Nick Walters on trumpet and electronics.
This gig will take place at The Grasshopper,
139 – 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole BH14 9HT.
Please note: If parking in either of the car parks at The Grasshopper, you must register your vehicle on one of the dedicated terminals at the bar or in the function room.
Ticket link below
We were fortunate to feature Rebecca (Entropi; Sara Colman; Steve Banks; Iain Ballamy) and Nick (Ruby Rushton; Yussef Dayes; Florence & the Machine; Beats & Pieces Big Band) in one of our most memorable livestreams from a Birmingham studio during lockdown, so we are particularly delighted to now present them ‘in-person’!
The pair have worked closely together for a number of years, regularly appearing on each other’s albums and in different live configurations. They always had a plan to combine musical forces, having individually notched up several acclaimed releases on major labels including Whirlwind Recordings, 22a Records, EFPI Records and D.O.T. over the last twelve years.
This new venture, firmly rooted in their mutual appreciation of electronica and jazz, began when they were asked by Jazz South in 2020 to produce a Radar Commission. Echoes of influences such as bands like Royksopp, Aphex Twin, and Lemon Jelly can be heard in the mix of their sound, along with live improvisation.
The duo chose to explore the concept of ley-lines and their effect on the natural world, incorporating musical samples taken from Avebury Stone Henge and its surrounding areas. Rebecca and Nick have since steadily continued to compose in the same trajectory, writing material to incorporate live electronics and samples on stage, alongside acoustic instruments. Their debut album The Sanctuary will be released on D.O.T. Records in 2024.
Rebecca and Nick will be joined for this Sarsen Drift performance by Nim Sadot on bass guitar and Andrew Lisle on drums.
‘There’s a beauty to this recording that goes beyond any pigeon-holes of musical styles’
‘A vibrant and invigorating landscape of sound’
UK VIBE ★★★★★ 5/5
‘At the vanguard of innovative and compelling new music’
DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE
‘Amazing new album, so good – another chapter to add to the phenomenal new British Jazz scene’
GILLES PETERSON
Rebecca Nash: Keyboards
Nick Walters: Trumpet, Electronics
Nim Sadot: Bass
Andrew Lisle: Drums
Entry is £15 + booking fee in advance through the below link, or £18 on the door (cash or card).
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month
Share this event

LIVESTREAM - SARSEN DRIFT (Rebecca Nash & Nick Walters)
2024-02-15 20:01 - 22:00 | LIVESTREAM, United Kingdom
Bringing their new joint project Sarsen Drift to SoundCellar, we are really excited to have the return of Rebecca Nash on keyboards, alongside a debut appearance by Nick Walters on trumpet and electronics.
Click here for tickets to attend the physical gig.
Livestream Ticket link below
We were fortunate to feature Rebecca (Entropi; Sara Colman; Steve Banks; Iain Ballamy) and Nick (Ruby Rushton; Yussef Dayes; Florence & the Machine; Beats & Pieces Big Band) in one of our most memorable livestreams from a Birmingham studio during lockdown, so we are particularly delighted to now present them ‘in-person’!
The pair have worked closely together for a number of years, regularly appearing on each other’s albums and in different live configurations. They always had a plan to combine musical forces, having individually notched up several acclaimed releases on major labels including Whirlwind Recordings, 22a Records, EFPI Records and D.O.T. over the last twelve years.
This new venture, firmly rooted in their mutual appreciation of electronica and jazz, began when they were asked by Jazz South in 2020 to produce a Radar Commission. Echoes of influences such as bands like Royksopp, Aphex Twin, and Lemon Jelly can be heard in the mix of their sound, along with live improvisation.
The duo chose to explore the concept of ley-lines and their effect on the natural world, incorporating musical samples taken from Avebury Stone Henge and its surrounding areas. Rebecca and Nick have since steadily continued to compose in the same trajectory, writing material to incorporate live electronics and samples on stage, alongside acoustic instruments. Their debut album The Sanctuary will be released on D.O.T. Records in 2024.
Rebecca and Nick will be joined for this Sarsen Drift performance by Nim Sadot on bass guitar and Andrew Lisle on drums.
‘There’s a beauty to this recording that goes beyond any pigeon-holes of musical styles’
‘A vibrant and invigorating landscape of sound’
UK VIBE ★★★★★ 5/5
‘At the vanguard of innovative and compelling new music’
DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE
‘Amazing new album, so good – another chapter to add to the phenomenal new British Jazz scene’
GILLES PETERSON
Rebecca Nash: Keyboards
Nick Walters: Trumpet, Electronics
Nim Sadot: Bass
Andrew Lisle: Drums
The livestream will be broadcast on YouTube, via a page available when you purchase a ticket through the link below.
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month.
Share this event

aramii (MARIA CHIARA ARGIRÒ & JAMIE LEEMING)
2024-02-22 20:00 - 22:00 | SoundCellar at The Grasshopper, 139 - 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9HT, United Kingdom
STOP PRESS!
This SoundCellar gig will be the world live debut of aramii

We are extremely pleased to be able to add this additional gig to our regular schedule here at SoundCellar, when we present two of the most in-demand musicians from the vibrant and exciting London contemporary scene.
This gig will take place at The Grasshopper,
139 – 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole BH14 9HT.
Please note: If parking in either of the car parks at The Grasshopper, you must register your vehicle on one of the dedicated terminals at the bar or in the function room.
Ticket link below
aramii is the new moniker for the long-time collaborative project between prolific artists Maria Chiara Argirò (Rosie Turton; Kinkajous; These New Puritans) and Jamie Leeming (Alfa Mist; Jas Kayser; Rebecca Nash). Having lost the opportunity to have them play at SoundCellar when the world ‘stopped’ in 2020, we are absolutely delighted that we will at last be able to present Maria Chiara and Jamie.
Since moving from her native Italy to London, Maria Chiara Argirò has become a highly sought after musician in the capital, playing and recording with a number of leading ensembles, as well as releasing a series of fine albums under her own name. From beautifully crafted acoustic piano-centred albums “The Fall Dance” (2016) and “Hidden Seas” (2019), to her most recent release “Forest City” (2022), with its delicious infusion of electronic sounds, Maria Chiara’s reputation is rapidly growing as both player and composer.
Jamie Leeming is fast becoming one of the UK’s most in demand ‘go to’ musicians, appearing on recent top releases by drummer sensation Jas Kayser, by SoundCellar favourite Rebecca Nash and in his regular guitarist role in Alfa Mist’s outstanding band, appearing on all four of his albums. Jamie also released his own excellent album ‘Resynthesis’ on Alfa’s label Sekito Records in 2022.
The latest EP by this collaboration, “Dusk” (Cavalo Records), combines Argirò’s and Leeming’s signature blend of lo-fi, electronica and cinematic jazz with vocals, presenting a fresh and unique take on the singer/songwriter and spoken word genres.
Having worked together for many years, including releasing the superb download-only album “Flow” in 2020 (Guardian Jazz Album of the month), Leeming says “we felt that aramii would be the perfect vehicle for the next chapter of our work together”.
The EP centres around the outstanding track “Dusk” (feat. Jono McCleery), with layers of moody piano, shimmering guitars and dark synths creating an intimate sound world, framing the deeply emotive vocal. Argirò says “To me aramii is a perfect platform to explore and collaborate through intimate, cinematic, soul-influenced songs”.
Join us here at SoundCellar for this rare opportunity to catch the duo live, during a small gap in their busy respective touring and recording schedules!
Maria Chiara Argirò: Keyboards, Electronics
Jamie Leeming: Guitar
Entry is £15 + booking fee in advance through the below link, or £18 on the door (cash or card).
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one week
Share this event

LIVESTREAM - aramii (MARIA CHIARA ARGIRÒ & JAMIE LEEMING)
2024-02-22 20:01 - 22:00 | LIVESTREAM, United Kingdom
STOP PRESS!
This SoundCellar gig will be the world live debut of aramii
We are extremely pleased to be able to add this additional gig to our regular schedule here at SoundCellar, when we present two of the most in-demand musicians from the vibrant and exciting London contemporary scene.
Click here for tickets to attend the physical gig.

aramii is the new moniker for the long-time collaborative project between prolific artists Maria Chiara Argirò (Rosie Turton; Kinkajous; These New Puritans) and Jamie Leeming (Alfa Mist; Jas Kayser; Rebecca Nash). Having lost the opportunity to have them play at SoundCellar when the world ‘stopped’ in 2020, we are absolutely delighted that we will at last be able to present Maria Chiara and Jamie.
Since moving from her native Italy to London, Maria Chiara Argirò has become a highly sought after musician in the capital, playing and recording with a number of leading ensembles, as well as releasing a series of fine albums under her own name. From beautifully crafted acoustic piano-centred albums “The Fall Dance” (2016) and “Hidden Seas” (2019), to her most recent release “Forest City” (2022), with its delicious infusion of electronic sounds, Maria Chiara’s reputation is rapidly growing as both player and composer.
Jamie Leeming is fast becoming one of the UK’s most in demand ‘go to’ musicians, appearing on recent top releases by drummer sensation Jas Kayser, by SoundCellar favourite Rebecca Nash and in his regular guitarist role in Alfa Mist’s outstanding band, appearing on all four of his albums. Jamie also released his own excellent album ‘Resynthesis’ on Alfa’s label Sekito Records in 2022.
The latest EP by this collaboration, “Dusk” (Cavalo Records), combines Argirò’s and Leeming’s signature blend of lo-fi, electronica and cinematic jazz with vocals, presenting a fresh and unique take on the singer/songwriter and spoken word genres.
Having worked together for many years, including releasing the superb download-only album “Flow” in 2020 (Guardian Jazz Album of the month), Leeming says “we felt that aramii would be the perfect vehicle for the next chapter of our work together”.
The EP centres around the outstanding track “Dusk” (feat. Jono McCleery), with layers of moody piano, shimmering guitars and dark synths creating an intimate sound world, framing the deeply emotive vocal. Argirò says “To me aramii is a perfect platform to explore and collaborate through intimate, cinematic, soul-influenced songs”.
Join us here at SoundCellar for this rare opportunity to catch the duo live, during a small gap in their busy respective touring and recording schedules!
Maria Chiara Argirò: Keyboards, Electronics
Jamie Leeming: Guitar
The livestream will be broadcast on YouTube, via a page available when you purchase a ticket through the link below.
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one week only.
Share this event

JON LLOYD QUARTET
2024-02-29 20:00 - 22:00 | SoundCellar at The Grasshopper, 139 - 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9HT, United Kingdom
Saxophonist/composer Jon Lloyd returns to SoundCellar with his new quartet featuring John Law on piano, Nick Pini on double bass and Alex Goodyear on drums. The quartet will be playing music from their new album Earth Songs released on Ubuntu Music.
This gig will take place at The Grasshopper,
139 – 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole BH14 9HT.
Please note: If parking in either of the car parks at The Grasshopper, you must register your vehicle on one of the dedicated terminals at the bar or in the function room.
Ticket link below
Jon Lloyd has been part of the UK jazz and free music scene for several decades, releasing numerous albums as a leader. He has now turned his attention to European contemporary jazz, writing vibrant, melodic and emotionally direct jazz compositions. The quartet comprises the virtuosic John Law (Congregation, Re-Creations) on piano, Nick Pini (Jonathan Gee, Iain Ballamy) on double bass and Alex Goodyear (Yetii) on drums.
“Lloyd’s tunes are steeped in the ECM aesthetic, and he and long-time collaborator John Law on piano make it sound like the only music you ever want to hear.”
John Turney, London Jazz News (Swanage Festival, July 2023)
“Powerful and magical music”
Downbeat, USA
Jon Lloyd: Tenor and soprano saxophone
John Law: Piano
Nick Pini: Acoustic bass
Alex Goodyear: Drums
Entry is £15 + booking fee in advance through the below link, or £18 on the door (cash or card).
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month
Share this event

LIVESTREAM - JON LLOYD QUARTET
2024-02-29 20:01 - 22:00 | LIVESTREAM, United Kingdom
Saxophonist/composer Jon Lloyd returns to SoundCellar with his new quartet featuring John Law on piano, Nick Pini on double bass and Alex Goodyear on drums. The quartet will be playing music from their new album Earth Songs released on Ubuntu Music.
Click here for tickets to attend the physical gig.
Livestream Ticket link below
Jon Lloyd has been part of the UK jazz and free music scene for several decades, releasing numerous albums as a leader. He has now turned his attention to European contemporary jazz, writing vibrant, melodic and emotionally direct jazz compositions. The quartet comprises the virtuosic John Law (Congregation, Re-Creations) on piano, Nick Pini (Jonathan Gee, Iain Ballamy) on double bass and Alex Goodyear (Yetii) on drums.
“Lloyd’s tunes are steeped in the ECM aesthetic, and he and long-time collaborator John Law on piano make it sound like the only music you ever want to hear.”
John Turney, London Jazz News (Swanage Festival, July 2023)
“Powerful and magical music”
Downbeat, USA
Jon Lloyd: Tenor and soprano saxophone
John Law: Piano
Nick Pini: Acoustic bass
Alex Goodyear: Drums
The livestream will be broadcast on YouTube, via a page available when you purchase a ticket through the link below.
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month.
Share this event

THE TOM OLLENDORFF QUARTET featuring AARON PARKS
2024-03-07 20:00 - 22:00 | SoundCellar at The Grasshopper, 139 - 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9HT, United Kingdom
Guitarist Tom Ollendorff returns to SoundCellar with a world class quartet featuring USA legend and Blue Note/ECM recording artist Aaron Parks on piano. Tom has been making a name for himself on the international scene with tours featuring drummer Ari Hoenig and saxophonist Ben Wendel. This time he returns SoundCellar with the amazing Aaron Parks on piano who has worked with Joshua Redman, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ambrose Akinmusire, Paul Motian and many others. The quartet is completed by two of the busiest musicians on the European jazz scene: Conor Chaplin on bass and James Maddren on drums.
This gig will take place at The Grasshopper,
139 – 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole BH14 9HT.
Please note: If parking in either of the car parks at The Grasshopper, you must register your vehicle on one of the dedicated terminals at the bar or in the function room.
Ticket link below
Tom Ollendorff is fast becoming one of the best-known young guitarists to emerge on the international jazz scene. A graduate from the Royal Welsh College of Music in Cardiff, he was awarded the Yamaha Parliamentary Jazz Scholarship in 2015 before moving to London in 2016 to begin a career as professional musician. In 2021 his debut album A Song For You was released on Fresh Sound Records and received international acclaim with The Guardian describing it as ‘traditional but very classy, Música Jazz saying it is a ‘highly recommended album for those who care about the fate of jazz guitar’ and both BBC Music Magazine and Jazz Journal awarding it 4 star reviews.
The album’s release launched an international touring career that has seen Tom perform at many of Europe’s best known Jazz clubs including Ronnie Scott’s, Sunset-Sunside, Jamboree, Jimmy Glass, Jazz-Hus Montmartre, Nardis, Budapest Jazz Club, Jazz in Bess, Jazz Club Ferrara and countless others as well as performances at notable venues and festivals including Glastonbury Festival, The Cedars Hall, London Jazz Festival, Brecon Jazz Festival and the One Day Jazz Festival in Slovakia. His latest album Open House was released in May 2023 and sees a continuation of his work with his trio with long-term trio featuring Marc Michel on drums and Conor Chaplin on bass, with the addition of the critically acclaimed saxophonist Ben Wendel on four tracks. The recent release has received global recognition and has seen Tom continue to build his international reputation and following. Alongside his work as a bandleader, Tom has been fortunate to work extensively as a sideman with a wide range of artists including Ari Hoenig, Bill McHenry, Geoff Simkins, Huw Warren, Billy Pod, Nitai Hershkovits, The Fresh Sound Ensemble, Jeff Williams and Joel Barford’s Organ Quartet.
Pianist Aaron Parks is a forward-thinking jazz musician who came to the public’s attention during his time with trumpeter Terence Blanchard. Born in Seattle, Washington, Parks began playing piano at a young age and by the time he was 14 had enrolled in an early entrance degree program at the University of Washington. Originally, Parks pursued both science and music degrees; however, his prodigious talent won out and by age 16 he had transferred to the Manhattan School of Music. While there, he studied with noted pianist Kenny Barron and received several competitive accolades, including being named the 2001 Cole Porter Fellow of the American Pianists Association. At age 18 he joined Blanchard’s ensemble and subsequently recorded four albums with the veteran trumpeter, including 2003’s Bounce, 2005’s Flow, the soundtrack to the 2006 Spike Lee film Inside Man, and Blanchard’s 2007 Grammy-winning opus A Tale of God’s Will (A Requiem for Katrina).
Parks has released several albums under his own name, including his 2008 Blue Note debut, Invisible Cinema. Parks, who has also recorded with Christian Scott, Kendrick Scott, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Kurt Rosenwinkel, was an integral part of the James Farm Quartet with Joshua Redman, Matt Penman, and Eric Harland. Nonesuch released their self-titled album in 2011. The pianist subsequently signed to ECM and released the solo piano offering Arborescence in the fall of 2013. He also made sideman appearances on Will Vinson’s Live at Smalls and Yeahwon Shin’s Lua Ya, and Live in Japan with his own trio of Thomas Morgan and RJ Miller. It was recorded on the pianist’s phone during a show and released for free on his Bandcamp page. Find the Way, his sophomore label date for ECM, was issued in late spring of 2017. It featured bassist Ben Street and drummer Billy Hart in the rhythm section and was inspired in part (according to Parks) by the music of Alice Coltrane and Shirley Horn (for whom Hart played); both of whom prioritized space and subtlety in composition and improvisation.
Tom Ollendorff: guitar
Aaron Parks: piano
Conor Chaplin: Bass
James Maddren: Drums
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month.
Share this event

LIVESTREAM - THE TOM OLLENDORFF QUARTET featuring AARON PARKS
2024-03-07 20:01 - 22:00 | LIVESTREAM, United Kingdom
Guitarist Tom Ollendorff returns to SoundCellar with a world class quartet featuring USA legend and Blue Note/ECM recording artist Aaron Parks on piano. Tom has been making a name for himself on the international scene with tours featuring drummer Ari Hoenig and saxophonist Ben Wendel. This time he returns SoundCellar with the amazing Aaron Parks on piano who has worked with Joshua Redman, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ambrose Akinmusire, Paul Motian and many others. The quartet is completed by two of the busiest musicians on the European jazz scene: Conor Chaplin on bass and James Maddren on drums.
Click here for tickets to attend the physical gig.
Livestream Ticket link below
Tom Ollendorff is fast becoming one of the best-known young guitarists to emerge on the international jazz scene. A graduate from the Royal Welsh College of Music in Cardiff, he was awarded the Yamaha Parliamentary Jazz Scholarship in 2015 before moving to London in 2016 to begin a career as professional musician. In 2021 his debut album A Song For You was released on Fresh Sound Records and received international acclaim with The Guardian describing it as ‘traditional but very classy, Música Jazz saying it is a ‘highly recommended album for those who care about the fate of jazz guitar’ and both BBC Music Magazine and Jazz Journal awarding it 4 star reviews.
The album’s release launched an international touring career that has seen Tom perform at many of Europe’s best known Jazz clubs including Ronnie Scott’s, Sunset-Sunside, Jamboree, Jimmy Glass, Jazz-Hus Montmartre, Nardis, Budapest Jazz Club, Jazz in Bess, Jazz Club Ferrara and countless others as well as performances at notable venues and festivals including Glastonbury Festival, The Cedars Hall, London Jazz Festival, Brecon Jazz Festival and the One Day Jazz Festival in Slovakia. His latest album Open House was released in May 2023 and sees a continuation of his work with his trio with long-term trio featuring Marc Michel on drums and Conor Chaplin on bass, with the addition of the critically acclaimed saxophonist Ben Wendel on four tracks. The recent release has received global recognition and has seen Tom continue to build his international reputation and following. Alongside his work as a bandleader, Tom has been fortunate to work extensively as a sideman with a wide range of artists including Ari Hoenig, Bill McHenry, Geoff Simkins, Huw Warren, Billy Pod, Nitai Hershkovits, The Fresh Sound Ensemble, Jeff Williams and Joel Barford’s Organ Quartet.
Pianist Aaron Parks is a forward-thinking jazz musician who came to the public’s attention during his time with trumpeter Terence Blanchard. Born in Seattle, Washington, Parks began playing piano at a young age and by the time he was 14 had enrolled in an early entrance degree program at the University of Washington. Originally, Parks pursued both science and music degrees; however, his prodigious talent won out and by age 16 he had transferred to the Manhattan School of Music. While there, he studied with noted pianist Kenny Barron and received several competitive accolades, including being named the 2001 Cole Porter Fellow of the American Pianists Association. At age 18 he joined Blanchard’s ensemble and subsequently recorded four albums with the veteran trumpeter, including 2003’s Bounce, 2005’s Flow, the soundtrack to the 2006 Spike Lee film Inside Man, and Blanchard’s 2007 Grammy-winning opus A Tale of God’s Will (A Requiem for Katrina).
Parks has released several albums under his own name, including his 2008 Blue Note debut, Invisible Cinema. Parks, who has also recorded with Christian Scott, Kendrick Scott, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Kurt Rosenwinkel, was an integral part of the James Farm Quartet with Joshua Redman, Matt Penman, and Eric Harland. Nonesuch released their self-titled album in 2011. The pianist subsequently signed to ECM and released the solo piano offering Arborescence in the fall of 2013. He also made sideman appearances on Will Vinson’s Live at Smalls and Yeahwon Shin’s Lua Ya, and Live in Japan with his own trio of Thomas Morgan and RJ Miller. It was recorded on the pianist’s phone during a show and released for free on his Bandcamp page. Find the Way, his sophomore label date for ECM, was issued in late spring of 2017. It featured bassist Ben Street and drummer Billy Hart in the rhythm section and was inspired in part (according to Parks) by the music of Alice Coltrane and Shirley Horn (for whom Hart played); both of whom prioritized space and subtlety in composition and improvisation.
Tom Ollendorff: guitar
Aaron Parks: piano
Conor Chaplin: Bass
James Maddren: Drums
The livestream will be broadcast on YouTube, via a page available when you purchase a ticket through the link below.
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one week only.
Share this event

PETRA HALLER & MEG MORLEY
2024-03-14 20:00 - 22:00 | SoundCellar at The Grasshopper, 139 - 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9HT, United Kingdom
An innovative ‘first’ for SoundCellar awaits, whilst remaining true to our aim to bring the best contemporary performers to Poole. Launching their much-awaited vinyl release tour, the mesmerising duo of tap innovator Petra Haller and classically trained pianist Meg Morley bring their groundbreaking project ‘Shoulders I Stand On’ to The Grasshopper.
This gig will take place at The Grasshopper,
139 – 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole BH14 9HT.
Please note: If parking in either of the car parks at The Grasshopper, you must register your vehicle on one of the dedicated terminals at the bar or in the function room.
Ticket link below
Dance and in particular tap dance, has a long history within ‘jazz’, stretching back to the very beginnings of the genre, so we are looking forward to presenting this duo of a top class pianist alongside one of the latest generation of tap exponents.
This unique collaboration has previously garnered high praise for the duo’s deft balancing act between disciplined technique and free-wheeling athleticism, an exploration masterfully executed in rhythm and real-time communication.
BBC3 Radio’s Freeness celebrated their ‘no-hierarchy’ performance style, emphasizing the rich, embodied freedom taking form in a dance where quicksilver keys harmoniously waltz with even quicker footwork. Oliver Weindling of The Vortex Jazz Club and Babel Label, hails Haller as a ‘unique improvising tap dancer,’ embodying the spirit of her predecessor, Will Gaines.
‘Shoulders I Stand On’ is a poignant tribute to Haller’s mentors, heroes, and guardian angels that shaped her artistic journey. A showcase of rhythmic innovation and unrivalled musical communication, blending elements of Jazz, classical styles, and audacious improvisation. It will undoubtedly leave audiences spellbound, a testament to the transformative power of music and dance. Don’t miss this encapsulating experience as they redefine musical storytelling on this monumental stage of their musical journey.
Petra Haller: Dance
Meg Morley: Keys
Entry is £15 + booking fee in advance through the below link, or £18 on the door (cash or card).
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month
Share this event

LIVESTREAM - PETRA HALLER & MEG MORLEY
2024-03-14 20:01 - 22:00 | LIVESTREAM, United Kingdom
An innovative ‘first’ for SoundCellar awaits, whilst remaining true to our aim to bring the best contemporary performers to Poole. Launching their much-awaited vinyl release tour, the mesmerising duo of tap innovator Petra Haller and classically trained pianist Meg Morley bring their groundbreaking project ‘Shoulders I Stand On’ to The Grasshopper.
Click here for tickets to attend the physical gig.
Livestream Ticket link below
Dance and in particular tap dance, has a long history within ‘jazz’, stretching back to the very beginnings of the genre, so we are looking forward to presenting this duo of a top class pianist alongside one of the latest generation of tap exponents.
This unique collaboration has previously garnered high praise for the duo’s deft balancing act between disciplined technique and free-wheeling athleticism, an exploration masterfully executed in rhythm and real-time communication.
BBC3 Radio’s Freeness celebrated their ‘no-hierarchy’ performance style, emphasizing the rich, embodied freedom taking form in a dance where quicksilver keys harmoniously waltz with even quicker footwork. Oliver Weindling of The Vortex Jazz Club and Babel Label, hails Haller as a ‘unique improvising tap dancer,’ embodying the spirit of her predecessor, Will Gaines.
‘Shoulders I Stand On’ is a poignant tribute to Haller’s mentors, heroes, and guardian angels that shaped her artistic journey. A showcase of rhythmic innovation and unrivalled musical communication, blending elements of Jazz, classical styles, and audacious improvisation. It will undoubtedly leave audiences spellbound, a testament to the transformative power of music and dance. Don’t miss this encapsulating experience as they redefine musical storytelling on this monumental stage of their musical journey.
Petra Haller: Dance
Meg Morley: Keys
The livestream will be broadcast on YouTube, via a page available when you purchase a ticket through the link below.
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month.
Share this event

THE EDDIE GRIPPER TRIO
2024-03-28 20:00 - 22:00 | SoundCellar at The Grasshopper, 139 - 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9HT, United Kingdom
Rising star pianist/composer Eddie Gripper makes his SoundCellar debut with his trio featuring Ursula Harrison on bass and Patrick Barrett-Donlon on drums. The trio come to SoundCellar as part of national tour to promote their debut album HOME released on Ubuntu Music.
This gig will take place at The Grasshopper,
139 – 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole BH14 9HT.
Please note: If parking in either of the car parks at The Grasshopper, you must register your vehicle on one of the dedicated terminals at the bar or in the function room.
Ticket link below
Born and raised in Burford, Oxfordshire, Eddie first started learning the piano at age 11. In 2019, he began to study Jazz under the tutelage of Huw Warren at Cardiff University, graduating with First Class Honours in 2021. Since then, Eddie has established himself as a prominent pianist/improviser, composer, and educator in the Southwest region, expressing a broad interest in musical styles, including jazz, folk and electronic music.
Home, Eddie’s debut album, consists of a traditional trio format and exhibits a keen rhythmic focus. The development of this vocabulary is evident from beginning to end; metrically challenging grooves are paired with rich, elegant harmonies, culminating in an outcome that is both provocative and gratifying. The stylistic range of compositions (through choice of instrumentation and arrangement) helps to support an overall, arcing narrative. Each track is a journey through time and space – beginning and finishing at a familiar and comforting destination before moving onto new or subtly developed ideas. The trio breathes together as one homogeneous sound, with individual players taking to the spotlight to elaborate on their own interpretations of the music at hand.
“In it’s maturity of approach and deftness of execution, Home is a significant achievement by any standards” – ★★★★
Peter Jones (Jazzwise)
“One of the best début recordings I have heard for a long time. Gripper is a multi-faceted writer and his compositions are full of delightful and unexpected twists and turns.” – ★★★★
Ian Mann (The Jazz Mann)
“Eddie Gripper, unusually for his age, has an uncommon ability to sit with understatement in his music. Gestures can be used sparingly and musically and he plays and writes very dynamically allowing his trio to interact naturally, and indeed to shine. A musical voice that brings talent and modesty to the table- I look forward to hearing lots more from Eddie and his trio over the coming years.”
“An original and fresh voice on the UK jazz scene. A highly eclectic range of compositions that showcase a really individual approach. Definitely a name to look out for in 2023”

Huw Warren
“As for someone always on the lookout for the new interesting names in jazz music, discovering Eddie Gripper has been a true pleasure for me. I have just finished listening to his debut album “Home“, and I found it full of little gems – both from the point of view of composition and performance. His is quite a sophisticated music, sometimes with intricate time signatures, rhythms and harmonies which yet never seem to be the goal “per se”: these pieces always sound beautiful and accessible. Listening to such a work full of sparkling creativity gave me a lot of joy: thanks to the talented young musicians like Eddie and his Trio, modern jazz is not only kept alive, but the new horizons are constantly being set in this genre.
I wish this band every success, and I really hope that the promoters across the UK and further afield will notice their music and invite them to perform at a multitude of venues thus ensuring that the level of modern jazz is maintained at its highest.”
Yuri Golubev
Eddie Gripper: Piano
Ursula Harrison: Bass
Patrick Barrett-Donlon: Drums
Entry is £15 + booking fee in advance through the below link, or £18 on the door (cash or card).
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month
Share this event
