Verdict Jazz: Preserving the Soul of Jazz Music
Join us in preserving the vibrant legacy of jazz music at Verdict Jazz! Our crowdfunding project aims to support the continued growth and impact of our organization in celebrating this timeless art form
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Protecting, securing and improving
16% of UK Grassroots Music Venues were Lost in the Last 12 Months
125 Spaces Permanently Closed to Live Music.
4000 Jobs Lost
14,500 Events No Longer Possible
193,230 Opportunities Lost for Musicians
38% of Remaining Venues Post Financial Loss – Whole Sector Records 0.5% Profit Margin on £501m Turnover Despite Increased Ticket Demand.
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For the last 12 years The Verdict has been an internationally renowned hub of Jazz and the creative performance arts, hosting many established and emerging artists that work within all aspects of the music and creative industries
As running costs rise up to 30% in some cases it has become increasingly difficult to maintain fundamental expenses, such as utilities, musicians fees, and various running costs.
Help us to sustain Verdict Jazz as a top level grass roots music venue in this financially challenging time.
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About Verdict Jazz
The Verdict is a multi award winning grass roots music venue, the only full time Jazz venue outside of London in the South of England, it has been named as one of the 10 top jazz clubs in Europe by The Guardian also being nominated as Jazz Venue of the year by the All Party Parlimentary Jazz Awards in 2022 and 2023. Weekly hosting the best in jazz music with top International acts, playing blues, swing, funk, Latin Jazz and fusion.
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In 2023 we hosted 165 Performances, workshops, masterclasses bringing world class music and education to Brighton and the South of England for thousands of attendees while continuing our position as a vital and key music venue in the National and International touring network for 100's of musicians.
Verdict Jazz is dedicated to honoring the rich history and cultural significance of jazz through live performances, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives. Based in the heart of Brighton, our organization is committed to keeping the spirit of jazz alive.
THE VERDICT
12th Anniversary Celebration
Nominated Jazz Venue of the Year 2022/23
The Verdict is a multi award winning grass roots music venue, the only full time Jazz venue outside of London in the south of England, it has been named as one of the 10 top jazz clubs in Europe by The Guardian. Weekly hosting the best in jazz music with Top International acts, playing blues, swing, funk, Latin Jazz and fusion.
Antonio Forcione & Giorgio Serci Guitar Duo
Main Room Sold Out
*****Upstairs Live Feed Tickets now available*****
Friday April 19
Doors 7pm Show 8.30pm
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Legendary award -winning Italian acoustic guitar virtuoso - composer Antonio Forcione teams up with fellow Italian/Sardinian award-winning guitarist, composer and educator Giorgio Serci. Passionate and melodic, these are world class performers.
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“Delicate, dynamic and controlled, the compositions and arrangements are inspired, showcasing a mind-boggling variety of styles and form. He’s an all plucking, all strumming, all clicking, tapping, slapping virtuoso of world jazz - and comes highly recommended.”
**** The List
“A one-off musical sensation. Unmissable” The Scotsman
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“Few acoustic guitarists can match Antonio Forcione for sheer instrumental virtuosity but fewer still come close to him as a composer” Jazzwise Magazine
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“Antonio Forcione produced a masterful performance as he playfully demonstrated his exceptional compositional and guitar skills with an ever present smile to another sold out devoted audience. Tonight he was joined by fellow fret master, Giorgio Serci, as their joint fingers flew, at times ferociously and with tenderness, across their fretboards.” Paul Davies, Record Collector
With his vibrant and original blend of Latin, African, jazz, and flamenco sounds, Antonio Forcione is a highly inventive performer. He has teamed up with the evocative Giorgio Serci whose natural charisma equals his originality. Both virtuosos in their field, they bring a unique and distinctive flavour to the musical world when they team up together. Be prepared to both laugh and be moved as they celebrate the unexpected elements in life with delicacy, humour and not least, passion. International tours have brought high critical acclaim from as far as Australia and Hong Kong, to Russia, the Caribbean, USA and all over Europe.
Antonio Forcione is a master of his game, not only “one of the greatest guitarist” The Guardian, but globally respected for his original compositions. Following the release of his 20th album, “Sketches of Africa”, Antonio is now focusing on Cuba where he is collaborating with artists such as Raul Torres, Pancho Amat, Pedro Luis Ferrer, Mario Salvador and Alejandro Martinez for his next album “Sketches of Cuba”. This also includes his brand-new music-documentary film called “Trova”. A 60 minute film that takes us on a journey through the vibrant, captivating world of Cuban Music, showcasing the lives of musicians and trovadores with unlimited passion for their art https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La3lcpTxB8I
As one critic put it “Imagine an Italian hybrid of Michael Hedges, John McLaughlin and Django Rheinhardt ... ferocious, rampaging, controlled power, meticulous precision and clarity of expression ... astonishing musical personality”
Giorgio Serci has performed internationally and recorded with the likes of Ivan Lins, Basia, Kenny Wheeler, Martin Taylor,m Sylvain Luc, David Garrett, the LPO, BBC Concert Orchestra, Berlin Philarmonie, Julian Lloyd Webber, Franco Cerri, Paulo Fresu to name but a few. His works blend jazz, classical and world music with evocative melodies, world grooves and contemporary jazz harmonies.
As a duo, these two musicians are not just top of their game, but the front men of their own bands. Audiences are guaranteed a powerful and dynamic show of wit, personality and musical virtuosity.
Maiuko Quinteto
Saturday April 20
Doors 7pm Show 8.30pm
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Maiuko- Lead Vocal (+ light percussion)
Alexander Keen- Double Bass & Acoustic Guitar
Gabriel Keen- Piano & Sax
Sam Kelly- Drums
Paul Brasington- violin
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MAIUKOMulti award winning Mozambican singer-song writer, Maiuko has her very own style, blending afro Jazz & world Blues, African inspired rhythms, and Portuguese melodies into one timeless language of music. Throughout her career, she has won Awards for Best Newcomer, Female Performer of the year, Best Female Voice, Best uploaded on Get-out-there, and most recently for Multifaceted Artist.
"Maiuko is blessed with a smoky and powerful voice that defies the limitations of one particular genre" ( Kevin Legendre- Echoes Magazine /The Independent).
"Mozambican Nu Soul Diva" Described by Timeout
"She oozes soul and has the ability to transform her vocals from husky and sensuous to something altogether more ethereal, almost spiritual"( Wax Magazine)
Collaborations and worldwide appearances in prestigious venues and festivals include; London Ronnie Scotts, Southbank Parcel Room, London Kings Place, Gulbenkian, Queen Elizabeth Hall, London Pizza Express, SOAS Brunei Gallery, Montreux Jazz Festival, Womad, Rye Jazz Fest, Margate Jazz Fest, Folkestone Ethno Jazz Fest. The Quartehouse, The Tower Theatre, etc...Collaborations with and performances alongside musical greats such as Max Middleton, Jeff Beck,Chris Difford, Dick Pearce, Noel McCalla, Paul Booth, Sara Tavares, to mention but a few.Based in the UK, Maiuko is currently writing an album with guitarist/ double bassist Alexander Keen and pianist Gabriel Keen, plus further exciting collaborations with world-renowned musicians, to be launch in 2024.ALEXANDER KEEN (Double-bass & acoustic guitar)Bass Player Alexander Keenis an acclaimed Guildhall musician,has accompanied George Shearing for the Masterclass South Bank Show and throughout his careerhas toured the UK extensively with The Theo Travis Quartet and The Philip Clouts Quartet, he has backed many established musicians include Dick Pearce, Alan Skidmore, Frances Knight, Tony Coe, Jimmy Hastings, Jim Mullen, Henry Lowther and John Etheridge.
He performs regularly with several bands, including Viper's Dream, The Graham Pike Quartet, Tim Richards Trio to mention but a few.
Alexander Keen joined Maiuko Quinteto in 2013, appearances in prestigious venues and festivals include; London Ronnie Scotts, London Kings Place, Pizza Express-Soho, Gulbenkian, SOAS Brunei Gallery, Rye Jazz Fest, Margate Jazz Fest, Folkestone Ethno Jazz Fest. The Quartehouse, The Tower Theatre, and more.He is currently writing an album with singer song-writer Maiuko and pianist Gabriel Keen, to be launched in 2024.
GABRIEL KEEN (Piano & saxophone)Gabriel Keen studied music at Dartington College of Arts and London College of Music. In 2000 he won 2nd prize in the 5th British Contemporary Piano Competition. He has worked in many genres with bands and singers including Jon Owen of Global Village Trucking Company, Sue Holliday, Gary Howard of Flying Pickets, The Tiger Lillies, Simon Picard quartet, and Errol Kennedy's Imagination. Gabriel is an accompanist for jazz, pop and classical singing classes at City Lit in London.Gabriel Keen joined Maiuko Quinteto in 2022, and is currently collaborating with Guitarist/Bassist Alexander Keen for Maiuko's album to be launched in 2024.
SAM KELLY (Drums)Internationally renowned legendary drummer SAM KELLY has been a professional musician for more than 40 years. With a delicate sensitivity to rhythm and a great understanding of dynamics in music, he has been honoured in Blues in Britain’s “Gallery of Greats” after winning ‘UK Drummer of the Year’ for five years running.
Sam Kelly is a core member of the legendary Jazz-influenced band Cymande, and has performed with world known artists like Ben E King, Chaka Khan, Robert Plant, Ruby Turner, Gary Moore (Sam played on Gary's last 'blues' album "Bad for you Baby"), Gordon Haskell (Sam played on the jazz-tinged ballad entitled "How Wonderful You Are" which reached the Christmas no.2 on the UK Singles Chart).He has performed in such prestigious venues as The Apollo in Harlem, Summer Stage in NY Central Park, The London Barbican, Camp Bestival, Washington DC Jazz Festival and many more.
PAUL BASINGTON (Violin)Brasington is a skilled violinist influenced by folk players (particularly Dave Swarbrick), rock and jazz (Grappelli, Jerry Goodman, Jean-Luc Ponty and amongst others.Paul's career picked up in 2011, his improvisational skills quickly made him in demand around the East Kent music scene, performing in duos supporting Idlewild’s Roddy Woomble, the Bluetones’ Mark Morriss and Martin Simpson.Paul joined Maiuko Quinteto in 2013 appearing in prestigious venues and festivals such as; London Kings Place, Gulbenkian, SOAS Brunei Gallery, Rye Jazz Fest, Margate Jazz Fest, Folkestone Ethno Jazz Fest. The Quarterhouse, The Tower Theatre to mention but a few.
Brasington is guestingon Maiuko's current project album to be launch in 2024.
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The Verdict Jazz Jam
Thursday April 25
Doors 7pm Show 8.30pm
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John Banks - bass
Tom Phelan - piano
Tristan banks - drums
The Verdict Jazz Jam
Calling all jazz enthusiasts and aspiring musicians! Join us for an unforgettable night of live jazz at The Verdict Jazz Club in the heart of Brighton. Whether you're a seasoned jazz player or just starting your musical journey, our Jammin' Jazz Night welcomes all talents, making it the perfect place to showcase your skills or simply revel in the magic of jazz.
Highlights:
Open Jam Session: Bring your instrument, your voice, or simply your love for jazz, and join our open jam session. Feel the groove and improvise alongside fellow musicians in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
Live Jazz Performances: Enjoy electrifying live jazz performances by some of Brighton's finest musicians. Be inspired and immersed in the rich world of jazz music.
Meet and Connect: Network with fellow jazz lovers, musicians, and local artists. This is your chance to make connections that can lead to exciting musical collaborations.
Delicious Drinks and Food: Savor a selection of craft cocktails, fine wines, and delectable bites from our menu to enhance your jazz experience.
Admission:
Musicians: Free (Bring your instrument and join the jam!)
General Admission: £5 (Tickets available at the door)
Note:
Please arrive early to secure your spot in the jam session. Instrumentalists, vocalists, and jazz aficionados of all levels are welcome! Let the spirit of jazz unite us in a night of rhythm, melody, and improvisation.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the vibrant jazz community in Brighton. Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and let the jazz flow at The Verdict. We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information and updates, visit our website at www.verdictjazz.com or follow us on social media @VerdictJazz