"What a brilliant club" - Forbes 2025
THE VERDICT
APPJAG Jazz Venue of the Year 2024
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 best jazz clubs in the World by Star Insider. Weekly hosting the best in jazz music with Top International acts, playing blues, swing, funk, Latin Jazz and fusion.
Richard Spaven Masterclass
Join world-renowned drummer Richard Spaven for an exclusive, intimate masterclass at The Verdict Jazz Club. Known for his impeccable groove, genre-defying touch, and work with artists such as José James, Flying Lotus, Jordan Rakei and The Cinematic Orchestra, Spaven brings a rare blend of technical precision and deep musicality.
Richard will break down his unique approach to:
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Groove, feel and time
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Hybrid technique and creative independence
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Interpreting electronic-influenced rhythms on acoustic drums
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Musicality within modern jazz, hip-hop and broken beat
With only 25 places, this is a unique opportunity to get up close, ask questions, and learn directly from one of the most influential drummers on the contemporary scene.
Limited availability — early booking essential.
Richard Spaven
Richard Spaven - Drums // Yves Fernandez - Bass // Stuart McCallum - Guitar
Forging his own path into the future... With roots in the U.K. club and hip-hop scenes, Richard Spaven brings a fresh approach to the instrument that’s at once modern and traditional. Combining machine-like accuracy with jazz-influenced improvisational sensibilities, Spaven’s drumming has landed him gigs with varied artists such as UK rapper Loyle Carner, Guru of hip-hop duo Gang Starr, producer Flying Lotus, vocalist José James and Brainfeeder artist Jameszoo.
Spaven’s brilliance is evident beyond his world-class performance abilities; he’s equally impressive in production and compositional territories. The drummer released his new solo record, ‘Sole Subject', which once again showcases his multifaceted talents. In collaboration with Alfa Mist, Spaven co-writes and releases as 44th Move, together with other notable releases - lending his signature sound to Loyle Carner’s ‘Hugo’ and ‘Live At Royal Albert Hall’ LP’s plus electronica heavyweight Clark’s ‘Sus Dog’ where Spaven’s inventive drums underpin the vocals of Thom Yorke.
Spaven’s signature drum sound often sees him combine high-pitched, crisp snares; round, jazzy toms; and small, punchy bass drums. His cymbal choices are a sonic contrast of dry, lower-pitched hi-hats, rides, and crashes. Altogether, the drummer’s tone could be described as a nod to the past while keeping an ear toward the future. Much like his compositions, Spaven’s drumming is elusive and genre-defying. He often avoids conventional downbeats and cadences in favour of sneaky syncopations and the types of sonic glitches you might hear from a deejay. No 16th note is left unturned within some of his drum ’n’ bass–and dubstep–influenced explorations.
