"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.
Alvorada
Rachel Hayter – flute
Andrew Woolf – clarinet
Jeremy Shaverin – cavaquinho
Luiz Morais – 7-string guitar
Andres Ticino – percussion
"A fresh, innovative album." ★★★★★ — Songlines
"An irresistible feel-good collection guaranteed to lift the spirits… positively contagious." ★★★★ — RnR Magazine
"Music that won't let you stay still." — Hannah French
"Alvorada play with great authenticity, groove and brilliance." — Maurício Carrilho
Award-winning quintet Alvorada brings the vibrant spirit of Brazil to life with an exhilarating blend of original compositions and timeless classics inspired by the rich tradition of choro. Their performances are filled with lyrical melodies, infectious Brazilian rhythms and joyful musical interplay, creating an atmosphere that is both virtuosic and irresistibly uplifting.
Celebrating their tenth year, Alvorada has become one of the UK's leading exponents of Brazilian instrumental music. The ensemble unites exceptional musicians from London, Brazil and across Latin America, drawing on backgrounds in jazz, classical and Brazilian music to create a distinctive and contemporary sound.
The group has performed to sell-out audiences at venues including PizzaExpress Live, the London Jazz Festival and the Southbank Centre, as well as appearing at festivals throughout the UK and internationally. Their acclaimed debut album, First Light (2019), received a five-star review from Songlines magazine and led to appearances on BBC Radio 3 and Jazz FM. Alvorada has also been honoured with both the LUKAS Award and the Focus Brasil Award for Best Brazilian Band, and has collaborated with leading figures in Brazilian music including Alessandro Penezzi, Anat Cohen and Gian Correa.
Released by ARC Music in October 2024, their latest album, Faz Tempo, showcases intricate original compositions and rich ensemble writing, featuring guest appearances by pianist Roee Ben Sira and accordionist Vitor Gonçalves. Blending choro, samba, bossa nova, baião and xote with jazz improvisation, the album highlights the group's imaginative approach while remaining deeply rooted in Brazilian tradition.hn Crawford continues to push creative boundaries while remaining rooted in the rich traditions that inspire his sound.
Escape Artists
Original. Contemporary. Fresh. Melodic. Fearless.
Making their concert debut, Escape Artists brings together four of Britain's most respected musicians for an evening of original contemporary jazz celebrating the release of their self-titled debut EP.
Drawing inspiration from the lyricism of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays, the rhythmic imagination of Chick Corea, and the groove, interaction and sophistication of Yellowjackets, the quartet has developed a distinctive musical voice rooted in melody, harmony, collective improvisation and adventurous interplay.
Paul Booth – Tenor Saxophone
One of the UK's most highly regarded saxophonists, Paul Booth has enjoyed an exceptional career spanning jazz, pop and orchestral music. A sought-after soloist and session musician, he has performed and recorded with Steve Winwood, Eagles, Incognito, the BBC Radio Big Band and many more. His expressive, lyrical sound is central to the band's identity.
Steve Hamilton – Piano & Keyboards
Scottish pianist Steve Hamilton is recognised as one of Europe's leading contemporary jazz musicians. His career has included collaborations with Billy Cobham, Randy Brecker, Bill Bruford's Earthworks, Mike Mangini and Freddie Hubbard. His imaginative playing brings colour, energy and depth to Escape Artists' music.
Laurence Cottle – Bass
Widely regarded as one of Britain's finest bassists, Laurence Cottle has performed with an extraordinary range of artists including Eric Clapton, Alan Parsons, Seal, Black Sabbath and Gary Moore, alongside leading his acclaimed Laurence Cottle Big Band. As both composer and arranger, he provides the band's powerful rhythmic and harmonic foundation.
Ian Palmer – Drums
Internationally respected drummer Ian Palmer has built a career spanning more than four decades across jazz, commercial music and film soundtracks. His collaborators include Ray Russell, Richard Niles, Randy Brecker, Martin Taylor, Georgie Fame and Alan Skidmore. A former student of the legendary Joe Morello, Ian's playing combines deep musicality, dynamic interaction and an unwavering commitment to serving the music.
Although this marks the quartet's first public performance together, its members collectively bring well over a century of experience from concert halls, jazz clubs, recording studios, international festivals and arena stages across the world.
Escape Artists is four master musicians creating fresh, original music with honesty, spontaneity and imagination—music that is melodic, adventurous and alive in the moment.
