"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.
Christopher White Collective
“Christopher White is a master of musical atmosphere—his saxophone lines feel cinematic, emotional, and deeply human.” — Jazzwise Magazine
Christopher White brings his acclaimed Christopher White Collective to the stage for an immersive evening of contemporary jazz that draws together deep groove, ambient textures, and cinematic storytelling.
A long-time collaborator with Van Morrison—with whom he serves as musical director, arranger, and saxophonist—Christopher White has been a defining presence on the UK music scene since relocating to London nearly three decades ago. His musical journey spans an extraordinary range of collaborations, having performed and recorded with artists including Paul McCartney, George Benson, Gregory Porter, Michael Bublé, Mavis Staples, Bobby Womack, Taj Mahal, Noel Gallagher, Billy Ocean, Paul Anka, and Maceo Parker.
While widely respected for his work as a sideman and musical director, this performance places the spotlight firmly on White as a composer and bandleader. The Christopher White Collective is a forward-looking project that explores the space between jazz improvisation, ambient sound design, and cinematic composition. Drawing inspiration from film scores, modern jazz, and electronic atmospheres, the music unfolds with a strong sense of narrative—intimate one moment, expansive the next.
The Collective brings together a group of highly expressive musicians, chosen for their ability to move fluidly between structure and freedom. Expect rich harmonic landscapes, subtle grooves, and lyrical saxophone lines that prioritise mood and texture as much as virtuosity. This is jazz that invites deep listening—music that rewards attention while remaining emotionally direct and accessible.
Alongside his live work, Christopher White continues to compose for film and television, and that cinematic sensibility is ever-present in the Collective’s sound: evocative, spacious, and deeply atmospheric. Each performance is shaped by the room and the moment, making every appearance a unique experience.
This event offers a rare opportunity to hear one of the UK’s most in-demand musicians in an intimate club setting, presenting original music that reflects both a lifetime of collaboration at the highest level and a restless creative spirit.
An essential night for jazz audiences drawn to modern, genre-crossing sounds—and for listeners seeking music with depth, nuance, and soul
Ian Shaw
“Ian Shaw is one of the most intelligent and emotionally compelling jazz singers of his generation.” — The Guardian
Ian Shaw returns to The Verdict Jazz Club with a performance that promises world-class jazz, sharp storytelling, and an unforgettable live experience. One of the UK’s most distinctive and celebrated jazz vocalists, Shaw is renowned for performances that are intelligent, emotionally charged, and consistently engaging—perfectly matched to the intimate, listening-focused atmosphere of The Verdict.
A multiple BBC Jazz Award winner and MOBO-nominated artist, Ian Shaw has built an international reputation as a singer who combines virtuosic technique with fearless musical curiosity. His recordings are critically acclaimed, but it is on stage—up close and personal—where Shaw truly shines. At The Verdict, audiences can expect a performance full of spontaneity, warmth, and connection, with every song shaped by the moment and the room.
Shaw has appeared at leading venues and festivals worldwide, including Ronnie Scott’s, the London Jazz Festival, and the Montreal Jazz Festival, and has collaborated with major figures of contemporary jazz such as Gwilym Simcock, Jason Rebello, John Taylor, and Iain Ballamy. His repertoire moves seamlessly between reimagined jazz standards, striking original material, and unexpected song choices, delivered with insight, humour, and emotional honesty.
What sets Ian Shaw apart is his ability to bring audiences with him. His performances are rich with storytelling—sometimes witty, sometimes provocative, often deeply moving—creating a sense of shared experience that resonates long after the final note. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz listener or discovering live jazz for the first time, Shaw’s ability to communicate directly and authentically makes his shows immediately accessible and deeply rewarding.
Alongside his performing career, Shaw is Head of Vocal Studies at the Royal Academy of Music, mentoring many of today’s leading jazz vocalists. This depth of musical authority underpins performances that are polished yet daring, sophisticated yet human—an ideal fit for The Verdict’s reputation for presenting artists at the very top of their craft.
This appearance at The Verdict Jazz Club offers a rare chance to experience one of jazz’s true originals in an intimate setting. Expect outstanding musicianship, bold interpretation, and a night of jazz that is smart, soulful, and unmistakably alive.
