"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.
B.D. Lenz Trio
“…part of the reason for his accessibility is that he not only fuses jazz and rock, he complements it with warm chords of funk, soul, and rhythm and blues.” — The New York Times
B D Lenz - guitar
Davide Mantovani - bass
Tristan Banks - drums
B.D. Lenz is an internationally acclaimed guitarist and composer celebrated for his seamless fusion of jazz, rock, funk, soul, and rhythm & blues. Hailed by The New York Times for his accessibility and signature blend of styles, Lenz has carved out a distinctive voice in contemporary jazz—one that balances technical mastery with infectious groove and melodic sophistication.
With more than a dozen albums released as a bandleader, Lenz has built a devoted global following drawn to his energetic performances and expressive improvisation. His music bridges genres effortlessly, combining the harmonic depth of jazz with the drive of rock and the warmth of funk and soul. Whether delivering fiery solos or laying down tight, rhythmically charged passages, Lenz brings clarity, creativity, and emotion to every note.
Throughout his career, Lenz has collaborated with some of the most respected names in modern jazz and fusion, including trumpeter Randy Brecker, guitarist Mike Stern, bassist Will Lee, and bassist Mark Egan. These collaborations reflect both his versatility and his standing within the international jazz community.
A seasoned touring artist, Lenz performs extensively across the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom, appearing at festivals, concert halls, and intimate jazz clubs alike. He captivates audiences whether playing solo, leading his long-running trio, or appearing as a featured guest. His shows are known for their dynamic interplay, spontaneous energy, and strong audience connection—offering something equally rewarding for dedicated jazz listeners and newcomers alike.
Beyond the stage, Lenz’s music has reached millions through film and television placements in popular series such as Breaking Bad, Young Sheldon, Catfish: The TV Show, and Chicago Fire. His compositions have become a natural fit for visual storytelling, underscoring moments with groove, texture, and emotional nuance.
Originally from New Jersey, Lenz continues to tour and record while also composing for Gramoscope Music and writing for AllAboutJazz.com. A Godin-endorsed artist, he remains dedicated to expanding the reach of modern jazz through performance, collaboration, and innovation.
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Chuck Israels Trio
“...a bassist with a quality of reflective, disciplined intensity....today’s leading exponent of the flowing-melodic-line style of bass playing.” Down Beat
Chuck Israels - double bass
Jonas Metsäkylä - guitar
Fraser Smith - sax
Chuck Israels is a highly respected composer, arranger, bassist, and educator whose career spans more than six decades at the forefront of modern jazz. A musician of lyrical sensitivity and deep musical intelligence, Israels has collaborated with many of the most influential artists in jazz history, including Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock, J. J. Johnson, and John Coltrane.
Israels is perhaps best known for his work with the legendary Bill Evans Trio, with whom he performed and recorded from 1961 to 1966. Joining the trio during a pivotal period in its evolution, Israels helped shape its conversational, interactive approach to ensemble playing, contributing to a body of recordings that remain essential listening in the jazz canon. His artistry can be heard on landmark albums including Trio '65, Live at Shelly's Manne-Hole, and The Town Hall Concert.
Beyond performance, Israels has made lasting contributions as a leader and advocate for jazz repertory. From 1973 to 1981, he served as Director of the National Jazz Ensemble, where he championed the preservation and presentation of classic jazz compositions through ambitious large-scale projects and recordings. His work in this realm helped bridge generations of jazz musicians and audiences.
A prolific recording artist, Israels appears on numerous celebrated sessions, including Coltrane Time, My Point of View, and Getz au Go-Go. His bass playing is distinguished by its warmth of tone, structural clarity, and unwavering sense of swing.
In addition to his performing career, Israels has been a dedicated educator. He recently retired as Director of Jazz Studies at Western Washington University, where he mentored generations of emerging artists. Now based in Portland, he continues to perform, compose, and contribute to the vibrant cultural life of the Pacific Northwest.
Chuck Israels remains a vital and inspiring presence in jazz—an artist whose work reflects both the tradition’s rich history and its ongoing evolution.
