THE VERDICT
12th Anniversary Celebration
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 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.
Tom Barford Quintet
Friday December 6
Doors 7.30pm Show 8.30pm
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Tom Barford – Tenor Saxophone
James Copus – Trumpet
Ivo Neame – Piano
Tim Giles – Drums
Conor Chaplin – Double bass
“Original composition ‘Doggerland’ unleashes Barford’s unyielding tone, filling the room as he thematically darts between bop and abstract language.” - Jazzwise
"A strikingly large British jazz talent arrives with saxophonist Tom Barford" - Written In Music"
About:
"Join this stellar line up of Tom Barford (Bill McHenry, Gerald Cleaver, Billy Cobham), James Copus (Jacob Collier, Orlando Le Flemming, Mingus Big Band), Ivo Neame(Hermeto Pascoal, Kenny Wheeler and Gilad Hekselman), Tim Giles (Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, Bobby Wellins) and Conor Chaplin (George Garzone, Jerry Bergonzi, Harlod Mabern) as they play an exciting set of Tom’s original material. You can expect a varied set of music from virtuosic solos over fast tempos, Brazilian influenced ballads, music based on the writing of Vince Mendoza and arrangements of standards by Joe Henderson.
Tom released his Kenny Wheeler Prize winning album BLOOMER on Edition Records back in 2018 to critical acclaim. Tom also enjoys co-leading the band AuB- who released their debut album in May 2020, also on Edition Records, with another album in the works featuring Jasper Høiby and Marc Michel."
Brigitte Beraha / Ant Law
Saturday December 7
Doors 7.30pm Show 8.30pm
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Ensconced is an exciting new collaboration
between Milan-born British/Turkish vocalist and
lyricist Brigitte Beraha and leading UK
guitarist/composer Ant Law.
The six originals on the album are bookended by re-imaginings of two timeless standards – ‘A Kiss To Build A
Dream On’ (made famous by Louis Armstrong) and Bernstein’s ‘Some Other Time’ - in which the duo simply
and beautifully conjure up a spellbinding, intimate ‘campfire’ feeling.
Inspired by Ant’s compositions, Brigitte exhibits rich lyrical storytelling, from wistful memories of growing up in
the south of France in ‘Who We Are’ to the more obscure tale of a gifted horse in ‘Clever Hans’. Her deeply
expressive vocals, alongside Ant’s inventive and melodic acoustic guitar artistry, are the elements at the very
heart of this music.
Ant Law: “It’s incredibly rare for me to play the acoustic steel-strung guitar, but that instrument is at the
centre of this album, alongside Brigitte’s voice. It’s also unusual for me to collaborate with vocalists/lyricists
and I am amazed at the depth and colour Brigitte’s poetry has brought to this music.”
The album’s journey explores the contrast between the spaciousness and purity of the duo tracks and the
addition of richer instrumentation, taking in more expansive textures with guest contributions.
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Verdict Jazz Jam
Thursday December 12
Doors 8pm Show 9pm
Attention jazz lovers and budding musicians! Come join us for an extraordinary evening of live jazz at The Verdict Jazz Club, right in the heart of Brighton. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just beginning your musical journey, our Jammin' Jazz Night is the perfect stage for you to shine or simply bask in the enchanting world of jazz.
**Event Highlights:**
- **Open Jam Session:** Bring your instrument, your voice, or just your passion for jazz, and dive into our open jam session. Feel the groove, improvise, and create magic alongside fellow musicians in a welcoming and supportive environment.
- **Live Jazz Performances:** Be captivated by thrilling live performances from some of Brighton's top jazz talents. Let the music inspire you and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of jazz.
- **Meet and Connect:** Mingle with fellow jazz enthusiasts, musicians, and local artists. Forge connections that could lead to exciting new musical collaborations.
- **Delicious Drinks and Food:** Enhance your jazz experience with a variety of craft cocktails, fine wines, and tasty bites from our menu.
**Admission:**
- **Musicians:** Free (Bring your instrument and join the jam!)
- **General Admission:** £6 (Tickets available at the door)
**Note:**
Arrive early to secure your spot in the jam session. All instrumentalists, vocalists, and jazz aficionados are welcome, regardless of skill level! Let’s unite through the spirit of jazz in a night filled with rhythm, melody, and improvisation.
Don't miss this chance to be part of Brighton's vibrant jazz community. Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and let the jazz flow at The Verdict. We can't wait to see you there!
