27 September: The Storyville Jass Band
2025-09-27
The Storyville Jassband, founded in 1959, is one of the oldest Trad. Jazzbands from The Netherlands still playing all over the world. The band focuses on the new music, called Jazz that became popular during The Roaring Twenties in the US. When New Orleans Jazz came over to Europe, the European jazzbands of the fifties added their special flavor to the music. The Storyville Jassband has a distinct affiliation with this sound and will continue playing this style of music with great enthusiasm and a touch of humor.

The Storyville Jassband has played with numerous guests such as Sheila Collier, Lillian Boutté. The band celebrated their 50 anniversary with a Jubilee Concert where Chris Barber played as a special guest.
The Storyville Jassband has made 11 CD’s of which eight on the Timeless label.

From a recent review: “they were marvelous and exactly what our club loves-good old trad jazz, but with a difference-very professional and relaxed. We can, in all honesty , say that wherever you are in the world, remember the name and if you come across them, we strongly recommend you make a point of going to see them” (Farnborough Jazzclub)
Michael Muller-Trumpet/Vocals/Band Manager
During his career Michael played as a freelance trumpet player. Winner of Jazz Awards and Honorary Citizen of New Orleans. Nowadays he plays lead trumpet as a regular member of The Storyville Jassband. Has a special love for British Traditional Ales.
Eugène de Bruijn-Clarinet/Sax/Vocals
As a child prodigy Eugène played at a very early age with all the famous Jazz players in Holland and even abroad.
He graduated both in Classical music and Jazz at The Royal Conservatory of Music. He is a wonderful player and writes beautiful musical arrangements for The Storyville Jassband.
Vincent Roerdink-Trombone/Vocals
Superbe Trad-trombone player, “Tail-Gate specialist Vincent Roerdink has also a very nice voice and is a wonderful scat-vocalist. Winner of vocalist price during International Jazz Festival Breda.
Jules Monen-Contrabass
Jules, a fantastic professional double bass player with the musical heart in the right place. Young and passionate, he and the other members of the rhythm section put the orchestra on track.
Stef Geurts-Drums
Stef played most of his career as a professional classical musician in Symphony Orchestra’s. He is also an acclaimed teacher.
However his love for Jazz is profound and he is a super Jazz drummer as well.
Tom stuip-Banjo
Tom is without doubt one of the most important professional banjo players in Europe. His solo’s are of outstanding beauty.
The plectrum banjo is his main instrument. Tom has played all continents except Antartica either as a regular member or as a special guest with numerous bands such as: Dutch Swing College Band, Down Town Jazzband, Delerium Tremelo.

5 September :Annika Skoogh
2025-09-05
Join supremely talented Annika and her band in celebration of some of her absolute favourite songs, an eclectic mix of jazz standards, Latin, Nordic jazz, contemporary tunes and some original compositions.
Born in South America and raised in Sweden, Annika Skoogh is a highly versatile and celebrated multilingual jazz vocalist with a natural talent who’s based in Exeter.
She brings a special blend of Scandinavian charm and Latin flavour to her performances.
In 2017, Annika recorded her first album, Waters of March with her quartet (featuring Matt Carter, Al Swainger and Coach York) which was released the following year 2018 to much acclaim.
In 2019, she appeared at BBC Spotlight as part of the Fowey Literature and Art Festival and has performed alongside world-class musicians including Buster Cooper and Art Barton (Buddy Rich, Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen) former members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and the
late legendary Kathy Stobart (Art Pepper and Humphrey Lyttelton).
In 2021, Annika released her second album with her 6 piece Brazilian Latin band Orpheus which has been well received.
Over the years, she has played at some of the biggest UK jazz festivals including Cheltenham Jazz Festival, The London International Duke Ellington Festival, The Marlborough International Jazz Festival, Sidmouth International Jazz Festival and the Bristol Harbour Festival.
Annika leads several ensembles with many sold out performances under her belt and has put together a fine stellar band with some of the very best musicians here in the South West and will be joined by Tom Ball – pianist, John Donnelly – double bass and Gary Evans – drums.
“…She has a very fine voice and knows how to enhance it to its full quality. She’s a wow!”
Marlborough International Jazz Festival
“A singular vocalist capable of both power and sweetness…” St Ives Jazz Club

POSTPONED 21 June: Al Swainger - Pointless Beauty
2025-06-21 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
Sadly this gig has been postponed until 2026 keep watching the website for a new date!!

Al Swainger – Bass and Electronics, Gary Alesbrook – Flugel, Gary Bamford – Keyboards, Jon Clark – Drums and Electronics.
Al Swainger’s Pointless Beauty invites you to experience a world where sound knows no limits. With a genre-fluid approach that blends spacey atmospheres, head-bobbing grooves, and immersive soundscapes, this ground-breaking ensemble pushes the boundaries of traditional music to create a fresh, modern sound that captivates and inspires.
Originally launched as a studio project in 2014, the quartet has evolved into a live powerhouse, performing together since 2023. Described as ‘Cinematic Fusion for the Emotionally Curious,’ Al Swainger’s Pointless Beauty aims to do more than entertain—its mission is to gently restore mental health and emotional independence through the transformative power of music and art.
Feel the rhythms, get lost in the sound, and let Al Swainger’s Pointless Beauty lift your spirits.
Quotes :
• ‘Musically ambitious, adventurous and imaginative…played with style and panache’ – Theo Travis (Soft Machine, Steven Wilson)
• ‘Swainger has a knack for writing catchy melodies with great rhythmic hooks…blown away…highly recommended’ – Nick Lea (Jazz Views)
• ‘An eclectic range of jazz styles…musically adventurous…’ – London Jazz News
• ‘Inspiring, creative and masterful – one of the best gigs I’ve seen in a long time’ – Creative Innovation Centre, Taunton
Listen on Bandcamp : https://alswainger.bandcamp.com/
Listen on YouTube : Live at the Be-Bop Club

9 May: Co-operative Big Band @ 1930
2025-05-09
Calstock Arts are delighted to welcome the Co-operative Big Band who are returning to the Old Chapel again after excellent performances over the last few year.s
Formed in 2009 with a small group of students and private pupils by Pete Twyman. They are kindly performing as a fund raiser for themselves and Calstock Arts.
The Cooperative Big Band prides itself on being regards as a very professional & democratic youth big band. The band is tutored by professional musicians and consists of a mixture of students from Lipson Cooperative Academy and several other schools across the region.
The band’s big break was being booked to play for the America’s Cup on Sky TV along such artists as Seth Lakeman. The addition of ex Royal Marine Bandsman, who play regularly with the band, has created an emulation model for the players.
Now led by Gav Martin, currently a Teacher of music at Lipson Cooperative Academy and former WO1 Bandmaster Royal Marines Band Service, the band have performed at many prestigious events including the Theatre Royal Plymouth & Plymouth Pavilions and they have won Best Regional Big Band at the Saltash Music Festival for 5 consecutive years!
They have an extensive repertoire of swing, funk, & soul music and have up to 30 members performing at some engagements. The line up consists of a standard rhythm section, trumpets, and trombones and a large saxophone section.
Come and listen to these great young people; the musicians of tomorrow! Media | Co-operative Big Band
For more information see Co-operative Big Band

26 April: Swing from Paris
2025-04-26
Often described as ‘the finest gypsy jazz in the Cotswolds’, Swing from Paris are a UK quartet of violin, guitars and double bass. Inspired by the great swing bands of the 1930s and ‘40s, they present their own versions of music by Gershwin, Piazzolla, John Lewis, Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli and the Hot Club of France. They’ve been seen on the BBC’s Hairy Bikers, and have appeared at major jazz festivals including Cheltenham, Brecon and the Django Reinhardt Festival at Samois sur Seine. Expect stylish jazz and vintage swing.
Listen:

Spotify Afternoon in Paris (2022)
Bandcamp swingfromparis.bandcamp.com
Watch:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNRFiIYRV7U
Tu vuò fà l’americano https://youtu.be/0vTa94ExdSo
La mer La mer (Swing from Paris) (youtube.com)

5 April: The Bridge - Eduardo Martin & Ahmed Dickson
2025-04-05 08:00 - 17:00
Calstock Arts are thrilled to announce that Eduardo Martin & Ahmed Dickinson will perform at the Old Chapel this spring. Ahmed and former mentor, grammy-nominated Eduardo, both amazing Cuban acoustic guitarists, perform their mix of jazz, flamenco and Cuban music!
The Bridge is Cuba’s most internationally acclaimed guitar duo. With their musical empathy, Eduardo Martín and Ahmed Dickinson transform their concerts into a vehicle that connects, incorporates and juxtaposes their different generations; and the spiritual journey that drives their thrilling yet soothing performances.
Like many other Cubans or Caribbean, they enjoy a natural sense of rhythm. The guitar is their favoured instrument, which idiomatically conveys all the melodic and rhythmic intricacies of South- America’s cultural diversity.
The Bridge is a compilation of the most alluring works for two guitars by Grammy nominee composer Eduardo Martín.
Here, classical styles and rock merge with son montunos; old Yoruba chants, feel-good rumbas, funk- boleros, new age tunes and cinematic pieces sit alongside Cuban tumbaos with slap bass.
Listen to them below –
https://youtu.be/ZL7m1dg3SNw
https://youtu.be/oYETOtkNyh0
https://youtu.be/0v57ZR9fZSM

29 March: Derek Nash with The Martin Dale Quartet
2025-03-29
If you have ever watched Jools Holland seeing in the New Year on BBC2, right at the front of the band is Derek Nash on alto sax. He is one of the UK’s top players and is joining another in South West, tenor sax star Martin Dale and his Quartet.
Calstock Arts are thrilled to welcome Derek, Martin and the trio back to the Old Chapel for another evening of fabulous entertainment.
Derek’s long relationship with Martin started with Be Bop star John Burch’s Kentish Octet, where they performed, toured and recorded together many times. Their swinging bravado, showmanship and humour join together for a superb evening of Jazz standards in a style that remembers great sparring Saxophone heroes like Ronnie Scott and Tubby Hayes, or Zoot Sims and Al Cohn.
Derek is a full time member of the Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra since 2004, has led Sax Appeal for over forty years, leads his award winning Acoustic Quartet, fronts the funk/fusion band Protect the Beat, the Latin band Picante, the “The Wonder of Stevie” show and is a member of the Ronnie Scott’s Blues Explosion. He is renowned for his energetic, vibrant, passionate and charismatic performances on all four saxophones from sonorous baritone to soaring soprano.
“…bravura display of contemporary saxophone” The Observer
“…breathtaking” The Sunday Times
“From smooth cool to groovy funk, to ingeniously recast standards…the music fizzes with energy…***** “ The Observer
The Martin Dale Quartet (MDQ) is a long established West Country based band, featuring Martin (tenor sax) Gavin Martin (piano), Kevin Sanders (bass) and Dennis Harris (drums).
Martin has been a full time musician since he was 16 when he joined the Royal Marines Band Service. He studied jazz saxophone at the Guildhall school of music during his time in the service. He has played with most of the UK’s leading jazz musicians and toured with the Jack Bruce Blues Band. He plays in the style of his 3 favourite tenors, Hayes, Scott and his close friend Dick Morris set.
Gavin Martin has been MDQ’s regular piano player for quite a few years now, he also had full career in the band Service playing trumpet and piano. Also eager to learn more tunes he has become an accomplished jazz player and great accompanist. He plays with a few West Country bands and also teaches music in a local academy.
Kevin Sanders is a long standing member of the quartet and is one of the most in demand bass players in the S.West. He has a wealth of knowledge, and you can rarely catch him out when you “call a tune “. A fine player and he also writes for a very popular Bass magazine.
Dennis Harris is the longest serving member of the quartet, he has been with the band since the very beginning and still “swings like the clappers “; not too busy just a good old “proper groover”, which suits the MDQ perfectly.

8 February: SOLD OUT Budapest Cafe Orchestra
2025-02-08
Refreshingly unconventional and snappily attired boutique orchestra BCO play gypsy and folk-flavoured music in their unique and surprising way. From Balkan and Russian traditional music to their artful distillations of Romantic masterworks to soaring Gaelic folk anthems, BCO is an infectious musical experience like none other.
Fifteen albums to their name, Budapest Café Orchestra was established by British composer and violinist Christian Garrick in 2009. A diminutive ensemble of just four players, the BCO creates an astonishing soundscape and aural alchemy characteristic of larger ensembles, combining violin, guitar, accordion, double bass, saz, balalaika, domra and percussion to dazzling effect.
Evoking vivid images of Tzigane fiddle maestros, Budapest café life and gypsy campfires – plus a few surprises along the way – hugely entertaining, immense skill, profound musicianship. A show by the BCO is enough to make you want to book that holiday down the Danube!
Two of the country’s celebrated international soloists revel at the heart of proceedings. Accordionist exemplar Eddie Hession is a supreme accordion champion of Great Britain. In his illustrious career he has accompanied Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Chris Rea. Christian Garrick is one of the world’s most celebrated jazz violinists. He has played music with Dame Cleo Laine & Sir John Dankworth, Wynton Marsalis, Nigel Kennedy, Bireli Lagrene, Tim Minchin, Caro Emerald and John Etheridge. One of Russia’s most enigmatic musical exports, The Sultan (sic Adrian Zolotuhin) is a master of the strummed strings of domra, balalaika, guitar and saz. Veteran bass-man Kelly Cantlon has been in the business of laying down the low notes for many-a-moon. Kelly first found fame in the as a Vagabond with Northern Soul sensations Jimmy James and the Vagabonds.

24 January: Yvette Andrewartha: The Unexpected Serendipitous Gig - with Helen White & Mojito (Fund raiser for CA)
2025-01-24
Yvette Andrewartha presents The Unexpected Serendipitous Gig, very kindly fund raising for Calstock Arts.
She explains below why she has called this The Unexpected Serendipitous Gig!
‘Because the words ‘unexpected’ and ‘serendipitous’ have come to mind so many times during my on-going journey to becoming a jazz singer. ‘Unexpected’ because singing wasn’t a planned ‘thing’ and ‘serendipitous’ because people and opportunities have arrived at just the right moment to help. So I am going with the flow and enjoying every minute………..
There are so many wonderful songs in the jazz genre and I am looking forward to sharing some of these with you in an evening of jazz standards. I have the wonderful Mojito Jazz Trio to accompany me and I am also joined by the lovely Helen White who will sing and play violin and sax. They are all great musicians who appear regularly in venues around Devon and Cornwall and I am thrilled to be sharing a stage with them.
We are looking forward to the gig and it will be an evening of fun and joy. And all in a good cause as there will be a bucket where all donations will go to the lovely Calstock Arts. It will be a good way to kick off the January blues and enjoy some great tunes.’
We look forward to seeing you there

20 October: Helen Porter and Karen Wimhurst @ 4pm (Singing workshop at1345)
2024-10-20 08:00 - 17:00
HELEN PORTER (Lead vocals and keyboard) & KAREN WIMHURST (Clarinet, bass clarinet & vocals)
Helen and Karen’s sumptuous autumn programme interweaves original material with jazz standards you’ll know and love. Soaring vocals, mellow and gutsy clarinet tones, virtuosic improvisation – this is a collaboration spanning twenty years, infusing an evening with warmth, intimacy and good humour. Expect the unexpected and a really great night out!
“An evening of absolute joy. Congratulations. I loved every demisemiquaver.”

Singing Workshop – Open Your Voices!
Before the performance, join a one and a half hour singing workshop (1345-1515 @ £10 pp) covering vocal techniques, experimenting with blues harmonies and having fun singing your heart out with especially arranged jazz standards. Helen and Karen will be playing along for a really uplifting afternoon of singing.
Please click here to book and pay for your place
Showreel
https://youtu.be/9zzmoESO6OU

20 September: The Great Gatsby Trio
2024-09-20
Performing a delightfully nostalgic selection of music inspired by the
1920s and 30s jazz age and reaching into the great American songbook.
The band comprises Martin Jenkins on piano, Steve Dow on guitar/vocals
and Zoe Lambeth on clarinet, saxophone and vocals.
With tasteful solos, polished ensemble playing, male and female vocals
and charming harmony duets the band have a very polished yet spacious
sound. A true collaboration in music.

6 July - Shirley Smart Trio
2024-07-06
Acknowledged as one of the UK’s most versatile and creative cellists, trailblazing musicians and composers, Shirley Smart is equally at home and well versed in jazz, blues, folk, middle eastern and world music, as well as classical music. Drawing upon 10 years of living and working in Jerusalem where she embraced the overlapping worlds of jazz, Arabic, Turkish and north African music, her musicality is enriched by this tapestry of influences.
Inspired by her eclectic background, the trio promises an evening of vibrant melodies, grooves, swing and lively improvisation, showcasing Shirley’s unique ability to explore the potential of the cello in jazz and world-music contexts, performing multiple roles as bassist, lead and soloist on the instrument. Accompanying Shirley, the trio features John Crawford, one of the UK’s leading jazz pianists who shares Shirley’s interest in Latin and world-influenced jazz, and long term collaborator and flamenco master Demi Garcia Sabat on drums and percussion.
The trio has toured extensively in the UK and Europe; recent highlights include the Cheltenham and London Jazz Festivals, Vivacello Festival (Moscow) and Biennale Festival Bimhuis (Amsterdam).

Shirley’s career has been both unusual and diverse. She originally studied at the Guildhall School of Music, where she performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, gave a concerto debut at the Heritage Museum in St. Petersburg and played a concert of trios with renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma at the Barbican. Further study took her to Paris, then to IMS Prussia Cove and on to the International Menuhin Academy in Switzerland. She subsequently left the UK for Jerusalem, studying and performing a wide variety of musical traditions and working with musicians on the vibrant Israeli jazz scene, such as Avishai Cohen (trumpet), Omer Avital (bass)and Yasmin Levy (vocals). Since returning to the UK, Shirley has firmly established herself on both the jazz and world music scenes, playing with many of the leading exponents of these genres, including Gilad Atzmon (saxophone/clarinet), Neil Cowley (piano), Antonio Forcione (guitar), Nicolas Meier (guitar), Maya Youssef (quanun) and Alice Zawadzki (violin/vocals). As well as her trio, Shirley has several other ongoing projects, including a sextet, Melange (a world music group) and a classical improvisation duo with pianist Ben Smith.

Shirley is also a keen educator. She is Professor of Musicianship and Improvisation at the Royal College of Music, Lecturer at Kent University and teaches for Trinity Laban Conservatoire and the RCM Junior Department. She is also in demand as a workshop leader, having given workshops for the National Youth Jazz Collective, Jazzlines, and Huddersfield and Manchester Universities.
Shirley Smart Trio – Live at Bimhuis: https://youtu.be/_y7KnRAX6ok?feature=shared
& Mobius Blues: https://shirleysmart.bandcamp.com/track/mobius-blues
‘..some of the most inventive use of the cello I’ve heard for some time.’ Kind of Jazz

‘a charming kaleidoscope and jazzy showcase of her global folk music-inspired compositions’ Jazzwise

‘A superb set – a sound world that is at once rooted in the ancient and traditional musics that it draws from in an utterly contemporary manner…’ Jazzviews

27 June: SOLD OUT Big Jazz Choir Summer Concert - Sounds of the 60s @1930
2024-06-27
The Big Jazz Choir as you’ve never seen or heard us before!
Think of your favourite song from the 1960s and we’re probably singing it. We’re including numbers from The Kinks, David Bowie, The Beachboys, Motown classics, Joni Mitchell and of course The Beatles among many other popular music giants. Featuring guest soloists as well as soloists from the choir. The band line up will include guitar, bass, drums and Helen Porter, choir leader, at the keyboard.
Join us for a joyful celebration of the amazing song-writers and recording artists of this bygone era of peace, love, harmony and protest. Dust off your flares, dig out your love beads, brush up your mini-skirts and join the choir in a vintage clothing parade to take us all back to the 1960s!

9 June: ROLLING HARMONY
2024-06-09
“An exquisite blend of voices and rich harmonies.”
Rolling Harmony is a vibrant vocal group of choir leaders and singers from the South West. They delight audiences with their lively and eclectic performances.
Glorious music and gorgeous vocal harmonies, rooted in English and American harmony singing traditions. Songs with captivating rhythms, compelling lyrics and interweaving vocal lines. A rich blend of voices with instrumentals for some songs – violin and guitar. There’s something for everyone…
Click here to see footage from a recent gig at Bradford Roots at the Wiltshire Music Centre on 21 January and here for the most viewed video (Lily in the Valley).
songways.co.uk/rolling-harmony
Click here for a playlist on YouTube of their latest videos
And here are all of their videos on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/rollingharmony/videos
Comments from audiences:
”Fabulous”
“Out of this world”
“There are concerts… and then there are concerts… this one was absolutely superb”

1 June: The Remi Harris Hot Club Trio
2024-06-01
First time at Calstock Arts! Remi Harris is one of the UK’s most exciting, technically gifted and versatile guitarists. From the age of seven he has dedicated himself to a life of guitar playing that has taken him from busking on the streets of his local towns in Herefordshire to performing at many prestigious venues and events around the world, including: sell out shows at the Brecon and Cheltenham Jazz Festivals, the Montreal Jazz Festival, Buckingham Palace, BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall with Jamie Cullum, appearing on BBC 4 television, and live performances and airplays on BBC Radio 2, 3 and 6 Music. Jamie Cullum has described Remi as ‘an absolutely extraordinary musician’.
Joined on stage by long-time collaborator Tom Moore on double bass and rhythm guitarist Chris Nesbitt, the trio present an enthralling evening of music ranging from acoustic Gypsy Jazz of the 30s/40s to electric Blues of the 60s/70s. Combining musical virtuosity with passion and flair, they deliver an exhilarating show drawing inspiration from guitar luminaries like Django Reinhardt, synonymous with ‘jazz manouche’, Wes Montgomery, who defined the modern jazz guitar, and blues-rock legends Peter Green, Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page. The trio features Remi, flitting effortlessly between acoustic and electric guitars, playing an eclectic mix of jazz standards, new arrangements of his favourite tunes and original compositions. There’s an ease and warmth to Remi’s stage presence that will have you captivated by his talents and love of the guitar. Whether you are an avid listener to guitar music or an aspiring guitar player, this is a gig you shouldn’t miss.

Remi Harris – acoustic/electric guitars

Tom Moore – double bass

Chris Nesbitt – rhythm guitar

‘Remi is a phenomenal player specialising in both Gypsy Jazz, and Blues guitar. He’s a true master of both genres. His live performances have audiences totally mesmerised with his artistry, virtuosity, musicality, and deeply felt passion for his music.’ Martin Taylor MBE
‘Your playing is spectacular’ Peter Frampton [rock guitarist]
‘a brilliant guitar player’ Cerys Matthews, BBC Radio 2 & BBC 6 Music
‘One of the UK’s brightest guitar talents’ Music Radar
‘I’ve never seen Harris play a bad gig whatever the environment, be it the back room of my local pub (the Bell Inn in Leominster) or the 750 seat Jazz Arena at Cheltenham Jazz Festival. The JazzMann
Music tasters – Gypsy Jazz: https://youtu.be/bOVJVe2fj64?si=AczbXa2W1qBV8ZRp
Blues: https://youtu.be/Ntu_DT-r16k?feature=shared

22 May: Espen Eriksen Trio
2024-05-22
Calstock Arts are excited to be included in this prestigious tour, which includes the far east (S Korea, China & Hong Kong), Norway, France and Calstock! Ok a few others in the UK but none west of Bristol.
Espen Eriksen Trio is one of the most popular piano trios in Europe. With it’s highly melodic and lyrical instrumentals and “less is more” approach, the trio is often credited for its unique voice within today’s jazz scene by the international press. To quote BBC in their review of the trio’s second album “A wonderfully plaintive jazz record, abandoned to the lost art of melodic minimalism, stripped back and beautifully near bare. No smoke and mirrors, just the graceful chemistry of superb musicians at the top of their game”.
Espen Eriksen Trio also has an ongoing collaboration with the British saxophone star Andy Sheppard, resulting in two studio albums and multiple sold out tours in Europe, including two concerts at the London Jazz Festival broadcasted by BBC Radio.
After 17 years, seven critically acclaimed records and worldwide touring, the trio is tighter than ever and has reached an almost telepathic level of interplay. And a global audience certainly have embraced the trio’s unique sound built upon a rich repertoire all signed pianist Eriksen. Captivating and lyrical, often melancholic and uplifting at the same time, these are all real tunes.
So, in Jazzwise’s words; get ready for “one of the most unified, individual and recognizable group sounds in European jazz”
“Superb musicians at the top of their game” – BBC
Espen Eriksen: piano/compositions
Lars Tormod Jenset: double bass
Andreas Bye: drums
For further information and to listen to the trio – click here

13 April: Jake Leg Jug Band
2024-04-13
The Jake Leg Jug Band bring you the authentic sounds of 1920’s and 30’s America – Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Ragtime – and put their own twist on it. Songs of murder, betrayal, gambling, liquor and redemption.
After self releasing their debut album, the band signed to one of the UK’s top independent Jazz labels, recording 3 albums as part of the ‘Vintage Recording Project’ – essentially recording live around ribbon microphones, as it would have been back in the 1930’s. A further three albums were released in the last four years on the Green Bullet record label including their first ever live album.
2022 marked the 10th anniversary of the band and saw them play 100 gigs, taking in dates from Scotland to Cornwall and South Wales to Suffolk. 2023 is the bands busiest ever year and they bring their latest live show to promote their latest album Hello Central.
“A masterpiece of nostalgic music” Folk North West
“Expert musicianship and great arrangements….highly recommended” Just Jazz
“Instrumental virtuosity” Blues & Rhythm
“Good time music from a good-time group” The Jazz Rag
“Pick any track at random and prepare to be entertained ” RnR
“the album shows the tightness of a band that have spent many years on the road” Fatea​
“A fine feast of good-time music” Blues News (Norway)
“The band mesh together like a well-oiled machine. Smokin’!” Spiral Earth​
“Pretty damn good!” Blues Matters​​
​The line up is:
Duncan Wilcox (Vocals & Double Bass)
Liam Ward (Vocals, Harmonica, Jug, Saw, Washboard & Kazoo)
Warren James (Vocals & Banjo)
…plus a host of guest musicians
Promo video:

https://vimeo.com/785990564/19a64000a1

Rescheduled date 22 March: Annika Skoogh Quartet
2024-03-22
Born in South America and raised in Sweden, Annika Skoogh is a highly versatile and celebrated multilingual jazz vocalist with a natural talent, who is based in Exeter and brings a special blend of Scandinavian charm and Latin flavour to her performances.
In 2017, Annika recorded her first album, Waters of March with her quartet (featuring Matt Carter, Al Swainger and a Coach York) which was released the following year 2018 to much acclaim.
In 2019, she appeared at BBC Spotlight as part of the Fowey Literature and Art Festival and has performed alongside world-class musicians including Buster Cooper and Art Barton (Buddy Rich, Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen) former members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and the late legendary Kathy Stobart (Art Pepper and Humphrey Lyttelton). In 2021, Annika released her second album with her Brazilian Latin band Orpheus which has been very well received.
Annika leads several ensembles with many sold out performances under her belt and over the years, she has played at some of the biggest UK jazz festivals including Cheltenham Jazz Festival, The London International Duke Ellington Festival, The Marlborough International Jazz Festival and the Bristol Harbour Festival.
She has put together a fine stellar band with some of the very best musicians here in the South West and will be joined by Tom Ball – pianist, Kevin Saunders – double bass and Gary Evans – drums.
Join them in their celebration to the great American Songbook where Annika takes a look at some of her absolute favourite jazz standards written by legendary musicians and composers. Expect to hear songs by Dave Brubeck, Wayne Shorter, Burt Bacharach, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Bill Evans, Miles Davies, Hoagy Carmichael, Richard Rodgers, Frank Loesser, Charles Parker to name but a few. This promises to be a great evening, don’t miss it!
Listen here

16 February: Derek Nash with The Martin Dale Trio
2024-02-16 19:00 - 23:30
If you have ever watched Jools Holland seeing in the New Year on BBC2, right at the front of the band is Derek Nash on alto sax. He is one of the UK’s top players and is joining another in South West, tenor sax star Martin Dale and his Quartet.
Derek’s long relationship with Martin started with Be Bop star John Burch’s Kentish Octet, where they performed, toured and recorded together many times. Their swinging bravado, showmanship and humour join together for a superb evening of Jazz standards in a style that remembers great sparring Saxophone heroes like Ronnie Scott and Tubby Hayes, or Zoot Sims and Al Cohn.
Derek is a full time member of the Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra since 2004, has led Sax Appeal for over forty years, leads his award winning Acoustic Quartet, fronts the funk/fusion band Protect the Beat, the Latin band Picante, the “The Wonder of Stevie” show and is a member of the Ronnie Scott’s Blues Explosion. He is renowned for his energetic, vibrant, passionate and charismatic performances on all four saxophones from sonorous baritone to soaring soprano.
“…bravura display of contemporary saxophone” The Observer
“…breathtaking” The Sunday Times
“From smooth cool to groovy funk, to ingeniously recast standards…the music fizzes with energy…***** “ The Observer
The Martin Dale Quartet (MDQ) is a long established West Country based band, featuring Martin (tenor sax) Gavin Martin (piano), Kevin Sanders (bass) and Dennis Harris (drums).
Martin has been a full time musician since he was 16 when he joined the Royal Marines Band Service. He studied jazz saxophone at the Guildhall school of music during his time in the service. He has played with most of the UK’s leading jazz musicians and toured with the Jack Bruce Blues Band. He plays in the style of his 3 favourite tenors, Hayes, Scott and his close friend Dick Morris set.
Gavin Martin has been MDQ’s regular piano player for quite a few years now, he also had full career in the band Service playing trumpet and piano. Also eager to learn more tunes he has become an accomplished jazz player and great accompanist. He plays with a few West Country bands and also teaches music in a local academy.
Kevin Sanders is a long standing member of the quartet and is one of the most in demand bass players in the S.West. He has a wealth of knowledge, and you can rarely catch him out when you “call a tune “. A fine player and he also writes for a very popular Bass magazine.
Dennis Harris is the longest serving member of the quartet, he has been with the band since the very beginning and still “swings like the clappers “; not too busy just a good old “proper groover”, which suits the MDQ perfectly.

9 February: Co-operative Big Band @ 1930
2024-02-09
Calstock Arts are delighted to welcome the Co-operative Big Band who are returning to the Old Chapel after an excellent performance last year.
Formed in 2009 with a small group of students and private pupils by Pete Twyman. They are kindly performing at as a fund raiser for Calstock Arts.
The Cooperative Big Band prides itself on being regards as a very professional & democratic youth big band. The band is tutored by professional musicians and consists of a mixture of students from Lipson Cooperative Academy and several other schools across the region.
The band’s big break was being booked to play for the America’s Cup on Sky TV along such artists as Seth Lakeman. The addition of ex Royal Marine Bandsman, who play regularly with the band, has created an emulation model for the players.
Now led by Gav Martin, currently a Teacher of music at Lipson Cooperative Academy and former WO1 Bandmaster Royal Marines Band Service, the band have performed at many prestigious events including the Theatre Royal Plymouth & Plymouth Pavilions and they have won Best Regional Big Band at the Saltash Music Festival for 5 consecutive years!
They have an extensive repertoire of swing, funk, & soul music and have up to 30 members performing at some engagements. The line up consists of a standard rhythm section, trumpets, and trombones and a large saxophone section.
Come and listen to these great young people; the musicians of tomorrow! Media | Co-operative Big Band
For more information see Co-operative Big Band

19 January: Gallery Bar Special- Jazz Shed
2024-01-19
Formed in 2022, Jazz Shed is a 4-piece band based in the Looe area of Cornwall. They play a wide range of Jazz standards and lively Latin rhythms, adding some of their own compositions into the mix – all guaranteed to put a smile on your face and get those toes tapping! They have performed at numerous venues throughout south east Cornwall, including more recently the Old Library at Bodmin, Polperro music festival and Looe Weekender festival, gaining a loyal following as they go.
Both Helen and Judy are classically trained musicians and were Heads of Music at Looe Academy and Liskeard Community College respectively, inspiring numerous generations of students to play music. Having not seen each other for a while, they met a few years ago when they had both decided to leave teaching and become freelance musicians. A chance meeting at a jazz gig ended up with them on stage together, and an idea was born!
As well as playing double bass, piano and flute, Judy has built a reputation as a composer in a wide range of genres. Her orchestral piece ‘Eclipse’, commissioned by the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra for the 1999 Total Eclipse, will be performed again by the PSO at the Tavistock Festival in April.
During the pandemic, Helen decided to pursue a long held dream of unravelling the mysteries of jazz. Making the most of lockdown, she studied with Nora Germain (jazz violin) from Los Angeles, Helen Porter (vocals) from Calstock, Trudy Kerr (vocals) from London and Anita Wardell (vocals) from Perth, Australia. As well as Jazz Shed, she leads the Helen White Quartet. She is also a composer, and is currently working on her first jazz album, due to be recorded in early 2024.
Jethro just happens to live 3 doors down from Helen and made a similar decision as an already accomplished guitarist and bass player to follow the jazz trail! After impressing the ladies with his astonishing guitar playing he was invited to join the quartet.
Bunny, the rhythm man of the quartet, is well known in these parts as an experienced drummer and percussionist, playing in various ensembles in and around Cornwall

Jethro Pooley – Guitar
Bunny Warren- Cajon/Percussion
Judy Whitlock – Vocals/Double Bass
Helen White – Vocals/Soprano Saxophone/Violin

23 December: Just Friends @ 4pm
2023-12-23 08:00 - 16:00
Join “Just Friends” on the “Eve” of Christmas Eve for an informal afternoon of well known Christmas and Jazz standards – the last gig of the year!
Relax and chill out before Christmas “takes off!”

6 October: Dave Manington’s Riff Raff
2023-10-06
As part of a UK-wide tour, we welcome back Dave Manington’s Riff Raff who last played here in 2018. Bassist and composer Dave Manington is one of the mainstays of the London contemporary music scene. He has played with many of the pre-eminent jazz musicians in the UK and Europe and with various ensembles from South America to the Balkans. In 2005 he co-founded the Loop Collective to pool creative resources with other like-minded musicians and is a founder member of the highly acclaimed Yazz Ahmed Quartet and Tori Freestone’s Solstice. In 2022 he was nominated for an Ivor Novello award for best jazz composition.
“[the music] grooves like hell with some thick mercurial riffs, full of stops, starts and turns yet rocking in the grip of a savage momentum.”
JAZZWISE
Dave Manington’s Riff Raff is his main ongoing project. This London-based super group is a dynamic ensemble of amongst the most creative musicians working in contemporary jazz, featuring: softly surefooted vocalist Brigitte Beraha, award-winning pianist Ivo Neame, the articulate Tomas Challenger on tenor, John Scofield-like guitarist Rob Updegraff and cutting-edge drummer Tim Giles. Their music is intimate and creative, with a delicate interplay forged from many years performing together. Compositionally, the music draws on a wide range of styles with traditional folk, electronica and contemporary classical influences added to the mix with complex jazz harmonies and syncopated rhythms to create a soundscape that is quirky but engaging, individualistic, distinctly contemporary but always accessible. Several of their compositions feature lyrics from Brigitte, while in others she sings wordless vocals, often harmonizing with the sax line to great effect.
“Riff Raff mix the leader’s clever composing with a formidable lineup,…the soundscape embraces a 21st century sax-led cool school sound, raw guitar-fusion, diffident Wayne Shorteresque lyricism, and vocals that showcase Beraha’s eloquent lyrics and inventiveness as a wordless improviser.”
The Guardian
Listen to music from their critically acclaimed 3rd album ‘Deep Challenger’:
https://davemanington.bandcamp.com/track/free-spirit
https://youtu.be/tNo43ZKbCjA

23 September: Gallery Bar Special - Louise Parker Quartet
2023-09-23
Plymouth based jazz & soul singer Louise Parker, joined by her band, Neil Burns (guitar), Jem Fatna (drums) and Pasquale Votino (bass) return to the Old Chapel this autumn.
Louise Parker
Louise started singing late, but soon found out she had a feel for jazz. Her father had an extensive record collection, many Blue Note albums, ranging from Bix Beiderbecke all the way through each decade to John Coltrane. Her mother was very keen on Opera and folk music.
Music was always in the background in the family home.
Louise has played in Pizza Express Dean Street, Pizza on the Park, The Bull’s Head, Barnes and The Hammersmith Apollo. She has also toured extensively, and played many festivals – including Glastonbury, jazz festivals, and theatres in the UK. The Hammersmith Apollo was a memorial concert in tribute to Humphrey Lyttelton who she recorded with in 2008. She was the last singer to record with him at his studio in London – “Cornucopia 3”
In addition to Humphrey Lyttelton, Louise has played and recorded with Dave Newton, Alan Barnes (No More Strangers), Steve Waterman, Max Turnbull (Don’t Explain), George Cooper and Matt Carter.
Jem Fatna
Jean Emmanuel Fatna raised in Martinique and French Guiana, is a self taught drummer and percussionist. Born into a long line of musicians, he began playing at the age of 2. Spiritually nurtured by the arts, for him music is a gift and through grace is transmitted. His sound and approach to music have been influenced by his Afro-Caribbean and Amazonian heritage, as well as his time living and playing music in New York.
Experienced in various styles – reggae, hip hop, funk, jazz, world music- he performs live shows and collaborates in studio sessions with a rich and diverse mix of artists including Myles Sanko, Kuku, Winston Francis, Sparky in The Clouds, Dub Judah, Urban Twoubadoo, Daryll Hall trio, Alain Jean-Marie, Mariann Matheus, David Cairol, Nish Wadada. Jem has performed at venues like: Olympia, Zénith, Royal Opera House etc
Neil Burns
Scottish Guitarist Neil Burns has been immersed in the south west jazz scene for many years. He has performed all over Europe and is a regular calibrator of top trumpeter Steve Waterman, Guitar legend Jim Mullen, vibraphonist Roger Beaujolais and has also worked with Jacqui Dankworth, Zoe Rahman , Simon Spillett, Dave Newton, Mark Bassey , Bobby Wellins, Greg Abate and The Haggis Horns, to name a few.
A melodic guitarist steeped in the jazz guitar tradition.
Pasquale Votino
Pasquale was born in Naples and studied Classical Music under Rino Zurzolo at Benevento Conservatory, before moving to UK. From a young age he developed a passion for jazz, alongside classical music. He has worked with various musicians including Andy Sheppard, Luca Aquino and many others.

Listen to Louise at the Totnes Cinema in 2022 –
Louise Parker performing – “Fine and Mellow” – with Jem Fatna, Martin Jenkins and Ron Phelan

1 July: Superlocrian
2023-07-01
Superlocrian are recognised as one of the UK’s finest emerging crossover chamber jazz ensembles. Calstock Arts are thrilled they are fitting us in around their performances at the Budleigh Music Festival.
Blurring the lines of genre categorisation, this small wind ensemble performs on trumpets, flugelhorns, saxophones, flutes, trombones and tuba, and showcases brand new arrangements and compositions for this unique format from exciting young composers including Callum Au, Tom Green and Sam Massey.
Having featured on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune in its infancy, Superlocrian has just recorded its debut album in 2023 at the world-famous AIR Studios – it features a wealth of experience and talent, from London’s glittering West End to the South West’s finest soloists.
From Bond to Bacharach via beautiful rich harmonies and brand new music, there is something for everyone in a Superlocrian concert – check out their showreel for a taste of what they do here
Band Line Up
Trumpet/Flugelhorn/Musical Director: Sam Massey
Trumpet/Flugelhorn: Gavin Mallett & Hugh Davies
Soprano, Alto Saxophone & Clarinet: Edward Leaker
Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophone & Flutes: Jade Gall
Trombone: Tom Green
Tuba: Mike Poyser
Press quotes
“Innovative compositions and arrangements” Katie Derham, BBC Radio 3’s “In Tune”

29 June: The Best of The Big Jazz Choir - Concert @ 1930
2023-06-29
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Calstock’s Big Jazz Choir, led by Helen Porter, this concert brings you many of the highlights of BJC performances during the last decade.
Songs from projects such as Vintage Love Songs, Songs From A Small Train, Bee and White Book of Winter will feature, as well as some much-loved jazz standards – the core repertoire of this upbeat and uplifting choir.
Tickets (£7.50) are available on the Gresham House Studios website using the link below.

25 June: Wang-Luft-Fält Trio
2023-06-25
Having played together on a number of dates in Europe, including at the prestigious Molde Jazz Festival, this will be the Trio’s first ever UK tour – definitely not to be missed!
Bassist and singer Ellen Andrea Wang has been a powerful force in Jazz and beyond, distinguishing herself as a truly inventive artist that blends styles in unprecedented ways. From collaboration with Sting, Manu Katché and Marilyn Mazur, performances at major Jazz Festivals, appearance with the vocal Jazz Group GURLS, to her own projects Pixel and the Ellen Andrea Wang Trio.
Wang has consistently sought to tastefully blend Jazz and Pop in new ways. Her compositions and performance balance the lyrical with the rough, the acoustic with the electric, resulting in a unique modern sound.
Her third studio album- Closeness (Ropeadope 2020), features Wang on double bass and vocals, with Rob Luft on guitar and Jon Fält on drums. The album is an adventurous mix of traditional spirituals, soothing in their delivery, longing and personal compositions, and two carefully selected covers from Ornette Coleman (Lonely Woman) and Pat Metheny (This Is Not America). The connection between the musicians is quite evident as they approach each song with patience and absolute care for the art.
A commanding presence in any ensemble she plays in, her soft tone and vocal precision are always counterbalanced with heavy and assertive grooves from her double-bass, interlocking with drummers, jazz, pop and groove alike. The Guardian

UK guitarist Rob Luft has seamlessly moved from being a ‘star of the future’ ( BBC ‘New Generation Artist’), to an undoubted star of the here and now! In addition to two tremendous albums released under his own name on Edition Records (with a third one due in 2023), he has electrified audiences with collaborations alongside some of the finest musicians around, including releasing acclaimed albums with Dave O’Higgins, Alice Zawadzki, Elina Duni (on the legendary ECM label) and most recently with master musician John Surman, due for release in 2023.

Swedish drummer Jon Fält has played and recorded with many legends of the jazz world such as Palle Danielsson, Fredrick Nordstrom, Bobo Stenson (on ECM) and Fredrik Ljungkvist. His lightness of touch, coupled with a strong musical sensibility, fits perfectly with this thrillingly dynamic ‘international’ trio.

‘Closeness’ has received much critical acclaim since its release in September 2020, such as:

Album of the year 2020 – Vårt Land (Norwegian newspaper)
4/5 stars “She is one of the best contemporary jazz artists” – Dagens Industri (Swedish newspaper)
**** and ‘Editor’s choice’ for Nov 2020 – Jazzwise (UK magazine)

11 May: The Oxley-Meier Guitar Project
2023-05-11
Listen to interview on Radio Cornwall 1440 on 5th May 2023!!
The Oxley-Meier Guitar Project was established ten years ago, following these two guitarist’s tenure in the unique quartet, ‘Eclectica!‘ In that decade, they have recorded 7 albums together, ranging from duet to quintet formats and have performed literally hundreds of concerts together throughout the UK and Europe.
They are joined by Paul Cavaciuti on drums and Ralph Mizraki on bass.
Regardless of the size of the ensemble, Oxley & Meier have always maintained their two aims:
– to write guitar-based music that is exciting, engaging and fascinating to anybody interested in music.
– to use an expansive range of instruments in order to deliver a stylistically wide ranging programme.
To achieve this, they usually use ten different guitars at their gigs. These include more unusual instruments such as: 11-string Glissantar (fretless instrument, based on the arabic lute – the oud), an Electric 12-string, a Sitar guitar & a Fretless nylon-string
The soundscapes are very much influenced from their various travels, this summarised by their strap-line: “soundscapes from Turkey to Brazil“. As a result, Oxley and Meier have performed in many of the top venues in jazz, world music and classical venues: Ronnie Scott’s, Musicport Festival and The Wigmore Hall, respectively.
Expect an evening of joyous varied fare, performed by these two seriously established musicians that The Observer described thus:
“When it comes to empathy, the duet of guitar virtuosi comes close to perfection”
Or if you are a fan of the ECM supergroup, Oregon, this quote from Ralph Towner will resonate:
“This album is a wonderful example of the high level of music that can be made by combining two great guitarists/composers/improvisers such as Pete and Nicolas. They have put together a feast of virtuosity, delivered wit depth, wit and joy”
The quartet will be performing brand-new music for this concert – as described above!
Three live pieces:
https://youtu.be/ar8FeO1sNxw
https://youtu.be/b7uDr1ZrSJg
https://youtu.be/VyMQR78j9iI

14 April: Dart Valley Stompers
2023-04-14
The Dart Valley Stompers was formed in 2005 with the aim of playing lively and exciting Traditional & New Orleans jazz and features Award Winning Reed Player Jeremy Huggett on Clarinet, Saxophones & Vocals.
Since its formation the band has proved to be very successful and has built up a strong following with audiences up and down the country.
Based in the South West, The Dart Valley Stompers is one of the most popular and busiest bands in the country. They regularly perform to capacity crowds at Jazz Clubs and Festivals both in the UK and abroad with demands from audiences and promoters that they quickly make a return visit!
With a repertoire firmly rooted in Traditional & New Orleans jazz The Dart Valley Stompers is guaranteed to get your feet tapping and stomping ï¿½ this is definitely a band not to be missed!
Jeremy Huggett – Band Leader, Clarinet, Saxes & Vocals
Howard Williams – Banjo & Guitar
Keith Tolley – Double Bass
Chris Stockings – Drums
Listen to them here: http://www.dartvalleystompers.co.uk/listen.htm
For more information: https://www.dartvalleystompers.co.uk/

24 March: Liza Pulman and Joe Stilgoe - A Couple of Swells @ 1930
2023-03-24
Fascinating Aida’s Liza Pulman teams up with acclaimed musician and singer, Joe Stilgoe, in a vibrant and entertaining potpourri of classic songs and wit, highlighting Joe’s virtuoso piano playing and Liza’s exquisite vocals.
Calstock Arts are thrilled to be the first show of the tour. Watch the video here to hear about the new show.
Liza’s thirty-year career has encompassed music, theatre and comedy, from Glyndebourne Opera through West End musical theatre and as one-third of the British satirical comedy group, Fascinating Aida. Her solo career as concert performer and recording artist showcases a talent for re-discovering, re-inventing and re-imagining timeless classics and lost gems. Daughter of celebrated screen writer Jack Pulman and actor Barbara Young, Liza’s upbringing gave her a deep love of theatre, movies and music. Liza Pulman Sings Streisand played West End runs to packed houses and five-star reviews and, most recently, her new show, The Heart Of It opened at London’s The Other Palace in January, adding extra shows in March due to public demand.
‘Quite simply, superb… Liza Pulman is a force of nature’
British Theatre
Joe Stilgoe is an internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter, known for writing songs that feel like classics, and adapting classics so they sound like they’ve just been written. Growing up surrounded by music – his parents are songwriter and TV personality Richard Stilgoe and opera singer Annabel Hunt – Joe’s career extends across theatre, TV and radio. He’s a regular on Radio 4 on shows like Loose Ends and The Horne Section and he has worked with some of the finest orchestras and bands in the world. Joe has released 8 albums, 5 of which topped the UK Jazz chart. Joe is also a regular guest and presenter on JazzFM and Radio 3. On TV he has appeared most notably hosting BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year, and least notably in Bargain Hunt!
‘Dapper, handsome and quick-witted, and gifted with dazzling digits.’
The Times
Liza and Joe collaborated during lockdown on the beautiful Memphis In June and on the mesmerising track Bye Bye Blackbird from Liza’s new album `The Heart Of It. The track became popular all around the world, and the many requests to play live led to creation of this show – a magical musical pairing in an evening of some of the best music ever recorded.
“Bewitches us with sheer vocal virtuosity” BritishTheatre.com
“Musical virtuoso” The Independent

Listen to Liza & Joe here – Memphis in June and Bye Bye Blackbird
For more information on these ‘Couple of Swells’ see –
www.lizapulman.com
www.joestilgoe.com
