40 years of Live Jazz and Acoustic Music in Bristol

2024 will see the 40th Anniversary of 'Jazz at the Albert' (Jazzata) promoting music in Bristol. From the early days and the development of The Albert Inn in Bedminster,which became an Internationally renowned music venue; to gigs at Bordeaux Quay, Future Inns, the Hen & Chicken and most recently at Bristol Beacon Foyer. We have managed to work with some of the most engaging and talented musicians from around the world, and been proud & happy to do so.....

With this in mind, the Jazzata programme for 2024 will be based on some things old and many things new, especially in the first 6 months of the year. The second half of 2024 will see gigs with some of the artists who are now the stars of the Jazz and Acoustic music scene, reflecting on the 40 years but playing music that is very much 2024.

I hope you will be able to join me at some gigs in this special year and take in some other special events planned for the year.

Cheers, Ian

Henry Spencer

Sun 18 Feb - 7:15 for 8:00 (£20.71/ £19.07)Beacon Lantern - Book Δ

Henry Spencer

Henry Spencer (Trumpet & Flugelhorn), Ant Law (Guitar), Matt Robinson (Piano),
Jamie Murray (Drums).

Henry Spencer is a multi-award-winning trumpeter, bandleader and composer releasing music under his own name and touring with his band, Henry Spencer & Juncture; which features the outstanding guitar technique of Ant Law and Henry's fiery brass sound. "Spectacular" - The Guardian

His band's growing international touring schedule, radio and TV broadcasts; plus major jazz festivals and broadcasts on Mezzo TV, have led to the increase of audiences and followers around the world.

His new album, The Defector, involved collaborations with two Platinum-selling producers (credits include McCartney & Lennon, Richard Ashcroft, Kate Bush) and a composer for the London Symphony Orchestra.

Henry's 2022 EP release, 'The Survivor and The Descendant' involved collaborations with multi-Grammy winning Dave Darlington (Miles Davis, Prince, and Michael Jackson) in New York.

This gig promises high energy Jazz with great harmonies between Trumpet & Guitar
read more

"Henry Spencer's music has a unique focus and quality rarely experienced. Originals with real meaning" - Paul Pace, Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club


'An Evening with Alan Barnes and Friends'

Sun 31 March - 7:15 for 8:00 (£21.80/£20.71)Beacon Lantern - Book Δ

Alan Barnes

Alan Barnes (Saxes & Clarinet), Bruce Adams (Trumpet & Flugelhorn),
Dave Newton (Piano), Will Harris (Bass), Mark Whitlam (Drums)

Alan Barnes is a prolific international performer, composer, arranger, bandleader and touring soloist. He is best known for his work on clarinet, alto and baritone sax, where he combines a formidable virtuosity with a musical expression and collaborative spirit that have few peers.

In a career spanning more years than he can remember, his range and brilliance have made him a "first call" for studio and live work since his precocious arrival on the scene more than thirty years ago. He has since received over 25 British Jazz Awards and has twice been made BBC Jazz Musician of the Year.

Tonight we are going to hear Alan's choice of music, to be played by a selection of top class musicians with whom he has shared the stage often; and to hear some of his many recollections, told in his inimitable humourous style. We are in for a night of great music and some laughs, one not to miss....

Also expect a few other musicians sitting-in on a few numbers. read more

"Barnes plays music that was radical 50 years ago but he infuses it with so much passion and energy you could believe it was minted on the spot, which is always part of the story with jazz." - John L. Walters: The Guardian.


Jean Toussaint Quartet

Fri 19 April - 7:15 for 8:00 (£21.80/£20.71)Bristol Beacon - Book Δ

Jean Toussaint

Jean Toussaint (Saxes), Emile Hinton (Piano), Murray Dare (Bass), Ben Brown (Drums)

Since Jean Toussaint left Art Blakey's 'Jazz Messengers' in 1986 he hasn't looked back. Nor has he spent a career trying to repeat the past.
The experiences gained in that world-class hothouse have enabled him to push forward and embrace challenging and often high-profile musical collaborations in many different jazz styles.

With him in the Jazz Messengers were; Terence Blanchard, Mulgrew Miller and others. While in New York, Jean also worked with Gil Evans, McCoy Tyner and Wynton Marsalis. In 1987 he left Blakey to come to England for a few months. He stayed....

Jean has since toured with many visiting Americans including Max Roach, Cedar Walton and David Murray as well as with his own bands.
In the UK his collaboration work includes Julian Joseph, Jason Rebello, Orphy Robinson, Bheki Mseleku and many others.

Toussaint is also an experienced jazz educator, teaching at The Guildhall, Trinity College and Birmingham Conservatoire, as well the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Jean's NEW Quartet plays swinging, surging straight-ahead contemporary jazz with a strong emphasis on melody. read more

"Art Blakey used to say 'it doesn't matter how complex you want to play, as long as you swing and play from the heart' then he'd cite the great John Coltrane as an example. I owe it all to the great Art Blakey and I'll be a Jazz Messenger for life." Jean Toussaint