Verdict Jazz

26/08/2026

https://www.jazzwise.com/content/news/global-grooves-jazz-programme-vibes-up-the-verdict-in-brighton Jazzwise

21/08/2026

HUGE NEWS FOR BRIGHTON JAZZ!
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that, starting in October 2026, The Verdict will launch an ambitious eight-month jazz programme, proudly supported by Arts Council England as part of their Supporting Grassroots Music fund! 🌍✨
As the only full-time jazz venue in the South of England outside London, this vital funding helps us breathe life back into the grassroots music ecology by celebrating the global heritage of rhythm and securing Brighton’s spot as a leading international jazz hub.

✨ What’s Coming Over the 8 Months:
* 10 World-Class Concerts: Experience incredible live performances ranging from intimate duos to dynamic sextets, featuring an international cohort of artists from the UK, Senegal, Mauritius, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, and Uruguay.
* 10 Free Rhythm Masterclasses: Open entirely to the public! Break down barriers and get inspired directly by our visiting global headliners—perfect for students, emerging artists, and hobbyists alike.
* 10 Jazz Jam Workshops: Informal, participatory spaces designed for local musicians to jam, collaborate, build confidence, and strengthen community networks.

🌍 Why This Matters:
With grassroots venues facing unprecedented closures across the UK, this project ensures fair pay for international artists, builds community resilience, and provides exceptional, accessible music right to your doorstep. Whether you are a lifelong jazz enthusiast or picking up an instrument for the first time, there is a place for you in this rhythm revolution.
🎟️ The countdown to October 2026 begins now! Stay tuned for our full artist line-ups, masterclass schedules, and ticket links.

21/08/2026

HUGE NEWS FOR BRIGHTON JAZZ!

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that, starting in October 2026, The Verdict will launch an ambitious eight-month jazz programme, proudly supported by Arts Council England as part of their Supporting Grassroots Music fund!

As the only full-time jazz venue in the South of England outside London, this vital funding helps us breathe life back into the grassroots music ecology by celebrating the global heritage of rhythm and securing Brighton’s spot as a leading international jazz hub.

What’s Coming Over the 8 Months:

10 World-Class Concerts: Experience incredible live performances ranging from intimate duos to dynamic sextets, featuring an international cohort of artists from the UK, Senegal, Mauritius, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, and Uruguay.

10 Free Rhythm Masterclasses: Open entirely to the public! Break down barriers and get inspired directly by our visiting global headliners—perfect for students, emerging artists, and hobbyists alike.

10 Jazz Jam Workshops: Informal, participatory spaces designed for local musicians to jam, collaborate, build confidence, and strengthen community networks.

Why This Matters:
With grassroots venues facing unprecedented closures across the UK, this project ensures fair pay for international artists, builds community resilience, and provides exceptional, accessible music right to your doorstep. Whether you are a lifelong jazz enthusiast or picking up an instrument for the first time, there is a place for you in this rhythm revolution.

The countdown to October 2026 begins now! Stay tuned for our full artist line-ups, masterclass schedules, and ticket links. https://www.verdictjazz.com/

Zoe Rahman Trio
Led by the MOBO Award-winning and Mercury Prize-nominated pianist Zoe Rahman, this acclaimed trio blends her classical roots and Bengali heritage with deeply expressive, rhythmically complex contemporary jazz.
​
Cleveland Watkiss MBE
A true pioneer and co-founder of the legendary Tomorrow's Warriors, Watkiss is a virtuoso vocalist, actor, and composer whose career spans reggae, orchestral music, and exceptional vocal jazz improvisation.
​
Aleh Ferreira Band
Aleh’s music draws deep from Afro-Brazilian roots. Son of a priestess of Umbanda, his inspiration is born from the drums and melodies of the “terreiro” that gave rise to Samba and shapes much of modern music.
​
Carolina Lelis Quartet
Fronted by Brazilian singer Carolina Lelis, this group delivers a sophisticated blend of traditional samba, bossa nova, and contemporary jazz fusion.
​
Tony Remy Trio
Drawing on jazz, funk, soul and fusion, the trio delivers a dynamic mix of original music and fresh interpretations, combining virtuosity, groove and spontaneous interplay. Expect an electrifying evening from one of Britain’s finest contemporary jazz guitarists.

Maiuko Quarteto
Helmed by the multi-award-winning, Mozambican-born singer-songwriter Maiuko, this group performs an enchanting blend of Afro-jazz, blues, and traditional African rhythms.

Guillermo Hill Band
Led by Uruguayan-born guitarist Guillermo Hill, this ensemble blends Montevideo's rich musical roots with London's groove-led jazz scene.

Rouhangeze
Fronted by Mauritian vocalist and composer Rouhangeze Baichoo, this project weaves together heart-led, soulful world-fusion, jazz, and traditional Indian Ocean textures.

Diabel Cissokho Band
Led by the virtuoso kora player and singer from Senegal's famous Cissokho griot family, this band delivers an energetic, uplifting blend of traditional Mandinka music and Afro-blues.

Radhika de Saram Band
Led by the versatile violinist and bassist Radhika de Saram, this group bridges classical precision with contemporary jazz improvisation and experimental avant-garde sounds.

06/07/2026

23/06/2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This Saturday at Brightons only award winning Jazz Venue

John Etheridge’s BLUE SPIRITS

Get tickets 🎟️ https://www.verdictjazz.com

John Etheridge - guitar

Pete Whittaker - organ

Tristan Banks - drums

‘No doubting his awesome authority  whenever he touches the guitar’ ( The Guardian)

‘I never wanted to be a star just a highly respected musician like John Etheridge ‘(Sting –The Guardian 1980)

Drawing on a vast reservoir of musical experience spanning 54 years, Etheridge distills the bluesier side of his musical world in a repertoire that manifests  intensity and emotion as it’s main quality with subtlety, fluidity and interaction as central. 

Pete Whittaker is a superb accompanist and soloist and drummer Tristan Banks ( Verdict’s own!)  is celebrated for his drive and invention.

The repertoire is edgy and engaging with a forceful drive and bravura performances….A must!

John Etheridge rightly enjoys a glowing reputation throughout the jazz world and beyond and has been described by Pat Metheny as, “One of the best guitarists in the world”. He is a prodigiously gifted and creative player whose approach to music can only be described as ‘eclectic’ as he refuses to accommodate or even acknowledge artificial musical boundaries. His range is well illustrated by his years of touring and recording with the iconic Stephane Grappelli while simultaneously doing likewise with the legendary jazz-fusion group, The Soft Machine. John is equally at home on acoustic and electric guitar and his willingness to engage with so many styles is matched by his ability to excel in any of them. He has played with Yehudi Menuhin, Dizzie Gillespie, Herb Ellis, Mundell Lowe, Nigel Kennedy, Pat Metheny, Birelli Lagrene, Barney Kessel, Vic Juris and countless others. John’s ability as an outstanding composer is sometimes overlooked but he is often under pressure from audiences to feature more of his own material.

22/06/2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This Friday we’re proud to present the John Crawford Quintet

Get tickets 🎟️ https://www.verdictjazz.com

John Crawford - piano

Guille Hill- guitar

Andres Ticino- percussion

Davide Mantovani - bass

Tristan Banks- drums

“John has a cracking quintet... unlike anything else on the current scene.” Paul Pace, Ronnie Scott’s

“A glorious piano solo...everyone there that night agreed that a man to watch out for is pianist John Crawford, a skillful and imaginative soloist” John Childs, Jazzwise Magazine

“Ulia River of Time” is a hugely enjoyable album. Although Crawford contributes only one original tune his choice of material to cover is inspired, every piece is highly melodic and Crawford’s arrangements are consistently bright and inventive.”Ian Mann, www.thejazzmann.com

John Crawford is widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading Latin jazz pianists, celebrated for his distinctive fusion of jazz, flamenco, and Latin musical traditions. A highly expressive and technically accomplished performer, Crawford brings both passion and precision to his playing, creating music that is rhythmically vibrant, melodically rich, and deeply engaging.

Over the course of his career, he has collaborated with an impressive range of internationally acclaimed artists, including Latin music legends Airto Moreira and Giovanni Hidalgo, as well as leading UK figures such as Snowboy and Roberto Pla. His versatility has also led to performances beyond the Latin jazz world, working with artists including Björk, Tanita Tikaram, and Kirsty MacColl.