“melodic hard bop, delivered with grace, but infused with zip and bristling with bustling energy.” – Chris Parker

“wonderfully energizing” – Dave Gelly (Observer)

“The uptempo tunes really cook but the ballads contain many interesting hidden subtleties.” – Jazzmann.com


Click below to see a video of the band performing “What’s It Gonna Be” at the CD launch at Ray’s Jazz Stage...

After four years together, honing their sound, the Quentin Collins/Brandon Allen Quartet appear at the club as part of a Jazz Services supported tour to promote their debut CD, “What’s It Gonna Be?” Their music is a stellar melting-pot of the leaders’ own compositions inspired by the classic 50s and 60s hard bop of such luminaries as Art Blakey, Joe Henderson, Larry Young and Lee Morgan.

Trumpeter Quentin Collins has performed across Europe with top performers such as Jean Toussaint, Roy Hargrove, Dennis Rollins and Roy Ayers. His critically acclaimed solo album, “If Not Now, Then When?” was voted one of MOJO’s top ten jazz albums of 2007.

The superb UK based Australian tenor sax player, Brandon Allen, who last appeared at the club nearly three years ago, has toured Europe and Asia with renowned musicians such as Eric Clapton, Jools Holland, Wynton Marsalis, Stan Tracey, Guy Barker, Pete King and Nigel Hitchcock.

Complementing the front line on Hammond organ is the ever-excellent Ross Stanley, who appeared with Alex Garnett at the club last February. He has performed with music legend Maceo Parker, Dennis Rollins, Stan Sulzmann, Jim Mullen and Joel Frahm among many others. Completing the line-up in place of regular drummer Enzo Zirilli, is a very special guest, Cuban drum maestro Ernesto Simpson (on loan from Richard Bona's band no less!).

Tickets (available at the door) £15, (£12 members, students/under 25s £6).