SUPER SPECIALS FOR 2026

Hello folks

We are so delighted to publish our Super Specials Programme for 2026 – see the link below for details of dates etc:

But we must blow our own trumpet a little, for our local club to have put together a “Specials” programme of such quality must be something of a coup!

Firstly we can confirm the return of these three stupendous musical hombres below, (not all together unfortunately) but headlining with our equally wonderful, backing band, Hilary Cameron on Keys, Julian Bury on Double Bass and Ronnie Fenn on Drums, so:

Nigel Price

The most wonderful guitarist, expect more exciting stuff, be-bop lines with wonderful musicality,

Simon Spillett

A fabulous versatile tenor saxophonist and entertainer who started his professional career here at KLJC, some 30 years ago, and is flying high atm leading his wonderful quartet and The Tubby Hayes Big Band.

Alan Barnes

Who plays too many instruments too beautifully to mention here but think all the saxes (inc Baritone for which he is in demand everywhere), all sorts of clarinets, and has been entertaining us in the UK for ever. We’ll have to see which of his instruments he brings with him – I’m hoping clarinet, tenor and baritone saxes.

All Award Winners, all wonderful musicians who will each lead rip-roaring jazz at its best for us at KLJC.

And then The Newbies:

We also have engaged the quality and expertise of three more top notch, professional bands/soloists to add to our list of music to look forward to throughout the year – find out a bit more about our “newbies” below:

Tad Newton’s Jazz Friends

Tad leads one of the most respected and entertaining outfits on the British jazz scene, with their adventurous and eclectic repertoire gaining plaudits wherever they perform – multiple Jazz Festivals including headlining at Swanage, Upton, Birmingham, Teignmouth, Wantage and Keswick Jazz Festivals, not to mention Fest-Jazz in Brittany France, more recently at The Spice Of Life, and closer to home The Stables, and Watford Pump House. You might even recognise a couple of the sextet (Gary and Ronnie 😉). This band swing like mad!

Derek Nash

Award winning saxophonist, band leader, arranger, producer (you’ll surely know him as a member of Jules Holland’s Band generally playing Alto), he also heads up Sax Appeal and tours his “Wonders of Stevie (Wonder) Show” amongst many other things How lucky are we for him to be playing for us at KLJC.

Pete Long

Multi-instrumentalist with a long, long CV including: band leader for Echoes of Ellington, The Jazz Scurriers (together with Simon Spillett), Director of Ronnie Scott’s House Band, regular on the Jazz Club circuit – we are so lucky he said “yes” when we asked him to KLJC. He’s promised to bring clarinet and sax – we are in for an absolute treat.

We hope you are as excited as we are to be able to offer our club supporters such a programme.

Please remember we do ask for a £10 minimum donation for our “Specials Nights” which help us pay the professional musicians what they are most definitely due.