This all star band was a stand-out act for us in 2022 in terms of quality, impact and popularity. We are therefore delighted to be putting them on in Teignmouth’s premier venue in partnership with Pavilions Teignmouth. Tickets are available from them by clicking here…

Or by copying and pasting this link:

https://www.pavilionsteignmouth.org.uk/events/jazz-defenders#:~:text=The%20Jazz%20Defenders%20are%20a%20group%20that%20defend%20the%20legacy,Blue%20Note%20era%20of%20jazz.

“Absolutely storming” – Jamie Cullum

“Wonderfully Put Together” – Craig Charles

“One of the best new jazz albums I’ve heard in a long time” – Jazzcotech

The Jazz Defenders are a quintet formed by Bristol-based pianist George Cooper (a local boy who has created an enviable reputation for himself in Europe and across the pond). With him are Jake McMurchie (sax), Nick Malcolm (trumpet), Will Harris (bass) and Ian Matthews (drums). They came together in 2015, drawn by a mutual love and respect for soul-jazz and classic hard bop – the music of the Golden Age of Blue Note. With three acclaimed albums behind them, expect original, memorable tunes inspired by stars such as Horace Silver, Grant Green, Donald Byrd, Lee Morgan, Kenny Burrell, Freddie Hubbard, Jimmy Smith or Lou Donaldson.

The group’s leader, pianist and composer George Cooper, has already accumulated an impressive list of credits including Hans Zimmer, Nigel Kennedy, U2, Omar, Slum Village, MF Doom, The Brand New Heavies, Lisa Stansfield, Wet Wet Wet, The Haggis Horns, Abstract Orchestra and Lack of Afro.

With critics and DJs alike giving them big plaudits this is a band to suit many tastes across the jazz / soul spectrum.

 https://www.thejazzdefenders.com/