PizzaExpress Jazz Club (Soho)

Mark Jennett has received glowing reviews for his sophisticated reinterpretations of 20th century standards by a diverse range of songwriters including Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Randy Newman and Laura Nyro. Jazzwise magazine described his latest album, ‘Everybody Says Don’t’ (Jazzizit), as “hugely enjoyable” and Jazz Rag praised his ability to “improvise in a manner that brings to mind Mark Murphy.” Mark leads a stellar band including Robin Aspland, Dave Whitford and David Dyson playing music ranging from exuberant swing to soulful balladry and embracing gospel, hip hop, bossa nova and even Motown-inflected jazz pop.

"Sparkles with energy ... beautifully performed. Great songs interpreted with style. Jennett is a singer who understands and immerses himself in the stories the songs are telling."

AllAboutJazz.com

“A fresh voice that grabs your attention … a singer who makes things he approaches matter. This is a stylist to watch for” - Cadence Magazine

"Soulful and exuberant" (Time Out) vocalist Mark Jennett has been a regular on the London and UK jazz scene for several years with appearances at Ronnie Scott’s, the Vortex (“regulars lapped it up” – Evening Standard) and other leading venues.

As adept at energetic swing as he is at wistful balladry, he embraces a wide range of styles from gospel and hip hop grooves to bossa nova and sophisticated jazz-pop. He has worked regularly alongside singers Anita Wardell and Carol Grimes (including an acclaimed appearance at the 2014 London Jazz Festival) and Trudy Kerr.

His classic approach to jazz singing is matched by the subtly complex arrangements of regular collaborator, Geoff Gascoyne. On his latest album, ‘Everybody Says Don’t’ (Jazzizit), Cole Porter’s ‘Just One of Those Things’ is reborn as an aching jazz ballad while Bacharach and David’s ‘Wives and Lovers’ exchanges its original waltz-time for a jagged 5/4. Another Bacharach tune, ‘Are You There With Another Boy’, acquires a driving, mesmeric pulse, two Jim Webb songs are paired with a Pat Metheny-style groove and Lerner and Lowe’s ‘Hurry It’s Lovely Up Here’ unfolds bewitchingly in a gentle Latin arrangement.

Band Lineup

Mark Jennett (vocals)

Robin Aspland (piano)

Dave Whitford (bass)

David Dyson (drums)