Arnie Somogyi Invites: Brandon Allen

Arnie Somogyi Invites: Brandon Allen

Brandon Allen sax
Chris Montague guitar
Arnie Somogyi bass
Jim Bashford drums

Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Brandon Allen has been a prominent figure on the UK jazz scene since moving to London in 2000. A versatile saxophonist, composer, and arranger, his distinctive sound has featured on film soundtracks Alfie (2004) and The Look of Love (2013), as well as in collaborations with artists including Eric Clapton, Paloma Faith and Adam Nussbaum. He has been a key member of bassist Kyle Eastwood’s band for over ten years, touring internationally.

Brandon's career spans performances at top-flight venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Ronnie Scott’s (where he hosted the late night jam session for over five years) and The Blue Note clubs worldwide. He has appeared at major festivals including Love Supreme, the London Jazz Festival, and Umbria Jazz, and shared stages with legends Pat Metheny, BB King, and Kurt Elling.

In addition to his extensive touring across five continents, Brandon teaches at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama and regularly conducts masterclasses globally.

"Arnie Somogyi – bassist, composer, bandleader, educator ‘surely one of the UK’s finest talents" London Jazz News

Arnie Somogyi is one of the UK's most in-demand bass players and has played on over 60 albums, including five with his own projects as a leader. He has recorded, performed and toured with many of the world’s leading jazz musicians including Bobby Hutcherson, Eddie Henderson, Steve Grossman, Scott Hamilton, Mal Waldron, Seamus Blake, Sonny Fortune, Arturo Sandoval, Jorge Rossy, Joe Chambers, Rene Marie, James Moody, Joey Calderazzo, Art Farmer, Chris Botti and The Mingus Big Band as well as international stars Tom Jones, Charlie Watts, Amy Winehouse, Richard Ashcroft and Omar.

He has appeared frequently at world-renowned jazz club Ronnie Scott’s, both as a sideman, leader and member of The Ronnie Scott's All-Stars.

His music has featured on radio, television and in the feature films The Talented Mr Ripley and An Education, and he has performed around the world in a wide variety of formats.

Since 1999 Arnie has been bass tutor at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where his responsibilities have included one-to-one instrumental tuition, ensemble coaching – from small group to big band - delivering the jazz history module and assessing and moderating major projects.

6.30pm Support - Tom Phillips Band
7.45pm Headline - Brandon Allen

Running time approx. two hours and 30 minutes