The Common Rooms

27/09/2025

21/09/2025

https://trafalgartickets.com/eastbourne-theatres-eastbourne/en-GB/event/music/ellington-in-eastbourne-tickets

Join us on 12th October to celebrate this iconic musical event for an exceptional evening of ‘Ellington in Eastbourne’, a unique 50th anniversary tribute to the launch of Duke Ellington’s final 'Eastbourne Performance' recording. It was an album that marked the end of Duke’s 58-year career as a legendary, multiple Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer and band leader who helped define the development of jazz as an enduring musical art form.

‘Ellington in Eastbourne’ celebrates the town’s special connection to the Duke, presenting an all-star line-up in the original venue. Heading the bill is the UK’s foremost big band, 'Echoes of Ellington', performing highlights from the Duke Ellington/Ella Fitzgerald Songbook, fronted by Pete Long, Musical Director of The Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, with featured virtuoso vocalist Sara Oschlag.
�This outstanding evening of live music also spotlights the newly-formed ‘Ellington Piano Project’, from leading British jazz musicians Arnie Somogyi and Mark Edwards, to launch their brilliant new album of music, inspired directly by the Duke’s 'Eastbourne Performance' and recorded using the very same Steinway Grand piano Duke Ellington played that night.

“One of those rare albums that sheds new and brilliant light on an existing work” – Jazzwise Magazine on The Ellington Piano Project

With youth performances from The Brighton and Hove Youth Big Band and a foyer set from New Generation 'Jazz Futures’, ‘Ellington in Eastbourne’ celebrates an event of historic cultural importance, showcasing the Duke’s incredible body of work alongside the best in British jazz and some of the new jazz stars of the future.

Event link: https://fb.me/e/4X3IDCbte

14/09/2025

01/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17FC2UYxVo/?mibextid=wwXIfr

25/08/2025

October 12th at The Congress Theatre, Eastbourne:
Celebrating 50th Anniversary of Duke Ellington's final officially-released album, 'Eastbourne Performance'.
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https://trafalgartickets.com/eastbourne-theatres-eastbourne/en-GB/event/music/ellington-in-eastbourne-tickets

05/05/2025

Experience a • Live Music Soundbath • inspired by the relaxing, meditative bamboo sounds of North Indian classical music played on bansuri flute by Kate Hogg with grand piano and keyboards by master musician Mark Edwards in the beautiful setting of the Brighton Unitarian church

May 18 • 2 soaks | 2.30pm & 4.15pm |

There are chairs at the church but if you want to lie down, feel free to bring yoga mats/blankets/cushions to relax & wear comfortable clothing.

20/04/2025

#5 in the series: Introducing The Band

After the great succes at Strange Brew in Bristol this week & the upcoming gig in The Unitarian Church in Brighton tonight & Ronnie Scott’s on April 29, we’re continuing to introduce each band member to you. The final introduction, on bass:

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.

“surely one of the UK’s finest talents” – London Jazz News

See ticket link in bio for the Brighton Unitarian Church gig this Sunday April 20th • doors at 7pm •

Selling fast! LESS THAN 10 TICKETS LEFT

Adrian Utley – (Portishead) guitar, synths •
Seb Rochford (Polar Bear, Patti Smith, David Byrne) • drums, percussion
Mark Edwards (Katie Melua, Carleen Anderson) • piano, keyboards
Arnie Somogyi (Eddie Henderson, Amy Winehouse) • bass
Paul Booth (Steve Winwood, Steely Dan) • saxophones & bass clarinet

20/04/2025

‘A sound world that compels attention’ - UK Jazz News

Full review: https://ukjazznews.com/transcendence-with-adrian-utley-at-brew-bristol/

Last few remaining tickets:
https://buytickets.at/transcendence/1623964

Brighton Unitarian
What's On in Brighton and Hove
Mark Edwards

18/04/2025

#4 in the series: Introducing The Band

After the great succes at Strange Brew in Bristol last night & the upcoming gig in The Unitarian Church in Brighton on April 20 & Ronnie Scott’s on April 29, we’re continuing to introduce each band member to you. The penultimate introduction, on saxophones & bass clarinet:

Paul Booth is an acclaimed UK saxophonist, composer, and bandleader, renowned for his versatility and dynamic performances. Originally from the North East of England, he honed his craft from an early age, performing with his father in Spain before immersing himself in the UK jazz scene. At just 16, he became the youngest degree student at the Royal Academy of Music and won the Young Jazz Player of the Year award.
His career has since spanned collaborations with legends like Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, The Eagles, and Van Morrison, as well as work with Incognito and The BBC Big Band. As a solo artist, he has released multiple albums on his label, Pathway Records. Booth leads various ensembles, including the Patchwork Project and Bansangu Orchestra, showcasing his passion for jazz and world music. His talent as a multi-instrumentalist and improviser continues to earn him global recognition.

Jon Turney from reviewed the gig last night in Bristol & said about Paul that “[he] delivered some of the best-sounding and most fluently inventive soprano sax playing I’ve heard anywhere.“

See ticket link in bio for the Brighton Unitarian Church gig this Sunday April 20th • doors at 7pm •

Selling fast! LESS THAN 30 TICKETS LEFT

Adrian Utley – (Portishead) guitar, synths •
Seb Rochford (Polar Bear, Patti Smith, David Byrne) • drums, percussion
Mark Edwards (Katie Melua, Carleen Anderson) • piano, keyboards
Arnie Somogyi (Eddie Henderson, Amy Winehouse) • bass
Paul Booth (Steve Winwood, Steely Dan) • saxophones & bass clarinet

15/04/2025

#3 in the series: Introducing The Band

Leading up to the concerts at Strange Brew in Bristol on April 17, The Unitarian Church in Brighton on April 20 & Ronnie Scott’s on April 29, we’d like to properly introduce each band member to you. Here goes…

Pianist, composer, and producer Mark Edwards is known for his eclectic and innovative approach to music. With a rich background in jazz, classical, and electronic genres, he has worked across a variety of projects, from solo works to collaborations with leading artists Katie Melua, Terry Callier, Carleen Anderson and Incognito. His music is often described as emotive and cinematic, drawing on influences from contemporary classical and ambient music. Edwards has a reputation for creating immersive soundscapes that push boundaries while maintaining a strong melodic focus.

Adrian Utley – (Portishead) guitar, synths •
Seb Rochford (Polar Bear, Patti Smith, David Byrne) • drums, percussion
Mark Edwards (Katie Melua, Carleen Anderson) • piano, keyboards
Arnie Somogyi (Eddie Henderson, Amy Winehouse) • bass
Paul Booth (Steve Winwood, Steely Dan) • saxophones

TRANSCENDENCE TOUR dates:

• April 17 at Strange Brew in Bristol • head over to for ticket link
•April 20 at The Unitarian Church in Brighton • ticket link in our bio •
• April 29 at • tickets from www.ronniescotts.co.uk