Soirée: Chris Allard

Soirée: Chris Allard

"One of the great guitarists in this country" - Jamie Cullum.
"A non-cliched linear improviser of great originality and talent…" Jazzviews.

Chris Allard guitar, Oli Hayhurst bass, Charlie Wood keys and vocals, Nick Smalley drums

Freelance guitarist Chris Allard has performed at many prestigious venues and festivals, including the Royal Festival Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival the Royal Albert Hall. He has recorded with Jacqui Dankworth, Gwilym Simcock, the BBC Big Band, Dame Cleo Laine, Sir John Dankworth and Jamie Cullum amongst others.

Charlie Wood is a singer/songwriter and keyboardist whose eclectic musical style incorporates elements of jazz, blues, traditional r&b. Born in Memphis, TN, he spent many years there performing nightly with his Hammond organ trio in a long-standing residency at King's Palace on Beale Street where he was awarded the equivalent of a Hollywood Hall of Fame Star.

Oli Hayhurst and Nick Smalley are busy and much sought after musicians, perfect as the drive behind Charlie and Chris.

Chris is regarded as one of the UK's finest contemporary jazz guitarists/composers, producing " Full blooded solos…right on the money" - Jazzwise.