A brand-new live jazz residency launches this month at the Lounge Jazz Club in Southend-On-Sea on Sunday 22 March 2pm, as acclaimed Hammond B3 organist Martin Johnson introduces The Martin Johnson B3 Sessions, beginning with a special guest appearance from renowned Percussionist Snowboy.

These new monthly Sunday lunchtime sessions bring world-class live jazz to Southend-On-Sea, hosted by Martin Johnson on the legendary Hammond B3 organ and Leslie 122, and joined by a rotating line-up of All Star Special Guests joining him and his outstanding band.

The star-studded line up will see Snowboy as the first guest followed by Ray Galato on April 12, Gary Plumley, Jim Mullen, Nigel Price, Pete Long, Simon Spillett, Paul Booth, Alex Garnett and rounding the year off with Bazil Meade MBE & The London Community Gospel Choir on December 6.

For the very first lunchtime session on Sunday 22 March, Martin is joined by his regular band, drummer Davide Giovannini & Stefanos Tsourelis on Guitar with special guest, the legendary Snowboy, on percussion.

Martin Johnson is one of the very few Hammond B3 Organists in the world fluent in playing bass pedals and is known for his energetic & passionate Jazz / Gospel inspired performances.

London-based drummer Davide Giovannini, celebrated for his inventiveness and creative approach to music, has performed and recorded with some of the world’s top jazz, latin, world and pop personalities including Steve Winwood, Bjork, Paul McCartney, Lisa Stansfield, Jocelyn Brown and Vanessa Mae.

Greek-born Stefanos Tsourelis was awarded the ‘Best Guitarist of the Year’ by The London Guitar Institute/ Guitar X in 2008. He is known for his versatility and ability to move across styles and genres on both the Guitar and Oud.

Renowned British Percussionist, DJ and producer Snowboy, (real name Mark Cotgrove) specialises in Afro-Cuban Jazz and has recorded with major artists including Amy Winehouse, Lisa Stansfield and Simply Red.

This is a lunchtime concert that promises deep grooves, soulful improvisation, passionate energy and the unmistakable warm sound of the Hammond B3 organ in the relaxed setting of The Lounge Jazz Club.

Martin Johnson said “I created the Martin Johnson B3 sessions to bring exceptional world-class jazz to Southend and with Special guests such as Snowboy joining myself, Davide & Stefanos audiences can expect something truly special, and, as always from us, energy & passion!”

The launch of the Martin Johnson B3 Sessions takes places at The Lounge Jazz Club, Southend-On-Sea, on Sunday 22 March with the first set commencing at 2pm. Tickets cost just £20 with a VIP booth available for £360, accommodating up to 12 guests and including table service and a meet and greet with the artists.

Tickets and more information are available at www.martinjohnsonb3.com

 

This event is strictly over 18’s. Sunday Roasts & Drinks will be available to order from the venue on the day. Line-up is subject to change. If a guest artist is unable to appear due to illness or other reasons, the Session will proceed with Martin Johnson B3 and/or a suitable replacement guest.