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NEXT JAZZ SESSION – ELGIN TOWN HALL FOR THE COMMUNITY, 8:00pm, 22nd October, 2026 (Doors open 7:30pm)

As promised, Moray Jazz Club is delighted to welcome three of Scotland’s finest jazz musicians for a fantastic evening of live music this coming Thursday.!However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Matthew Kilner is unable to make this particular gig – This, as they say, has opened up an opportunity for MJC to welcome, for the very first time, jazz guitarist and composer, Graeme Stephen – For those who would like to know more about Graeme’s impressive story to date, I have conveniently added a link below to his website where his career bio can be found:

https://www.graemestephen.net/about

Graeme will be supported by the formidable talents of Neil Birse on Piano and Richard Glassby on Drums. Anybody who has seen those two musicians play will know what I mean…!

For those that haven’t seen them play, come along and find out….!!

NEXT JAZZ SESSION – ELGIN TOWN HALL FOR THE COMMUNITY, 8;00pm, 24th September, 2026 (Doors open 7:30pm)

Following an excellent session by the trio of Jamie Anderson, Pete Lowit and Adrian Beckwith last week, we can look forward to a visit from the Lewis Benzies Quartet on the 24th of this month.

Lewis is a well established, multi-instrumental musician and music teacher based in Aberdeen who has been actively involved in the music scene in Aberdeen for nearly two decades, including maintaining a monthly residence at The Sanddollar Cafe for seven years and performing at events such as the Aberdeen Jazz Festival, amongst others. For more information about his music and teaching, you can visit his profiles on music platforms and local event listings. – Further details will also follow before the event.

As some of you will be aware by now, the top of the line trumpeter Colin Steele, (along with equally top class support quintet), will be playing two gigs in Forres as part of the Findhorn Bay Festival on the 26th and 27th September. Respectively, these will be celebrating the ‘Legends of Swing Music’, (such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington) and Miles Davis, in what would have been his 100th year….!! – These are certain to be excellent, not-to-be-missed events, showcasing the works of master musicians. – The links below will take you to the Findhorn Bay Festival website and relevant Colin Steele gigs.. as well as access to the full range of events being offered during the Festival.

https://findhornbayfestival.com/whats-on/2026/colin-steele-quintet-play-miles-davis

https://findhornbayfestival.com/whats-on/2026/kings-of-swing




NEXT JAZZ SESSION – ELGIN TOWN HALL FOR THE COMMUNITY, 8;00pm, 10th September, 2026

After a brief return to Elgin City F.C., we are heading back to Elgin Town for the Community with another great combo headed up by Jamie Anderson on tenor sax – Supporting Jamie will be a superb back-up consisting of Adrian Beckwith on Piano and Pete Lowitt on double bass and we may even find someone to play drums by Thursday…..!!! 🙂

In separate news, and as most members are aware, the Club held its AGM on the 27th August, the conclusion of which is, ‘steady as she goes’…!! In light of no new candidates to take up the various office bearer roles, the existing Committee has agreed to continue during 2026-’27. Copies of the Minutes of Meeting and Annual Accounts will be posted on the Club Website as soon as possible.

I would like to stress that the Committee is shorthanded and we would thoroughly welcome additional support in the running of the Club and assisting in its goal of further developing the Club by reaching a bigger and wider audience and also continuing to provide a platform for local musicians to perform.

Once again MJC would like to bring to the attention of ‘non-members’, our ‘Early Bird’ offer of 7 months subscription for the price of six months, plus a discounted entrance fee of 50% (i.e. £5 instead of £10….!!) – What’s not to like…??

AGM AND NEXT JAZZ SESSION – ELGIN CITY FOOTBALL CLUB – 27th August, 2026 / ‘EARLY BIRD’ OFFER FOR 2ND HALF OF YEAR

Summertime…. is almost over…and we are now heading into the season of cooler evenings and hot jazz in its many forms….!!!

This Thursday evening, following the Club’s AGM, we have a great trio of musicians performing a number of well known, (and not so well known), classics that are sure to entertain the audience.

Magdalena Mackay – Piano/vocal
Adrian Beckwith – Piano
Peter Lowit – Bass

Music will start at 8:00 PM in the Red Door Bar of Elgin City Football Club (i.e. upstairs)

The doors will be open earlier for those who wish to join our AGM meeting which will be held at 6:30pm, also in Elgin City Football Club. If you wish to ask some questions or you have some ideas about how to shape and promote our Jazz Club, please join us on Thursday before the gig.

As we are now approaching the second half of our year, we are once again offering an ‘early bird’ membership for those tempted by benefitting from 7 months of membership instead of 6 months, as well as a reduced entry fee of £5 for members. (The Non-member entrance fee is £10..!!).

IMPORTANT NOTICE – NEXT JAZZ SESSION – ELGIN TOWN HALL FOR THE COMMUNITY, 8;00pm, 23rd JULY, 2026 (Doors open 7:30pm)

Please note that following our ‘off-schedule’ gig last week, featuring the amazing Matthew Kilner, Richard Glassby and Pete Lowit, we will be taking a short summer break until Thursday, 23rd July, when we will be featuring another outstanding lineup which you will not want to miss:

Mike Mackenzie – Saxophone
Ronnie Shaw – Piano
Roger Niven – Guitar
Finlay Grant – Drums
Peter Lowit – Double bass

Meantime, it would be unforgivable not to mention what a great performance we had from the incredible trio of Matthew Kilner, Richard Glassby, and Peter Lowit, playing a wide variety of jazz classics including compositions by Charles Mingus and Sonny Rollins, (recently passed away). The band even managed to fit in a couple of original compositions by Matthew and Richard from their own albums. What a fantastic way to kick off the summer holidays at Moray Jazz Club!

Also to those that were in the audience, a big thank you to you for your enthusiastic appreciation. For those not in attendance last night, here is a little taste of what you missed…!

For those, (such as myself…!), that would like a deeper dive into the work and life of Sonny Rollins, (RIP), here is a link to his official website which is probably a good place to start.

And I haven’t forgotten to give a shout-out to the websites of Matthew and Richard where info on their careers and latest recordings can be found….!! 🙂

Meanwhile, mark your calendars, enjoy the holidays, and we’ll see you on 23rd July for another brilliant night of live jazz!

SPECIAL ONE-OFF JAZZ SESSION – ELGIN TOWN HALL FOR THE COMMUNITY, 8;00pm, 2nd July, 2026 (Doors open 7:30pm)

Sometimes the best surprises are the ones you don’t see coming…!

We’re delighted to announce a very special bonus jazz night at Moray Jazz Club 2nd of July – this Thursday! This wasn’t part of our regular schedule, but an unexpected opportunity came our way, and we simply couldn’t let it pass.

We’re thrilled to welcome Matthew Kilner, joined by Richard Glassby and Peter Lowit, for this one-off performance.

Three exceptional musicians from Scotland’s vibrant jazz scene:

Matthew Kilner – Saxophone (matthewkilnermusic.com)
Richard Glassby – Drums (richardglassby.com)
Peter Lowit – Double bass

Expect inspired improvisation, infectious rhythms, and outstanding musicianship in an intimate setting. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz lover or simply looking for a great night out, this promises to be an evening not to miss.

Matthew Kilner has become one of Scotland’s most exciting young saxophonists, renowned for his expressive playing, fresh musical ideas, and captivating live performances.

This Thursday (02 July 2026)
Music starts at 8.00pm (doors open at 7.30pm)
Elgin Town Hall for the Community

Tickets at the door £10pp / £5 per member

Bring your friends, enjoy the atmosphere, and support live jazz in Moray.

This extra date wasn’t on the calendar, making it an even more special opportunity to catch these outstanding musicians together. We hope you’ll join us for what promises to be a memorable evening.

NEXT JAZZ SESSION – ELGIN TOWN HALL FOR THE COMMUNITY, 8;00pm, 25th June, 2026 (Doors open 7:30pm)

This week we are hosting an exciting young band, The Reel Groove, from Inverness. The musicians are already performing as a trio at an impressive level and are becoming well known across the North of Scotland, blending traditional Scottish music with jazz and funk influences, featuring saxophone, drums and piano.

The band is composed of Fraser Donaldson on piano, Charlie Fraser on drums and Gregor Phillips on saxophone and excerpts from some of their performances can be viewed on YouTube and Facebook, inclusive of stints performed in the mean streets of Inverness…!! It takes courage and fortitude to become a musician. 🙂

In their relatively short existence they have performed at the Shetland Folk Festival and are regular participants at Inverness Jazz Club, where they have gained valuable experience playing alongside some of the finest jazz musicians in the region.
Their live performances include covers of many classic songs showcasing their versatility and flair for blending genres.

It would be great to have a good turnout this week to support and encourage these young musicians at the start of what promises to be very promising careers.

As always, cash at the door for entrance, with card payment facility at the licenced bar.

£5 for Club members
£10 for non-members (An application form is attached…!)

Also, don’t miss supporting Club funds through our raffle, where a number of prizes have been kindly donated by Trident Engraving of Elgin.

For the next gig at Elgin Town Hall for the Community, we are delighted to welcome the talented vocalist Lizzie Pearce, whose expressive style, engaging stage presence and love of the jazz tradition make her a captivating performer. Whether delivering timeless jazz standards or putting her own stamp on familiar favourites, Lizzie brings warmth, sophistication and plenty of musical charm to every performance.

Joining Lizzie will be Adrian Beckwith on piano, Mark Fleming on bass and Finlay Grant on drums – a superb rhythm section guaranteed to make this a memorable evening of live jazz.

Cash entry at the door (open at 7:30pm)

£5 for Club members
£10 for non-members

Don’t miss our raffle, with prizes kindly sponsored by Trident Engraving.

Come along and enjoy a wonderful night of live music, great company and the welcoming atmosphere that makes Moray Jazz Club such a special place.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday.

Just in case your head is spinning from the changes in venue, the next upcoming gig will be held this Thursday in ‘Elgin Town Hall for the Community’, as mentioned above. (As a further reminder for your diaries, we shall again be reverting to the Red Door bar at Elgin City Football Club on the 13th August and 12th November).

So what of the line-up for this upcoming event….?

This week we have another solid quartet comprising the following talented musicians who are a mainstay of the jazz scene in the North-east of Scotland and are also well known to Moray Jazz Club.

On Sax – Jamie Anderson

On Piano – Adrian Beckwith

On Double Bass – Pete Lowit

On Drums – Finlay Grant

Another Word about Club Membership….!!:

Apart from providing a significant discount on Entry to a World of great music, membership provides the means to have a say on who runs the Club and how the Club is run, etc…..!!

The reason for highlighting this at the present time is that the currently stripped down Committee (3 Members..!) has settled on the date for the next Annual General Meeting. This will be held on the 27th August 2026, so please put this date in your diary also. Almost needless to say, the current Committee would very much welcome additional support in maintaining a significant platform for high quality live music in Moray and the wider North-east… !