Category: Gigs

First of all, an important piece of info regarding the next gig on Thursday, 14th May – Although the majority of our gigs are now going to be held in ‘Elgin Town Hall for the Community’ for the remainder of this year, please note that due to the unavailability of the venue for this upcoming Thursday, we shall be reverting to the Red Door bar at Elgin City Football Club for this gig. This arrangement will also be applicable to the gigs due to take place on the 13th August and 12th November – Reminders will be sent nearer the time but, I would suggest that you put those dates and details in your diaries today…!!

Of course the more important news is that we now have a confirmed line-up for next Thursday and this now comprises the following personnel:

On vocals: Verii – Verii is a lady of great talent, and mystery, (I do not as yet have any details of her bio, but I’m sure more details will be available on our FB page very soon..!!).

On keyboards: Neil Birse – Neil hails from Aberdeen and is a classically trained jazz pianist. A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, he is passionate about performance and education. Teachers whilst at Guildhall included Nikki Isles, Malcolm Edmonstone, Jason Rebello, Gareth Williams and Steve Watts. Neil has continued working regularly with various singers and musicians, live and in studio, including showcases in Switzerland, and co-producing a big band album by Giles Thornton. Often working with jazz, folk, classical and rock musicians, he also enjoys leading group workshops in schools and privately.

On Double Bass: Pete Lowit – Pete is well known to Moray Jazz Club and is a self taught musician who has been playing double bass for over 40 years, mainly in jazz and dance bands. He learned his craft working with local musicians such as Mune Angus, Frank Stephenson and Bill Kemp. In the early 1990’s he started playing in the house bands at the Lemon Tree and Blue Lamp accompanying visiting jazz musicians from all over the world. He has also played in Stavanger, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh Jazz Festivals.

On Drums: Finlay Grant – Finlay is also well known to Moray Jazz Club and is much appreciated for his feel, rhythm and flair in forming the heartbeat of any band that he plays with.

After a successful first gig in our new home at Elgin Town Hall for the Community, MJC is delighted to invite you to another great night of live music this Thursday evening.

This week’s line-up will be the James Steele Quartet comprising of four outstanding musicians from the Scottish jazz scene, inclusive of:

James Steele, (of course), on various saxophones
James is a familiar, and always welcome, presence at Moray Jazz Club, and is known for his powerful tone and expressive improvisation across alto and baritone sax. His playing blends energy, warmth, and a deep connection to both traditional and modern jazz styles.

Nigel Mackenzie – Drums
Nigel is a dynamic and responsive drummer, equally at home driving a hard-swinging groove or adding subtle colour and texture. His musical sensitivity and rhythmic creativity make him a valued collaborator on the jazz scene.

Steven Curley – Guitar
Steven brings a distinctive voice on guitar, combining melodic invention with rich harmonic textures. His playing moves effortlessly between lyrical passages and more adventurous improvisation.

Craig Macfadyen – Bass
A solid and inventive bassist, Craig provides the foundation of the group with warmth, groove, and impeccable timing, while also contributing thoughtful melodic lines.

Together, this quartet promises an evening of engaging, high-quality jazz – full of interaction, spontaneity, and great tunes.

Entry: £10 / £5 for Moray Jazz Club members (cash at the door)
Bar: Licensed bar available (cash and cards accepted)

We’d love to see you there for what promises to be a fantastic night of live jazz in our new home.

MJC: Keeping Live Music Alive, One Gig at a Time…!

Best wishes,
Moray Jazz Club

We’re delighted to announce that Spider MacKenzie will be bringing his magical harmonicas back to Elgin!

Joining him is a phenomenal rhythm section: Adrian Beckwith on piano, Roger Nevin on guitar, Pete Lowit on double bass, and Finlay Grant on drums.

Entry: £8 per person / £5 for Moray Jazz Club members
Payment: Cash at the door
Licensed bar available

It’s been a while since ‘Spider’ played for MJC, so I’ve taken the liberty of adding a link to his website, as well as a few choice words of praise from various critics….!!

Spider MacKenzie harmonica player – Music & Videos

“Spider – a polite, unassuming guy… Until you put a harmonica in his hand. At that point he’ll take a song, and make you feel it. In your bones.” – Texas Lifestyle Magazine

“I bet you think every town has a blues harp player this good. They don’t and we should cherish him.” – The Aberdeen Press & Journal

“Spider is clearly a virtuoso harmonica player” – Blues Matters magazine

In further news, please take note that, as from this the 9th April, MJC will be relocating to Elgin Town Hall for the Community in a move which we hope will be beneficial to the Club.

This will also be the last chance for members, or prospective members, to take advantage of the Club’s ‘Earlybird’ offer of membership at the ‘old’ rate of £20 before it is increased to £35…! Entrance fees for ‘Non-members’ will also be increasing to £10. The Entrance fee for Members will remain at £5 for at least the next 12 months, which can only be described as exceptional value for those that wish to experience quality live music.

For anyone unable to make the event on 9th April, and wishes to take advantage of the ‘Earlybird’ offer, payment can be made directly to the Club’s bank account, as noted on the attached Membership Application pro-forma. The form should also be completed and returned to: morayjazzclub@gmail.com – When paying to the Club’s account, please add the reference ‘Earlybird’ followed by your surname to assist in matching up Applications with our bank statements…!!