Reviews & Testimonials

Clare Teal &  Jason Rebello - Crazy Coqs

“Thanks so much for the gig it was wonderful to be back playing together and in front of real live audiences. We both felt safe and were well looked after. The audiences were great - I found the whole experience quite emotional at times”  — Clare Teal 

Some Kinda Wonderful @ Pizza Express Birmingham

Pizza ExpressLive: Birmingham 18th Jan. "I had seen reviews and heard about this show, but honestly it was even better than anything I'd read.  I loved the music, Derek and Noel talked to the audience, they were entertaining and so so talented.  What a show, loved every second. It really was Some Kinda Wonderful" — Amanda. Solihull

The Music of Gil Evans @St John's Smith Square London
This is the most amazing review for this truly wonderful concert :
The Music of Gil Evans at St John's Smith Square, London.
The Music of Gil Evans @St John's Smith Square London EFG LJF
The Music of Gil Evans performing Porgy & Bess and Miles Ahead.  The audience was captivated.
“David and I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the concerts we came to for the LJF, in particular the one last night at St John’s Smith Square. We can only guess at all the hoops you had to jump through to make it happen. The four trumpeters were superb”
Alexander Bone @The Other Palace - LJF
Alexander Bone at The Other Palace on the 18 November as part of the EFG _ London Jazz Festival.
“We feel privileged to be in at the beginning of Alexander Bone’s career. What a talent he is and how he can play an instrument and somehow make it sound like nobody else can. We hope one day he tries his luck in New York. Smalls in the West Village would love him.”
Nicole Henry @St John's Smith Square London
I think this review says it all. 
Nicole Henry</span> @ St John's Smith Square
"The most amazing night was had by all attending St John's Smith Square in London whilst seeing Nicole Henry and the Nick Fitch Band.  What an incredible singer with charisma and effortless talent that made me laugh and cry.  The band was brilliant and the venue was incredibly atmospheric. I travelled from the Midlands to see this event and I was left in total awe of Nicole Henry."  
 
Thank you so much. — Amanda S
Nick Fitch Duo @ Bank House
“What a brilliant evening yesterday. James and Nick were total stars and both Michael and I felt very privileged to hear and meet them. Thank you for your help in getting them to come to Bank House” 
Bank House
Tom Green Septet
“ It was lovely to play in one of my favourite venues in London (Pizza Express Jazz Club Dean Street) 
 and congratulations to you too for such fantastic promotion as ever. Really brilliant working with you as always.”
Tom Green - the Tom Green Septet
Clare Teal
“Thanks so much - great job with the promotion xxx” -Clare Teal at The Pheasantry for our Jazz Divas series
Some Kinda Wonderful At The Apex

The comment speaks for itself. “I just wanted to drop you a line to tell you what a wonderful show was put on last night at The Apex. The venue was perfect, well placed for car parking and food outlets, and an extremely well designed complex. As for the show itself, it was magnificent. I rarely get the opportunity to attend such events, but this was a joy! The musicians were so talented, the singer fantastic, and it was great to be allowed to get up and dance in the aisles! Just a wonderful evening, which I sincerely hope we'll be able to repeat very soon.” 

Joanna Eden - celebrating the music of Joni Mitchell

Please do see this fantastic review of the Joanna Eden Concert celebrating the music of Joni Mitchell from Access All Areas for her performance at The Pheasantry on Friday 12 April 2019.

Joanna Eden - Jazz At The Movies
Please see this fantastic review of Joanna Eden & Jazz At the Movies for their performance at The Other Palace Studio on 28 March 2019.
Stan Getz a Musical A Musical Portrait Review
Please see this fantastic review of The Chris Ingham Quartet performing the music of Stan Getz.
Some Kinda Wonderful - Derek Nash & Noel McCalla Review
Please see this fantastic review of Noel McCalla & Derek Nash's performance in June 2018 at The Other Palace. This was nominated as one of the TOP 10 GIGS OF 2018! What an honour and well deserved.
Stan Getz a Musical A Musical Portrait Review
Please see this fantastic review of The Chris Ingham Quartet performing the music of Stan Getz.
Joe Stilgoe at The Apex
Please see this terrific review of Joe Stilgoe at The Apex Theatre on 12 December.  What a true star this man is. 
LJF Big Band Bash
Please do see this fantastic Review from Jazz Journal regarding Down For The Count at the EFG London Jazz Festival 2018. Review
 
Big Band Review
“Well, if that was Jazz, we like it. I think of it as exciting, live big band swing. It was terrific.
S and I had a lovely evening, as did all the other guests and I shall keep a close eye out for other JBGB Events concerts.”
 
 
Tina May
“Just a wee note to say 'thanks so much' for the great day at the LJF. I know I speak for my band in saying we loved playing for you :) Many thanks xx  Tina”
 
What a fantastic endorsement from our very talented artist Tina May.  We love working with you too.
 
 
2 Pianos, 6 Pianists for LJF
Please do see this fantastic review in the London Jazz News for the 6 Pianists, 2 Pianos event at The Other Palace for the EFG LJF 18
 
 
 
Some Kinda Wonderful - Derek Nash & Noel McCalla Review
"I took your card at Pizza Express last week for the Some Kinda Wonderful gig. Best gig of the year as far as i am concerned. Those guys are something else."
- Lynn O’Connor
Some Kinda Wonderful - Derek Nash & Noel McCalla Review
Please do see this amazing video for an amazing event in which Derek Nash & Noel McCalla performed in Some Kinda Wonderful, the music of Stevie Wonder.
 
 
Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi comments
We have to thank you for having invited us to play in London, it was great! We are very happy about how it went at Pizza Express and thank you for the great work you have done to advertise the concerts. 
Also, thanks for the exciting and fun introductions to our concerts, they set a good energy in the room! You do that so well! — Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi
Some Kinda Wonderful - Derek Nash & Noel McCalla Review
Please do see this amazing review for an amazing event in which Derek Nash & Noel McCalla performed in Some Kinda Wonderful, the music of Stevie Wonder.
 
Please click here for your next opportunity to see this fabulous show on Wednesday 3rd October 2018.
Jacqui Dankworth & Charlie Wood

“It was such a pleasure playing for you & hanging out after-show the other night. Thanks so much for looking after Jacqui and me so beautifully. Everybody loves working with you because they always know they'll be treated so well & that every detail will be perfect. It really means a lot, so thank you very much.”   Charlie Wood & Jacqui Dankworth

Gareth Lockrane Band

Please do see this amazing review of this fabulous band.

Mark Crooks playing Johnny Mandel

See this great review from Jazz Journal.  Another superb event brought to you by JBGB Events.

Fantastic Blossom Time with Zoe Francis Review

Please do see this fabulous review of a brilliant event in  Jazz Journal performed by Zoe Francis.

Blue Note Years with Chris Ingham's REBOP

See this great review from London Jazz.  This perfectly illustrates the fantastic events offered by JBGB Events and his artists. Click & book tickets to see Chris Ingham and REBOP performing the music of Horace Silver.

A quote from the amazing Alan Barnes

"If you see a John Billett concert coming, do go and you will be guaranteed an enjoyable high quality concert" - Alan Barnes

A review of Barb Jungr @ The Other Palace

Please see this fabulous review of the Barb Jungr concert at The Other Palace, 25 May 2017.

Blue Note Years with Chris Ingham's REBOP

See this great review from Music News showing how accessible Jazz can be. 

Cabaret Nights at The Lansdowne with Chris Ingham

"A pleasure as always to swing Christmas for you at the Lansdowne and the Hoste. Delighted it seemed to hit the spot once more at both venues. The band join me in thanking you for your gracious hosting of such pleasurable events."

Chris Ingham - Jazz at The Movies

Joanna Eden & Chris Ingham at The Lansdowne

"I thought the entire evening was superb and talking to many Members during and after the event I received fantastic feedback." - Tim Cagney CEO Lansdowne Club

2 Pianos, 6 Pianists, 12 Hands & 60 Digits Nov 2016

It was a privilege as ever to be part of your sincere and enthusiastic promotions.  The 60 Digits event in particular was your baby from daydream beginning to ludicrously successful end, and you deserve full credit for having the vision and energy to see it through.

Chris Ingham — REBOP

2 Pianos, 6 Pianists, 12 Hands & 60 Digits November 2016

Congratulations on a great afternoon, we loved every note, every minute of top drawer musicianship and fun. — Bob and Bobbie C 

2 Pianos, 6 Pianists, 12 Hands & 60 Digits November 2016 — London Jazz Festival

 
Classic Jazz in Four Hands Friday 11 November 2016

What an amazing evening at St James Studio! Fabulous venue, the most exciting and talented pianists and so witty.  The most enjoyable evening I’ve had in a long time.  Thank you so much JBGB Events.  More please. — Amanda S

Classic Jazz in Four Hands Friday 11 November 2016 London Jazz Festival

Infectious Brazil at The Crazy Coqs 1 November

"It was indeed a wonderful evening for us on stage. Of course, I would love to take this project further with you and 'Infect' more audiences wherever we go!"

Infectious Brazil

Infectious Brazil at The Crazy Coqs

Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed Tuesday Crazy Coqs.  Infectious Brazil were brilliant, I have been a fan of Bossa Nova and especially Antonio Carlos Jobim for many years.  They were ALL amazing, especially the singer — nailed it as they say. I have said enough except thank you and please can you book them again. — Jenny M

Down for The Count Swing Orchestra at The Hoste of Jazz
"Well- what can we say- we had an amazing evening-'Down for the Count' were absolutely fantastic and we have already sought out their next gig and circulated to others to join us. ?"
 
Comment from a very satisfied customer at the performance of Down for the Count at The Hoste of Jazz.
 
Claire Martin and Joe Stilgoe The Two of Us

A fabulous review of the very well received performance on Sunday 21st February 2016 at the St. James Theatre by Claire Martin and Joe Stilgoe.  It appears this duo can do no wrong.

http://www.aaamusic.co.uk/2016/02/25/claire-martin-joe-stilgoe-live-st-james-theatre/

AAA Music

Laurence Juber @ Pizza Express Jazz Club

Laurence Juber was even better than billed. Thanks and roll on the next act. John F

Comment from a very happy customer at Laurence Juber event 3rd August 2016 at Pizza Express Jazz Club

Claire Martin and Joe Stilgoe

A great review of Claire Martin & Joe Stilgoe at St James Theatre on Sunday 21st February 2016. A triumph I think we would all agree.

http://www.theartsdesk.com/new-music/claire-martin-and-joe-stilgoe-st-james-theatre

The Arts Desk.com

Dixie Mix Review

"DixieMix were very pleased to be asked down to St James Studio for the London Jazz Festival and thought the venue and staff were excellent. The concert and reception is still being talked about within the band. We are looking forward to working with JBGB Events again in the near future."

Simon Nelson

Tom Green Review

"It was a pleasure to work with JBGB events. John was always ready and quick to answer any questions by phone or email and tireless with the promotion and management of the event. Our concert at St James Studio for the London Jazz Festival was a very memorable one, and I certainly hope to collaborate more in the future."

Tom Green Septet

Norma Winstone

"Thank you for the opportunity to sing at your lovely St.James Studio venue. I really enjoyed the evening. I do hope that we can do something again sometime."

Norma Winstone

NYJO Swing Band at the Hoste

"The NYJO Swing Band mixed enthusiastic and creative performance with a varied and often surprising setlist to give Bruce Lindsay and many others a great night out."

Full review from Jazz Journal

Chris Ingham Review

"I have had nothing but positive experiences being involved in JBGB events, and I look forward to enjoying many more."

Chris Ingham

Derek Nash Review

"I'd be delighted to work together in the future, it's been a pleasure to work with you. 

Your approach to the whole process is very positive, and professional, plus your media profile is very professional and hence very successful."

Derek Nash

JBGB Events


After 10+ years of developing JBGB Events, which with your support has become a major force on the London Jazz Scene, it's time to embrace a new work plan
From January 2024, I become part of the Pizza Express Live Jazz Management team, creating, and presenting concerts at their Dean Street, Holborn, and Chelsea venues.
This development allows me to spend more time on building the best concerts for you, with the Pizza Express team handling the important administrative, payment, VAT, performing rights etc which with over 80 JBGB Events concerts in 2023 had become a significant burden on our limited resources.
Our focus will be on developing Big Band Sunday lunches with Gareth Lockrane, Simon Spillett , Nikki Iles, NYJO, Tom Smith and so many more plus, the major artists including Claire Martin, Clare Teal, Elaine Delmar, Derek Nash, Alan Barnes, Mark Nightingale et all, not overlooking our successful Christmas party Jazz Lunchtimes in December.
We retain our established JBGB Events brand and hope you will continue to support our major live music plans
Our successful relationships with the jazz cabaret venue Crazy Coqs will continue with several concerts
In thanking you for your support over many years we hope you will find many concert in 2024 and hopefully beyond from us that you will come to and enjoy.

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John Billett

"Music, as a background to something else, is no music. Performing with recorded backing tracks is no performance. Great music is always live. Listen to music in the foreground.

Brilliant music, superbly performed by outstanding musicians, and heard without distraction is a recipe for entertainment, inspiration and complete enjoyment. And the great thing about improvised music is its different every time."

"Live music is so exciting, you never know what's going to happen"

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