Quentin Collins and the Bristol Blue Note All Stars

Trumpeter Quentin Collins brings the spirit of the legendary Blue Note Records to Soho for one special night at PizzaExpress Live Jazz Club Soho. Featuring the UK jazz great Gareth Williams on piano and Jazz Defenders lynchpins Jake McMurchie (Get The Blessing) and Ian Matthews (Kasabian) — this explosive set dives deep into the soulful hard bop, modal grooves and swinging classics that made Blue Note the most iconic sound in jazz history. Expect music associated with legends including Lee Morgan, Horace Silver, Art Blakey and Herbie Hancock — alongside fresh arrangements and spontaneous improvisation from a world-class band. Quentin Collins Over a distinguished career spanning more than two decades, Quentin Collins has become a leading light in UK jazz, renowned for his versatility and artistry as a trumpeter. His impressive résumé includes performances and recordings with musical luminaries across genres—among them Fred Wesley, Gregory Porter, Mark Ronson, Omar, Basement Jaxx, Roy Ayers, Alicia Keys, Dennis Rollins, and Mulatu Astatke. At just 19, Collins made his mark with a feature on 4Hero’s Mercury-nominated album Two Pages, before contributing to Basement Jaxx’s iconic hit ‘Do Your Thing’. His debut album as bandleader, If Not Now Then When (2007), signalled a bold creative vision, later culminating in the transatlantic sextet release Road Warrior (2019). Praised by The Guardian for its “remarkable virtuosity, togetherness and sheer spirit,” Road Warrior showcased Collins’ original compositions alongside jazz heavyweights, earning critical acclaim for its vibrant energy and inventive ensemble playing. Internationally, Collins has been a driving force in the Kyle Eastwood Band for over twelve years, shaping albums such as Cinematic and In Transit with his distinctive voice as both performer and arranger. His impact extends beyond performance—co-founding Ubuntu Music in 2015, he has nurtured the next generation of jazz talent, producing acclaimed debut albums for artists like Leo Richardson, Camilla George, and Noemi Nuti. Collins’ own projects, including QC/BA’s Beauty in Quiet Places, have been celebrated for their infectious groove and creative spirit, confirming his place at the heart of contemporary jazz’s evolution. ""A Trumpeter whose style is a sizzling update of the Morgan/ Hubbard approach." " - MOJO Magazine