Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Ladder: Spotlight Sessions Now Live

Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club completes the Jazz Ladder pipeline with the launch of headline Spotlight Sessions

Following the successful rollout of its live-scouting jam sessions and ‘First Sets’ programme earlier this year, Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club has launched the final tier of its Arts Council England-funded talent incubator, the Jazz Ladder. Last night, the ‘Spotlight Sessions’ kicked off with an electrifying performance by the Henry Kimber Band.

Led by London-based singer, guitarist and songwriter Henry Kimber, the band brought together the sounds of vintage blues, soul and funk with a contemporary edge. Known for their energetic live performances and free-flowing improvisation, the trio showcased original material from their 2024 debut album, Forever And A Day.

Upcoming Spotlight Sessions:

• 12th November: Casey Whyte Quartet. Violinist and composer Casey Whyte brings her quartet for an evening exploring contemporary jazz and folk. Drawing on her Irish background, the 19-year-old weaves folk influences into a repertoire firmly rooted in modern jazz. The quartet features Will Inscoe (piano), Zaki Osahn (bass) and Cian Burton (drums). Casey has previously performed alongside artists including Nigel Kennedy, John McLaughlin, Robin Nolan and Liane Carroll.
• 26th November: Dylan Chandler Quartet. This London-based modern jazz project is centred around original music that balances simplicity with musical depth. Bringing together four musicians from the UK, Canada and Dylan’s own Spanish-English background, the quartet draws freely from folk, pop, rock and classical music.
• 21st January: Satin Beige and The After Hours. Armed with a cello, velvet vocals and a mischievous streak, Satin Beige brings her irresistible blend of soul, jazz and blues to the club, joined by her ensemble, The After Hours.
• 15th April: Susie Wilkins. Singer-songwriter Susie Wilkins returns to the stage with her full band, guitarist Barry Holloway, bassist Gareth Davies and drummer Jason Reeve, for a special evening of original blues, funk and soul. With three decades of experience spanning the jazz clubs of Hong Kong to touring with Joe Jackson, Susie will perform original compositions and fresh interpretations of classic songs.

First Sets and jam sessions continued success

As the Spotlight Sessions begin, The Jazz Ladder’s foundational tiers, the jam sessions and First Sets support slots continue to thrive. The next wave of First Sets performances includes:

• 3rd December: CLIO TRIO (supporting Tom Ford). For this stripped-back performance, Jamie Harms joins flautist Belle Brunson and pianist Lior Solomons-Wise to perform original compositions and reinterpretations, with echoes of Norman Willmore and Kenny Wheeler.
• 14th January: Oscar Williams Trio (also supporting Tom Ford). Led by London-based drummer and composer Oscar Williams, this trio blends contemporary jazz with folk influences. Inspired by artists like Bill Frisell and Pat Metheny, Oscar, Toby and Zaki place melody, groove and storytelling at the heart of their performance.

To apply for the programme, musicians should complete the registration form.

To view the full calendar of Jazz Ladder Programme gigs and buy tickets, visit this page.

About Supporting Grassroots Music 

Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as part of the UK Government’s Creative industries sector vision, £5 million has been invested to support Grassroots Music.

About Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club 

Established in 2008, Toulouse Lautrec is an independent, family-owned jazz venue in Kennington, South London. With its distinctive red aesthetic, the club is inspired by Parisian cabaret culture while providing a modern platform for live jazz. It has earned a reputation as one of London’s most authentic and welcoming jazz destinations.