Hidden Jazz Spots & Local Bands
A view from the rear of Swaffham Jazz Club
Swaffham Jazz Club is another of our favourite Norfolk Jazz Haunts. An intimate cosy spot where you can get nice and close to the band. It's another not-for-profit Jazz Club, run by volunteers; a place where you will always find a friendly welcome.
The Jazz Nights are held on the second Tuesday of every Month except during January and February. see the dates for 2025 below
The Jazz is held in the back room of Swaffham Conservative Club. The club bar has a wide range of beers, wines and spirits and also hot and cold non-alcohlic drinks.
Entrance is via the side-door, to the right of the club, £10 cash please, payable on the door.
There's ample parking to be found in and around the market square just a few minutes walk away from the club. You will also find a car park behind the club, accessed through the long alley off Beech Close – zoom out on the map at the bottom of the page to see exactly where.
Swaffham Jazz Club Events: 2025
Tuesday 13th May 2025 - 7:30pm to 10 pm
£10 - Cash on the door
Chris Ingham Trio plays Dudley Moore
Chris Ingham Trio
Tuesday 10th June 2025 - 7:30pm to 10 pm
£10 - Cash on the door
Big Jazz Energy Incoming – Announcement Dropping Soon!
Chris Watson playing with Jim Mullen at Peterborough Jazz Club
Tuesday 8th July 2025 - 7:30pm to 10 pm
£10 - Cash on the door
The Chris Watson Trio with guest vocalist
Chris Watson – Jazz Guitarist, Composer, Bandleader
Chris Watson formed his first band at 11 and by his teens was already gigging with bass legend Colin Hodgkinson and guitarist Lloyd Watson. Hodgkinson introduced him to jazz guitar great John McLaughlin, sparking a lifelong passion for jazz.
At 15, Chris played solo sets at London’s Pizza On The Park, where jazz guitarist Ike Isaacs connected him with Bill Ashton of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO). Chris became a NYJO regular from age 16 to 22, touring internationally and performing with artists like Nancy Wilson, Vic Damone, John Dankworth, and classical guitarist John Williams. He also earned a jazz studies diploma from the Guildhall School of Music during this period.
Chris played with saxophonist Tommy Chase, guitarist Martin Taylor at Ronnie Scott’s, and joined George Russell’s big band alongside Courtney Pine, Kenny Wheeler, and Andy Sheppard. He played on Sheppard’s award-winning album Introductions in the Dark, which briefly charted in the UK Top 30.
A versatile musician, Chris supported jazz fusion icons Al Di Meola and John Scofield, and led several bands including funk, Latin, and Hendrix-inspired outfits. He also built a professional studio to support his compositional work, including Earthman, a multimedia orchestral tribute to late friend and drummer Mark Randall, with interest from the BBC.
Chris is currently recording a jazz album with his trio while touring with his acclaimed band.
“It’s the tour that never ends!” he says.
You can see Chris's performance with Jim Mullen, Liam Dunachie, Dave Jackson and Laurie Jacobs in our East Anglia Jazz Videos section.
Tuesday 12th August 2025 - 7:30pm to 10 pm
£10 - Cash on the door
Mark Your Calendars – Jazz Vibes Loading!
Tuesday 9th September 2025 - 7:30pm to 10 pm
£10 - Cash on the door
The Jazz Stage is Set – Details Revealed Soon!
Tuesday 14th October 2025 - 7:30pm to 10 pm
£10 - Cash on the door
Feel the Rhythm – Special Jazz Event to Be Announced!
Tuesday 11th November 2025 - 7:30pm to 10 pm
£10 - Cash on the door
Get Ready to Groove – Jazz Night Coming Your Way!
Tuesday 9th December 2025 - 7:30pm to 10 pm
£10 - Cash on the door
Something Cool is Brewing – Jazz Event Announcement Near!
A few videos from previous events at Swaffham Jazz Club
"Days Of Wine and Roses"
Recorded at Swaffham Jazz Club by Richard Exall with the Graeme Culham Quartet
Graeme Culham drums, Phil Brooke guitar, Richard Exall sax & clarinet, Mark Adams bass.
"Straight, No Chaser"
Recorded at Swaffham Jazz Club by The Graeme Culham Quartet
Graeme Culham drums, Phil Brooke guitar, Richard Exall sax & clarinet, Mark Adams bass.
"Norweigan Wood" Recorded at Swaffham Jazz Club
Dave Jackson (drums), Joel Humman (bass), Dave Franklin (reeds), Derek Scurll (vibes) & Ivan Garford (keys)
"Birdland"
Recorded at Swaffham Jazz Club
Dave Jackson (drums), Joel Humman (bass), Dave Franklin (reeds), Derek Scurll (vibes) & Ivan Garford (keys)
