A Top-Tier Jazz Venue Just Beyond Norfolk — Well Worth the Trip
Towngate Theatre Basildon, The Entrance
The Towngate Theatre Jazz Cafe is yet another newly discovered Jazz Venue. It caught my eye because many of their acts have also performed at Upwell Jazz Club and Peterborough Jazz Club.
The Jazz Events are held monthly on the third Thursday of every month in the Towngate Theatre Cafe. They are mostly lunchtime events which makes the travelling easier for us!
Free Entry - Tables can be booked in advance - Contact the Theatre for more information
Sean Fyfe Trio; Matt Fishwick & Luke Fowler
Canadian jazz pianist Sean Fyfe emerges as a distinguished artist with an impressive international footprint, having graced stages in New York and Montreal.
Settling in London, Sean has established himself as one of the busiest pianists in the city, with a presence on the piano that is virtuosic and tasteful.
Drawing heavily on the hard-bop era of jazz, he has developed a unique style on the instrument and in his musical writing.
The afternoon’s performance will feature music from Sean’s newest release “Follow-Up,” and feature his fiery trio: Matt Fishwick (drums), and Luke Fowler (bass).
Sean has worked with a number of American musicians including Ralph Moore, Jon Gordon, Greg Abate, Joe Farnsworth and Alex Claffy, as well as top UK musicians Alan Barnes, Leo Richardson, Sebastiaan De Krom, Mornington Lockett and Alex Garnett.
Sean’s playing draws heavily from the music of Cedar Walton, Bill Evans, Bobby Timmons and Wynton Kelly.
Noted for his collaborative work on acclaimed recordings such as ‘In This Moment’ (2022) and ‘Opening Statement’ (2017) with Sam Kirmayer, as well as ‘Conduit’ (2014) featuring Azar Lawrence with Al McLean.
As bandleader, Sean’s releases also include ‘Stepping Stones’ (2024), following his debut album ‘Late Night’ (2022).
A product of the esteemed Manhattan School of Music and McGill University, Sean refined his skills under the mentorship of pianists Jeremy Manasia, Garry Dial, Andre White and Joshua Rager. His performances have left an indelible mark on iconic venues like Smalls, Mezzrow, Pizza Express and Ronnie Scott’s.
“One might say, Cellar Music has a thing for hard bop and the contemporary players who are embracing the soulful tunes, driving rhythms and captivating solos that were the mainstay of jazz in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Pianist Sean Fyfe is one of them, and along with Dave O’Higgins on sax, Luke Fowler on bass and Matt Fishwick on drums
they pay and play homage to this bygone era”
Abe Goldstein, Published June 28, 2024
“★★★★ In an era when the echoes of jazz legends resonate through the ages, pianist Sean Fyfe emerges as a torchbearer of the hard-bop tradition with his latest release Stepping Stones . This album is a testament to the power of collaboration, as Fyfe is joined by the dynamic ensemble of tenor saxophonist Dave O’Higgins, drummer Matt Fishwick
and bassist Luke Fowler, each of whom brings their unique talent and deep respect for those who came before.”
Pierre Giroux, Published May 8, 2024
1pm – 3pm | Free Entry
Reserve a table in advance by contacting the theatre for details.
Musicians should use the email address below to inquire about playing here.
Email: towngatelive@gmail.com
Jazz Parking Options
There is no public parking at the Towngate Theatre.
There are ample parking options within a few minutes’ walk from the theatre:
Westgate Shopping Centre Multi-Storey Car Park
Be sure to use the inside, multi-storey car park, as this area has no time limit. The outside Westgate parking area is time-limited. There is no overnight parking, and the car park closes at 10 pm.
Great Oaks Multi-Storey Car Park
Located about a 5-minute walk from the theatre, opposite the police station. This car park also has no time limit on parking.
