Green Note

Testaments are a London-based romantic jazz trio led by bassist and songwriter Mark McQuillan, featuring Rebecka Edlund on vocals, Dom Howard on guitar and Mark McQuillan on double bass. Their music combines detailed songwriting with improvisational freedom built into the arrangements, leading songs to change substantially from one performance to the next. The music moves between sparse, intimate sections and much louder, more chaotic peaks, while the song and lyrics remain the anchor throughout. Rebecka Edlund’s theatrical vocal style is central to the sound, and Testaments aim to take listeners through a wide range of emotions, from ecstatic joy to tenderness and mourning.time they play.

A native of the rugged north of Iceland, troubadour and storyteller Svavar Knútur has dedicated his life to exploring the human condition through the lens of his country’s dark and often tragic history and unique melodies and narrative style. Channelling the angst ridden serenity of long dark winters and the insomnia of the 24 hour glaring summer sun, this eclectic musician has in recent years blossomed into a sublime singer and songwriter. Svavar Knútur’s songs of misery and redemption deliver a healthy dose of hope in the midst of despair. A humoristic storyteller and avid diver into the murky waters of the human condition, Svavar Knútur sows and reaps a unique mixture of art and entertainment. Drawing upon a wide range of influences, three of Svavar Knútur’s most governing ones are without doubt Nick Drake, Will Oldham (Bonnie Prince Billy) and Kris Kristofferson, although such artists as Leonard Cohen, Cat Stevens, Joni Mitchell, Nick Cave and many more singer/songwriters have contributed to the Icelandic troubadour’s development.

A long time collaboration of three esteemed London musicians with many musical roots who have been honing a heady mélange of gypsy jazz, Hungarian czardasz, East European folk styles, dirty tango, French musette and swing together for over 20 years, performing at many venues and festivals in the UK and Europe. Managing to combine folky roughness, passion, slow Balkan decoration, evocative French style accordion, klezmer-like acceleration, dreamy ballads and the American songbook into their performances. “Music that lures you irresistibly - violin, guitar and accordion phrases dissolve exquisitely into each other, the band’s distinctive sound brings jazz, French, Argentinian and folk styles together with brilliant musicianship and panache ” London Jazz News “Definitely took me over to somewhere in Buenos Aires “ DJ Ritu Pete Watson – accordion/bandleader. Pete has played widely with jazz and world artists including Gilad Atzmon, Balkanatics, Hamza Namira, Madonna, and in theatre and feature films. David Ahmed – guitar. A Dylan-inspired folk mandolin/ tenor banjo player in his youth, David discovered the legacy of Django Reinhardt and plays with many Gypsy Swing ensembles in the UK and Europe. Fiery and melodic emotionalism is his style. Frank Biddulph – violin. Experienced performer in a range of music styles from Gypsy Jazz, Klezmer, Turkish and North African to Irish and UK folk music, he has recorded for BBC John Peel sessions and is arranger-in-residence for In Harmony Lambeth.

A double-bill of two ukulele greats, Phil Doleman and Christopher Davis-Shannon. Swing jazz, blues, old-school country. A set from each, plus, of course, some collaborations. Phil Doleman Phil’s love of vintage blues, jazz, novelty, and jug band music shines through as he blows the dust off obscure old songs and gives new life to classics. With just his big voice and driving rhythms on both ukulele and banjo, he'll take you back to the speakeasies and juke joints of 100 years ago. Phil has travelled all over the UK and to Europe and the US performing and leading workshops at festivals, theatres, and clubs. Christopher Davis-Shannon Christopher Davis-Shannon is a four string evangelist. His dazzling right hand techniques, pulling from masters ranging from Formby to Ka’ai, paired with the harmonic sensibility of Johnny Smith has lead to the development of a timeless ukulele style that is distinctly his own. Playing selections ranging from the great American songbook to Hawaiian standards to Brazilian bossa nova as well as his own originals Davis-Shannon defies categorization.

NatalieGrace and Steve are modern day bards sharing folk-inspired music to remind us of what unites us. 2027 will see the release of their second album 'Free Folk' tales of love, war and striving for a free life. The Green Note will get an early peek at original music and folk songs that will have you dancing, weeping and pondering what freedom means to us. This is a unique blend of tradition and progression for a modern audience, honouring the past while remaining firmly rooted in the present.

Ma Polaine’s Great Decline are an award-winning band praised by MOJO Magazine for their unique blend of pop, folk, blues, and Americana, embarking on an exciting year following the February release of their fifth studio album, Monster Swan. This album is a return to the grittier, blues side of Ma Polaine, and whilst that influence is evident, the final album still carries their usual “hard to pigeon-hole” hallmark. “Japanese Knotweed” flies that flag most strongly, the somewhat unhinged story line backed by a similarly unhinged arrangement. “Gasoline Can” and “Told You Lately” hold the most blues about them, albeit from different camps of the genre. With airplay on BBC 6 and BBC Radio 2, and the support of Cerys Matthews, the band's genre-defying charm unfolds through songs that explore the intricacies of human connections, weaving tales of light and dark with uplifting melodies and heartfelt storytelling. Their recent live album release drew this comparison from Fatea magazine: “a cocktail that is one part Beth Gibbons from Portishead, a measure of Holiday edge and one part Rockabilly growl”. Beth’s songwriting roots trace back to her childhood in Cornwall, where she began performing folk songs by Brenda Wootton before discovering the voices of Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Kate Bush through her father’s record collection. Clinton’s musical upbringing was steeped in London’s jazz and blues scene, catching Muddy Waters as a child and jazz legends at Ronnie Scott’s as a teen. Together, their influences merge into a sound that defies labels - part folk, part jazz, part country, and wholly theirs. Over the years, Ma Polaine’s Great Decline have released four albums and five EPs, including 2020’s City of Love, which earned them Fatea Magazine’s Best Band/Duo award and a 4-star MOJO review. They were also due to perform live on BBC Radio 2 for Cerys Matthews before lockdown brought the world to a standstill, a moment that ultimately deepened their creative resolve. Live, Beth has a dark humour that offers a chance to laugh at life, consider our human connection, love, and the complex facets of pain, and understanding life can go a bit wonky sometimes. We don’t always get it right, we’re not perfect and our imperfections are part of what make us human, alive, and connected. These are all addressed in the songs, and there’s a cathartic nature to Beth’s lyrics, song-writing and sound that draws the listener in.

Cole & Ward deliver a show that is equal parts craft and charm. Mark Cole’s warm vocals and down-home guitar work (with mandolin and banjo close at hand) bring sharp, characterful songwriting to life - songs that can make you laugh one moment and lean in the next. Alongside him, Liam Ward’s expressive harmonica playing (plus occasional musical saw and other surprises) adds counterpoint, finesse and fire. The result is a set that moves easily between sophistication and good-humoured spontaneity. Instruments are swapped, styles are shared, and no two songs feel the same. Ask for an encore and you may even witness a harmonica duel!

Kirsteen Harvey is a Glasgow-based independent singer-songwriter, coming down for her first London show. Raised in a family of traditional musicians, she blends contemporary songwriting with strong Scottish folk influences, creating a distinctive and heartfelt sound.

McLaughlin began writing songs in secret at the age of 14. After honing his craft through intimate pub gigs and local performances in Edinburgh, he made the leap to Glasgow, where he collaborated with Andy Monaghan of Frightened Rabbit fame on his debut album. Released in 2022, the album garnered widespread acclaim and set the stage for McLaughlin's meteoric rise in the indie music scene.

Harry Diplock brings the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli to the Green Note basement. Joined monthly by some of the best gypsy jazz musicians from across Europe, come for an evening of improvisation and surprises!

Rebecca Hollweg, singer-songwriter and established London jazz session-singer, returns to the Green Note to share the stage with an old friend - brilliant comic singer-songwriter-guitarist Liz Cotton. Two singer-songwriter guitarists with different but complimentary styles and a shared warmth and openness, they are joined by Andy Hamill, one of the UK’s leading jazz double bass players (Laura Mvula, Rumer, Carleen Anderson, Mark Murphy to name a few), to bring you an uplifting evening of thoughtfulness, optimism and humour and good music. Rebecca Hollweg has released 3 albums of original songs and one album of classic favourites called Other People’s Songs. She has played everywhere from Ronnie Scott’s and the South Bank Centre to Latitude Festival and the 12 Bar Club, and at venues and festivals across Europe, Australia and America, going on the road in the southern states and Nashville with her friend Mean Mary. She supported Roger McGuinn of The Byrds on two of his UK theatre tours, as well as Paul Carrack of Squeeze and Mike & the Mechanics touring major UK venues. She regularly works alongside comic poet and musician John Hegley, Q described her as ‘a talented tunesmith, happy to wrangle words into memorable phrases’ - and UNCUT ‘akin to an old school Brill Building songsmith’. She’s appeared on many national BBC radio shows including Loose Ends and Woman’s Hour, and values legendary BBC Radio 2 presenters amongst her loyal fans - ‘A singer I love very much’ Jamie Cullum ‘Just a great vibe, beautiful sound - I love her talent’, the much-missed Janice Long Liz Cotton started on the London comedy circuit. She moved to India for 13 years and continued to write for theatre and for her own band Wotshelike in Delhi with Irit and Sumana, eventually leading to her first album. A highlight was playing at the Dylan Festival in Shillong. Back in the UK, Liz made her second album, Things I Haven’t Done. She has written and performed three musical comedies at the Edinburgh Fringe: 100% Cotton (2019), In a Spin (2022) and Last Stand on Honey Hill (2023). She has played folk clubs in London and East Anglia, and toured 100% Cotton to the North East with Highlights Rural Touring. “A mix between Jake Thackray and Victoria Wood.” Tim Wilcock, Fringe Review “Liz Cotton may have given me my Fringe Experience of 2022. [...] Incredible mashup of Felicity Kendal and Mark Thomas with wardrobe by Laura Ashley and vocabulary via Kathy Burke.” Kate Copstick, The Scotsman “Liz had them in the palm of her hand after one song. It was a sheer pleasure to watch. I’d have her back in a second.” Stephen Thomas, Folkroom Records

Heather Joyce is a singer/songwriter playing an extraordinary duet concertina, known as the Megan – cos it’s all about the bass. Heather’s songs flow from the traditions of the many other instruments she has played (5-string banjo, medieval harp, saxophones, flutes, clarinets etc…). She weaves acerbic and tender lyrics around soaring melodies.

95Pulse presents a special evening of Iranian fusion music, bringing together the rich traditions of Iranian music with contemporary influences from East and West. Featuring an exciting ensemble of musicians and composers, 95Pulse explores new musical landscapes through the distinctive sounds of kamancheh, piano, double bass, percussion, and vocals. The ensemble features: Amirhossein Heydari – Kamancheh Danial Emileh – Piano Pavlos Carvalho – Double Bass Toril – Percussion Sara Motevasselian – Vocals

Red Sky July are husband and wife duo Ally Mcerlaine (Texas) and Shelly Poole (Alisha’s Attic) along with esteemed vocalist Haley Glennie-Smith. The band’s sound is a blend of Alt-Folk, Country and Americana which has seen them gain considerable airplay, including being playlisted on BBC Radio 2. The band, who’s achievements were recognised at the Scottish Music Awards where they were presented with a prestigious Tartan Clef Award, have toured extensively as well as appearing as special guests of the likes of Sheryl Crow, Steve Earle, 10CC, Tom Jones, Jools Holland and more. They have performed at some of the UK’s most renowned festivals including Glastonbury, Isle of Wight, T in the Park and C2C: Country to Country. Their self-titled debut album was released to huge critical acclaim with Q magazine describing the album as “a timeless blend of vocals & intricate twang… as atmospheric as it is emotional”. The follow up album ‘Shadowbirds’ debuted at No. 3 in the official UK Country Charts, with Maverick magazine describing it as “a beautiful slice of alt-country showcasing sunny songs and gorgeous harmonies”. Red Sky July’s third album ‘The Truth and The Lie’ saw them hook up with Grammy nominated Nashville based singer songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman. Again, the album went Top 3 in the Official UK Country Charts, with the Guardian newspaper describing it as “a modern country masterpiece”. The band released their brand-new album ‘Misty Morning’ in 2025 to praise by critics from media and fans alike. “A timeless blend of vocals & intricate twang” – Q “A seductive, exuberant mix of voices” – Evening Standard “Touching lyrics and beautiful melodies” – BBC Radio 2

The Leo Morland Trio returns to Green Note for another night of delicate, emotive and inventive chamber jazz. Leo will be joined by bassist Josh Vadiveloo and drummer Sam Nicholls to play two sets of music by the great composers of the 20th century and beyond - from Gershwin to the Beatles to Maurice Ravel.

Eclectic fun with a mix of originals, jazz, chansons , tongue in cheek pop covers and a dash of Christmas cheer - The Gypsy Dreamers launch their new Big Sky album. “dynamic hybrid jazz-meets-classical project that explores tango, bossa nova, pop, jazz and world sounds via violin, cello and percussion.” – Time Out Una Palliser - Violin/Voice "Bewitching voice" - Songlines Natalie Rozario – Cello/Voice “Majestic cello” – All About Jazz Patrick Naylor – Guitar Best Jazz CDs of 2015 shortlist – Daily Telegraph “a highly articulate, mellow musician”– Jazzwise Thierry Deneux – Percussion/Voice Michael Kamen Award winning composer

EWAN BLEACH: Ewan Bleach is a clarinetist, saxophonist, pianist and singer specialising in 1920s and 30s jazz and blues. Ewan runs some regular London jazz nights including the Golden Era of Jazz at the Jamboree. He regularly visits New Orleans for inspiration and has toured in France with the renowned New Orleans street band Tuba Skinny. He Currently works as a Clarinetist with several London jazz bands including Man Overboard, The Basin Street Brawlers, The Dakota Jim band and The Old Hat Jazz Band. Ewan has a large repertoire of rare old songs, from artist such as Billie Holiday, Al Bowlly, Bessie Smith and Jimmie Rodgers, from the rough raggy blues songs of the twenties to the rich luscious ballads of the early 40s.

Rebet Asker was a restaurant/music venue which saw all the great Greek musicians and from the 20th century through to today pass through it. The walls of this little place in a small side street by Piraeus harbour have witnessed the history of the Greek Rebetiko as it has evolved over the last one hundred years. Some years have passed now, since it closed, but through this series of Sunday gigs we will do our best to recreate some of the magic of these musicians and their songs as it started and developed. Now in its 10th year, this tribute to the magical music of rebetiko, is the longest running series in London dedicated to this music. Come to hear classic songs and even some lesser known gems of great rebetiko musicians such as Toundas, Papazogklou, Skarvelis, Peristeris, Hadjichristos, Vamvakaris, Papaioannou, Tsitsanis, Mitsakis, Hiotis and more! An afternoon of Greek Rebetiko for all the family!

An irresistible mix of 1930-40’s hot jazz with swing, Parisian Gypsy Manouche style, some latin numbers, and a dash of Chanson Francaise and Italian classics. So good they performed as far as Japan, appeared in Hollywood films, and played for Madonna.

DALE STORR: “A very, very fine piano player indeed” ~ Paul Jones, BBC Radio 2 “Dale is the best New Orleans player I’ve ever heard” ~ Richard Hawley Described by Jazz Journal magazine as the “piano man’s piano man…” and “a national treasure” , Dale Storr’s musical journey has now brought him recognition as one of the UK’s leading exponents of New Orleans piano. Inspired by his parents record collection of early Rhythm n’ Blues and Rock n’ Roll, the evocative music of New Orleans quickly became a passion for the young pianist. He immersed himself into the styles of heroes like Dr.John, James Booker, Professor Longhair, Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino and Huey ‘Piano’ Smith to name but a few. His piano studies took him to Sheffield where he established himself as a highly sought after pianist backing many top blues stars from the U.K. and America. However the music of his beloved New Orleans was always going to take precedence and from 2008 Dale went solo with his now acclaimed ‘Sounds of New Orleans’ show, celebrating the music of Dr.John and James Booker. “Storr’s music is authentic barrelhouse pianism and singing and should be on the play list of all broad minded jazz lovers” ~ Jazz Journal magazine Since then he has wowed audiences across the U.K. and Europe with his intoxicating piano mastery, as well as sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of the crescent city. Dale draws in the audience with the rich history behind the music telling the often risque stories of his much loved piano heroes. He has reached the finals of the British Blues Awards seven years in succession and also won the 2015 best musical performance award at the Buxton Fringe Festival. Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster ride of the music and tales of the great New Orleans piano players, and tonight performing his new show, “A Celebration of Dr John and James Booker”. “Incredible….never seen anybody play like that….only James Booker” ~ British blues legend, Victor Brox “If there is a better New Orleans-style pianist in the UK than the outrageously talented Dale Storr, please point me in his or her direction because he or she must be very, very special” ~ Blues In Britain magazine

Magic Number are a London based vocal trio consisting of Nick Siepmann, Ailsa Mainwaring and Paul Kendler… led by their curiosity and love of singing together, Magic Number present a rich repertoire of vocal music. Contemporary British folk sits alongside centuries-old Georgian polyphony. Resonant close harmony singing delivered with warmth and artistry. And especially for the intimate setting of a winter’s night at Green Note, some unusual carols both sacred and secular.

Stan Brunt and Sam Norris have been musical collaborators for over 2 years in Stan Brunt’s Quartet. They met while both studying at the Royal Academy of music but didn’t start playing together until after both of them had graduated. Usually playing with bass and drums, this new venture into playing duo will be a creative and exploratory project for both. They will play a mix of original compositions and music by some of their favourite composers.

Abigail Rose is a Nashville indie-folk artist known for vivid storytelling and a voice The New York Times described as “a slightly folk-y Stevie Nicks.” Her latest release, “Betty’s in the Band,” a duet with Weston Hunter, went viral ahead of its release this past August and has since been clocking over a million streams per week on Spotify. A fixture of Nashville’s music scene, Abigail makes her AmericanaFest debut this September, ahead of the release of her debut album this fall. This winter, Abigail will also make her European and UK live debut, joining Irish artist Mick Flannery as special guest across his Irish tour, before playing her first headline London show at The Green Note on December 9th.

With over 50 years of experience in the music world, Phil Jones is a captivating performer whose career has taken him from working men’s clubs to folk festivals, concert halls, and theatre stages across the UK. Phil’s career began in the heart of the South Wales Valleys, where he honed his craft in local working men’s clubs before making a name for himself in London’s music scene. He recorded with Cherry Red Records and was briefly a member of the iconic band Felt. In the early 2000s, he transitioned into the folk scene, first as a guitarist and later as a double bassist. His 15-year tenure with Hatful of Rain—a favourite among BBC Folk Show listeners—laid the foundation for his solo work. In 2023, he released his debut album St Peter’s Thumb, and soon after ventured into theatre with Idle Women, a production exploring the untold stories of women canal workers during WWII. This marked the beginning of a new artistic path, followed by his second one-man show, Snow Along the Line, which premiered in October 2025. Phil’s concerts are much more than music; they are intimate storytelling experiences. Whether sharing personal anecdotes, railing against societal issues such as overdevelopment, or reflecting on the complexities of human relationships, his performances are rich with warmth and emotion. Switching effortlessly between guitar, banjo, ukulele, and spoken word, he takes audiences on a journey, making each show a memorable experience.