The late Peter Boizot MBE, founder of the British, multinational restaurant Pizza Express, has long been a champion of new jazz talent. The popular chain was founded in 1965 and has been hosting live jazz since the 1976 opening of their first jazz venue Pizza Express Dean Street, Soho. The popular music venue which hosts many headline shows at London’s EFG Jazz Festival has been dubbed one of Europe’s best jazz clubs.
Still showing strong support for emerging musicians, the restaurant has now launched its new project: Pizza Express Live Sessions. In collaboration with Peroni and Yamaha, the new project supports promising, acoustic artists and duos, giving them opportunities to play on the same stage as big names such as Gregory Porter, Van Morrison and Amy Winehouse.
Over the summer, the restaurant invited some of the UK’s finest talent to perform outside in the sunshine, performing to Pizza Express customers. In addition to this, one lucky performer Queen Kaltoum had the chance to win a live album recording with PX Records as well as a gig at the famous Dean Street Jazz Club.
The sessions continue this Autumn kicking off in London on the 5th of October. They will be held every Thursday and Friday at Pizza Express restaurants up and down the country. The pizzerias taking part are based in Leeds, Brighton, York, Surrey, Kent, and London.
Check out the Summer Sessions Winner Queen Kaltoum here:
@pizzaexpress Introducing our Live Summer Sessions competition winner @queenkaltoum Queen Kaltoum’s insane vocals and songwriting amazed us, the diners in Cardiff and our panel of expert judges! They/she has won a money can’t buy prize of performing at one of our PizzaExpress Live London venues and recording an album on PX Records. Congratulations Queen Kaltoum, we can’t wait to work with you! Also, big shout out to all other finalists who took part in our competition . #LiveSummerSessions ♬ original sound – PizzaExpress
On The Menu:
The line-up of musicians this October and November includes up-and-coming singer-songwriters, DJs, and exciting musicians such as DJ Bukky. With feel-good vibes and warm melodic times, this spicy soul-inspired artist brings a variety of flavours to the table including Neo-Disco and Deep House. Bukky is playing at Pizza Express Bankside on Oct 13th and Brighton Jubilee on October 27th.
Also playing is Luena Martinez, the ex-X-Factor girl-group winner, now turned solo DnB influenced RnB artist based in London. She has dates lined up for 19th Oct in Bishopsgate, Oct 13th in Guildford and 2nd Nov in Bankside.
To get a slice of the action, book now on the website.
