Spice Jazz Soho: The Jazz Defenders
Spice Jazz Soho: The Jazz Defenders
Sat 14 November 2026
Stage time / 7:00pm
Doors / 6:30pm
Celebrating the Jazz Clubs
Tickets
£20 incl. fees
The Jazz Defenders blend soul jazz, funk and hip hop with the spirit of Blue Note. Led by George Cooper, this acclaimed quintet delivers infectious grooves, sharp horn lines and electrifying originals, bringing contemporary jazz to life with energy, style and swagger.
The Jazz Defenders are one of the UK’s most exciting and distinctive jazz groups, known for their infectious energy, rich sound, and deep musical roots. Led by acclaimed pianist and composer George Cooper, the band channels the legacy of the golden era of Blue Note Records – not by imitation, but through a bold collection of original compositions that honour the tradition while blazing a fresh and contemporary trail.
?Their sound is built on irresistible grooves, razor-sharp horn lines, and a joyful sense of swing. Blending soul jazz with hip hop, funk, and cinematic influences, The Jazz Defenders create music that’s gritty, groovy, and full of swagger – equally at home on the dance floor as it is in a listening room.
?
They have ignited audiences at sold-out shows at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and other top venues across the UK and Europe, earning a reputation for electrifying live performances and world-class musicianship. Two of their albums have reached the top ten in the USA jazz charts, and they’ve been championed on air by Jamie Cullum, Lauren Laverne, Craig Charles, Jazz FM, and hundreds of other radio stations around the world.
?Founder George Cooper brings a rich musical resume to the group, having worked with icons across genres including Hans Zimmer, Nigel Kennedy, Omar, U2, Slum Village, MF DOOM, Abstract Orchestra, Brother Strut, The Brand New Heavies and many more.
?The Lineup:
Jake McMurchie – tenor sax
Quentin Collins – trumpet
George Cooper – piano/keyboards
Will Harris – double/electric bass
Ian Matthews – drums
?Together, The Jazz Defenders turn memory into motion.
The Jazz Defenders are one of the UK’s most exciting and distinctive jazz groups, known for their infectious energy, rich sound, and deep musical roots. Led by acclaimed pianist and composer George Cooper, the band channels the legacy of the golden era of Blue Note Records – not by imitation, but through a bold collection of original compositions that honour the tradition while blazing a fresh and contemporary trail.
?Their sound is built on irresistible grooves, razor-sharp horn lines, and a joyful sense of swing. Blending soul jazz with hip hop, funk, and cinematic influences, The Jazz Defenders create music that’s gritty, groovy, and full of swagger – equally at home on the dance floor as it is in a listening room.
?
They have ignited audiences at sold-out shows at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and other top venues across the UK and Europe, earning a reputation for electrifying live performances and world-class musicianship. Two of their albums have reached the top ten in the USA jazz charts, and they’ve been championed on air by Jamie Cullum, Lauren Laverne, Craig Charles, Jazz FM, and hundreds of other radio stations around the world.
?Founder George Cooper brings a rich musical resume to the group, having worked with icons across genres including Hans Zimmer, Nigel Kennedy, Omar, U2, Slum Village, MF DOOM, Abstract Orchestra, Brother Strut, The Brand New Heavies and many more.
?The Lineup:
Jake McMurchie – tenor sax
Quentin Collins – trumpet
George Cooper – piano/keyboards
Will Harris – double/electric bass
Ian Matthews – drums
?Together, The Jazz Defenders turn memory into motion.
Now that I've written a few songs and collaborated with the George Cooper-led jazz-funk dons numerous times, I feel like an honorary member of the Jazz Defenders. They would probably disagree but it would still be remiss of me not to add them to my list of ones to watch this fest.
Ben Bailey , Jazz FM Recommends
