We’re thrilled to welcome Mark Kavuma to The Bear Club. Mark is quite simply one of the most influential figures on the London jazz scene today.
Discover Kavuma’s music and enter a world where vibes, blues, and rhythm collide with gospel, soul, and spiritual jazz. With over a decade of experience playing the trumpet and piano in London’s rapidly expanding jazz scene, his unique musical alchemy has the means to bring jazz back to the dance floor.
His debut album, Kavuma, was voted among the best albums of the year by Downbeat magazine. The sequel, The Banger Factory, continued to up the ante, further demonstrating the lyricism, soulful tone, and graceful technique that have become his signature. Ever the restless creative, Kavuma launched his own label ‘Banger Factory Records’ in 2021 with their first release, Arashi No Ato by Mark Kavuma & The Banger Factory.
The label name is a nod to Kavuma’s collective of musicians who came together to give birth to a weekly residency in Brixton’s POW. The band has evolved over the last eight years to bring their infectious sound to a growing fanbase of music lovers and gifted musical collaborators keen to spread ‘love and good vibes.’
A gifted educator, mentor, and inspirational creative enabler, Mark is an associate Music Leader for the Tomorrow’s Warriors programme and brings his maverick ways to the acclaimed Nu Civilisation Orchestra, Jazz Jamaica Small band, and Jazz Jamaica All Stars.
He has released additional albums, including Back To Back by Artie Zaitz & Mark Kavuma, Warriors, and the latest release, Ultrasound with Theo Erskine. The vibe on this new album, to our ears, pays homage to the glory years of jazz in the 50s and 60s, while keeping a keen eye (or ear!) on the present and future.
Mark joins us with his trio: Mark Kavuma (trumpet and piano), Jack Garside (double bass) and Will Cleasby(drums).
“It’s respectful of the past, certainly, but it sounds very contemporary London to me, filled with confidence and, yes, joy”
Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm / Tickets £16 / £10 for members
All seating/tables are first come first served.