Pearl Jazz

» Profile

A collection of fantastic players to compliment the atmosphere of any occasion. Pearl Jazz play accessible jazz in a contemporary style creating a classy relaxed and stylish jazz sound. The band is available from a duo to a quintet: The perfect choice for any event where live music would enhance the enjoyment for your clients or guests.

The quintet features the exceptional vocals of Shirley Awan. We can provide classy accesible jazz for any occasion: weddings, corporate events or jazz festivals. Adaptability is one of our strengths. We can jazz it up for a real lively party atmosphere or smooth it down for a more intimate venue or event. Some of the UK's top jazz musicians make up the band: Gavin Perry on drums Alan Lever on guitar, Ben Darrington on bass and Jeff Kemp on piano. That's in addition to Shirley's gorgeous jazz vocals.

As reading musicians we can also back a vocalist or musician of your choice.

» Previous Clients

• The Trafford Centre Manchester
• Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council
• The Quay Hotel Conway
• Wrenbury Hall Nantwich Cheshire
• Weston Hall Staffordshire
• Frodsham Golf Club
• Antrobus Golf Club
• Project X Buxton
• The Old Hotel Buxton
• Buxton Jazz Festival
• Wigan Jazz Festival
• and Many More!

» Line Up

Shirley Awan - Vocals
Ben Darrington - Bass Guitar
Alan Lever – Guitar and Vocals
Jeff Kemp – Piano / Organ
Gavin Perry – Drums

» Band History

Jeff's interest in and expertise with the Piano started from an early age; this developed into a string of professional posts both in the UK and abroad. As an associate of the London College of Music, achieving a diploma in practical and harmony, he has enjoyed wide experience in the music world playing for leading artists such as Tony Christie and in top venues. He has also worked with the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra.

Young players have benefited from his talents: Jeff has been a teacher in a number of local schools. Although a versatile and accomplished Pianist in any musical genre, Jeff's first love is Jazz. He currently holds down the piano chair in Pearl Jazz.

The fact that Gavin was the resident tutor at the Manchester Drum Centre for 10 years is a testament to his professional reputation and musical expertise. He's combined his considerable teaching abilities with professional engagements over 20 years in many musical genres. One band ‘Souled As Seen’ were the support band for the Jools Holland Big Band. Gavin's major influences are Steve Gadd, Simon Phillips, Dennis Chambers. His previous band ‘The Blues Machine’ played the music of Robben Ford, Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers, Robert Cray, Jamie Cullen. He is now the resident drummer with Pearl Jazz.

[ back to top | more jazz & blues bands ]