September 24, 2026
Doors at 7.15pm
We are very excited to welcome one of the brightest young stars in British jazz, Olivia Cuttill, to Smokey Joe’s Jazz Club. Still in her early 20’s, Olivia is already making her mark internationally, as an incredible trumpet player, composer and lyricist. Olivia recalls that it was the soulful sounds of Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Donny Hathaway which inspired her from an early age, shaping Olivia’s musical endeavours from then on. At the age of 10, she was introduced to the trumpet, but it wasn't until 6 years later when she was introduced to jazz, that she fell in love with playing. This is when she wholeheartedly devoted herself to a life in music. Discovering the likes of jazz and blues, Louis Armstrong, Nina Simone, Dr John, Lee Morgan and Ella Fitzgerald changed everything for her. Graduating from Leeds Conservatoire in 2023, Olivia is now playing with her quintet, and other bands such as Orchestra Mambo International, Ferg's Imaginary Big Band, Miles Pillinger Quintet and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. With two albums under her belt, and a growing catalogue of accolades including Martin Hummel's All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group Award, Presto Music's Newcomer Of The Year, and the Peter Whittingham Jazz Award, Olivia is making her mark on the scene. Having played prestigious venues under her own name including Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, The Southbank Centre, Duc Des Lombards in Paris, Howard Assembly Room, Peggy's Skylight, The Vortex and Pizza Express, as well as touring internationally with her ensemble, Olivia and her band are receiving incredible accolades and recognition, from right across the jazz world. Being in the audience at an Olivia Cuttill gig, you will witness her incredible energy and musicianship, you will see how she mixes brilliant, vibrant compositions alongside jazz standards, and you will witness her incredible artistry as a lyricist and storyteller. Absolutely brilliant.Joining Olivia tonight, we have the awesome Smokey Joe's Jazz Club house band, with the barefoot energy, flying socks and passion of Alex Steele on piano; the insuperable groove merchant, Mike Cypher on drums, always ready to grab those unexpected beats and turn them into unrivalled rhythmical joy; and the beautifully melodic, lyrical, eloquent and effervescent, Mike ‘Moyk’ Green on double bass. Come to Smokey Joe’s on Thursday 24th September, and witness the incredible new generation of jazz! We’re looking forward to seeing you there!If you would like to dine at the gig, please contact Smokey Joe’s directly to reserve a table. Tel: 01242 513744 or 01242232102www.smokeyjoescheltenham.co.uk
