Shez Raja Ft John Etheridge & Dennis Rollins at London Jazz Festival at 606 Club

Voted one of the ‘Hottest Bass Players in the World’ by readers of Bass Player magazine, Shez Raja is a boundary-pushing bassist and electrifying live performer whose fusion of Indo-jazz, funk and groove has propelled him to the forefront of the UK jazz scene. Drawing comparisons to the legendary Jaco Pastorius, Shez has collaborated with global icons including Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Wayne Krantz and Trilok Gurtu, and his albums Journey to Shambhala and Gurutopia have earned critical acclaim. He has performed at prestigious venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, Ronnie Scott's and Islington Assembly Hall, and been featured on BBC Radio 3’s Jazz Line-Up. ...

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Voted one of the ‘Hottest Bass Players in the World’ by readers of Bass Player magazine, Shez Raja is a boundary-pushing bassist and electrifying live performer whose fusion of Indo-jazz, funk and groove has propelled him to the forefront of the UK jazz scene. Drawing comparisons to the legendary Jaco Pastorius, Shez has collaborated with global icons including Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Wayne Krantz and Trilok Gurtu, and his albums Journey to Shambhala and Gurutopia have earned critical acclaim. He has performed at prestigious venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, Ronnie Scott's and Islington Assembly Hall, and been featured on BBC Radio 3’s Jazz Line-Up.

Now touring his latest highly-praised album Spellbound – featuring drum titan Dennis Chambers and guitar luminaries John Etheridge and Guthrie Govan – Shez brings this exciting new music to the 606 as part of London Jazz Festival 2025. Expect a thrilling fusion of East and West, tradition and innovation, groove and mysticism.

For this unique show Shez has invited two incredible special guests – both true legends of their instruments. Guitar maestro John Etheridge, known for his breathtaking artistry with Soft Machine and Stéphane Grappelli, brings his virtuosic flair and boundless creativity to the stage. Joining him is Dennis Rollins, the electrifying trombone innovator and multi-award-winning bandleader, famed for his explosive energy, soulful tone and cutting-edge approach to groove.

Completing this stellar line-up are long-time collaborators Chris Jerome (Courtney Pine) on keyboards and Sophie Alloway – dubbed the ‘Goddess of Groove’ by Jazz FM – on drums.

This promises to be an unforgettable night of deep grooves, dazzling interplay and mesmerising soundscapes.

“Chic, contemporary and groove-laden” The Musician; “The hip-shaking mix of Eastern song lines and funky Western dance-beats never wavers” ★★★★ Evening Standard; “If the Mahavishnu Orchestra were reformed with a reincarnated Jaco Pastorius in charge it would sound pretty similar” The Guardian; “John Etheridge is one of the best guitarists in the world” Pat Metheny; “Trombonist Dennis Rollins likes to party. With his trademark funky licks, charismatic stage presence and energetic manner he is a major draw” Jazzwise

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