“Vocalist Esther Bennett’s many virtues include an incredibly seductive lower register and a winning sense of humour”
– Jazz Wise Magazine
Esther begins 2026 with real momentum, following a standout January performance alongside Ian Shaw at PizzaExpress Dean Street, and is delighted to return to The Verdict for this special appearance.
Her repertoire for this event draws from the albums and projects she has written, produced, and developed over the past several years. Deeply rooted in storytelling and musical exploration, Esther’s work moves fluidly between original material, reimagined standards, and new interpretations that reflect her ongoing creative journey. At tonight’s gig, she will also present music from a recent and particularly personal project in which she has written lyrics to compositions by the legendary Wayne Shorter, bringing her distinctive voice and poetic sensibility to these iconic works.
Esther is joined by one of her favourite musical collaborators, pianist Mark Edwards, with whom she shared a long-running residency in Brighton some years ago. Their musical relationship is marked by deep trust, subtle communication, and a shared love of risk and spontaneity. On double bass is Richard Sadler, a regular gig mate and valued contributor to Esther’s albums, whose sensitive, lyrical playing provides both grounding and forward motion. Completing the quartet on drums is The Verdict’s own Tristan Banks, a world-class musician and formidable presence whose energy, imagination, and musical authority bring a powerful dynamic to the group.
Together, this quartet offers a richly textured and highly responsive musical experience, shaped by years of shared history, deep listening, and a collective commitment to the moment. Expect music that is carefully crafted yet open, sophisticated yet emotionally direct.
One of the most respected and beloved vocalists on the British jazz scene, Esther is known for her individuality, originality, and unmistakable voice. Her innate musicality was shaped in her early years as a saxophonist and through an in-depth study of the language of jazz, resulting in a style that blends elegance, freedom, and a blues-inflected sensibility rooted in her Birmingham upbringing.
Since the release of her debut album Just in Time in 2005, Esther has built a prestigious career, performing at leading venues including Ronnie Scott’s, PizzaExpress Dean Street, and the 606 Club, as well as touring widely across the UK and Southern Spain. Renowned for her warmth, wit, and compelling stage presence, she consistently captivates audiences with performances that are as engaging as they are musically rewarding.
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