Fleece Jazz

Zoe Schwarz’ Blue Commotion was last here three years ago and our audience were hugely impressed by the band’s exciting live set, based as it was around rootsy originals, strong catchy riffs, interesting arrangements, and exciting grooves.  In Zoe Schwarz’ own words “the idea of Blue Commotion was to lean on the blues side of jazz” with the instrumentation and personnel chosen to retain a jazz sensibility and feel as the quintet explore the blues classics of Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Leroy Carr and others.

Zoe Schwarz is an experienced and highly competent jazz and blues vocalist based in Poole, Dorset. With her husband and guitarist Rob Koral she fronts the quartet that concentrates primarily on the couple’s blues leanings with the swinging and reliable rhythm section with the tremendous Paul Robinson on drum and the warm organ grooves from Pete Whittaker.  It’s a stellar UK line up and the singing and playing is excellent throughout.

Schwarz and Koral are musicians with national reputations and perform all over the country at jazz clubs and festivals.  They collaborate as songwriters with Koral writing the music and Schwarz writing the lyrics, although such divisions have become blurred in recent times. The rhythm section comprises one of the most go-to keyboard players in the British jazz and blues scene, Pete Whittaker and Paul Robinson, once of Jeff Clyne’s Turning Point and now of the re-activated Back Door, also spent many years as drummer of choice for the great Nina Simone.

"Powerful singing, great guitar work, phenomenal Hammond... a great set and Zoe is such a stylish performer"

"A different level of class. Zoe's vocal: powerful yet vulnerable. Rob, Pete and Paul turned out a masterclass in Scofield-esque sophistication”

“This is a band of exceptional quality, fronted by the stellar vocals of Zoe Schwarz; you really shouldn't miss the opportunity to enjoy them” 

• Zoe Schwarz - Vocals
• Rob Koral - Guitars
• Pete Whittaker - Organ
• Paul Robinson - Drums

Fleece Jazz is an independent, non-profit association run by a voluntary committee who have been providing modern and contemporary jazz for 28 years. They book talented musicians and jazz bands from the UK and beyond to perform at Stoke by Nayland Resort, providing the perfect backdrop for these cherished and popular events.

Fleece Jazz events are generally held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.