On 4 December an appreciative audience celebrated a special concert at the Croydon Clocktower Café to commemorate 25 years since live jazz was first played there. An excellent quintet consisting of bandleader Martin Shaw (trumpet and flugelhorn), Mark Crooks (clarinet), Richard Shepherd (baritone saxophone), Pete Billington (keyboards) and Mirko Scarcia (bass) took us on a journey through the Great American Songbook and on a homage to Charlie Parker. The occasion was also notable in that although quintets had previously appeared over the 25 years, this was the first time one had featured three lead instruments.
Live jazz was first presented 25 years ago at the then Café Opera and frequently consisted of duos fronted by the late Frank Holder, a percussionist and vocalist and one of the UK’s leading black jazz musicians for many years. The club flourished despite the economic climate, Covid-19 and a brief change of venue to The Front Room nearby. A return to the Clocktower Café followed in 2024 and the last two years has shown both a healthy increase in weekly attendances and the increasingly regular appearances of quartets rather than trios. The Café welcomes both UK and American jazz artists of the highest quality, many of whom follow their afternoon appearance in Croydon by travelling into central London to appear at top concert halls and jazz venues in the evening.
There have been many unsung heroes over these last 25 years who have contributed to keeping live jazz alive in central Croydon. Those currently “carrying the torch” are Paul Smart, Allan Clack (with partner, Ali), John Chambers, Richard Rice and Susan Moore. Special thanks must also be given to Mariusz, the café proprietor, who provides the jazz with a large, bright and airy room and waitress service for food and drink. Now on to the next 25 years!
Jazz at the Croydon Clocktower (9 Katharine St, Croydon, CR9 1ET) is held every Thursday between 12 noon and 2pm. Current entrance fee is £10. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from East Croydon station.
