Jacqui Hicks with Simon Bates and the NJC Trio

Sun 27 April 2025

7:30 pm
£12 (inc booking fee)
Jacqui Hicks (vocals)
Simon Bates (tenor)
Simon Brown (piano)
Simon Wood (bass)
Tom Jiggins (drums)

Norwich Jazz Club are delighted to welcome top UK vocalist Jacqui Hicks back to the city, joined by special guest saxophonist Simon Bates.

A truly versatile singer with a career spanning a wide variety of music, Jacqui has been described by trumpeter Bruce Adams as “one of those rarities; a great singer and a consummate musician.” A former member of NYJO, she regularly appears with Shakatak and the Back To Basie Orchestra, but this evening will be accompanied by the house trio as she performs a selection of her favourite jazz standards and some original compositions from her latest album.

Drawing firmly on the jazz tradition, Jacqui’s improvisational skills hint at the influence of greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Al Jarreau. Check out Jacqui’s recording of This Can’t Be Love with the John Critchinson Trio, and also this pre-release teaser from the new album.

Over a long and varied career, saxophonist Simon Bates has collaborated with a multitude of notable artists; from Jamie Cullum to Kylie Minogue, Elvis Costello to Dizzee Rascal, Van Morrison to David Benoit, Lulu to Chaka Khan, Seal to Alfie Boe, John Dankworth and Cleo Laine to Bill Bruford, Steve Gadd and Peter Erskine. Additionally, he’s served as the musical director for esteemed vocalists such as Rick Astley, Alexander Armstrong, and Bette Midler.

About the venue

Established on the extensively redeveloped site of the former Jamie’s Italian, Yalm has revitalised the historic space in The Royal Arcade, using it as an opportunity to showcase Norfolk’s finest food producers in a relaxed setting. Find out more about the exciting and diverse menu here.

How to book

Make your reservation by purchasing a ticket which covers admission to the event. There’s no set menu, so on the night simply choose where you’d like to sit and food and drinks orders can be paid for during the evening. We’re sure you’ll want to sample the exciting menu, or otherwise just grab a drink and enjoy the music!

Doors open 6:00 pm
Music starts 7:30 pm
Ends 10:00 pm