The Night
Wednesday winds down the way Soho intended: James Browne at the grand, stride piano by candlelight in the hidden jazz den inside Jack Solomons. Two shows, 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM, cocktails at the kiosk from 6:00 PM, and a couple of dozen seats close enough to watch the left hand do the work of a whole rhythm section. Bring someone who appreciates a proper piano player.
The Music
James Browne is one of the Club's own: a founding member of the Koko Collective, the swing outfit formed in 2018 in the jazz clubs of Soho, and a former Royal Navy officer who traded the wardroom for the stride piano stool. The old school two handed style is the calling card, energy and rhythmic drive through the standards, honed on this circuit and at the Club's own jams since the beginning. He plays with the full Collective and, on nights like this, alone with the grand, which is where stride shows its whole hand.
Piano by candlelight is the Piano Bar distilled: one player, one instrument that has heard everything, and a songbook that runs from Harlem stride to the standards everyone hums without knowing why. Browne's Wednesday sittings have a residency feel, regulars in the good seats and requests honoured when the mood allows. Just two hands and a century of songs. He makes it look like fun, which is the hardest trick stride piano knows.
Just a little bit gorgeous and absolutely perfect!
Sam Fraser, BBC
Plan Your Visit
inside Jack Solomons Club, 41 Great Windmill Street, Soho, W1D 7NB
///jukebox.terms.bubble
· Piccadilly Circus 2 min
· Leicester Square 4 min
Sets (7.00-7.30PM, 7.45-8.15PM) & (9.00-9.30PM, 9.45-10.15PM)
Cocktails at the kiosk from 6PM
Transfers or refunds up to 48 hours before the event. Members receive 50% off advance tickets and walk-in privileges. Assistance and private hire · concierge@soho.live. Please check the date on your booking before checkout. Full terms.
