The Hot House Combo are a staple in the South West scene because they play such fantastically enjoyable music. This will be a fabulous evening of high energy jive and swing delivered with passion and enthusiasm and a shedload of entertainment. Make sure you’ve got your dancing shoes on, and lets raise the roof. Exuding a giddy blend of vintage charm and captivating rhythms, The Hot House Combo will transport you to the colourful and carefree foot-tapping era of yesteryear. Inspired by the great musicians of the 1920s, '30s and '40s, this upbeat, exciting 4 piece perform songs they love and they create new ones in the same style! Their passion and energy will have you struggling to sit still - and they wouldn't want you to anyway!​  So, fasten your swing seat belt - you're in for a thrilling ride! 

Music has been with Neil since early childhood. As is the way with the arts, he does a number of different disciplines within music playing soprano, alto, and tenor saxes and clarinet as well as running various groups including a big band, jazz bands, a clarinet group and workshops (usually with a improvisational slant). Neil also regularly arranges and composes and partakes in quite a bit of band leading. Neil’s influences and interests lie primarily in jazz but also classical music, but he also loves working with salsa, funk, soul, motown, blues and more. Neil will be ably supported this evening by James Clemas on keyboards, Joe Gass on double bass, and Eddie Kingdom on drums.

Indulge in the world of Jim Mullen, a true luminary in the realm of jazz guitar, as we bring you an exceptional musical experience. Hailing from Glasgow, Mullen's virtuosity has earned him a revered place among Europe's most distinguished jazz guitarists, a sentiment echoed by Jazzwise, labelling him as "one of today's pre-eminent jazz guitarists." Recipient of numerous accolades, including the prestigious Honorary Parliamentary Jazz Award in 2017, Mullen's legacy is etched through his illustrious collaborations and solo endeavours. His musical journey has intertwined with iconic bands of the '70s and '80s, such as Brian Auger's "Oblivion Express," The Average White Band, and his own highly acclaimed jazz-funk sensation "Morrissey-Mullen." For this very special evening, Jim Mullen takes the lead alongside accomplished British pianist and organist Tom Ball and the rhythmic finesse of drummer Tristan Maillot. Together, they delve into the classic Organ trio format, delivering an electrifying set that seamlessly weaves original compositions and carefully chosen jazz standards. The result is a captivatingly harmonious meeting point of tradition and innovation. Join us on this auditory journey as the trio of hugely experienced and skilled jazz musicians craft a musical tapestry that resonates with the heart of jazz.

Will Butterworth is “a brilliant pianist showing stunning displays of virtuosity and a remarkable talent” (The Jazzman). London Time Out describes Will as “a precociously talented young modern jazz pianist who plays with spacious and fractious beauty. A rising Brit Jazz piano star”. Tonight Will will be joined by Marcus Vergette on double bass and Preston Prince on drums.

Pete Canter is an accomplished jazz saxophonist, upright bass player and flautist and a composer of original jazz and contemporary music. His jazz repertoire draws upon swing, bebop and latin jazz standards and originals.

Pete first played on the 1980s London jazz scene, then in Wales during the 1990s, before moving to the Southwest in 2001. He has established himself on the local jazz scene and further afield as a fine saxophone player, composer and band leader responsible for a string of creative projects. Pete has recorded several well received jazz albums and has played at major U.K. festivals including Cheltenham and Teignmouth Jazz Festivals.

Pete is a Member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians and a composer member of the Performing Rights Society, and tonight will be joined by James Clemas on keyboards, Marcus Vergette on double bass and our own Eddie Kingdom on drums.

Craig was born in Bexley, Kent and took piano lessons from the ages of 7 -12, but has no formal jazz training. Craig’s main influences are Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans and his jazz interest was spawned by his fathers record collection, initially the Boogie Woogie pianists and then Oscar and Ella. Craig began performing in public as young as 10 years of age, but it was not until he was 21 that he turned professional. Since then, Craig has played with many of the most famous names in Jazz, including Pete Allen Jazz Band, Terry Lightfoot’s Jazz Band, Digby Fairweather’s eclectic group Dig’s Half Dozen, clarinettist Julian Stringle, George Melly, Paul Jones to mention but a few.

“A master of whatever he chooses to perform, a truly great British Trio” Humphrey Lyttleton.

“Surely one of the most gifted British pianists with technique and Imagination in abundance” Le Jazz Hot, France

Craig Milverton is one of Britain’s finest Jazz Pianists and this was recognised in 2010 by winning Best Jazz Pianist in the British Jazz Awards and 12 Awards with Digby Fairweather and his Half Dozen in the Best Small Group Category. Also 5 Awards for Best Recording in The Small Group Category.

The welcome return of this fabulous big band from Exeter, entertaining us with swing funk and soul big band music arrangements from the best of the best, including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Joe Zawinul’s Weather Report, Chick Corea, Gordon Goodwin and so many more. Launching the Cottles Club back in Sept 2024, EJO halped us get off to a blisteringly good start, so expect powerful and great music from across the big band spectrum.

The second half of this evening will be a joyous celebration of all things jazz. The core of the band will be, of course, Eddie Kingdom on drums calling the shots all evening at his friends and guest jazzers to join him on a selection of standards and classics in the inimitable style of the Cottles Club which always has enjoyment, accessibility, fun and a dollop of laughter and smiles surrounding the great music.