Cowshed Beginnings
Cowshed Jazz – “The Ronnie Scotts* in the Country”
The eccentric owners “Field of Dreams” in his own backyard.
Tucked away, just off the A505 near Ashwell is one of North Herts best kept secrets – the surprising but very exclusive and intimate Cowshed Jazz Club.
Operating just one evening per month, the clubs aim is to provide the best quality Jazz artists that do not normally venture outside of London.
Many of our attending bands are frequent guests at Ronnie Scotts and the new Blue Note Club in London.
An important part of the clubs remit is to raise money for local charities and we are very proud to have donated over £15,000 to local schools, in the clubs 1st eighteen months history. Stevenage & North Herts Samaritans, Herts Help Young Homeless, local Parish Churches and even the Sandon Strollers Cricket Club have all benefited so far. We invite anyone who has a special cause that we can consider, to get in touch.
With advice from Industry leading Sound and Lighting Engineers, the venue - which was originally part of a 17th Century Dairy – boasts one of the best Sound Stages in the Home Counties operated each month by industry leading Techs, in its architecturally soundproofed space.
Host Lawrie Alderman in association with local Jazz impresario - Marco Marconi presents an exciting programme of top musicians creating exclusive events - generally on the last Friday of the month.. Booking is imperative as the venue is only licensed for a limited number of people and no one will be allowed on the property without a ticket.
For those travelling from afar, we have local hotels to which we can recommend transport after the event, or to Ashwell & Morden train station with links to Kings Cross(50 mins) or Cambridge (20mins).
*Please note there is no affiliation between Ronnie Scotts and Cowshed Jazz aside from musicians who play at both clubs.
The Next Live Event at Cowshed Jazz Club 2026
James Pearson Trio
Friday 30th October
A big warm welcome back to The James Pearson Trio! Widely recognized as one of the finest and most versatile jazz ensembles in Europe, the Trio is celebrated for its poise, impeccable balance, and ferocious swing, capable of shifting seamlessly from blistering post-bop virtuosity to deeply sensitive accompaniment. Bandleader James Pearson is an internationally renowned pianist in his own right. He is Artistic Director at Ronnie Scotts and held that role for 19 years. He has played with Jazz greats such as Wynton Marsalis, Elvin Jones, and Dame Cleo Laine and the legendary Paul McCartney to name but a few.
James gives an entertaining and illuminating back story to each piece of music he plays, which brings real meaning and understanding to each performance.
V I D E O S
G A L L E R Y
Food and Drink Menu
10 inch Italian Wood Fired Pizzas
Spicy Salami Sourdough with Pepperoni Pizza
£13.95
Fiorentina with Mushroom and Creamy Garlic Pizza
£13.95
Rustica with Mushrooms,
Pancetta & Mascarpone
£13.95
Selection of 4 Cheeses and Biscuits (incl Butter)
£13.95
Charcuterie Board of Meats and Biscuits
(incl Butter)
£13.95
Gluten Free options
Future Dates for your Diary
List of Services
-
Friday 30th October
James Pearson Trio
A big warm welcome back to The James Pearson Trio! Widely recognized as one of the finest and most versatile jazz ensembles in Europe, the Trio is celebrated for its poise, impeccable balance, and ferocious swing, capable of shifting seamlessly from blistering post-bop virtuosity to deeply sensitive accompaniment. Bandleader James Pearson is an internationally renowned pianist in his own right. He is Artistic Director at Ronnie Scotts and held that role for 19 years. He has played with Jazz greats such as Wynton Marsalis, Elvin Jones, and Dame Cleo Laine and the legendary Paul McCartney to name but a few.
James gives an entertaining and illuminating back story to each piece of music he plays, which brings real meaning and understanding to each performance.
-
Friday 27th November
ADRIAN COX TRIO
The Adrian Cox Trio is a world-class jazz ensemble led by the internationally acclaimed British clarinetist Adrian Cox, a leading exponent of the classic New Orleans clarinet style. The trio features New Zealand born guitarist Honey Boulton and Parisian bassist Alex Gilson. Together, they are widely praised for revitalising early jazz with a sophisticated, high-energy modern slant. Known for their infectious energy and brilliant audience engagement, they bridge the gap between technical mastery and pure storytelling. "Indisputably one of the great clarinetists of the world." — Jamie Cullum.
-
Friday 18th December
IAN SHAW AND BARRY GREEN
Stephensong
Ian Shaw Sings Stephen Sondheim
With his signature blend of emotional depth, wit, and vocal virtuosity, Ian Shaw reimagines Sondheim’s iconic songs through a jazz lens—infusing them with fresh nuance while honouring their melodic, emotional and theatrical brilliance. Accompanied by the world-class Holland-based pianist, Barry Green, this performance promises rich harmonies, inventive arrangements, and moments of pure musical theatre magic.
From the aching introspection of "Children Will Listen" and the vocally dexterous "Another Hundred People" to the biting irony of “Being Alive”, Shaw and Green’s interpretations are both intimate and grand, capturing the heart of Sondheim’s storytelling.
‘an exquisite duo take on the music of Stephen Sondheim, with Shaw poignant and powerful in equal measure.’ Jazzwise
-
Friday 29th January 2027
RAY GELATO AND THE GIANTS