London Paris Junction & Harry Allen

The London Paris Junction brings its cross-Channel jazz collaboration to PizzaExpress Live Soho for a special night. Celebrating their debut album release, the band is joined by acclaimed US saxophonist Harry Allen, a leading figure in contemporary swing.

Blending original compositions with classics inspired by the golden age of 1950s and 60s jazz, the group delivers rich textures, from hard-driving tenor battles to smoky ballads. Featuring top musicians from London and Paris, this project captures the drive and sophistication of hard bop with a unique, cross-Channel perspective.

The London Paris Junction is a cross-Channel collaboration uniting leading voices from the London and Paris jazz scenes, brought together by a shared dedication to the sound and spirit of mid-century jazz. Described by TSF Jazz as “a high level project… carrying the jazz legacy,” the group draws on the language of the 1950s and 60s while forging a distinctive identity of its own.

The triple saxophone frontline allows the band to explore a broad expressive range, from hard-driving tenor battles to atmospheric, to luscious ballads. Their repertoire combines carefully chosen works from the great composers of the era (such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie), with original material that reflects a deep understanding of the tradition.

The ensemble recently returned to Le Duc des Lombards in Paris for a second consecutive year, presenting a preview of their forthcoming album to a packed audience. The performance was accompanied by a live broadcast and studio session with TSF Jazz, further cementing the band’s growing presence on the European jazz circuit.

Their eponymous debut album, to be released on Zoot Records, captures this international collaboration in full flight. The record and concert features special guest Harry Allen, whose extensive career includes over 70 recordings and collaborations with artists such as Ray Brown, Hank Jones and Tony Bennett. His presence brings an added depth and authority to the project.

Co-led by saxophonist Fraser Smith, a prominent figure on the UK jazz scene, the band reflects years of performance experience at leading venues including Ronnie Scott’s and the 100 Club. Smith’s own recordings have attracted widespread critical acclaim and significant streaming success, further underpinning the calibre of the ensemble.