Loop Collective post-bop band Monocled Man will play the first of five residency gigs tonight planned for this year at the Forge in London. Trumpeter Rory Simmons (left) is joined by Troyka guitarist Chris Montague and Kairos Quartet drummer Jon Scott. The venue will also be hosting an array of jazz events besides the Loop Collective gigs. On Thursday 16 February Oxford singer-songwriter Theo Jackson will be joined by Empirical saxophonist Nathaniel Facey for an intimate duo gig where a mix of originals and standards will be on the agenda.

On Friday 17 February exciting dual drummer group Sons of Kemet will bring their post-jazz innovations to the Camden stage. The band features Shabaka Hutchings on sax/clarinet, Oren Marshall on tuba and both Seb Rochford and Tom Skinner on drums. Pete Churchill will be joined by guest singers for the latest in the Forge’s In The Round nights on Sunday 19 February, including Anita Wardell who has recorded an album that is due for release in March. Other upcoming gigs include young jazz vocalist Alexander Stewart on 24 February and pianist/singer Dominic Alldis presenting the songs of Bill Evans with his trio on Friday 2 March.

– Chris Hyde-Harrison

For more go to www.forgevenue.org/whats-on