Tom Ridout

Tom leads the house band at the sYp Jam, a weekly Monday-night session at sYp — a cool, intimate jazz bar near Aldgate in the heart of the City. The jam runs from 7–10pm with free entry, and welcomes musicians and listeners alike. Follow @syp_monday_jam on Instagram

For each of the 2024 and 2025 official EFG London Jazz Festivals, Tom curated a series of shows at sYp bringing together some of London’s finest jazz musicians.

2024:

Saturday 23rd November 2024 – The sYp House Band Presents: The Cannonball Adderley Quintet at the Lighthouse with special guests Alexandra Ridout and Tom Ridout

The sYp House Band Presents: Herbie Hancock’s “Takin’ Off” with special guest Deschanel Gordon
Saturday 16th November 2024

Released in 1962, Herbie Hancock’s first album as a bandleader marked the start of an illustrious career, with hard bop staples including “Watermelon Man” and “Driftin’.” Tonight’s retelling put pianist Deschanel Gordon in the hot seat — a recent Trinity Laban graduate already making waves on the UK scene, with credits alongside Mark Kavuma and Cassie Kinoshi’s SEED Ensemble, and BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year in 2020. The sYp House Band, led by Tom Ridout on tenor saxophone, featured Luca Stine (trumpet), Guy Dempsey (double bass), and Lester Ridout (drums).

The sYp House Band Presents: Dexter Gordon’s “GO” with special guest Alex Garnett
Sunday 17th November 2024

Released in 1962 and preserved in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry, Dexter Gordon’s “GO” is regarded as one of his greatest albums, featuring classics including “Cheesecake” and “Love For Sale.” Tonight’s retelling put tenor saxophonist Alex Garnett in the hot seat — one of the UK’s leading saxophonists for over two decades, with a career spanning the Blue Note, Birdland, and stages alongside Wynton Marsalis and Van Morrison. The sYp House Band, led by Tom Ridout on tenor saxophone, featured Milena Granci (piano), Guy Dempsey (double bass), and Lester Ridout (drums).

The sYp House Band Presents: The Cannonball Adderley Quintet at the Lighthouse with special guests Alexandra Ridout and Tom Ridout
Saturday 23rd November 2024

Released in 1960, this live album captures the Cannonball Adderley Quintet at its swinging best, with classics including “Sack O’ Woe” and “What Is This Thing Called Love.” Tonight’s retelling put Alexandra Ridout (trumpet) and Tom Ridout (alto saxophone) in the hot seats. New York-based Alexandra Ridout has won the BBC Young Musician Jazz Award and ‘Best Soloist’ at the Keep an Eye International Jazz Award, performing with Renee Rosnes, Arturo O’Farrill’s Grammy-winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, and Kit Downes. The sYp House Band featured Harry Ashworth (piano), Guy Dempsey (double bass), and Lester Ridout (drums).

Read a review of this gig in UK Jazz News!

The sYp House Band Presents: The George Benson Cookbook with special guest Nigel Price
Sunday 24th November 2024

Released in 1967, “The George Benson Cookbook” straddles hard bop and soul jazz with vigorous, groovy aplomb, featuring classics including “The Cooker” and “All Of Me.” Tonight’s retelling put guitarist Nigel Price in the hot seat — voted Best Guitarist at the 2016 British Jazz Awards and a regular at Ronnie Scott’s, with some 600 performances there to his name. The sYp House Band, led by Tom Ridout on baritone saxophone, featured Harry Ashworth (organ), James Owston (double bass), and Lester Ridout (drums).

2025:

Read a review of this gig in UK Jazz News!

Read a review of this gig in Jazzwise!