Aria // Sarah Gillespie Double Bill

After launching her debut album at the renowned Pizza Express Live Dean Street, rising jazz artist & Old Greshamian Aria brings a special showcase to the Auden Theatre. Described as “best of now” (DJ Spoony, BBC Radio 2) and “a future classic, a young lady on the verge of a huge breakthrough,” ( Simon Phillips, Jazz FM) Aria has been making waves across the UK jazz scene with standout performances at Ronnie Scott’s, The 606 Club, Cheltenham Jazz Festival & Crazy Coqs for her sold out EFG London Jazz Festival show.

Aria’s debut singles 'Rectify Your Soul' and 'It’s All Your Fault' were both Jazz FMs ‘Track of the Week’ and collectively got spins from BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 2, BBC London and BBC introducing. She now debuts her full album live at The Auden with a full band and 3 powerhouse backing vocalists.

Critically acclaimed Anglo-American songwriter Sarah Gillespie and one of the UK’s most inventive and renowned Chris Montague, bring a special performance to The Auden Theatre. The evening features a mix of brand-new duo material cowritten by Montague and Gillespie alongside selected songs performed with the full band, drawn from their forthcoming duo album recorded on Loch Fyne, Scotland, ahead of its official launch in November 2026.

★★★★★ “Haunting tunes and striking lyrics… yearningly pretty and bittersweet” - The Independent
★★★★ “Joni Mitchell with a little rap-like percussiveness… an original.” - The Guardian
★★★★ “Beat-poet adventurer strays beyond the boundaries of singer-songwriter.” - MOJO
★★★★ “Like Dylan on amphetamines.” - The Times

Drawing from folk, Americana, blues, and jazz, Gillespie’s narrative lyricism meets Montague’s highly individual, genre-crossing guitar work spanning electric, acoustic and mandolin. Known for his rootsy yet exploratory approach, Montague brings a jazz-honed sensitivity and improvisational edge to the songs, shaping a raw, story-rich set that balances intimacy with musical risk.

A founding member of the acclaimed experimental trio Troyka, Montague has been praised by Marlbank as “the UK’s greatest jazz guitarist since John McLaughlin” and by Jazzwise as “rootsy and adventurous… like Tom Waits guitarist Marc Ribot.” His collaborations span jazz, rock and experimental music, and his work has attracted international attention, including high-profile praise from Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea.

The evening is a double bill with Aria, whose soulful, genre-blending songwriting has marked her out as one of the UK’s most compelling emerging voices. Sarah Gillespie mentored, co-wrote and produced Aria’s upcoming debut album, released via Pastiche Records, the label she founded, and this performance celebrates their shared creative journey. Expect an evening of jazz, folk, neo soul, RnB & pop - don't miss it.

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Host or Publisher Aria & Sarah Gillespie