The Guest Series, ft. James Girling
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Wednesday 1st October 2025
Doors: 6pm / Gig: 8-11pm
Happy Hour: 6-8pm
Free Entry
BOOK A ‘DATE DEAL’ TABLE (£30)
For bookings of 9+ guests, or if you’d prefer a phone reservation, call 0161 273 5495 (10am-5pm Mon-Fri) / 0161 831 7002 (5-11pm Mon-Sat). Booking a table is recommended, but you can just turn up if you’re happy standing.
‘The Guest Series’ at Matt and Phreds is an exciting new initiative designed to connect different jazz scenes from across the UK with Manchester, while showcasing the incredible talent of musicians from all over the country. Curated by Bim Williams, a familiar face on the Manchester jazz scene, the series aims to bring together some of the finest musicians from diverse backgrounds, creating a unique platform for collaboration and innovation. The series also celebrates the tradition of jazz virtuosos performing with house bands, with each night focused on playing standards and iconic pieces that have shaped this music.
This third instalment features James Girling:
James Girling is a British guitarist who, formerly based in Manchester, now lives in Oslo. Raised on a soffritto of jazz and classical music, James has won awards internationally and has spent the past decade performing across the UK and Europe in a breadth of styles and ensembles.
James is a long-standing member of Swing-era septet The Easy Rollers and Afrobeat-/Ethiojazz-inspired 12-piece Agbeko, releasing new albums with both in 2025. Meanwhile, as classical soloist, he made his Wigmore Hall debut in 2017 and has since performed, recorded and been broadcast live with The Hallé, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. James’ contemporary chamber music work has recently seen him record on Delphian Records both the critically acclaimed album The Past & I with mezzo-soprano Lotte Betts-Dean & Ligeti Quartet, and also the debut album of his longstanding flute-guitar Meraki Duo. He is an Associate Artist of the Royal Northern College of Music.
Here’s a taste of James’ style. Please note: the trumpeter will not be featured on this gig.
WEDNESDAYS AT M&P’S: IT’S A DATE
Book a stage-side table for two on a Wednesday evening at Matt & Phred’s, and get a bottle of house red/white wine or any two cocktails, any pizza, and a garlic bread side for just £30.
With the finest Live Music from 8-11pm, your night will be covered! Perfect for romantic snuggles, mates having a catch up, or treating a member of your family.
Call 0161 273 5495 to book a table, and let the booker know you’ll be using the ‘It’s a Date’ deal.