Name: James Morton Groove Den
Start: 2026-02-07T19:30:00+00:00
End: 2026-02-07T22:30:00+00:00
Location: Verdict Jazz

James Morton - sax
Alex Hutchings - guitar
Anders Olinder - Organ
Francesco Mendolia - drums
Groove Den is a collaborative meeting of minds and the brainchild of James Morton, a heavyweight in Bristol's music scene. It delivers a fresh sound characterized by groove, soul, and musical innovation. Drawing on a diverse array of musical styles, including jazz, funk, hip-hop, soul, and rock, the unifying elements are groove and feel.
James, one of the most exciting saxophonists of his generation, and has performed and recorded with some of the music industry's most prolific artists, Including Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley and The New JB’s, George Clinton, The Herbaliser, Kasabian, Pendulum, and the NPG Horns (Prince), among others. He has also released two critically acclaimed albums: "The Kid" and "Don’t You Worry ‘Bout That."
On guitar, Alex Hutchings has been captivating international audiences with his distinctive, heartfelt playing and technical brilliance for over a decade. His recent accomplishments include a 150-date world tour with Steven Wilson (formerly of Porcupine Tree), which culminated in three nights at The Royal Albert Hall, released on DVD. Alex has also composed music for the BBC and has become a YouTube sensation, boasting nearly 100,000 followers on his channel.
The group's lineup is rounded out by powerhouse drummer Francesco Mendolia, the rhythmic backbone of funk supergroup Incognito, and Swedish funk and soul maestro Anders Olinder on Hammond Organ, known for his work with Glen Hughes and Pee Wee Ellis.
Featuring lyrical, funky, soulful saxophones, blistering guitar solos, and deep heavy grooves, Groove Den takes listeners on a journey from New Orleans to the urban streets of Bristol. Welcome to Groove Den.