'Harry, New Orleans, and Me' - Dinner Jazz Performance By Robin Phillips

20th November 2025 - 20th November 2025
6:45 pm - 9:45 pm

Cambridge-based jazz musician Robin Phillips introduces a new programme for his upcoming dinner jazz event at Gonville Hotel, Cambridge, as part of the 2025 Cambridge Jazz Festival programme.

The event, to be held on 20^th November 2025, is part of the Cambridge hotel’s ongoing dinner jazz programme, where live jazz performances take place in the beautiful surroundings of the Gonville Hotel’s Atrium brasserie, in a jazz club setting, with guests choosing between a two-course dinner or performance-only option.

This brand new performance for 2025 merges three themes that fit together in perfect harmony: Harry Connick jr, New Orleans, and Robin Phillips. In this programme, jazz singer/pianist Robin Phillips brings together some vital pieces of his musical inspiration all the way up to his latest album, which is currently receiving airplay around the world.

Starting by paying tribute to the music Harry Connick Jr, Robin will show how New Orleans is a fundamental part of Harry’s music. He will follow this by singing songs about New Orleans including one he recorded with Harry’s long-term trumpet player, and New Orleans legend, Leroy Jones.

The programme will also include original songs from Robin’s latest album, which was inspired by a motorbike trip from Chicago to New Orleans. Some of the songs on the album are directly about the Crescent City, whilst others were recorded in New Orleans and with N.O.L.A. musicians. The event will include stories and anecdotes about the people, places, and Robin’s experiences with them.

Songs will include Harry’s ‘Recipe For Love’ and ‘It Had To Be You’, as well as songs from his New Orleans funk albums including ‘City Beneath The Sea’ and ‘Hear Me In The Harmony’. New Orleans-related songs will include ‘Do You Know What It Means (To Miss New Orleans)’ which Harry recorded with Dr John, and ‘On The Sunny Side Of The Street’, which Robin recorded in New Orleans with Leroy Jones. Songs from Robin’s new album ‘Return From The Source’ will include ‘Ode To N.O.L.A.’ which he wrote in a New Orleans hotel room, and ‘Sign Of The Times‘ which features a New Orleans brass section on the album.

People choosing the dining option will also get the premium seating, but all seats offer good views and a jazz club ambience, with table service being offered to all at tables.

A two-course meal plus performance ticket costs £49.50 with performance-only tickets available at £19.50.

There is also a connected art exhibition called Brushstrokes & Blue Notes, by Cambridge-based artist Musa Hamwala, who has created 10 pieces of art in oil inspired by the songs on Robin’s new album. These will be on display with QR codes to allow people to listen to the relevant song on their smartphone whilst looking at each piece, along with links to AI interpretations of the art bringing them to life with movement.