Immy Churchill Shines at Horsebridge Jazz Club

Immy Churchill delivered a compelling jazz-infused performance at the Horsebridge in Whitstable, Kent, showcasing her rare ability to blend original songwriting with American songbook standards and folk classics. Her debut EP is due this winter, and if this show is any indication, it is well worth the wait.

A Jazz Set Built on Risk and Originality

Supported by guitarist Dom Howard and flautist Rūta Sīpola, Churchill performed a varied set rooted in jazz sensibility. Her vocal influences span Norma Winstone, Joni Mitchell, and Laura Marling, giving her sound a distinctive yet familiar warmth. The audience responded enthusiastically to her willingness to take creative risks on stage.

Standout Moments from the Evening

Churchill's rendition of Kenny Wheeler's 'Not Waving But Drowning' was a highlight, with an eerie vocal delivery that sent chills through the room. Her performance of 'Ophelia', a Lukas DeRungs composition featuring her own lyrics, drew on the tragic story of Elizabeth Siddal and demonstrated her gift for emotional storytelling. A jazz flute solo from Sīpola on the 1940 standard 'Everything Happens to Me' added further depth to the night.

An Emerging Voice in the Jazz World

Churchill is already making her mark beyond solo work, appearing on albums by Emma Rawicz and Lukas DeRungs. Her closing song, 'Ambition Abyss', performed live for the first time, spoke directly to the pressures of artistic integrity in today's music landscape. With her debut EP on the horizon, she is an artist you should be watching closely.

Key Takeaways

Immy Churchill's Horsebridge show confirmed her as one of the most promising voices emerging from the UK jazz scene. Her blend of emotional depth, technical clarity, and genuine artistic commitment sets her apart. Keep an eye out for her debut EP this winter and her upcoming quartet performance on 11 November.

Author: Sebastian Scotney

Source: UK Jazz News

Published: September 30, 2026