Welcome
Hello, I’m Jason, a guitarist based in Brighton, UK. My focus is on jazz, swing, Latin, bossa nova, and gypsy jazz guitar.
I’ve had the pleasure of playing at many jazz festivals, venues and clubs both in the Uk and internationally and I’ve performed with several exceptional musicians and bands.
I’ve also featured on many recordings as well as releasing my own album Jason Henson Plays Wes and Benson.
Keep up with my latest recordings and projects here
Public gigs
Beyond the spotlight, I book vibrant gigs across Brighton and the south coast, both performing and curating lineups of talented bands and musicians. Check out the details on my gigs page.
Biography
I’ve been playing the guitar for over 30 years, and turned professional over 25 years ago. I’ve worked with many of the world’s finest musicians, including the US legend Joe Lee Wilson, Bobby Wellins, Jo Hunter, Andy Mackintosh, Louis Stewart, Greg Abate, Peter Fraize, Jim Mullen, Alan Barnes, Andy Panayi, Simon Bates, Simon Spillett, Geoff Simkins, Rino Van Hooijdonk, Charlotte Glasson, Chris Speading, Herbie Flowers, Sam Spoons, Mike Piggott, and Jonny Hepbir. It was with Jonny that I travelled to the gypsy campsites in Holland and Germany to play with some of the grand masters of gypsy jazz in order to incorporate their incredible techniques into my playing.
Some of my heroes and influences on the guitar are: Django Reinhardt, Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Freddie Green, Charlie Christian, Lenny Borough, Louis Stewart, Grant Green, Kenny Burrell, Herb Ellis, Russell Malone and Billy Bean to name only a few.
As well as playing in many jazz clubs all over England, I’ve appeared on the BBC and have travelled the world performing at festivals, on cruise ships and at many other events. UK music festivals I’ve performed at include Love Supreme, South Coast Jazz Festival, Beachdown Festival, Marlborough Jazz Festival, Ealing Jazz Festival, Swanage Jazz Festival, Bestival, North Devon Jazz Festival, Shrewsbury Django Fest, Hayling Island Jazz Festival, Glasgow Jazz Festival, Teignmouth Jazz Festival and Plymouth World Music Festival.
Gear
My custom 17” Fibonacci has a carved spruce solid top, flamed maple back and sides, and is equipped with a John Dickinson floating P90 pickup.
The AER I use with both jazz and gypsy jazz guitars is the AER Compact 60.
Private events
I’m available for hire at a wide range of events across the country (and internationally), from weddings to small parties, corporate events, birthday parties, anniversaries and garden parties. If you’re looking for some jazz for your event to suit all budgets, you’re in the right place. Just click the link below to pick the right band for you (I also play solo guitar too). You’ll find images, videos, music clips and descriptions, which will hopefully make your decision making a lot easier. If you’d like to hire any of my bands for your event, or if there’s anything else you need to know, just get in touch via the link below, or email me at info@jasonhensonmusic.com
I play with many more groups and countless fine musicians, so if you don’t find what you’re looking for, please do not hesitate to contact me as I can provide just about any type of music for any event.
Testimonials
“It is always a pleasure to have you performing at our events. It creates such a lovely atmosphere. Thank you for everything and we’ll definitely see you soon.”
Delphine Baz, marketing manager at William & Son, September 2017
“Thank you so much for last night, you guys were fantastic and everyone really enjoyed the music. You certainly improved the atmosphere! We hope to work with you again soon.”
Francesca Hawkins, Marketing and Communications Manager The Fine Art Group, June 2017
“Many thanks to you and your groups for making the evening go with such a swing! The feedback is that this was the best of our 4 events to date.”
Stuart Campbell, Sussex Crime Stoppers Ball – East Sussex, 2016
“Jonny’s band were brilliant, couldn’t have been better! Such a good feeling throughout your sets, thank you for making such an excellent contribution to the great enjoyment of the evening. Terence really, really loved it”
Lady Victoria Conran, Sir Terence’s 80th birthday party
“You guys are good – really good!”
Sir Paul McCartney, Xmas party, 2012
“Tom and I just wanted to thank you again for playing on our wedding day. We absolutely loved listening to you, and so did all our guests.”
Anna and Tom Jenkins – July 2014
“Sara’s band were a real pleasure on Saturday, please thank them. I’m still humming ‘Sweet Sue’.”
Sue Davies – Aug ’14
