Jazz Funk con Fusion Fest

It is time to bring a proper Jazz Funk con Fusion Fest to Guildford.

With Masterlink Sessions right on Guildford's doorstep, this feels like the perfect home-turf moment. Over the years, Redtenbacher's Funkestra has grown into a key part of the wider Masterlink Sessions Collective, creating the live-in-the-studio, fly-on-the-wall performances that have connected so many great musicians and projects.

Out of that world came createive collaborations with Emily Francis and Chris Booth - from Joni Reimagined and W3 Live at Masterlink to the recent No Future Blues session featuring Chris on guitar with Emily on keys. Since Emily, Chris and Stefan all lead their own bands, bringing everyone together for one night in Guildford felt like the obvious next move.

This evening is about instrumental music, real connection and the wider family spirit behind the Masterlink Sessions Collective. Three bands, one shared musical world, and the kind of atmosphere where anything can happen. And yes, if all goes to plan, there could well be a serious end-of-night jam in the spirit of Miles Davis Live at the Fillmore.

Redtenbacher's Funkestra

Redtenbacher's Funkestra, led by Austrian bassist, composer and producer Stefan Redtenbacher, is a long-established UK jazz-funk collective built on composition, horn arranging and the strength of the ensemble. With 19 million Spotify streams, more than 20 albums on RSB Records and over 450 performance videos recognised with a YouTube Silver Creator Award, the band has become a distinctive independent creative force. Founded at Berklee College of Music in the mid-1990s, Funkestra also serves as the Masterlink Sessions Collective, recording with artists including Rumer, Connor Selby and Elles Bailey, while also giving rise to the acclaimed Joni Reimagined Project, which led to two albums, international touring and sold-out shows at Ronnie Scott's. Collaborators have included Fred Wesley, members of Tower of Power's horn section, musicians from Prince's New Power Generation and Incognito, plus Alfred 'Pee Wee' Ellis, Eric Krasno, Stanton Moore, Cory Wong, Benny Greb, Keith Carlock, Rick Margitza, Andy Snitzer and Chris Hunter.

Chris Booth & Band

London-based guitarist Chris Booth brings groove, energy and improvisational flair to the Jazz Funk Fusion Fest. A versatile live and session player, his credits include Incognito, Myles Sanko, W3 and Ronnie Scott's, underlining a strong reputation across the UK jazz-funk and fusion scene. Appearing with his own band, Chris is set to deliver a performance full of musicianship, riveting guitar work with a contemporary edge.

Emily Francis Trio

Described as a "thing of rare beauty" by Jazzwise, the Emily Francis Trio knows no bounds as they continue to wow audiences across the UK and beyond. Led by keyboardist Emily Francis, and featuring bass maestro Trevor Boxall, and drum superstar Jamie Murray, the trio fuses their own style of high-energy, melodically-driven jazz with sounds from the worlds of progressive rock and pop, electronic music, and influences spanning the 60s, 70s, and 80s. 

The band has built up a loyal following among both jazz and prog fans, with several successful tours encompassing headline shows at prestigious venues, such as Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club. The band knows no bounds when it comes to sonic exploration in their performances and they are excited to be touring and presenting new music throughout 2026.