Before some old pros kick off the season at the Charles Cryer, a young British band returns from their first tour abroad to play the Myers Studio Theatre at Epsom Playhouse. And we're not talking The Beatles or Busted here - this lot are also jazz freaks.

The Jazz Funk Collective are nine local musicians ranging in age from 14-21, who are making a name for themselves performing tracks by their tenor sax man, Duncan Eagles.

Last month, they boarded the ferry for a nine-day tour of Ireland but not before they played a warm-up gig at legendary jazz venue, The Bulls Head in Barnes.

"This is a big moment for us," said Duncan, 21, at the gig.

"We have been raising the money for this tour by doing a whole series of gigs in south-west London and Surrey and we're about to record an album of original material which should be available at all our concerts. It's just the right moment for the band."

Founded in 2004 at Ewell Castle School, the Collective is dedicated to developing improvisational techniques and band interaction in a live jazz setting.

Duncan is joined in the line-up by brother Sam and friends Dave Marston and Andrew Jackson on alto sax, Mike Park and Stuart Hawkins on trumpet, bass player Max Luthert, drummer Chris Packham and Leo Appleyard on guitar.

All the band members have busy musical lives outside the group, with several currently studying at Trinity College London and the Royal Academy of Music.

The Irish tour began with a Dublin double bill at the Boom Boom Room and the Blue Note club, before the band headed off across the Emerald Isle to three other cities.

"It was great to open the tour at the Boom Boom Room as it was voted Best Live Music Venue by The Dubliner Magazine last year," said Duncan.

"To play our type of music at the Blue Note, and then in Galway, Limerick and Miltown Malbay was a great experience for us all. It's a busy time but we do love what we do."

Just as well. With less than a week to wind down since their last home gig - at Epsom's own Ebbisham centre - the boys have barely had time to catch their breath.

  • Jazz Funk Collective, Myers Studio Theatre, Epsom Playhouse, Ashley Avenue, Epsom, Saturday September 9, 7.45pm, £6, call 01372 742 555 or visit thejazzfunkcollective.co.uk