DISAX Musician. DISAX Artist. DISAX Educator.
Cygnet Jazz
Cygnet is built on a shared love for jazz in all its forms. Whether we’re performing as an intimate duo or a full quartet, we enjoy keeping every piece fresh and spontaneous.
The Cygnet Quartet
I feel very lucky to share the stage with a rhythm section that truly brings these compositions to life. With either Emma Breese or Chris Keir on piano, Graham Niblett on bass, and my husband, Paul Arthurs, on drums, we explore jazz from across the 20th century. Switching between the rich tones of the tenor and baritone saxophones, I lead the group through a repertoire that moves from the sophistication of Duke Ellington to the "Township Jive" of Abdullah Ibrahim and the relaxed Bossa Novas of Jobim.
Our 2025 live album, recorded at Sutton Coldfield Jazz Club, captures this spirit, and in early 2026,we were thrilled to bring that same energy to the stage when we opened the new "Jazz Club" series at Cheltenham’s Playhouse Theatre.
The Cygnet Duo
For smaller settings, the Duo (Piano, Saxes, Flute & Vocals) allows for an even more conversational style of playing. We enjoy the freedom of tailoring the music to the occasion, whether that means soothing swing ballads, Great American Songbook classics, or the soulful grooves of Grover Washington. From our regular spots at The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie to private celebrations, we simply love providing the right soundtrack for the moment.
Quartet Reviews
Memorable evening at Beoley Jazz Club last night, Cygnet Quartet were incredible, Diane Arthurs, vocals and reeds, husband Paul on drums, Emma keyboard and Graham on bass provided a rich and variable sound. Wide ranging, excellent content. An evening you didn't want to end but leaving such wonderful memories. (John M Smith)
On a freezing night we were treated to a variety of jazz music played with some great melodic arrangements and wonderful vocals by the four talented musicians of Cygnet Quartet. Their line-up was Diane Arthurs (vocals, tenor & baritone saxophone and flute), and rhythm section of Paul Arthurs (drums), Emma Breeze (Piano) and Graham Niblett (bass guitar). The bands new CD was also available on sale that was recorded live in the summer at our Sutton Coldfield Jazz & Blues Club.
... all four musicians showed real virtuosity and contributed to an outstanding evening's entertainment. Thoroughly enjoyable! (Stuart L.)
We enjoyed two ‘shoe’ themed- tunes with the 1952 Gerry Mulligan song recorded with Chet Baker, ‘Walk-in’ Shoes’, and the Charlie Parker’s 1951 composition, ‘My Little Suede Shoes’... (Paul L.)
Playing more modernistic jazz of bossa nova, show music, and jazz standards with rhythm and great arrangements...Diane gave some super vocals during the evening (Boldmere Sports and Social)
Christine D.
Great Witcombe’s ‘Jazz and Picnic in the Park’ fund-raising event: The Cygnet Duo entertained us with a wonderful variety of music, including “Lullaby of Birdland”, “My Little Suede Shoes”, “Flamingo”, “Somebody Loves Me” and “Take the A Train”. The duo played flute, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone and sang beautifully. We will definitely invite them again next year.
Sarah M.
I booked Cygnet Duo for our daughter’s wedding and thoroughly enjoyed the variety of music performed. The pieces were thoughtfully chosen and most appropriate for the occasion. Many comments from family and friends were made complimenting the duo. Would definitely book them again. Very friendly and helpful when booking .
Sally S.
I booked a table at the Ragged Cot for my husband’s birthday as he loves jazz and the Cygnet Duo were performing. They were brilliant! Diane plays the saxophone beautifully and her voice is amazing! I’ll certainly look out for them again!
Louise K.
We have had some lovely feedback form your performance here at Richmond Village Wood Norton.
Paula Q.
Cygnet have played jazz at the BMI, Upton St Leonards, Gloucester on a regular basis over the past year. All are accomplished musicians and it is a treat to hear them play.
John G.
We always time our visit to ensure that Cygnet are playing when we eat at The Ragged Cot.