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15 - 24 November 2024

#wearejazz

Jazz FM Recommends

Here’s a selection of events from this year’s EFG London Jazz Festival as recommended by the presenters at Jazz FM. Listen to the greatest jazz, soul and blues on Jazz FM on your digital radio, smart speaker, app or at jazzfm.com


Opening Gala: Jazz Voice, Friday 10 November

Jazz FM’s China Moses says:

“I have the immense pleasure and honour in sharing the stage this year with other phenomenal artists such as Omar, Judi Jackson, Brendan Reilly, Vanessa Haynes, Naomi Banks, Emeli Sande…and of course the Guy Barker Orchestra! He has made special arrangements of two of my original songs. One of them being from my upcoming album “It’s complicated…” coming out at the beginning of 2024.”


Tom Smith Big Band, Friday 10 November

Jazz FM’s Helen Mayhew says:

“Saxophonist Tom Smith is a fine big band composer too, and his band is packed with talented young musicians. They brought the house down at Ronnie Scotts last year, so expect plenty of musical surprises, humour, and maybe a whodunnit too!”


Makaya McCraven, Saturday 11 November

Jazz FM’s Jez Nelson says:

“Makaya McCraven is steeped in the tradition of restless creativity that his home city of Chicago is so famed for in jazz. He’s also a stunning drummer and this collaboration with the London Contemporary Orchestra continues his relationship with a mother great city. Looks intriguing.”

Jazz FM’s John Osborne says:

“A drummer and much more who lives in the box marked “the coolest of jazz artists”. Always delivering incredible ideas and creations that will be a pure pleasure to witness live.”


The Cookers, Sunday 12 November 

Jazz FM’s Jez Nelson says:

“A fantastic band which includes Cecil McBee, Eddie Henderson and the saxophone titan Billy Harper. If you haven’t seen The Cookers then cancel all other plans and get along.”


Marcus Miller + Camilla George, Sunday 12 November

Jazz FM’s John Osborne says:

“Just to see Marcus Miller slap his bass will be exceptional but to be appearing alongside one of London’s most gifted saxophonist makes this a gig not to miss.”

Cory Henry + Josh Barry, Monday 13 November 

Jazz FM’s Rouhangeze says:

“I love Cory Henry’s skills in improvisation and 'gospelized' jazz style. The combination of jazz improv with funk, jam band styles, and influences from gospel and soul music is something I'd love to witness live.”


Hiromi’s Sonicwonder + Hiromi: The Piano Quintet, Monday 13 November

Jazz FM’s Sarah Ward says:

“Pianist and composer Hiromi is a wildly exciting player. She’ll light up the Barbican with a promise of new sonic wonders and jazz delights.”

Cécile McLorin Salvant, Wednesday 13 November 

Jazz FM’s Helen Mayhew says:

“One of the finest jazz singers alive, this is a chance to marvel at and enjoy Cecile’s unique style and unusual song choices, packed with drama and delivered with breathtaking skill and style.”

Jazz FM’s Sarah Ward says:

“This is sure to be a spellbinding evening with one of the most adventurous contemporary vocalists Cecile McLorin Salvant weaving her voice around magical stories drawn from folk traditions, and you can bet she’ll let fly on jazz standards as well.”


Sissoko, Segal, Peirani and Parisien, Wednesday 15 November

Jazz FM’s Sarah Ward says:

"I’ve been thrilled to hear the kora harp bringing West Africa’s ancient griot traditions into so much new music. This is a brilliant opportunity to catch kora master, Mali’s Ballake Sissoko with star French players Emile Parisien, Vincent Segal and Vincent Peirani."


Mayra Andrade, Thursday 16 November

Jazz FM’s Rouhangeze says:

"It’s fascinating how Mayra Andrade combines elements of Portuguese fado with African rhythms. However, her music also incorporates morna, pop, jazz, bossa nova and reggae elements. A must watch of the Festival!"


Ron Carter, Thursday 16 November

Jazz FM’s John Osborne says:

“It’s not often that you get the chance to enjoy a living legend in concert. So to see this 3 time grammy award winner and one of the most-recorded jazz bassist in history on stage makes this very special.”


Jazz In The Round. Hejira Celebrating Joni Mitchell, Friday 17 November

Jazz FM’s Helen Mayhew says:

“A must for fans of Joni Mitchell’s music, a band led by guitarist Pete Oxley and with the brilliant young singer Hattie Whitehead, this will be a real treat.”


London Brew, Saturday 18 November

Jazz FM’s Danielle Perry says:

“These musicians have been some of the roots of the UK jazz scene for a good while now and without them, we wouldn't have had such a golden age of jazz here in the UK. To see them working with an old Miles Davis staple will be mind-blowing.”


Nikki Iles with the NDR Big Band, Sunday 19 November

Jazz FM’s Helen Mayhew says:

“Nikki’s big band compositions are full of life and a constant delight, and she’s recently finished work on a new album of them, a collaboration with Hamburg’s NDR Big Band. This concert at Cadogan Hall will be a rare chance to see them all together, and it promises to be a wonderful evening.”


Bill Laurance & Michael League, Sunday 19 November

Jazz FM’s Rouhangeze says:

“The incredible Bill Laurance with the band leader of Snarky Puppy, which has grown from its jazz roots to blend genres including funk, R&B, soul, rock and pop. Together they have helped redefine modern jazz and the energy on stage will be truly special.”