Jazz FM Recommends 2026

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

Danielle Perry:

Sat 14th November - Goldie

As a teenager, I remember like yesterday hearing Goldie's seminal album Timeless on my tinny car stereo. It blew my mind. The atmosphere, the arrangement, the energy of it all. Programmed are two performances of ‘Dare To Dream’, a special orchestral project bespoke to the Festival with Elysian Collective, choir, Goldie's live band and special guests - that already include anaiis, Yussef Dayes, Natalie Wiliams and Cleveland Watkiss (with more to be announced). This promises to be a feast for the ears, eyes, heart and soul.


Tue 17th November - Jackson Mathod

Everything I've heard from the new LP from Jackson Mathod excites me. I love the space, energy and character he summons and am really intrigued into the rest of the record and how that will translate into the live show. The subject matter could not be more timely - a work exploring the age of information and illusion through a psychedelic lens, drawing from Jimi Hendrix to Jeff Buckley, trip hop and beyond. Sign me up.


Thur 19th November - Pete Wareham

I've been lucky enough to work with Pete on studio recordings and live shows and can say that he is one of the most inventive, unique, and mesmerising sax players I have ever seen. His instinct for tone, groove and improvisation are profound and I urge you to go check him out.


Nigel Williams:

Sun 15th November - Jo Harrop / Alina Bzhezhinska

I can’t wait to hear what these two have done to reimagine Peggy lee and Stella Castelucci’s work.


Monday 16th November – Melody Gardot

This is indeed a treat for us all in so many ways. Melody has stepped back from performing since becoming a mother last year, so this one-off concert is very special. The orchestra and venue are icing on the cake!


Sat 21st November - Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves

One of my favourite vocalists interprets Coltrane’s album with Jonny Harman in her own unique way. Branford will sprinkle his magic on the music at what is certain to be a highlight of this festival.


Ben Bailey Smith:

Sat 14th November - The Jazz Defenders

Now that I've written a few songs and collaborated with the George Cooper-led jazz-funk dons numerous times, I feel like an honorary member of the Jazz Defenders. They would probably disagree but it would still be remiss of me not to add them to my list of ones to watch this fest.


Thur 19th November - Soweto Kinch: Trilogy

Has this man been knighted yet? If not, get on it Charlie! For modern Black British culture Soweto is a national treasure. He bridges the gap between subcultures of black music with such deftness and humility, he'll never not be worth watching in the flesh.


Sat 22nd November - Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra

Ever since I heard his solo album Identity and in particular the song I Don Waka, I've been mildly obsessed with Dele. I think it's the sheer joy his music creates in me - it's musical prozac and here's your chance to see I'm right.


David Freeman:

Fri 13th November - Muireann Bradley

Presenting Blues and Boogie on Jazz FM I often play spine-tingling heartfelt music recorded many years ago by long gone musicians.

Hearing Muireann for the very first time I really couldn't believe the accuracy, precision and musical emotion being created by an Irish teenager. Muireann is a living blues phenomenon.


Robbie Vincent:

Friday 13th November – Fergus McCreadie

Long walks with the family dog through the beauty of Scotland’s forests is the platform for a musician who aged around aged 12 had his first real pocket money to spend.

Google will tell you he would probably buy a toy of war or maybe a football shirt with his favourite players number on the back. Not this young man. He spent that precious money on an Oscar Peterson album.

He is a must see as part of the EFG London Festival. A gifted piano player leading his regular team of music makers.


Dom Servini:

Tue 17th November – Tanhai Collective X Kotoa

The sound of young South London in one night on London's buzzing Brick Lane. A six-piece instrumental jazz-funk outfit, Tanhai Collective, plus their pianist Billy Hair (whose new solo project is about to drop) and Brixton based soul, jazz and dub five-piece Kotoa join forces for one very special, unmissable event!

Nia Visser:

Wed 18th November - Vimala Rowe Quartet, Crazy Coqs

Vimala Rowe is a captivating storyteller and singer whose distinctive voice draws on musical traditions from around the world. Her music will take you on a rich and fascinating journey, and I think this will be a really special evening as she celebrates the launch of her new album alongside a wonderful group of musicians.

Sun 22nd November - Samara Joy, Southbank Centre

I first saw Samara Joy at the festival back in 2023 and was completely blown away. Her sensational vocal technique and beautiful sound have to be experienced live. A true masterclass in jazz singing, this will be a performance you'll never forget.


Jez Nelson:

Thurs 19th November - Kassa GJ Quartet

Tomorrow’s Warriors continues to deliver a pipeline of UK Jazz youngsters to watch. Saxophonist Kassa Gree-Jakcsi is just 18 but already has a musical vocab way beyond his years. Catch this gig and in years to come you’ll be able to say “I saw him when he was just starting out!”. An upcoming start with a firing quartet.


Friday 20th November - Church Of Sound 10th Birthday - British Jazz Songbook

A celebration for a decade of the brilliant East London jazz event - Church of Sound. COS regulars like Byron Wallen, Cassie Kinsohi and Nathaniel Cross are joined by special guests to explore compositions from a vintage era of UK jazz with tunes written by Stan Tracey, Michael Garrick and Ian Carr. Norma Winstone is a special guest.

Sun 22nd November - Vital Spark (Music of Kenny Wheeler) : Dave Holland, Norma Winstone and London Vocal Project

Kenny Wheeler's compositions endure as some of the most moving in UK jazz history and this superb project brings to life some of his final tunes ranged by Pete Churchill for a vocal choir accompanied by two long-time Kenny comrades and national jazz treasures - bassist Dave Holland and singer Norma Winstone. The album was sublime and this gig should be very special.


China Moses:

Fri 13th November - Leon Foster Thomas

Part of the “The Jazz Club” programming this is one not to miss. I am grateful to have been put on to the brilliance of Leon Foster Thomas and his steel pan playing when I moved to London. And I am gonna speak to the folks whom like media not automatically think of this instrument when think of lead “Jazz” instruments. I was flat out ignorant, and that is okay, but I have been schooled. And Dolly Parton, Vince Mendoza, Randy Brecker and many more agree… Leon is incredible. If you have never heard steel pan front and centre, trust me you will want to all the time after witnessing this.

Wed 18th November - Fatoumata Diawara & Thanda Choir

Fatoumata has made a point to rarely sing in any other language than Bambara, the national language of Mali where she is from, and there is one simple reason for that: she wants you to feel the music. Feel her voice. Feel the emotions. The self-taught guitarist is a not to miss musical experience and with the incredible Thanda Choir from South Africa, I guarantee you may not understand the words, but the voices will transport you.

Sun 22nd November - Homegrown

Along with the Jazz Social there are many free events during the LJF and this is one not to miss. Bring the whole family to enjoy music from the UK scene for FREE! The line-up is exciting: Audrey Powne, the multi-instrumentalist from Melbourne, LOX, the south London drummer of Ghanaian and Indian heritage (and who is also in my band), the saxophonist Allexa Nava and the collective ArtsTrain will all perform hour sets.