The EFG London Jazz Festival returns for its 24th year from Friday 11 – Sunday 20 November 2016. Produced by Serious, the Festival has a deserved reputation for bringing world-class music to the capital throughout its long history, and this year is shaping up to be no exception.
We are delighted to announce the first wave of concerts:
Joshua Redman / Brad Mehldau Duo | Saturday 12 November | Barbican
A truly world class duo, saxophonist Joshua Redman and pianist Brad Mehldau perform in the UK together for the first time. Part of EFG Excellence Series of concerts
Lizz Wright | Saturday 12 November | Cadogan Hall
In her first headline London show in some years, Lizz Wright brings a powerfully emotional live performance to Cadogan Hall.
Tord Gustavsen – What Was Said | Saturday 12 November (matinee and evening) | Barbican / Milton Court
Renowned for subtle lyricism and a breath-taking use of space and dynamic, the Norwegian pianist and composer creates a mesmerising setting for the entrancing warmth and vibrancy of German/Afghan singer Simin Tander and the delicately nuanced drumming of long-standing partner Jarle Vespestad.
Jan Garbarek Group featuring Trilok Gurtu | Sunday 13 November | Royal Festival Hall
an Garbarek returns to London with his long-established quartet, featuring virtuoso percussionist Trilok Gurtu, bassist Yuri Daniel and his remarkable keyboard playing partner of some 25 years, Rainer Brünninghaus.
The Bad Plus | Sunday 13 November | Scala
Following their sold out gig at the Festival in 2014, we’re delighted to be bringing back The Bad Plus, playing music from their new album (due to be released in September)
Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke, Dave Holland, Eric Harland – Aziza | Tuesday 15 November | Cadogan Hall
The sheer range of talent and commitment that exudes from this newly minted quartet is positively mouthwatering. Chris Potter is one of the most assured saxophonists on the planet; Lionel Loueke’s blend of contemporary guitar sounds with echoes of the traditions of his native Benin absorbs and intrigues; Eric Harland’s muscular, dynamically sophisticated drumming places a stamp of authority wherever he sets foot; and Dave Holland’s commanding presence and mastery of groove, sound and creative spirit is simply inspirational. This is jazz for today’s generation, played by four masters of the art.
Christian Scott | Wednesday 16 November | Scala
Following his genre-melting set at last year’s Festival, Christian Scott returns - new band, new album, and new sound.
David Murray, Terri Lyne Carrington, Geri Allen – MCA Power Trio | Saturday 19 November | Cadogan Hall
If you want a statement of where the jazz mainstream is heading, look no further. David Murray’s daring, headlong saxophonics collide with the expansive piano improv of Geri Allen and the sheer subtlety and power of Terri Lyne Carrington, one of today’s key drummers – music that digs deep into the jazz tradition, whilst sitting fair and square in the 21st century.
Wayne Shorter Quartet | Sunday 20 November | Barbican
Delving into a back catalogue of jazz themes that have inhabited the music since a 60s decade recording for Blue Note and playing with Art Blakey and Miles Davis, this is Shorter continuing to demonstrate that the jazz masters never lose the urge to explore the new and unexpected – jazz at the cutting edge.
All tickets on sale Friday 18 March at 10am.
