We’re delighted to announce the EFG Elements Series 2020.
This series is a musical snapshot of EFG and the Festival's underlying principles to foster innovation and collaboration, to work with passion, and to be driven by quality and excellence. We are also equally committed to supporting the next generation of emerging talent and the creation of new music.
The specially selected shows for the EFG Elements Series are:
JAZZ VOICE – OPENING GALA
Friday 13 November | Cadogan Hall
This year, EFG London Jazz Festival’s signature opening night gala brings an array of wonderful singers and surprise guests. The star-studded vocal line up completes with the addition of Zara McFarlane who joins Cleveland Watkiss, China Moses, David McAlmont, and Luca Manning in collaboration with Guy Barker directing the specially-created EFG London Jazz Festival Ensemble, and host Jumoké Fashola - opening the Festival in their typical spectacular style. This show will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3
SEED ENSEMBLE - Celebrating the music of PHAROAH SANDERS
Saturday 14 November | Barbican
Celebrating the life and work of spiritual jazz icon Pharoah Sanders (who just turned 80), Mercury Prize nominated Cassie Kinoshi and SEED Ensemble reworking music from his vast music career and bringing it to a new generation. The stellar lineup features trumpeter Sheila Maurice-Grey (Kokoroko) and guitarist Shirley Tetteh with special guests just confirmed: Shabaka Hutchings, Ashley Henry, Richie Sievwright and Yahael Camara-Onono. Live audience tickets are already sold out, but you can still get tickets to enjoy the livestream to be a part of the night's celebrations.
JUDI JACKSON
Saturday 21 November | Cadogan Hall
A true party as Judi Jackson presents her new release Crashing Down. With her immense stage presence and unmistakable voice, the Jazz FM Vocalist of the Year nominee brings a potent cocktail of neo-soul and jazz. Mentored by Snarky Puppy’s Michael League, Judi Jackson was introduced to the world of music through the Jefferson Centre’s Music Lab in her hometown of Roanoke, Virginia. It was here she met Wynton Marsalis, and opened for Mavis Staples, which sparked her development as a jazz vocalist and performer. Check out this live performance video for a taste
KANSAS SMITTY'S HOUSE BAND
Sunday 22 November | Jazz Café
Kansas Smitty's House Band have been an integral part of EFG London Jazz Festival as they've grown over the years. From sell out shows at Ronnie Scott's, Alexandra Palace, festival appearances at North Sea Jazz and Love Supreme, plus their popular home shows from their very own bar. Led by American-Italian alto-saxophonist/clarinettist Giacomo Smith and featuring a wide array of young and exciting British jazz talent, drawing on traditions to reinterpret jazz to the audience of today. EFG London Jazz Festival 2020 sees them performing at our first night at BBC Radio 3 Late Night broadcast after our opening gala event Jazz Voice, bookending the Festival with their Jazz Café show on the closing night. Check out the music video for their new single 'Temple of Bel' here.
Whilst so much around us has had to evolve, the EFG London Jazz Festival has had one constant this year – the support of our wonderful sponsors and funders. Foremost in this are the Festival’s headline sponsor, EFG Private Bank, who have supported the Festival and our programming vision since 2008, and Arts Council England who have supported us since the Festival’s earliest days, and without them there would be no Festival this year. Their support has been instrumental in facilitating our shift to a blended live and digital approach, and we look forward to continuing to work together far into the future.
