The 2018 edition of EFG London Jazz Festival is only a couple of weeks away, returning in mid November.
The 10-day celebration of all things jazz, comprising hundreds of events across multiple venues, will showcase some legendary performers, contemporary heroes and under-the-radar acts.
Whether you're looking to dance to South African rhythms or to discover the freshest new acts, here's everything you need to know about this year's festival.
When is it?
The festival will run from November 16–25.
Where is it?
All over London. The festival brings together a huge number of the capital’s venues, from institutions such as the Barbican, Southbank Centre and Cadogan Hall, to much smaller places, from Corsica Studios nightclub to the Bull’s Head pub in Barnes.
How can I get tickets?
Tickets must be bought separately for each event and can be purchased on the London Jazz Festival website.
What free events are there?
The festival is renowned for the quality of its free events, which include performances, talks and workshops. This year there are 34 free events list, and the full programme can be found here.
What are the festival highlights?
GO London has picked out 10 must-see events at the festival, from tributes to jazz legends to performances from the stars of tomorrow.
Jazz Voice
The festival opens with this absolute showstopper. A 42-piece orchestra will provide backing to some of the most compelling new voices in jazz — this year, it will feature Zara McFarlane, Mariza, Lisa Stansfield and more.
November 16, Royal Festival Hall, SE1, 8XX
Amir ElSaffar
Informed by the traditions and sounds of the Middle East, fused with western jazz and decidedly forward-looking, Amir ElSaffar’s music is riveting. This is his UK debut.
November 16, Kings Place, N1 9AG
Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
He may better known for his starring roles in Hollywood blockbusters, but Jeff Goldblum is also a rather dab hand at the jazz piano. He’ll play four times across the festival, joined by his band, the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, putting their own spin on some beloved jazz standards.
Two performances (3pm and 7pm) on November 17, Cadogan Hall, SW1Z 9DQ / Two performances (7.30pm and 10pm) on November 22, Ronnie Scott’s, W1D 4HT
The Boy’s Doin’ It
Hugh Masekela, a luminous presence of South Africa’s jazz scene and its anti-apartheid movement, passed away in January this year. His life and work will be celebrated here, with his full band in attendance and various guest vocalists, including Sibongile Khumalo and Oliver Mtukudzi.
November 18, Royal Festival Hall, SE1 8XX
Alina Bzhezhinska presents Dorothy Ashby’s Afro-Harping
Dorothy Ashby’s 1968 album, Afro-Harping, is a masterpiece — probably the finest ever recorded release of the jazz harp. If there was one person to do it justice, it would be the extraordinarily talented Alina Bzhezhinska, who pays tribute to the album here.
November 18, Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club, SE11 4RN
Maisha
Anything released through Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood is worth listening too. This six-piece, led by Jake Long, are just about to release their debut album on the eclectic label. This show celebrates their modern brand of spiritual jazz.
November 22, Ghost Notes, SE15 4ST
Jazz Cubano!
An explosion of Latin jazz rhythms and melodies will come to the Barbican with this triple-header. The famed pianist and bandleader Arturo O’Farrill will perform with his two sons, Adam and Zack, while Omar Sosa and Yilian Cañizares will perform as a duo. Alfredo Rodriguez, who has worked with Quincy Jones, will also showcase his virtuosic piano playing.
November 23, Barbican, EC2Y 8DS
Sarah Jane Morris sings John Martyn
John Martyn, a troubled genius whose work spanned jagged folk to smooth rock, could quite fairly be described as inimitable — which is what will make this performance so fascinating. Accomplished vocalist Sarah Jane Morris pays tribute here.
November 24, Purcell Room, SE1 8XX
Makaya McCraven + Nubya Garcia
Chicago and London are both home to thriving jazz scenes. In this performance two of the leading artist from the two cities, Makaya McCraven and Nubya Garcia, come together for a double headliner. Expect performances that are bursting with energy and unconcerned by the borders of genre.
Abdullah Ibrahim
Another South African icon, pianist Abdullah Ibrahim is one of the greatest living jazz legends. Any performance the 84-year-old gives is wondrous — effortlessly fresh and hypnotic — and here, he will be joined by his band Ekaya.
