The 2018 EFG LJF starts next week and here’s our pick of 10 gigs you won’t want to miss:
Friday 16th November
Where Pathways Meet | Crypt Camberwell, 9pm | We picked these guys out at this year’s Love Supreme festival, and we’re excited to see them on their home turf, fusing transcendental Sun Ra with London’s incredible dance music scene.
Monday 19th November
Maria Chiara Argiro Group | Pizza Express Jazz Club, Dean Street, 8.30pm | This group blends classical music with folk traditions and electronics creating a contemporary jazz soundworld that evokes the ethereal.
Tuesday 20th November
Kansas Smitty’s House Band | Kansas Smitty’s, 8pm | What we love about the House Band is their constant curve of creativity that they are on – no two gigs are the same, with new music being premiered every time. Recently nominated for best UK Jazz Act by Jazz FM – you should go and see why.
Wednesday 21st November
Jazz Plus Presents: PYJÆN and lushandverdant | Rye Wax, 7pm | Join the Jazz Plus team as we bring you one of the hottest acts of the young London scene – PYJÆN. With music that moves between afrobeat, hiphop and funk, this lot bring the dance! With support from lushandverdant who chops exotic samples and mixes up a delectable beat salad. With DJs spinning the freshest wax too, you need to get down for a big night! RSVP on Facebook
Thursday 22nd November
Maisha | Ghost Notes, 8pm | Celebrating the launch of their debut album There Is A Place which is out on the forward thinking Brownswood label.
Stan Sulzmann’s Neon Orchestra | Southbank Centre, Purcell Room, 7.45pm | Stan Sulzmann’s influence on British jazz is immeasurable. Expect arrangements of tunes by Kenny Wheeler, John Taylor, Nikki Iles and an impressive band line up which includes Josh Arcoleo, James Allsopp and Matt Sulzmann.
Friday 23rd November
Camilla George + Sarah Tandy | Purcell Room, Southbank Centre, 7.45pm | Saxophonist Camillia George’s band reads like a who’s who of the young London jazz scene right now, with Shirley Tetteh on guitar and Sheila Maurice Grey on trumpet.
Saturday 24th November
Makaya McCraven & Nubya Garcia | London EartH, Hackney Arts Centre, 7.30pm | In this joint gig showcasing the Chicago and London jazz scenes, drummer Makaya McCraven will fuse hiphop, dance, rock and Hungarian folk.
Emma-Jean Thackray | LSO St Luke’s, 8.30pm | Trumpeter and beat maker Emma-Jean Thackray will be collaborating with the London Symphony Orchestra, in a concert that will be broadcast live on Worldwide FM and recorded direct to vinyl. There will be DJs too!
Sunday 25th November
Yazmin Lacey | Jazz Café, 9pm | A Nottingham girl with a voice steeped in soul, Yazmin will soar through her new album When The Sun Dips 90 Degrees. What a way to finish the Festival!
Use the hashtag #wearejazz throughout the festival and follow @londonjazzfest
For the full events programme, visit the EFG London Jazz Festival website
For all your UK new jazz, groove and good time needs follow us on social media @jazzplusprods