london jazz festival 2010 newspaper

FRIDAY 12 – SUNDAY 21

NOVEMBER 2010londonjazzfestival.org.ukbbc.co.uk/radio3

Welcome to this year’s London Jazz Festival, produced by Serious in association with BBC Radio 3.

Our city’s annual celebration of jazz continues to grow and grow, enabled by a strong network of relationships with artists, venues, producers and sponsors. These partnerships make the Festival what it is and we thank everyone for the part they play.

The programme features international and home-grown stars from across the generations and a number of themes can be found running through the Festival: this year includes a focus on French, Scottish and Danish music, alongside a final weekend of events celebrating the vibrant UK scene; Latin jazz makes a big impact, with a particular emphasis on Cuba; the sound of the big bands includes new projects from Norway, France, USA and UK; and a strand evoking the spirit of European cabaret and chanson provides a further set of contrasts.

Premieres, commissions, collaborations and family-friendly work are in abundance and around a quarter of the 250-plus events are free. There is much to explore and looking beyond the concert halls and clubs you will find a series of talks, masterclasses and workshops offering an open door into the music and its history. Behind the scenes our Learning & Participation team runs a hub of activity, working with artists, local schools and communities.

Through the huge international city that is London, the Festival takes the global language of jazz far and wide. But if you are not in the capital there is no need to miss out. BBC Radio 3 will broadcast over 40 hours of music and you can join the blogging and tweeting online. Download the Festival’s iPhone app for your pocket-sized programme and to share your photos and experiences.

This brochure features the programme in its entirety but there will always be additions to line-ups, guest appearances and support slots, plus news on competitions and special offers, so keep up-to-date by joining our elist at londonjazzfestival.org.uk/subscribe During the Festival you can find Serious out and about at the various venues, behind press and ticket desks and at information points – come and say hello. To find out more about our work throughout the year, both in London and across the UK, visit us at serious.org.uk

Have a great Festival!

FRIDAY 12th NOVEMBER

TRISH CLOWES TANGENT1pm Southbank Centre: The Clore Ballroom 6pm Ray’s Jazz at Foyles

Saxophonist Trish Clowes leads her dynamic ensemble through richly harmonic originals, as featured on her latest Basho album.

JOHN ETHERIDGE5pm Rose Theatre, Kingston

Guitar master and a key figure in British jazz, John Etheridge has many creative guises that see him cross a range of styles. As part of Festival on the Move, Etheridge plays at venues around the capital in a variety of settings, including the stunning regal surroundings of the Tudor Great Hall at Eltham Palace.

He plays a couple of short solo sets and a number of full-length duo concerts, which see him in a sweetly swinging tribute to gypsy jazz guitar icon Django Reinhardt with violinist Christian Garrick, who ably fills the Stéphane Grappelli role for some high-spirited and uplifting music making. This pairing has been described by Jazzwise as as “one of the most potent in European Jazz”.

You can also catch Etheridge play a special Sunday lunchtime gig at The Bull’s Head with his international trio, which features Norwegian bass master, Arild Andersen, and one of Europe’s great drummers, John Marshall.

JAZZ LINE-UP5pm Southbank Centre: The Clore Ballroom

Live recording of BBC Radio 3’s Jazz Line-Up, featuring a stellar crosssection of Euro-jazz talent. Festival artists from France and the UK are joined by Italian saxophonist Stefano di Battista and his trio. Playing straight from the heart of the hard bop tradition, he’s a free-wheeling soloist of real substance.

EMMA SMITH6pm Barbican Freestage

Smoky-voiced jazz singer Emma Smith brings a sassy sense of cool to classic material from the Great American Songbook and her own original songs.

SOUL REBELS BRASS BAND6.30pm Southbank Centre: The Clore Ballroom

If jazz music is the heart of New Orleans, then the Soul Rebels’ music is the blood that pumps through the city’s body. Soul Rebels embrace the rich brass band traditions of their homeland but add life-affirming vocals and hip-shaking grooves aplenty. Couple those elements with funk, ska, hip-hop, harmony vocals and more catchy horn lines and solos than you can shake a stick at and you have a goodtime party band like no other, with an infectious energy that’s impossible to resist.

You’ll be able to catch the band in a string of free gigs as they play their way around the city as part of Festival on the Move, a strand of programming that explores the breadth and depth of the capital.

CHRIS POTTER UNDERGROUND7pm Ronnie Scott’s

With a dark, brooding tenor sound and an uncompromising, incisive solo style, Chris Potter is widely regarded as the natural heir to the late Michael Brecker. A sideman and solo artist with impeccable credentials, he’s back with his ferocious fusion unit for another white-knuckle music ride.

HUGH MASEKELA + THE MAHOTELLA QUEENS7.30pm Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall

Hugh Masekela has been at the heart of the music of his country since the 1960s. Backed by a brilliant new young band, his soaring, joyful trumpet sound brims with warmth and optimism; a rousing expression of resistance and a celebration of the human spirit.

“Hugh Masekela creates an instant party, leading from vocals and flugelhorn like a South African Louis Armstrong.” The Guardian

Award-winning female vocal trio The Mahotella Queens open the concert with a stunning a cappella set. Over three decades, their mesmerizing music helped the people of their country to dance and dream through the dark years of apartheid.

MANU KATCHE + ERIC LEGNINI7.30pm Southbank Centre: Queen Elizabeth Hall

Powerhouse drummer Manu Katché has made his mark as both a sideman to global stars like Peter Gabriel, Sting and Joni Mitchell and as a jazz solo artist with three albums on ECM. Playing from his latest album, Third Round, Katché is joined by a band that features evocative Norwegian saxophonist Tore Brunborg.

“Strong themes, and an unshowy brilliance of soulfulness and sensitivity. Third Round is definitely one of the albums of the year.” The Independent

Seizing the dance jazz gauntlet, keyboardist Eric Legnini creates an authentic blend of blues, funk and Blue Note styled jazz.

RUDDER7.30pm & 9.30pm Charlie Wright’s

Described by Time Out as “a veritable Downtown supergroup”, Rudder create an unlikely blend of punk funk, dance music and Zappa-esque jazz explorations. A heavyweight band featuring Steely Dan-affiliated drum hero Keith Carlock and cult saxophonist Chris Cheek, dishes out some seriously block-rocking beats.

JAZZ VOICE CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF SONG7.30pm Barbican

This dazzling celebration of song marks the official start of the London Jazz Festival. Under the masterful direction of conductor/arranger/trumpeter Guy Barker, Jazz Voice brings together a stunning range of vocal stars from the worlds of jazz, rock and soul, whose interpretations of songwriting milestones are set to a grand orchestral score. This is the ultimate celebration of the art of jazz singing and songwriting.

“Backed by Guy Barker’s terrific big band, one superb singer after another came on stage... three hours of magnificent entertainment.” The Daily Telegraph

ALEX WILSON7.30pm Kings Place

West African rhythms and Latin American melodies mingle into an energised hybrid as jazz pianist Alex Wilson combines with the sublime kora of Madou Sidiki Diabate and percussion of Ahmed Fofana. This music has been created as part of Alex Wilson’s residency at Aldeburgh Music.

“Alex Wilson is a superb pianist. He has a sweeping musical awareness and formidable technique.” The Guardian

SIMCOCK MEETS CHARNOCK7.45pm Southbank Centre: Purcell Room

Two hugely talented artists join forces for the first time to create a work of wondrous mayhem. Gwilym Simcock, one of the UK’s most gifted pianists and imaginative composers, meets the maverick performer Nigel Charnock, a founder member of physical theatre company DV8, whoalso has a string of internationally acclaimed solo shows to his name. This collaboration produces a heady cocktail of jazz standards, free improvisation and powerful physical theatre in an uninhibited celebration of music and movement. The performance is complemented by a special appearance by the Gwilym Simcock Trio.

ROBERT MITCHELL8.30pm The Vortex

Led by mercurial pianist Robert Mitchell, Panacea mix complex polyrhythmic grooves, soulful vocals, neo-classical melodies and poetic lyrics to create a cerebral, yet danceable blend of sounds. Here they play music from their new album The Cusp.

RONNIE SCOTT REMEMBERED8.30pm The Bull’s Head, Barnes

Bluesy bop tenorist Mornington Lockett joins two members of Ronnie’s band, trumpeter Dick Pearce and veteran pianist John Critchinson, in memory of the famed saxophonist and club owner.

MARSHALL ALLEN OF THE SUN RA ARKESTRA8.45pm Cafe Oto

A surreal audio-visual extravaganza that combines experimental film shorts by leftfield filmmaker James Harrar and classic films from the late 60s and early 70s, featuring Sun Ra and his Arkestra. Rarely seen publicly, they have been restored and preserved by Harrar. These will be set to a live soundtrack by Marshall Allen, leader of the present day Arkestra.

“The energy of the images leapt off the screen, with Allen’s bursts of alto sax and accompanying electronics a stand-out.” Financial Times

ANTHONY STRONG9pm The Forge, Camden

Up-beat swinging jazz classics from this London-based singer and pianist who likes to mix jazz, blues and soul to create his own brand of feel-goodmusic.

PASCAL SCHUMACHER9pm PizzaExpress Jazz Club

A rising star of the vibes on the burgeoning European jazz scene, Pascal Schumacher draws on classical themes and his own sparkling sense of melody to create fresh sounds of his own. Here with his award-winning group, expect mallets to fly.

“Three words for last night’s concert: energy, energy, energy. Rarely have I seen young jazz musicians play acoustic jazz with this combination of energy, enthusiasm, joy and technique.” citizenjazz.com

DOWN TO THE BONE9pm The Hideaway, Streatham

Hailing from the UK but internationally successful, Down To The Bone have been at the forefront of all that is funky, groovy and soulful since breaking onto the jazz scene. Expect some hook-laden heavy funk grooves and fine solos on top.

IAN SHAW & JULIET ROBERTS9.30pm 606 Club

Two of the UK’s finest singers combine forces for a highly-charged duet exploring jazz, blues and soul. Ian Shaw combines flawless technique with heartfelt emotion and sparkling wit – perfectly suited for an intimate duet with powerhouse soul/jazz singer Juliet Roberts as they rework material by Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and more.

JAZZ ON 3 LAUNCH10.30pm Ronnie Scott’s

Always a highlight of the opening night, Jazz on 3’s Jez Nelson hosts an incredible array of artists from across the Festival, brought together for one night only and broadcast live from Ronnie Scott’s. Short sets from contrasting Festival artists have set the bar high in previous years, and the show is always full of surprises, interviews and great performances. This event is free but ticketed – for more details of how to apply visit bbc.co.uk/tickets

2. Full details at londonjazzfestival.org.uk

SATURDAY 13th NOVEMBER

AN AUDIENCE WITH JOHN ETHERIDGE11am Southbank Centre: The Front Room

An opportunity to delve into the life and works of guitar master, John Etheridge, as he speaks about his career to date, demonstrates some of the secrets of the instrument and invites questions from the audience.

JAZZ ET CUISINE2pm Southbank Centre: Queen Elizabeth Hall

The culinary traditions of France lie at the heart of the country’s culture, and la cuisine Normande is a regional treasure – so it’s only natural, with a Gallic theme running through the Festival, that we should host a tasty fusion of food and music. One of Normandy’s leading chefs, Ivan Vautier, creates a menu in front of the audience, with the sounds and aromas of a gourmet maestro echoed by the improvisations of Andy Sheppard and percussionist Michele Rabbia – a multisensory experience commissioned by the Jazz sous les Pommiers festival and supported by Isigny Ste Mère.

SIMCOCK MEETS CHARNOCK2pm Southbank Centre: Purcell Room

Two hugely talented artists join forces for the first time to create a work of wondrous mayhem. Gwilym Simcock, one of the UK’s most gifted pianists and imaginative composers, meets the maverick performer Nigel Charnock, a founder member of physical theatre company DV8, whoalso has a string of internationally acclaimed solo shows to his name. This collaboration produces a heady cocktail of jazz standards, free improvisation and powerful physical theatre in an uninhibited celebration of music and movement. The performance is complemented by a special appearance by the Gwilym Simcock Trio.

BRASSROOTS2pm Rich Mix

Leave preconceptions of brass bands at the door and experience the new sound of horns with Rich Mix residents, Brassroots. Featuring performances from Sam and the Womp, The Sunshine Kings, Brass Volcanoes, The Bollywood Brass Band, Oompah Brass and the Soul Rebels Brass Band, this show takes you on an explosive journey through ska, dub, bhangra, pop and bebop, in a stereotype-smashing brass extravanganza.

SOUL REBELS BRASS BAND2pm Theatre Royal: Stratford East Bar



3.

HADOUK TRIO + PULCINELLA + DENIS COLIN & LA SOCIETE DES ARPENTEURS3pm Barbican Freestage

A triple bill straight from the burgeoning French jazz scene. First off Hadouk Trio, featuring renowned saxophonist Didier Malherbe, mix North African melodies with chiming kora and skittering dance jazz beats. Pulcinella blend jazz, rock, tango, Balkan and Latin music, veering between soft melancholic textures, high wire exuberance and theatrical eccentricity. Bass clarinettist and composer, Denis Colin moves from deep and soulful funk to ethnic trance.

SAM CROWE GROUP + KIT DOWNES QUINTET4.30pm Southbank Centre: The Clore Ballroom

Two bright young piano stars combine for a double bill of freshfaced modern jazz. In the first set Sam Crowe’s rock and classical influences forge an expansive original sound. In the second, Mercury Prize-nominated Kit Downes debuts an expanded line-up of his trio, featuring James Allsopp and Adrien Dennefeld.

WAY IN TO THE WAY OUT: PART ONE 5pm Southbank Centre: The Front Room

Soweto Kinch, one of the most versatile young musicians to hit the British jazz and hip-hop scenes in recent years, teams up with BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist Shabaka Hutchings to offer a fun and thought-provoking take on the jazz tradition. Using live and recorded sounds, the two artists explore the history of jazz from their own perspective, illustrating the way in to the way out! This first installment explores the deep history of jazz from its birth in the melting pot that was the American south in the 19th century, through the classic jazz of the 20s, the swing era of the 30s and the revolutionary evolution of bebop in the 40s.

CHRIS POTTER7pm & 10.30pm Ronnie Scott’s

With a dark, brooding tenor sound and an uncompromising, incisive solo style, Chris Potter is widely regarded as the natural heir to the late Michael Brecker. A sideman and solo artist with impeccable credentials, he’s back with his ferocious fusion unit for another white-knuckle music ride.

BRAD MEHLDAU7.30pm Barbican

A European premiere from leading pianist Brad Mehldau, joined here by long-time collaborator and highly-acclaimed saxophonist, Joshua Redman and his dynamic trio of Larry Grenadier and Jeff Ballard plus drummer Matt Chamberlain. Scott Yoo conducts one of Britain’s leading chamber orchestras, the Britten Sinfonia, in the performance of Mehldau’s luscious and highly acclaimed Nonesuch album, Highway Rider.

“Highway Rider’s contrasts and dramatic entries spring constant

surprises. This is the kind of genre dialogue that gets classical/jazz crossovers a good name.” The

Guardian

HERBIE HANCOCK7.30pm Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall

Herbie Hancock’s music has consistently crossed boundaries and challenged jazz orthodoxy since the heady days of the 1960s. His crucial association with the transition between the acoustic and the electric Miles Davis’ bands, alongside his own exploration of dancefloor grooves, marked the trail for decades of groundbreaking music. Hancock returns to London with the live version of his latest recording, The Imagine Project.

“In several storming piano solos, Hancock’s seething imagination and technique showed he still relishes free-fall spontaneity just as much as he did when Miles Davis first hired him for precisely that fearlessness 45 years ago. A celebration of a dazzling jazz hero’s diversity.” The Guardian

ESPERANZA SPALDING CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY7.30pm Southbank Centre: Queen Elizabeth Hall

Vocalist and bassist Esperanza Spalding is one of the scene’s fastrising stars. She’s come a long way in a very short time, playing with Joe Lovano and Stevie Wonder among others. Her amazing jazz vocalese features here in the premiere of her new project, Chamber Music Society, which combines her effervescent jazz style with richly textured strings.

“Esperanza Spalding is a marvel. Everything this leggy, Afro-haired wunderkind does is jazz of the highest order. Her latest album has a chamber-jazz feel yet simultaneously manages to be funky and warm. The girl just can’t help sounding hip.” Evening Standard.

Zoe Rahman is a mesmerising soloist and composer. A Mercury Prize nominated pianist who’s made a virtue of blending a lyrical touch with sounds from her Bengali heritage to create a distinctive vision of jazz.

ANDY SHEPPARD + HADOUK TRIO7.30pm Rose Theatre, Kingston

Andy Sheppard and his starry international band play material from his critically-acclaimed ECM album Movements In Colour. Featuring tabla virtuoso and percussionist Kuljit Bhamra, the shimmering, other-worldly textures of guitarist and electronics artist Eivind Aarset, and legendary bassist Arild Andersen. The music for this line-up bears all of Sheppard’s famed characteristics – melodic themes, inventive use of texture and an unerring sense of rhythm.

“In Movements in Colour Sheppard has succeeded in creating an album of unassuming richness in texture, colour and melodic depth.” All About JazzLed by celebrated saxophonist Didier Malherbe, Hadouk Trio cook up a globe-trotting, sun-baked sound. Highlighted by Malherbe’s driving, haunting saxophone and flute touches, the trio lead the listener on an exploration through uncharted musical territory.

BOBBY BRADFORD QUARTET7.45pm Southbank Centre: Purcell Room

Bobby Bradford is a vital piece of jazz history – 75 years old this year, he was one of Ornette Coleman’s earliest collaborators from the early 50s, and played again in Ornette’s early 60s quartet. He often worked with the seminal London drummer John Stevens, who is also the link with Norwegian saxophonist Frode Gjerstad, who has been at the heart of European free jazz for many years. With Ingebrigt Haaker Flaten and Paal Nilssen-Love forming a potent rhythm section, this is a quartet that supplies freedom with swing in abundance.

Colin Stetson’s sonically vast, melodically accessible solo saxophone performances have opened for Arcade Fire, campaigned for Obama, and charmed the monks of the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assissi. Once described as “the Roger Federer of avant-garde instrumental music”, Stetson has worked with artists as varied as Tom Waits and Angelique Kidjo.

DENYS BAPTISTE8pm Kings Place

Multi-award winning tenorist Denys Baptiste has forged an acclaimed solo career that has seen him update the classic bop sound with his own stirring creativity. Back with a new Dune album Identity By Subtraction, he returns to the classic quartet setting in a band featuring pianist Andrew McCormack.

POLAR BEAR8pm Westminster Reference Library

A fascinating new venue for the godfathers of post-jazz cool. Polar Bear mash propulsive brass riffs with slashing guitar, laptop effects and churning grooves to dizzying effect. Seb Rochford leads this Mercury Prize-nominated band alongside the saxophone attack of Pete Wareham and Mark Lockheart, playing from their latest release Peepers.

IBRAHIM ELECTRIC + Q + JEAN LOUIS + GREG LAMY8pm The Vortex

Fresh from Europe showcases a selection of the most exciting musicians on Europe’s club scene: French guitarist Greg Lamy and his sharp-sounding quartet; guitar trio Q, who deliver a ferocious rock-infused grindcore sound; a heady French blend of improv and driving electronica from Jean Louis; and Denmark’s Ibrahim Electric, who take things into an afrobeat stratosphere with their powerful jazzrock grooves.

JOHN ETHERIDGE8pm artsdepot, North Finchley


He plays a couple of short solo sets and a number of full-length duo concerts, which see him in a sweetly swinging tribute to gypsy jazz guitar icon Django Reinhardt with violinist Christian Garrick, who ably fills the Stéphane Grappelli role for some high-spirited and uplifting music making.

ALEX RIEL, PETER KING & ART THEMEN QUINTET8.30pm The Bull’s Head, Barnes

Powered along by Danish drum ace Alex Riel who’s worked with the likes of Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster and Yusef Lateef, these bebop masters are still going strong today. Expect fireworks from saxophone giants Art Themen and Peter King.

THE BOXETTES8.30pm Charlie Wright’s

Led by phenomenally talented female beatboxer Bellatrix (winner of the 2009 Beatbox World Championships), this all-female a cappella vocal group explore extended vocal techniques steeped in jazz, hip-hop and soul sensibilities.

MARTHA DEMETRI-LEWIS8.30pm The Pheasantry, Chelsea

Martha Demetri-Lewis embarks on a new venture that marries rembetika, the urban blues of Athens from the 1920s, with sounds from London’s cultural melting pot, to create a spicy blend of world jazz sounds.

RAMON VALLE9pm PizzaExpress Jazz Club

A powerful storyteller with a majestic touch at the keyboard, Ramon Valle is taking Cuban piano into the future. Influenced by the jazz greats, Valle has forged a crystalline style all of his own.

“Valle’s trio bustle and chatter with a heated, dancing, street-scene vivacity.” The Guardian

LONDON HORNS9pm The Hideaway, Streatham

Brass-led jazz funk with attitude from this A-list crew featuring Graeme Flowers, Barnaby Dickinson and Graeme Blevins. Expect highenergy melodies, tight grooves and impressive individual solos.

GARETH LOCKRANE9pm The Forge, Camden

The combined talents of award winning flautist Gareth Lockrane and hard-blowing tenorist Alex Garnett lead this simmering Hammond organ fuelled band, featuring guitarist Mike Outram, through some groove-soaked originals. Moving from bop to funk to gospel, this gig includes a sneak preview of new tunes from their upcoming album.

CLARK TRACEY9.30pm 606 Club

Clark Tracey is a renowned drummer and bandleader, whose playing is steeped in a deep sense of swing. Having worked with the cream of UK jazz talent throughout his career, tonight his band will feature a number of guests with whom he has worked over the past 20 years.

TYMON TYMANSKI POLISH BRASS ENSEMBLE9.30pm Jazz Café

Composer, multi-instrumentalist, poet and writer Tymon Tymanski reawakens the anarchic spirit of his now legendary Polish jazz ensemble Milosc (Love), who were famed for their riotous stage show. Together with Polish superstar Leszek Mozdzer, he brings his new project for a wild night of leftfield European jazz.

Full details at londonjazzfestival.org.uk

LONDONJAZZFESTIVAL2010

SUNDAY 14th NOVEMBER

CHRIS SHARKEY WORKSHOP11am Southbank Centre: Spirit Level, Blue Room

Guitarist for trioVD, co-founder of Leeds Improvised Music Association and lecturer at Leeds College of Music, Chris Sharkey leads this jazz/metal/rock improv workshop, aimed at instrumentalists of all levels.

SOUL REBELS BRASS BAND1pm artsdepot, North Finchley


JOHN ETHERIDGE1pm The Bull’s Head, Barnes


He plays a couple of short solo sets and a number of full-length duo concerts, which see him in a sweetly swinging tribute to gypsy jazz guitar icon Django Reinhardt with violinist Christian Garrick, who ably fills the Stéphane Grappelli role for some high-spirited and uplifting music making.

CALUM GOURLAY & FREDDIE GAVITA BIG BAND1pm Spice of Life

Fresh jazz sounds from this bass/trumpet-led big band featuring two highly-accomplished young players alongside a wealth of London-based jazz talent.

FRAN LANDESMAN A LIFE IN WORDS AND MUSIC1pm 606 Club

An iconic figure in the world of jazz and poetry for almost 60 years, Fran Landesman is a humorous and provocative writer and performer. Featuring a performance of Fran’s lyrics and music with pianist Simon Wallace’s trio, plus an interview with broadcaster Helen Mayhew, this is a chance to encounter a special literary and musical talent.

EAST LONDON CREATIVE JAZZ ORCHESTRA2pm Barbican Freestage

The Barbican and Guildhall School Creative Learning division present a day of emerging talent on theBarbican Freestage including the East London Creative Jazz Orchestra who, following their debut during Jazz at Lincoln Center’s United in Swing residency, return with a new collaboration with Grammy Nominated pianist Robert Glasper.

AN AUDIENCE WITH LIONEL LOUEKE2pm Southbank Centre: Spirit Level, Blue Room

A rare chance to catch a live interview, demonstration and audience discussion with Blue Note recording artist, West African guitarist Lionel Loueke, who plays with Herbie Hancock on Sat 13 & Sun 14.

PETE CHURCHILL VOCAL WORKSHOP2pm The Forge, Camden

Pete Churchill’s vast experience as a vocal educator par excellence has seen him work with the likes of Abdullah Ibrahim and Mark Murphy, and he is currently a tutor at the Royal Academy of Music. Leading this workshop he offers advice and inspiration to aspiring singers.

NAADIA SHERRIF QUARTET2pm The Plough, Walthamstow

Gifted young pianist and composer Naadia Sherrif creates music brimming with fresh melodies. Here she launches her new band featuring saxophonist Tori Freestone, playing material from their new album Gnarly Hymn.

MARILYN MAZUR2pm Southbank Centre: Purcell Room

Shaped with younger audiences in mind, percussionist/composer Marilyn Mazur offers a lively and colourful performance, creating dramatic moods, rhythms and soundlandscapes using her many bells, gongs and drums. Marilyn’s family performances have been a highlight of the Copenhagen Jazz Festival for many years.

LITTLE RED SUITCASE + IBRAHIM ELECTRIC3pm Southbank Centre: The Clore Ballroom

These contrasting sets provide a fascinating insight into Denmark’s love affair with jazz, and the rich contrasts of today’s scene – programmed in partnership with the Copenhagen Jazz Festival. Quirky and charming in equal measure, Little Red Suitcase tease the senses with a mix of confessional cabaret songs, fractured improvisation and beguiling melodies. Ibrahim Electric close the afternoon with their mix of boiling afrobeat, indo-jazz and rock-inspired sounds, full of incendiary interplay.

BUDAPEST BAR4pm Royal Academy of Arts

In advance of tomorrow’s Purcell Room show, a quartet from the Budapest Bar will be performing a special acoustic concert to coincide with the exhibition Treasures from Budapest: European Masterpieces from Leonardo to Schiele. This will be an evocative and emotive performance of brooding jazz and gypsy sounds from this group, much loved in Hungary.

THE TOWNSHIP COMETS4.30pm The Vortex

The Township Comets play the searing, joyous music of saxophonist Dudu Pukwana, a towering figure in South African jazz. Expect a rousing and spirited afternoon in the Zila tradition from a band featuring vocalist Pinise Saul, trumpeter Chris Batchelor and trombonist Harry Brown.

WAY IN TO THE WAY OUT: PART TWO5pm Southbank Centre: The Front Room

In the second installment of this introduction to jazz, today’s story follows the trail from 50s cool and hard-bop into the politically charged avant-garde of the 60s and on into the genre-crashing, niche-defying world that is jazz in the 21st century.

SOUL REBELS BRASS BAND6pm Barbican Freestage


MATT ROBERTS BIG BAND7pm Spice of Life

Trumpeter Matt Roberts leads his impressive big band, playing pastoral multi-layered harmonies packed with sweeping themes, interweaving melodies and deft solos.

HAMID DRAKE& BINDU7pm Baltic

Iconic US drummer/percussionist Hamid Drake has worked with luminaries such as Don Cherry, Pharoah Sanders, Peter Brötzmann, Fred Anderson and Wayne Shorter among many others. Here his exciting band melds extraordinary vocalist Napoleon Maddox’s beatboxing-into-soul voice with an edgy guitar trio in a boundlessly creative, groove-heavy musical dialogue.

PETE CHURCHILL7.30pm The Forge, Camden

Following performances with Cleo Laine and Bobby McFerrin in the past year, here Pete Churchill performs in his own right.

HERBIE HANCOCK7.30pm Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall

Herbie Hancock’s music has consistently crossed boundaries and challenged jazz orthodoxy since the heady days of the 1960s. His crucial association with the transition between the acoustic and the electric Miles Davis’ bands, alongside his own exploration of dancefloor grooves, marked the trail for decades of groundbreaking music. Hancock returns to London with the live version of his latest recording, The Imagine Project

RAUL MALO7.30pm Southbank Centre: Queen Elizabeth Hall

Raul Malo’s voice embodies the very heart and soul of American roots music yet also references his Cuban heritage. Having enjoyed global success as a member of multi-platinum selling band The Mavericks, he’s now a solo artist exploring a heady blend of authentic country music with a rock and roll swagger, a dash of Tex-Mex twang and vibrant Latin jazz rhythms.

OMER KLEIN7.30pm Dysart Arms, Richmond

Pianist Omer Klein adds Middle Eastern and African sounds to his modal jazz style, performing inventive compositions from his three albums to date as well as material from his new album Rockets on the Balcony on John Zorn’s Tzadik label.

TERENCE BLANCHARD QUINTET + ROBERT GLASPER TRIO

7.30pm Barbican

Acclaimed for his Grammynominated film scores for Spike Lee, Terence Blanchard is one of the few contemporary horn players who can truly claim to inherit the legacy of jazz giants Miles Davis, Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard. Fast and furious post-bop from a latter-day New Orleans hero and a super-charged new band.

Playing with Maxwell, Erykah Badu and Mos Def, yet a Blue Note artist of impeccable jazz credentials, Robert Glasper is a piano-man for all seasons. Successfully marrying hip-hop with the free flow of a classic piano trio, Glasper connects jazz to contemporary urban sounds.

SCOTTISH NATIONAL JAZZ ORCHESTRA

7.30pm artsdepot, North Finchley

The SNJO has emerged in recent years as the UK’s premier repertory big band, playing the jazz tradition in consummate style as well as new repertoire to create a bold modern vision of big band music today. Here they play their acclaimed reinterpretation of Rhapsody In Blue – arranged by the orchestra’s tirelessly inventive leader Tommy Smith and featuring pianist Brian Kellock, a veritable one-man history of jazz piano. The second half revisits the repertoire of one of the great postwar bandleaders, Woody Herman – a rare chance to savour classics like Woodchoppers Ball, Apple Honey and Four Brothers.

PALLE MIKKELBORG, MARILYN MAZUR, & MIKKEL NORDSO7.45pm Southbank Centre: Purcell Room

Trumpeter Palle Mikkelborg an percussionist Marilyn Mazur are iconic figures in Danish jazz. Mikkelborg has played with the likes of Gil Evans and Terje Rypdal, and memorably collaborated with Miles Davis on the Grammy-winning Aura. Charismatic percussionist Marilyn Mazur also played with Miles, as well as Wayne Shorter and Jan Garbarek. The group present Journey To... – a special project commissioned by Copenhagen Jazz Festival. Led by Jasper Høiby, Phronesis combine molten grooves and luminous melodic themes, playing music from their new album Alive.

ALEX RIEL, PETER KING & ART THEMEN QUINTET8pm PizzaExpress Jazz Club

Alex Riel’s distinguished career stretches back to the 60s, when he was house drummer at the famed Copenhagen club the Montmartre, playing with jazz heroes Dexter Gordon and Ben Webster. Prodigiously gifted and versatile, he’s a hugely respected figure in European jazz, here teaming up to revisit the heady days of hard bop with two of this country’s finest saxophonists, Art Themen, and, celebrating his 70th year, the evergreen Peter King.

GWYNETH HERBERT8pm The Hideaway, Streatham

Gwyneth Herbert is one of the most creative and striking performers currently working on the UK scene. Adding poignant and witty lyrics to her songs, she effortlessly blends folk and jazz with soaring melodies.

GRETCHEN PARLATO8pm Ronnie Scott’s

One of the hits of last year’s Festival, Gretchen Parlato returns this year with her sophisticated approach to the art of contemporary jazz singing. Tonight’s performance will include repertoire from her acclaimed album In A Dream.

“Parlato’s drifting lullabies, whispered calypsos and rare talent for imparting emotional weight to scat lines reveal a star in the wings.” The Guardian

POLAR BEAR8pm Westminster Reference Library

A fascinating new venue for the godfathers of post-jazz cool. Polar Bear mash propulsive brass riffs with slashing guitar, laptop effects and churning grooves to dizzying effect. Seb Rochford leads this Mercury Prize-nominated band alongside the saxophone attack of Pete Wareham and Mark Lockheart, playing from their latest release Peepers.

PETE CATER BIG BAND

8.30pm The Bull’s Head, Barnes

Powerful Buddy Rich-style big band jazz and swing from this driving drummer and his 16-piece band

LED BIB+ GET THE BLESSING8.30pm The Vortex

Led Bib are a stylistic shredder of a band, welding free improv, punk, funk and rock to their own feverish sound, here previewing new material from their forthcoming album, Bring Your Own.

“You’ll be hard pressed to keep the lid on this explosive tour de force of ensemble intelligence.”The Independent

LIANE CARROLL8.30pm 606 Club

A singer and pianist with a peerless command of vocal range and emotion, Liane Carroll is a double BBC Jazz award-winner and one of the most popular vocalists on today’s scene.

RUINS & ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE8.45pm Cafe Oto

Extreme music-making from some of Japan’s most visceral and exciting musicians, where anything is possible and everything is allowed. Multi-instrumentalist Tatsuya Yoshida (Ruins), and three of the sprawling Acid Mothers Temple collective, Tsuyama Atsushi, Atsushi Tsuyama and Kawabata Makoto, create Zappa-esque noise via dismembered rock, blues and jazz.

SOUL REBELS BRASS BAND9pm Olivers, Greenwich



MONDAY 15th NOVEMBER

BIG JAZZ6pm Southbank Centre: The Front Room

This year’s Festival explores the big band’s past, present and future – from programmes that delve into the historical riches of Ellington and Woody Herman to the wildly contrasting landscape of today’s big band composers and arrangers. Kevin Le Gendre hosts a panel discussion that includes Tommy Smith, the driving force behind the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra.

CEDAR WALTON7pm Ronnie Scott’s

With a formidable history that stretches back to the 50s, including stints with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and the Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet, a brilliant recording career – especially for the Blue Note and Prestige labels – and a series of bands that act as a benchmark for the art of small group jazz, Cedar Walton is a bona fide jazz master and a pianist of immense musicality. He’s also written some of the most enduring of modern jazz standards, and is renowned as accompanist of choice for many of the great figures in the music.

ARTSTRAIN7.30pm Duke Youth Centre, Bromley

Young musicians from Bromley’s ArtsTrain project perform original music created as part of a year-long music-making programme.

JOHN SCOFIELD TRIO + SCOTTISH NATIONAL JAZZ ORCHESTRA7.30pm Southbank Centre Queen Elizabeth Hall

John Scofield is one of the most influential guitarists working today. An essential component of Miles Davis’ groups in the 80s, the musical partner to both Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell and a recording artist in his own right, Scofield has inspired legions with his distinctive style. In the first half Scofield plays with Bill Stewart and Steve Swallow for the first time in London.

In the second half he revisits an association with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra that drew a fantastic response earlier this year, playing Scofield’s brilliant compositions as well as classics from the electric Miles era.

“Scofield’s guitar-playing is phenomenal: eloquent and full of surprises.” The Guardian

COURTNEY PINE + CHRISTIAN SCOTT7.30pm Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall

In the world premiere of a major new work, Courtney Pine creates a powerful statement that reflects the vibrancy, innovation and spirit of the continent of his birth, traveling into deep history to discover how and why it was named after a Phoenician woman. With inspiration from Gregorian chant, the warmth of Mediterranean music and the evocative melodies of the far north, Courtney traces a series of stepping stones that lead to the sounds of today’s European generations. With a brand new recording in view, this is the latest chapter in the fascinating evolution of one of this country’s most original musical voices. New Orleans-born trumpet star Christian Scott has his own bold approach to jazz that blends a deep sense of the bop and swing traditions with neo-soul and hip-hop sensibilities. One of the hits of last year’s Festival as special guest with Marcus Miller, Scott returns this year to play material from his latest Decca album Yesterday You Said Tomorrow.

YARON HERMAN TRIO7.45pm Southbank Centre: Purcell Room

A pianist in the vanguard of Europe’s most imaginative players, Yaron Herman is best known for his alchemic abilities, transmuting unlikely pop sources from Britney Spears to Björk into modern jazz gold dust. A dynamic live performer, here launching his new ACT album, Follow the White Rabbit.

In 2007 four Hungarian musicians had the inspired notion to re-invent chanson, jazz, Brazilian music, film themes and gypsy traditions, from an evocative Budapest café culture of the 30s and 40s. The expanded Budapest Bar is led by the virtuoso violinist Robert Farkas and features cimbalom player Mihaly Farkas and international guests, including the brilliant Scottish pianist Brian Kellock.

TOM HEWSON + HOLLER8pm Green Note, Camden

Prodigious young pianist Tom Hewson combines a spiky Monk-ish attack that works perfectly with vibes tyro Lewis Wright and bassist Calum Gourlay to create a 21st century take on the modern jazz quartet. Bassist Ryan Trebilcock opens with his powerful modern jazz band Holler.

PETER SARIK TRIO8pm The Pheasantry, Chelsea

Modern jazz fusion and propulsive post-bop merge into one in the hands of leading Hungarian keyboardist Peter Sarik, who leads his own trio in a set of groove-soaked originals and standards, playing material from their new album Better Tomorrow. The Shez Raja Collective tonight play from their new album, Mystic Radikal, a heady mix of euphoric jazz, thundering funk, lyrical ballads and intoxicating grooves. Soulful R&B session singer Emma Louise opens here with her catchy neo-soul originals.

WILLIAM PARKER / HAMID DRAKE TRIO8pm Baltic

Leftfield drum and bass masters Hamid Drake and William Parker have a combined history that has seen them work with musical pioneers like Cecil Taylor, Ornette Coleman, Rashied Ali and Pharoah Sanders. Joined here by prodigious altoist Zhenya Strigalev, they explore jazz in its freest, most fluid form.

JEREMY MONTEIRO TRIO8.30pm PizzaExpress Jazz Club

Affectionately known as “Singapore’s King Of Swing”, Jeremy Monteiro is renowned for his numerous collaborations, including work with Toots Thielemans, Bobby McFerrin and Michael Brecker. His smouldering style is steeped in blues, swing and agile bebop.

“One of the best exponents of jazz piano.” Swing Magazine

STAN TRACEY QUARTET8.30pm 606 Club

In 1965 Stan Tracey recorded an undisputed milestone in British jazz, Under Milk Wood. Celebrating that timeless LP’s 45th anniversary, Tracey is reunited with the original saxophonist Bobby Wellins in a quartet playing music from the xseminal album and many more of his distinctive compositions.

ABC OF BOOGIE8.30pm The Bull’s Head, Barnes

Matchless boogie-woogie pianist Ben Waters leads his hugely popular band through an A–Z of stride piano.

BOJAN Z8.30pm The Vortex

From his frenetic solo performances to his current highly-acclaimed group Humus, French/Serbian pianist Bojan Z walks a fine line between Thelonious Monk, McCoy Tyner and alt-rock sources. Here with dynamic bass guitarist Ruth Goller and polyrhythmic drum genius Seb Rochford, this trio leaps between the delicate and the dangerous.

BUSHMAN’S REVENGE + TRUMPETS OF DEATH8.45pm Cafe Oto

Screaming out of Oslo’s underground club scene, ferocious guitar trio Bushman’s Revenge sound like Jimi Hendrix jamming with Motorhead via unhinged improvisation. Expect drones, scattered rhythms and quite inhumane saxophone playing from Benjamin Wetherill’s chromatic freak folk outfit Trumpets of Death.

EMILIA MARTENSSON9pm Olivers, Greenwich

Beguiling singer Emilia Mårtensson brings the delicacy and beauty of Sweden’s folk traditions and suffuses them with her own wistful jazz style.

RONNIE’S JAZZ JAM11pm Ronnie Scott’s

The late night jams at Ronnie’s are bound to be Soho’s place to hang after hours. Hosted by vocalist Michael Mwenso, these sessions run from Mon 15 through to Thu 18 and you never know which Festival guests might drop in.

5.Full details at londonjazzfestival.org.uk


TUESDAY 16th NOVEMBER

ORCHESTRE NATIONAL DE JAZZ6pm Southbank Centre: The Front Room

Bassist, multi-instrumentalist, composer and conductor Daniel Yvinec talks about his experiences as the creative force behind the acclaimed and anarchic Orchestre National de Jazz. He’s joined by the innovative drummer and composer, John Hollenbeck – his collaborator in tonight’s performance.

CROWE / HOIBY / WALDMANN6pm Ray’s Jazz at Foyles

Leaders of three of the most exciting groups on the scene play a special acoustic set. Danish bassist Jasper Høiby and saxophonist Adam Waldmann combine with pianist Sam Crowe to create absorbing and finely-wrought interplay.


With a formidable history that stretches back to the 50s, including stints with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and the Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet, a brilliant recording career – especially for the Blue Note and Prestige labels – and a series of bands that act as a benchmark for the art of small group jazz, Cedar Walton is a bona fide jazz master and a pianist of immense

musicality. He’s also written some of the most enduring of modern jazz standards, and is renowned as accompanist of choice for many of the great figures in the music.

MURCOF & FRANCESCO TRISTANO + HIDDEN ORCHESTRA7.30pm Southbank Centre: Queen Elizabeth Hall

Murcof is an influential electronic producer on The Leaf Label, who draws inspiration from baroque music, jazz and art music. Francesco Tristano is a pianist who seeks encounters outside the concert hall, performing with dance music legends Carl Craig and Moritz von Oswald, and working with his band Aufgang. This performance blends acoustic improvisation and electronic processing, splashing the sound field with chromatic colour, veiled melodies and propulsive percussive textures.

The brainchild of multi instrumentalist, composer and producer Joe Acheson, Scotland’s Hidden Orchestra build multiple layers of mesmerising sound, with the direct attack of rock and the dynamic of jazz improv underpinned by deep grooves direct from the dancefloor. Their new CD on Tru Thoughts Night Walks is scheduled for autumn release.

PAOLO CONTE7.30pm Royal Albert Hall

Paolo Conte returns to the UK for this one London concert, premiering material from his latest album Nelson on Wrasse. Conte’s music is quite simply ravishing, evoking a magic that needs to be experienced to be believed; the gruff Italian poet, painter and singer-songwriter is capable of producing the most mesmerising performances.

Combining swing-jazz cadences, vaudeville riffs, chanson and elegant contemporary pop melodies, Conte conjures up music of memories, sudden enthusiasms, and nostalgic recollections, his orchestrations illuminating each scenario like a master cinematographer.

“On record, Conte’s music is enigmatic. Heard live, it’s a revelation.” The Guardian

CLEO LAINE7.30pm Barbican

Cleo Laine’s recent appearance at the Barbican’s Big Band Britannia concert literally stopped the show, receiving a standing ovation for her tribute to the music of her partner of decades, Sir John Dankworth. Cleo returns to the Barbican with a new programme that includes the next generation of a hugely gifted family – singer Jacqui Dankworth and bassist Alec Dankworth – as featured guests. With a charismatic stage presence, and a vocal range that never ceases to astonish, Cleo Laine is one of the great figures in jazz today.

“Laine’s voice remians a magnificently individual instrument.” The Daily Telegraph

MARTIAL SOLAL7.30pm Wigmore Hall

A veteran of over sixty years of music making that’s seen him work with giants of European and US jazz such as Django Reinhardt and Johnny Griffin, 82-year old pianist Martial Solal has an encyclopaedic knowledge of style and form. He is also celebrated for the music he wrote for Jean-Luc Godard’s debut film À Bout de Souffle (Breathless).

Solal’s solo performances are stunning displays of jazz piano mastery.

SCOTTISH NATIONAL JAZZ ORCHESTRA + TRINITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE7.30pm Blackheath Halls

A celebration of the big jazz band opens with the Trinity Jazz Ensemble playing a series of landmark masterpieces by Duke Ellington. The second half continues with the SNJO performing Tommy Smith’s acclaimed re-orchestration of Rhapsody in Blue, featuring pianist Brian Kellock.

GUILDHALL JAZZ ENSEMBLE7.30pm Guildhall School: Music Hall

The Guildhall School’s renowned young jazz musicians – led here by guest saxophonist Jean Toussaint – perform arrangements of the music of Wayne Shorter. Toussaint visited London whilst a member of Art Blakey’s Messengers and returned to become a valued teacher and one of the strongest saxophone soloists on the European scene.

NOSZFERATU7.30pm The Forge, Camden

Contemporary music collective Noszferatu celebrate their ten year anniversary with the release of their new album Drempel, performed 5here in a programme of energetic and subversive music featuring works from Howard Skempton, Andrew Poppy and band members Joe Cutler, Dave Price and Finn Peters.

JIM MULLEN ORGAN TRIO7.45pm The Green Man

Paying tribute to the great soul jazz albums of the 1960s, guitar guru Jim Mullen leads his organ trio alongside leading multi-reedist Stan Sulzmann on a hard-grooving set of jazz classics from Jimmy Smith, Sonny Rollins and Horace Silver.

ORCHESTRE NATIONAL DE JAZZ7.45pm Southbank Centre: Purcell Room

France’s edgy ONJ ensemble, led by conductor Daniel Yvinec, appears here in a rhythmically charged collaboration with US drummer/composer John Hollenbeck, taking a sublime and ridiculous look at the ways in which music and movement combine. From a ping-pong ball bouncing across piano wire to miscellaneous objects mistreated by computer software via pygmy music, Gnawa trance and Duke Ellington swing, this will be a head-spinning time trip.

HANNES RIEPLER QUARTET8pm Charlie Wright’s

Austrian guitarist Hannes Riepler plays in a forthright post-Metheny style on his own finely crafted original compositions.

LEA DELARIA8.30pm PizzaExpress Jazz Club

Broadway musical star, wickedly funny stand-up, actor and writer – Lea DeLaria is all of these. But at heart, she’s a consummate jazz singer with the ability to swing and scat her way through the standard repertoire as well as transform rock and punk anthems.

HUMPHREY LYTTLETON BAND WITH ANDY HAMILTON8.30pm The Bull’s Head, Barnes

A humorous and heartfelt tribute to the late great trumpeter and bandleader Humphrey Lyttleton, fondly remembered as host of the classic Radio 4 programme, I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, as well as leading one of the country’s best loved mainstream jazz bands. Special guest comedian and writer, Andy Hamilton recalls Humph’s side-splitting humour and musical charisma.

EMPIRICAL8.30pm Peter Parker’s Club, Covent Garden

The fiery and forthright quartet of saxophonist Nathaniel Facey, vibes tyro Lewis Wright, bassist Tom Farmer and drummer Shaney Forbes continue from strength to strength, with a clutch of international awards to their credit. This will be the last opportunity for London audiences to hear their spirited and crafted explorations into the world of the late Eric Dolphy, creating music that moves effortlessly between “swing and freedom, harmony and dissonance, refinement and rawness”, Jazz Times.

DUNAJSKA KAPELYE8.30pm The Vortex

Explosive east European gypsy jazz from this popular group led by outstanding violinist Piotr Jordan. They journey through a whirlwind of sounds from gypsy anthems to klezmer, with guitarist Jez Cook adding Django-esque flourishes along the way.

JASON YARDE & ANDREW McCORMACK + WAH!8.30pm 606 Club

Saxophonist Jason Yarde and pianist Andrew McCormack combine forces here with their MY DUO, blurring the lines between classical and jazz sensibilities. Yarde’s hard-hitting Trio WAH! take over in a set of edge-of-your- seat dynamics and drama.

“Swing, hip-hop, improv, you name it, Yarde can make it all sound as if it was meant to live together, and he’s getting better at it all the time.” The Guardian

SAM CROWE GROUP9pm Olivers, Greenwich

Described as “a startlingly accomplished debut” by Jazzwise, pianist Sam Crowe’s debut release, Synaesthesia, marked the arrival of a notable new talent. Combining rich harmonies and intricate rhythms, this is fresh-faced contemporary jazz.

GEORGE CROWLEY QUARTET9pm The Oxford

Saxophonist George Crowley performs his own modern jazz compositions with a superb young band featuring pianist Kit Downes, bassist Sam Lasserson and drummer James Maddren.

KYRIE KRISTMANSONMidnight The Vortex

Drawing on influences from Joni Mitchell, Bjork and Sinead O’Connor, Kyrie Kristmanson combines jazz, folk and experimental pop with beguiling results.


WEDNESDAY 17th NOVEMBER

RAYMOND MACDONALD JAZZ FOR TODDLERS2pm artsdepot, North Finchley

Saxophonist, improviser, composer, collaborator and teacher Raymond MacDonald hosts improvisation workshops for 2–5 year olds plus parents/carers, using percussion and voice to prove you are never too young to get into jazz. Expect lots of fun, movement and plenty of ideas to take away.

KAIROS 4TET6pm Barbican Freestage

Led by the warm toned soprano and tenor work of Adam Waldmann, Kairos 4tet are among the hottest new bands emerging on the UK jazz scene, playing music from their superbly melodic debut album Kairos Moment.

GARY BURTON6pm Southbank Centre: The Front Room

World renowned vibes virtuoso, bandleader and educator Gary Burton’s influence and impact is unquestionable as one of jazz’s most consistently impressive figures – he’s also discovered many future stars like Pat Metheny and recently Julian Lage. Here he discusses his career to date with Alyn Shipton.


With a formidable history that stretches back to the 50s, including stints with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and the Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet, a brilliant recording career – especially for the Blue Note and Prestige labels – and a series of bands that act as a benchmark for the art of small group jazz, Cedar Walton is a bona fide jazz master and a pianist of immense musicality. He’s also written some of the most enduring of modern jazz standards, and is renowned as accompanist of choice for many of the great figures in the music.

VOCAL SUMMIT7.30pm Spice of Life

Three emerging vocal talents showcase their individual styles that include Emilia Mårtensson’s folk influences, Fini Berman’s ethereal vocals and the updated swing of Sarah Ellen Hughes. Their band includes vibes maestro Jim Hart and in-demand pianist Barry Green.

CHARLES LLOYD QUARTET7.30pm Barbican

From the days when he took a psychedelic vison of jazz to 60s rock venues, to his brilliant quartets of recent years, saxophonist Charles Lloyd is a totemic figure from the spiritual side of jazz. He continues to explore his forward-looking vision here with seriously talented pianist Jason Moran, bassist Reuben Rogers, and drummer Eric Harland premiering material from their new ECM recording Mirror.

“Music of total transport and delight.” Jazzwise

Norma Winstone occupies a special place among Europe’s finest and most distinctive jazz voices. Performing songs from her latest ECM album Stories Yet To Tell she’s joined by pianist Glauco Venier and reed player Klaus Gesing.

GARY BURTON QUARTET + SCOTTISH NATIONAL JAZZ ORCHESTRA7.30pm Southbank Centre: Queen Elizabeth Hall

Gary Burton’s quartets of the early 60s and 70s are still spoken about with the sort of reverence reserved for a true maestro. Renowned for hot-housing guitar talents such as Pat Metheny and John Scofield, and most recently seen in London with Chick Corea and Pat Metheny, he plays here with his stellar new quartet that features guitarist Julian Lage, drummer Antonio Sanchez and bassist Scott Colley. Joined in the second half by the hugely-skilled SNJO, Burton plays arrangements of the music of Wayne Shorter, commissioned by the SNJO.

THE CREOLE CHOIR OF CUBA7.30pm Theatre Royal Stratford East

Be prepared to hear something completely different from Cuba. They sing passionate melodies, harmonies and richly textured arrangements with jubilant movement and deep spirit. The Choir’s Cuban name ‘Desandann’ means literally ‘descendents’ and they tell the stories of their Haitian ancestors who came to Cuba to work in the plantations. Their debut album Tande-la is out now on Real World.

NIKKI YANOFSKY + BRASS JAW7.45pm Southbank Centre: Purcell Room

With a voice that belies her 16 years Canadian singer Nikki Yanofsky is a fast-rising vocal sensation. Making her debut appearance at this year’s Festival she follows hot on the heels of countrywoman Diana Krall, with her own energised and soulful Ellainspired jazz-meets-pop vocal style. The evening opens with the vibrant sounds of Scottish four-piece Brass Jaw. Working four horns a cappella, their exhilarating performances ooze energy and charisma.

RONNIE SCOTT REMEMBERED7.45pm The Green Man

Three original members of Ronnie Scott’s last Quintet, pianist John Critchinson, trumpeter Dick Pearce and tenorist Mornington Lockett, pay a heartfelt tribute (jokes included) to the great saxophonist and pioneering jazz club founder.

EDDIE HARVEY8pm Orange Tree, Richmond

One of the great heroes of British jazz, original member of the John Dankworth Seven and Musical Director for Humphrey Lyttelton, Eddie Harvey celebrates his eightieth birthday with over six decades of music. This concert includes new pieces for septet with members of the Way Out West collective featuring Chris Biscoe and Tim Whitehead.

NEIL COWLEY TRIO8pm ICA

Piano maverick Neil Cowley and his dynamite trio create a rollercoaster ride of sounds that twist jazz, rock, dance and classical themes with dazzling skill and unbridled energy, but it’s their quirky humour and rapport with audiences that makes their gigs simply unmissable. Tonight they play material from their latest release Radio Silence.

AQUARIUM + HELLO SKINNY8pm Green Note, Camden

Pianist Sam Leak leads feisty young band Aquarium alongside the scorching saxophone work of James Allsopp and polyrhythmic drumming of Troyka’s Joshua Blackmore. Formidable clarinettist Shabaka Hutchings joins frenetic drummer Tom Skinner in an opening set.

ANDREA VICARI8pm The Hideaway, Streatham

Pianist Andrea Vicari mixes Latin pulses and robust melodic themes. Tonight joined by a fine band featuring saxophonist Pete Wareham, she plays from her latest album.

HAROLD LOPEZ-NUSSA8.30pm PizzaExpress Jazz Club

Hailing from Havana and based in Paris, Harold Lopez-Nussa is the latest name to add to his country’s illustrious piano history. Classically trained, there’s more than a hint of Brad Mehldau among his mastery of weaving montuno lines and rhumba rhythms. His trio’s natural energy and enthusiasm is utterly infectious.

MARK NIGHTINGALE & NIGEL HITCHCOCK QUINTET8.30pm 606 Club

This impressive quintet is co-led by silky-smooth trombonist Mark Nightingale and saxophone demon Nigel Hitchcock. Jazz with a post bop-into-funk edge, playing music from Mark’s electrifying album Out Of The Box.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC BIG BAND8.30pm The Bull’s Head, Barnes

The RCM jazz course’s exciting new big band, led here by leading UK trumpeter Mark Armstrong, play a set of hard-swinging standards.

MARILYN CRISPELL & RAYMOND MACDONALD8.30pm Vortex

Marilyn Crispell’s intense and impassioned approach to the piano is like none other – a composer/performer of immense resource, she is acknowledged as one the most remarkable improvisers of today. This rare London performance brings her together in a mouthwatering collaboration with Glaswegian saxophonist Raymond MacDonald, a soloist of boundless energy and imagination.

KYRIE KRISTMANSON + PUMA + METAMORPHIC8.45pm Cafe Oto

A genre-bending triple bill. The songs of chanteuse Kyrie Kristmanson evoke the spirit of Björk, Joni Mitchell and Sinead O’Connor. Puma – imposing guitarist Stian Westerhus, FX/keyboardist Øystein Moen and drummer Gard Nilssen – play fearless yet utterly compelling music from the edge of the sonic landscape. Metamorphic’s music is built around Laura Cole’s imaginative original songs, with a touch of Kenny Wheeler and a soupcon of Radiohead.





THURSDAY 18th NOVEMBER

ADRIANO ADEWALEMidday Royal Albert Hall: Café Consort

Humorous, passionate and thought provoking Brazilian percussionist, Adriano Adewale’s music evokes the spirit of carnival. He plays here as part of the Royal Albert Hall’s ignite series.

YOUNGER ZEN6pm Barbican Freestage

Formed last year, Younger Zen are a British group who draw liberally on calypso and steel pan traditions, funk and rock and whose members hail from the Congo, England and Trinidad. With a percussive, dancefloor-friendly sound, they play African-Caribbean music made in London.

BRASS JAW6pm St. Pancras International

Vibrant Scottish four-piece Brass Jaw bring their energetic, up-beat sound to the bustling setting of St. Pancras International station.

GERI ALLEN6pm Southbank Centre: Purcell Room

Pianist Geri Allen explores what it means to be an African-American woman, daughter and teacher in conversation with broadcaster Alyn Shipton, in advance of her concert in the Purcell Room this evening.

LOUISE GOLBEY6.30pm & 9pm City Inn, Westminster

A sassy, soulful singer mixing a sumptuous blend of jazz, funk and hip-hop sounds with her easygoing vocal style, Louise Golbey performs her own harmony-laden originals in the stylish surroundings of City Inn’s Millbank Lounge.

JON HENDRICKS7pm Ronnie Scott’

Described by seminal critic Leonard Feather as the ‘Poet Laureate of Jazz’, 89-year old Jon Hendricks pioneered the vocalese style by adding lyrics to instrumental themes and found global fame with vocal trio Lambert, Hendricks and Ross. With a career stretching back to the 40s, this is a chance to see one of the great jazz survivors.

PACO DE LUCIA7.30pm Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall

Guitar legend Paco De Lucia’s breathlessly brilliant playing mixes flurries of flamenco strumming with extraordinary flights of improvisation that have made him a national hero in his native Spain. Leading an equally impressive ensemble of Spanish musicians and dancers through a panoramic mix of traditional and modern music, this will be a vivid slice of flamenco culture.

TRINITY JAZZ CHOIR7.30pm Blackheath Halls

Following her Barbican concert last night, Norma Winstone guests with Trinity’s Jazz Choir, led by Pete Churchill, in an evening of music from the great trumpeter and composer Kenny Wheeler.

SOWETO KINCH + FEMI TEMOWO TRIO7.30pm Southbank Centre: Queen Elizabeth Hall

MOBO award-winner and Mercury Prize nominee Soweto Kinch premieres his latest album The New Emancipation, which draws inspiration from 19th century work songs and early blues, exploring the modern resonances of an essential history. From debt/wage slavery, to creative oppression in the music industry and ideas of race in the Obama age, it revisits this rich musical inheritance with a stellar jazz ensemble and hip-hop production. Eska Mtungwazi, Byron Wallen, Shabaka Hutchings and Femi Temowo add solo fire to the mix.

CHUCHO VALDES & THE AFRO-CUBAN MESSENGERS7.30pm Barbican

Cuba’s greatest pianist graces the stage once more at the Barbican, this time with the eight-piece Afro-Cuban Messengers, performing tracks from their eagerly anticipated new release Chucho’s Step.

“He’s a one-man piano whirlwind whipping up an Afro-Cuban jazz storm.” Time Out

Opening the evening is French/Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf with his heady blend of jazz and classical Arabic music.

GILAD ATZMON7.30pm artsdepot, North Finchley

Gilad Atmzon celebrates ten years of his Orient House Ensemble with a three-set performance, featuring special guests Asaf Sirkis, Guillermo Rozenthuler and the Sigamos Quartet. Material from their early years will be followed by Atzmon’s acclaimed ‘With Strings’ tribute to Charlie Parker and will conclude with material from the band’s new release The Tide Has Changed.

THE TEAK PROJECT7.30pm Tara

Continuing the UK’s fine tradition of indo-jazz fusion that stretches back to the 1960s, this trio features the hypnotic interplay of sitarist Jonathan Mayer, guitarist Justin Quinn and tabla player Neil Craig. Weaving layers of melody and rhythm, they are joined by folk singer Tim Dickinson.

LAURA JURD QUINTET7.30pm Spice of Life

Trumpeter and composer Laura Jurd combines a full-bodied tone with quicksilver solos in a set of engaging swing, Latin and modern jazz originals.

ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC BIG BAND7.30pm Royal Academy of Music Duke’s Hall

As part of its contemporary British Jazz Composer series, The Royal Academy of Music pays tribute to the music of innovative saxophonist, Julian Argu_elles, exploring a cross section of his past and new works and featuring Argu_elles as guest soloist on music from his recent project Momenta.

GERI ALLEN + CURIOS7.45pm Southbank Centre: Purcell Room

Pianist Geri Allen effortlessly blends the hard swing of the jazz tradition with angular modern flourishes. Here in a solo setting she lets her creativity run free as she performs a live soundtrack to images by acclaimed photographer Carrie Mae Weems. Surreal and poetic, this work explores what it means to be an African-American woman, daughter and teacher in a deeply personal narrative.

BOBBY WELLINS QUARTET7.45pm The Green Man

The distinctively keening sound of Bobby Wellins’ saxophone has been an essential voice in the UK for over 50 years. The fine pianist Liam Noble is his partner in this terrific quartet.

JOHN BUTCHER, EDDIE PREVOST & GUILLAUME VILTARD + SEBASTIAN LEXER8pm ICA

Super-charged improv at the highest level features ferociously inventive saxophonist John Butcher, bassist Guillaume Viltard and a pivotal figure in improvised music, percussionist Eddie Prevost, founder member of the seminal AMM. Pianist Sebastian Lexer mixes finely poised acoustic keyboard work with live laptop manipulations and effects in an entrancing opening set.

THE BAD PLUS8pm Kings Place

The Bad Plus detonate musical genres and expand all expectations of what a jazz piano trio can achieve. They de-construct and re-construct a century of sound that takes them from Black Sabbath to Stravinsky to Queen to jazz standards, as well as devastating new compositions – music that derives its energy and attitude from the diverse talents of three master improvisers – pianist Ethan Iversen, bassist Reid Anderson and drummer Dave King. Following last year’s landmark residency with Italian pianist Stefano Bollani, the Festival returns to Kings Place with three days that celebrate the 10th birthday of The Bad Plus.

“About as badass as highbrow gets.” Rolling Stone

The Bad Plus launch the residency on Thursday 18 with a new set of original music from their 10th anniversary CD, Never Stop, due for autumn release. Earlier that evening, The Plus speak about their career to date in a free pre-concert talk, as part of the popular Hear Me Talkin’ To Ya series.

Following their concert performance, The Plus will be joined by special guests, combining DJ sets and live music in a late night show.

CLAIRE MARTIN8pm Bloomsbury Ballroom

One of the UK’s finest female jazz singers, Claire Martin has an unrivalled ability to reinvent long forgotten pop gems or lesser-known standards with effortless technique and razor sharp timing. A multi award winning solo artist, she performs music from her acclaimed album A Modern Art, described by Time Out as “full of gorgeous, postjazz melodies”.

MARK LOCKHEART8pm Lauderdale House

Voted Musician of the Year in this year’s Parliamentary Jazz Awards, Mark Lockheart has been a dynamic and creative part of the contemporary UK jazz scene since the trailblazing days of Loose Tubes. Tonight he is joined by Chris Laurence and Liam Noble in a special collaboration, featuring new arrangements from his latest album, In Deep.

MIKE MORENO QUARTET8.30pm PizzaExpress Jazz Club

A pre-eminent new voice in modern jazz, guitarist Mike Moreno has carved a distinctive musical persona. Moreno’s craft is immersed within the construction of budding themes via his fluidly articulated elegance, topped-off with raw firepower. Joined here tonight by double bassist Michael Janisch, Moreno leads his quartet in the performance of material from his latest album Between the Lines.

“There are many other guitarists out there pushing towards a modern ideal, but none with the precise coordinates that Mike Moreno has charted.” Jazz Times

ALEX BONNEY8.30pm Charlie Wright’s

Adventurous trumpeter Alex Bonney celebrates the ecstatic and devotional music of the American free jazz pioneer. This storming seven-piece band includes saxophonists Paul Dunmall and James Allsopp.

MATANA ROBERTS8.30pm The Vortex

Described by the New York Times as “a fearless and charismatic saxophonist”, Matana Roberts is one of the most exciting new artists to emerge from Chicago’s hotbed of leftfield jazz creativity, mixing her brooding alto tone with jagged rockinfused riffs and poignant folkloric themes. She appears with a fine UK band featuring the luminous piano work of Robert Mitchell.

“She has become an elegant, dramatic tone-warping free-jazz artist, right out of Ayler’s anti-bebop tradition.” The Guardian

YAMAHA ALL-STARS8.30pm The Bull’s Head, Barnes

Quintet featuring trumpeter Paul Eshelby, saxophonist Simon Bates, keyboardist Paul Harris, bassist Dave Swift and drummer Bobby Worth, who between them have worked with many of the world’s finest, from Ella Fitzgerald to Al Jarreau to Mel Torme as well as a vast range of rock and soul greats.

TIM GARLAND8.30pm 606 Club

Internationally acclaimed for his work alongside Chick Corea and Bill Bruford, Tim Garland is a reed tour de force. Whether leading a large ensemble, orchestra or one of his many searing small groups, Garland’s thrilling, multi-faceted music is always full of surprises.

JOE AUCKLAND8.30pm The Plough, Walthamstow

Trumpet player and composer Joe Auckland is inspired by the likes of Bill Frisell and Django Bates, and makes music packed with humour and invention.

DEIRDRE CARTWRIGHT + CAROL GRIMES8.30pm Chats Palace, Hackney

Carol Grimes remains one of the UK’s finest jazz, blues and soul singers. She appears in this double bill with guitarist Deidre Cartwright’s vibrant rock, Latin and funk infused quartet featuring brilliant trombonist Annie Whitehead.

SPEAKERS CORNER QUARTET8.30pm The George IV, Chiswick

Speakers Corner Quartet splice together a melange of sounds that draw on hip-hop, classical and jazz, with an energy that will light up any dancefloor. Santa Diver whip up a mix of techno beats, jazz and Moroccan gnawa. Solo support from singer/songwriter Kaz Simmons.

TAMMY WEIS8.30pm The Pheasantry, Chelsea

Tammy Weis brings a wonderful mix of country and folk sensibilities to classic standards and her heartfelt originals.

DARCY JAMES ARGUE8.45pm Cafe Oto

The buzz is out on the international jazz grapevine. Secret Society are the freshest big band to emerge from the New York scene in years, reflected by no less than three Downbeat Rising Star awards this year for both the band and its charismatic leader Darcy James Argue. Described by Darcy as a “steampunk big band”, this is a big band in the classic mould that explores the sonic language of today’s technology, pairing electroinfluenced rhythms with fuzzed-out guitar and chamber voicings. A not-to-be-missed UK debut.

TINA MAY & NIKKI ILES9pm The Forge, Camden

Described by Time Out as a “fabulous straight-ahead jazz singer”, Tina May joins forces here with long standing collaborator and pianist Nikki Iles for contemporary standards by Kenny Wheeler, Oliver Nelson and Horace Silver.

IVO NEAME QUARTET9pm Olivers, Greenwich

Sparkling contemporary pianist Ivo Neame combines melodic drive with his own elegant compositional style to forge an expansive piano sound. A busy sideman and solo artist, his debut album Caught In The Light of Day has received rave reviews.

IAN SHAW10pm Royal Albert Hall: Elgar Room

As part of the Royal Albert Hall’s late night series, BBC award-winning jazz vocalist and pianist Ian Shaw performs a solo concert, featuring material from the American Songbook alongside works by Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits, Nick Cave and his own compositions.




FRIDAY 19th NOVEMBER

BRASS JAWMidday Royal Albert Hall Café Consort 6pm Southbank Centre The Clore Ballroom

A powerful, highly mobile jazz quartet with a difference, Brass Jaw create resonant and impassioned modern jazz, whipping up a show stopping wall-of-brass sound. Catch them at various venues around London during the Festival.

“Brass Jaw combine tightness, discipline and awesome technique with a sense of fun and a real love of what they’re doing.” thejazzmann.com

SIMON PURCELL QUINTET1pm Southbank Centre: The Clore Ballroom

Intricate and melodic modern jazz from pianist and award-winning educator Simon Purcell, who’s worked with the likes of Red Rodney, Kenny Wheeler and Julian Argu_elles.

LOUIS MOHOLO – MOHOLO6pm Southbank Centre: The Front Room

The great South African jazz drummer celebrates his 70th birthday this year by talking about his long, illustrious career.

CURIOS6.30pm National Portrait Gallery

Described by Time Out as a “state of the art piano trio”, Tom Cawley’s Curios create layers of melody and rhythm with seamlessly criss-crossing time signatures.

JON HENDRICKS7pm Ronnie Scott’s

Described by seminal critic Leonard Feather as the ‘Poet Laureate of Jazz’, 89-year old Jon Hendricks pioneered the vocalese style by adding lyrics to instrumental themes and found global fame with vocal trio Lambert, Hendricks and Ross. With a career stretching back to the 40s, this is a chance to see one of the great jazz survivors.

ARTHUR H + ARTHUR JEFFES7.30pm Southbank Centre: Queen Elizabeth Hall

Arthur H reshaped the chanson tradition of Jacques Brel to his own ends, sharing with Serge Gainsbourg and Tom Waits the urge to tell current stories with the instruments of yesterday. As he rose to become a star in France and beyond, he used the groove of machines and trance to combine within his songs the poetry of rock and jazz. His new show Mystic Rumba (also a double CD on Wrasse) combines many of the characters and stories from his greatest songs with new material, all stripped back to an alluring, enigmatic solo performance, accompanied only by his piano. To open, Arthur Jeffes, the leader of Penguin Cafe, also plays solo for the very first time.

TUNDE JEGEDE7.30pm Tara

An evening of African classical music and improvisation with composer and kora maestro Tunde Jegede and emerging guitar/vocal star Maya Jobarteh. Journeying through meditative and haunting kora-led music this concert also features visuals by the multi-media visual artist Sunara Begum.

GUILDHALL JAZZ BAND7.30pm Guildhall School: Music Hall

Following her Barbican concert with Cleo Laine on Tue 16, the effervescent Jacqui Dankworth joins Guildhall jazz musicians in a special performance.

HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR + GOLDEN GATE QUARTET7.30pm Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall

The return of one of the world’s great black choirs for their only British date. Since their debut 31 years ago at the Harlem Cotton Club, the choir has built a reputation as a truly awe-inspiring vocal ensemble. The choir is 11 singers – each a soloist in their own right – underpinned by a tight band that rocks and rolls. With a repertoire that ranges from classic black gospel to sanctified soul, the Harlem Gospel Choir is a powerful spectacle and a great show – truly uplifting and universally inspirational. Formed back in 1934, the Gates were a truly radical jubilee quartet, bringing the swing and groove of jazz into gospel music. Their leader Clyde Wright has been a member of the Golden Gate Quartet for 56 years, and he stresses that theirs is a mighty tradition, handed down through the families of the original members, yet staying relevant and open to new expressions of Afro- American music.

PETER KING & HENRY ARMBURG–JENNINGS QUINTET7.45pm The Green Man

Veteran alto star Peter King, who turns 70 this year, teams up with 21-year old trumpet sensation Henry Armburg-Jennings to celebrate their love of fiery post-bop jazz in a harddriving quintet.

LOUIS MOHOLO – MOHOLO + KEITH TIPPETT7.45pm Southbank Centre: Purcell Room

A founding member of legendary South African jazz groups the Blue Notes and Brotherhood of Breath, and still a vital musical force today, drummer Louis Moholo-Moholo celebrates his 70th birthday with a special two-part concert. The first set features a rare reunion with pianist Keith Tippett. In the second set Moholo-Moholo assembles a powerful band of contemporary improvisers – Jason Yarde, Ntshuks Bonga, Henry Lowther, Francine Luce, Alex Hawkins and John Edwards.


On Friday 19, alt-rock singer Wendy Lewis swings by from Minneapolis to join The Plus to play from the 2009 CD For All I Care adding a voice that brings intense compressed energy to augment the group’s sonic arsenal, with a set list that encompasses Nirvana, the Bee Gees, Pink Floyd, Ligeti and Milton Babbitt.


TRIO VD + NU CLEAR8pm ICA

21st century power band trioVD vaporise generic boundaries with their ear-cleansing assault of sliced thrash guitar, jagged saxophone and hyper-kinetic beats. This adrenaline fuelled three-piece have been wowing festival audiences across Europe.

“Absolutely astounding. All three locked tight in the groove. It was magnificent.” Scotland Herald

Lithuanian saxophonist Liudas Mockunas’ brand new trio Nu Clear reflects the fast-growing impact of new jazz and improv from the eastern borders of Europe, with pianist Dmitrij Golovanov and drummer Marijus Aleksa. Mockunas has worked internationally with Andrew Hill and Marc Ducret. Alongside Aleksa, he takes part in a special collaboration with trioVD, co-commissioned with the Vilnius Jazz Festival.

SAM CROWE GROUP + EMILIA MARTENSSON8pm Green Note, Camden

Pianist Sam Crowe’s debut album, Synaesthesia revealed him to be one of this year’s rising stars. He creates rich, graceful and potent music fuelled by propulsive grooves. Support comes from bewitching Sweden-born jazz-folk singer Emilia Mårtensson.

DONAE’O + THE BOXETTES8pm Stratford Circus

Funky MC/vocalist Donae’o, all female a cappella beatbox phenomena, The Boxettes and genre-busting four-piece Speakers Corner Quartet line up in this edgy night of urban jazz.

DISCOVERING MUSIC8pm Royal Academy of Music David Josefowitz Hall

Jazz writer and broadcaster Alyn Shipton presents a fascinating exploration into the musical legacy of the “founder of jazz”, Jelly Roll Morton. Alyn Shipton looks at some of Morton’s forerunners and own musical style, with help from the pianist Philip Martin and one of the world’s foremost authorites on classic jazz and ragtime – Keith Nichols.

SALENA JONES8.30pm The Bull’s Head, Barnes

Jazz, soul, blues and cabaret classics come together here with Ms Jones’ delectable Sarah Vaughan-influenced vocal style, natural stage presence and effortless sense of swing.

NATALIE WILLIAMS8.30pm The Pheasantry, Chelsea

An exceptional singer/songwriter whose style unifies R&B, authentic swinging jazz and serious soul. Reinterpreting jazz standards and writing sophisticated originals, she’s London’s answer to Jill Scott and Erykah Badu.

ZED-U + ODDJOB8.30pm The Vortex

Zed-U dive into hard-hitting, experimental jazz laced with electronica, dub and free improvisation. Enthralling multi-reedist Shabaka Hutchings, bassist Neil Charles and drummer Tom Skinner add electronics to their sound clash. Scandinavian ensemble Oddjob deliver a jolt of jazz-rock and alt-pop packed with visceral musical energy, combined with a brutalised Nordic charm.

PABLO HELD TRIO9pm PizzaExpress Jazz Club

Precociously talented 23 year-old German pianist Pablo Held creates a sound world that shimmers and sparkles with intimate excitement. A trio that’s fast making waves internationally, their music isdelicately crafted and gently persuasive, with two highly-rated albums to their name already, and playing for the first time in the UK.

MARY PEARCE9pm The Hideaway, Streatham

Soul jazz and R&B diva Mary Pearce is best known for her immaculate vocal work with the likes of Courtney Pine, Lionel Ritchie and Beverley Knight, here performing a set of soulful favourites.

TROYKA9pm The Forge, Camden

Prog rock and lopsided funk collide in this trio led by guitarist Chris Montague with intense backing from Hammond man Kit Downes and drum ace Joshua Blackmore.

TALKING SAGES9pm Charlie Wright’s

Trumpet player/composer Pete Horsfall brings together two freestyling rappers, Bill Zoot and Twinky Blu, who weave rhymes around the tough brass, bass and beats of this M-Base influenced quartet. Expect freestyle rap interlocked with heavy grooves.

SAMARA9.30pm 606 Club

Latin jazz sextet led by 606 Club owner Steve Rubie on saxophone and flute, this fine band also features Neil Angilley and delectable Brazilian singer Liliana Chachian in a blend of samba, Latin jazz and soul.

ASAF SIRKIS + BRASS JAW + BOBBY WELLINS9.30pm Southbank Centre: The Clore Ballroom

The London Jazz Festival broadcasts a triple bill of artists live across Europe – the stunning drumming of Asaf Sirkis, the rousing horns of Brass Jaw and the classic tenor saxophone-led quartet of Bobby Wellins.

BRAINDEAD COLLECTIVEMidnight The Vortex

Musically diverse free-form sound collages, jazz harmony and industrial dissonance from thisimprovising ensemble, described by Time Out as a “head-melting synth-fuelled assault that blends savage beats and unsettling grooves to fine effect”.



SATURDAY 20th NOVEMBER

BRASS JAW WORKSHOP11am Southbank Centre: Spirit Level, Blue Room

A cappella four-piece Brass Jaw lead a brass and reeds improv workshop, aimed at all levels.

RAYMOND MACDONALD JAZZ FOR TODDLERSMidday Kings Place

Saxophonist, improviser, composer, collaborator and teacher Raymond MacDonald hosts improvisation workshops for 2–5 year olds plus parents/carers, using percussion and voice to prove you are never too young to get into jazz. Expect lots of fun, movement and plenty of ideas to take away.

BRASS JAW2pm National MaritimeMuseum, Upper Deck

3.30pm Queen’s House, Great Hall

Brass Jaw continue their travels across London to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Catch them first on the grand Upper Deck of the museum and, later that afternoon, in the intimate and visually stunning Queen’s House.

KEITH TIPPETT2pm Southbank Centre: Spirit Level, Blue Room

For over 30 years, Keith Tippett has been at the forefront of contemporary European jazz, as an innovative improviser, composer and inspirational teacher. Today’s session provides an insight into a fascinating career and his intensely personal approach to the piano and invites audience discussion.

TRINITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE2.30pm Southbank Centre: The Front Room

Setting the scene for a day that delves deep into the rich heritage of the jazz mainstream, Trinity College of Music’s talented undergraduate ensemble follows its hugely successful concert of Benny Goodman’s big band music at last year’s Festival, to perform arrangements from the Ellington songbook under the direction of Malcolm Earle-Smith

NEON + MARTIN SPEAKE QUARTET + DAVE STAPLETON QUINTET3pm Barbican Freestage

Dave Stapleton’s enterprising record label, Edition Records, has built a catalogue of exceptional British music in recent years – today’s programme, which runs into the early evening, reflects three of the latest releases. In order of playing, transgenerational quartet Neon feature the consummate saxophonist Stan Sulzmann alongside three of today’s individual voices – vibist Jim Hart, pianist Kit Downes and drummer Tim Giles; followed by the delicately artful saxophonist Martin Speake teaming up with pianist Nikki Iles. Finally Stapleton’s own writing and piano skills form the core of a quintet that’s fiery and melodically distinctive in turns, described by The Guardian as “a real UK jazz revelation”.

THE BENNY GOODMAN QUARTET AND BEYOND4pm Southbank Centre: Purcell Room

In 1935, Benny Goodman crashed through the barriers and brought both black and white musicians on stage together in a mightily swinging quartet that stands as a turning point in jazz history. The story of the quartet of Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Teddy Wilson and Gene Krupa – and the multiple directions its members subsequently took – is recreated in fine style by Richard Pite and a tremendous band of specialists in swing, including Pete Long, Enrico Tomasso, Alan Grahame and Bunny Thompson.

OUTHOUSE FEATURING HILMAR JENSSON6pm Southbank Centre: The Clore Ballroom

A supercharged group featuring a frenetic twin-saxophone attack, fuelled by a thundering rhythm section, Outhouse is one of the most exciting bands to emerge from London’s Loop Collective. Joined by rock-edged Icelandic guitarist Hilmar Jensson, this group can run riot between improv abandon, menacing lopsided riffing and insistent grooves.

HARVEY COHEN’S ELLINGTON6pm Southbank Centre: The Front Room

Cultural and political historian and lecturer Harvey J Cohen talks about his recent book Duke Ellington’s America, examining the Duke’s cultural and historical impact outside the world of music and focuses on the symbiotic relationship with musical alter-ego Billy Strayhorn, whose own music is celebrated in this evening’s concert in the Purcell Room.

MARIBEL7.30pm Tara

Vocal and guitar-led music from this band that blend jazz and soul in an intimate acoustic setting. Here they perform original songs inspired by the likes of Jobim and Stevie Wonder.

SONNY ROLLINS AT 807.30pm Barbican

The original saxophone colossus returns to the London Jazz Festival this year to celebrate his 80th birthday. The last of the great bebop saxophonists, Sonny is still on incredible form as he proved at last year’s triumphant sold-out Festival show, when he played with the energy of a man half his age. Here with a new band playing material selected from his astonishing six decades in jazz, this will undoubtedly be another night of Rollins’ soaring saxophone magic.

ORPHY ROBINSON7.30pm The Forge, Camden

Vibes/marimba maestro Orphy Robinson revisits the golden years of 1980s Brit funk crew Savanna. Expect irresistibly soulful vocals and ultracool jazz-funk with stunning visual projections.

MATTHEW HERBERT & THE LONDON SINFONIETTA7.30pm Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall

Renowned for his unique brand of experimental music, Matthew Herbert and some of his favourite musicians join forces with the London Sinfonietta for an event inspired by 21st century life. This new project, One Day, is based on content from a single newspaper and will include pieces and songs based on the stories contained within.

UTE LEMPER7.30pm Southbank Centre: Queen Elizabeth Hall

Ute Lemper, one of the world’s great cabaret singers, celebrates the tango and the music of Astor Piazzolla, with some of his most dramatic and sensual songs about love, life, death, fatality, passion and survival in Buenos Aires. The destiny of these songs takes us on a journey through the dark alleys of Berlin, New York and Paris, drawing in evocative tangos from the pens of Kurt Weill and Jacques Brel. Ballake Sissoko is one of Mali’s great exponents of the kora – joining forces with cellist Vincent Segal, they have made a sublime CD Chamber Music which was voted International Jazz Album of the Year in France. After sensational shows with Cesaria Evora and Bassekou Kouyate, another chance to hear their thrilling duet.

STRAYHORN THE SONGWRITER7.45pm Southbank Centre: Purcell Room

The genius of Duke Ellington’s arranger and co-composer, Billy ‘Sweet Pea’ Strayhorn is celebrated in a concert specially curated by Frank Griffith and Alex Webb. New arrangements of classics like Take the A Train and Lush Life, are complemented by rarely heard songs that evoke the spirit of this most sophisticated of jazz composers, with two stellar vocalists, the sumptuous voicings of a specially assembled nine-piece band, and a fascinating narrative from Sirena Riley.

NATALIE WILLIAMS8pm artsdepot, North Finchley

Natalie Williams effortlessly combines dexterous vocal technique with sultry soul and a vivacious stage presence. As at home reworking classic standards or her own folk and soul-influenced originals, Williams always sparkles live.

ZHENYA STRIGALEV8pm Charlie Wright’s

Alto saxophonist Zhenya Strigalev is a compelling improviser, adept at playing burning post-bop or uncompromising fusion. Here he performs music inspired by his recent visit to New York, capturing its restless musical creativity.


On the afternoon of Saturday 20, hear The Plus in a relaxed setting, performing an hour long concert that’s aimed at children and accompanying adults. Recommended age: 7+ In the evening the trio move into high octane improv territory, inviting Django Bates to join them in a fascinating transatlantic dialogue. Bates has brought an acutely personal and hugely influential vision to jazz today, whether as composer or multi-instrumentalist.


TINA MAY WITH FRANK HARRISON TRIO8.30pm The Pheasantry, Chelsea

A perfect pairing of Tina May’s swinging vocal style with pianist Frank Harrison’s sensitive trio accompaniment, together they playfully twist rhythms and harmonies to deliver scintillating re-interpretations of up-tempo jazz standards and classic pop tunes.

ARUN GHOSH8.30pm The Albany, Deptford

Charismatic clarinet star Arun Ghosh presents his latest visceral, pan-cultural mix of multiple horns, koras and driving percussion. Here West Bengal meets West Africa in a powerful contemporary narrative that traverses world jazz terrain while retaining its eclectic British roots.

DECOY + MA + BIG CAT8.30pm The Vortex

A night exploring the sonic potential of the Hammond organ. Decoy feature virtuosic keyboardist Alex Hawkins in a fiery improv trio that “rocks and swings so hard it’s dangerous”, Jazzwise. MA, led by Tom Challenger, traverse radical and varied musical dimensions from ambient electronics to explosive noise-improv. Big Cat whip up heavy-duty waves of rhythm – thanks to drummers Seb Rochford and Tim Giles – combined with haunting Hammond sounds from Kit Downes.

JOVINO SANTOS NETO8.30pm The Bull’s Head, Barnes

Intricate Latin and Brazilianinfluenced jazz from internationally acclaimed pianist Jovino Santos Neto, whose energised musical vision draws on his work with Hermeto Pascoal, Bill Frisell, and Airto Moreira.

HELGE SUNDE ENSEMBLE DENADA9pm PizzaExpress Jazz Club

The word on the jazz grapevine following Ensemble Denada’s first British performance in 2008 was extraordinary. Norwegian trombonist and composer Helge Sunde combines such divergent influences as Hermeto Pascoal, Django Bates and cinematic themes to create his own quirky, rhythmically charged music. Here he brings his big band back to the UK, playing from his acclaimed new album Finding Nymo.

“One of the most versatile, highspirited and original 16_piece bands heard in London for years.” Evening Standard

CHICO CHAGAS9pm The Hideaway, Streatham

Adding some fiery Rio rhythms to his frenetic modern jazz style, Brazilian accordion star Chico Chagas plays high energy music that’s the perfect launch pad for his fizzing solos.

SAXOPHONE SUMMIT FEATURING PETER KING9.30pm 606 Club

A night of sparkling solos and classic standards featuring Tim Whitehead, bop maestro Brandon Allen, guest trumpeter Martin Shaw and worldrenowned saxophonist Peter King.

THE BAD PLUS LATE NIGHT10pm Kings Place

On the afternoon of Saturday 20, hear The Plus in a relaxed setting, performing an hour long concert that’s aimed at children and accompanying adults. Recommended age: 7+ In the evening the trio move into high octane improv territory, inviting Django Bates to join them in a fascinating transatlantic dialogue. Bates has brought an acutely personal and hugely influential vision to jazz today, whether as composer or multi-instrumentalist.



SUNDAY 21st NOVEMBER

ARUN GHOSH11am Southbank Centre: Spirit Level, Blue Room

Clarinettist/composer Arun Ghosh leads an indo-jazz improv workshop, aimed at all instrumentalists of all levels.

KATE WILLIAMS11am The Forge, Camden

A pianist who has been at the heart of the UK scene for many years, Kate Williams has built a reputation for bringing incisive melodic ideas and graceful compositions to her performance.

GARETH LOCKRANE BIG BAND1pm Spice of Life

Award-winning flautist and bandleader Gareth Lockrane leads his own storming big band. Blending heavy grooves and luscious orchestrations to spectacular effect, tonight they play Lockrane’s own dynamic compositions.

LAURENCE COTTLE BIG BAND1pm 606 Club

Outstanding Jaco Pastoriusinfluenced bass guitarist Laurence Cottle is both an A-list sideman and a widely respected arranger and bandleader. Here he leads his powerful 16-piece big band on a rollercoaster ride of modern jazz, funk and soul.

THE BATTLE OF THE UNIVERSITY BIG BANDS1pm The Bull’s Head, Barnes

From 1pm through to 11pm, leading talent from the country’s universities and colleges battle it out in this brass-laden big band spectacular.

MUNTU VALDO1pm artsdepot, North Finchley

Building up layers of sounds with loops and samples, Muntu Valdo brings his strikingly modern approach to the sawa blues to the Festival.

RACHEL MUSSON’S SKEIN2pm The Plough, Walthamstow

Saxophonist Rachel Musson launches her free flowing debut album Flight Line in the company of award-winning pianist Alcyona Mick, the powerful drum pairing of Javier Carmona/Josh Morrison and fine bassist Will Collier.

AN AUDIENCE WITH JOVINO SANTOS NETO2pm Southbank Centre: Spirit Level, Blue Room

Join master pianist, composer and arranger, Jovino Santos Neto as he speaks about his career and close affiliation with Brazilian master Hermeto Pascoal, demonstrates his individual approach to the instrument from a latin jazz perspective, and invites questions from the audience.

CLEVELAND WATKISS2pm Barbican

Come and sing along to jazz standards with one of the UK’s leading male vocalists Cleveland Watkiss and pianist Jonathan Gee. A chance for all ages and abilities to have fun exploring the voice, and to learn tips from the masters.

ADVENTURES IN SOUND2pm Southbank Centre: The Clore Ballroom

Diving into the unknown is the name of the game here with this evermorphing line up of unflinching improvisers who move through dub, electronica, skittering beats and fractured jazz sounds. Keyboardist Matthew Bourne joins avant-funk

trio Zed-U and experimental US bassist Barre Phillips in this thrillingly unpredictable session.

JAMES MORTON + KILLER SHRIMP + OMAR PUENTE BAND3pm Barbican Freestage

The groove factor runs high in a programme that kicks off with the return of Killer Shrimp, the fiery quartet led by trumpeter Damon Brown and saxophonist Ed Jones – drum’n’bass, latin and funk rub shoulders with driving jazz swing. The temperature stays high with the punchy, hard hitting soul jazz of dynamic saxophonist James Morton and his fiery band of young Bristolians. Omar Puente’s virtuoso violin solos fire the imagination and move the spirit. He provides the climax to a terrific afternoon of UK jazz with a band featuring pianist Alex Wilson, launching their new book about the history of the violin in Cuba.

BRASS JAW5pm & 6.30pm Theatre Royal: Stratford East Bar

Brass Jaw continue their travels across London to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Catch them first on the grand Upper Deck of the museum and, later that afternoon, in the intimate and visually stunning Queen’s House.

BEATS AND PIECES BIG BAND7pm Spice of Life

Part heavy groove mob, part sophisticated modern jazz troupe, this Manchester-based group are to the big band tradition what Polar Bear is to the saxophone led quartet. Beats and Pieces mix up modal, Latin, Brazilian and funk with deft jazz touches to scintillating effect.

“If ever there was a big band that sounded perfect for the 21st century young person, Beats & Pieces is it.” thejazzbreakfast.com

AN EVENING WITH JULIETTE GRECO7.30pm Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall

Juliette Gréco returns to London for her first concert in ten years. She grew up in post-war Paris, meeting Sartre, Cocteau, Boris Vian and Miles Davis in a whirl of jazz and existentialism, and making great songs like Prévert’s Je Suis Comme Je Suis her own. She still sings Jacques Brel, Leo Ferré and lots of Serge Gainsbourg songs, but as well as drawing on her classic repertoire, she is still reaching out to new voices. She is accompanied by her pianist and husband Gérard Jouannest (Brel’s long-time musical director) and Jean-Louis Matinier on accordion.

“She performs with the power, passion and verve of someone just starting out, but she’s been in this game since the forties. She became a muse not only for Sartre but for Camus, Cocteau, Jacques Brel and Serge Gainsbourg, some of whom wrote strange, poetic songs for her. There’s a song that was written for and about her – L’Éternel Féminin – and, as she wipes the floor with her audience, it never seemed more apt.” The Independent

BILLY JENKINS & BBC BIG BAND7.45pm Southbank Centre: Purcell Room

Crazed guitarist and laconic humourist extraordinaire Billy Jenkins occupies a special place in British music culture. He appears here as part of a career retrospective in two lively settings, first with his freewheeling blues trio, and then with the BBC Big Band to perform large ensemble versions of his songs, specially arranged by leading UK saxophonist Iain Ballamy.

JOVINO SANTOS NETO8pm PizzaExpress Jazz Club

Jovino Santos Neto has long been associated with Brazilian composer Hermeto Pascoal’s intricate style, that Neto brings into his own richly woven music. Updating the rhythms of samba, choro, baião and forró with his energised musical vision, Neto creates music for the head and the hips.

RICHARD TURNER8pm Charlie Wright’s

This stripped-back post-bop band is led by promising young trumpeter Richard Turner, with altoist Mike Chillingworth, Empirical bassist Tom Farmer and drummer Josh Morrison.

RONNIE SCOTT’S BLUES EXPERIENCE8pm Ronnie Scott’s

Blues Experience guitarist Tony Remy covers the full spectrum of the blues, performing classics by the likes of Eric Clapton, BB King, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and Robert Cray.

SHABAKA HUTCHINGS TRIO8pm North London Tavern

Clarinettist Shabaka Hutchings brings his high-pressure style to bear on this trio that features free improv drummer Mark Sanders and bassist John Edwards. Support from the young quartet Southbound whose music combines the experimental facets of jazz with melodic compositions and sensitive improvising.

SACHAL VASANDANI8pm The Pheasantry, Chelsea

A singer already winning high praise from Wynton Marsalis, who said his music “reveals emotion and intellect”, Sachal Vasandani is bringing a fresh approach to blending jazz and pop with credibility and skill, here performing a set of bluesy standards and originals.

MOSS PROJECT + BFG8pm Green Note, Camden

Innovative guitarist Moss Freed forges a highly organic mix of lyrical folk themes, intense rhythms and intricate classical arrangements to stunning effect. The evening opens with earthy jazz-fusion unit BFG, and finishes up with a late-night jam session.

IAN SHAW & LIANE CARROLL8pm The Hideaway, Streatham

Two of the UK’s finest jazz singers, Ian Shaw and Liane Carroll have an effortless chemistry when performing

as a duo, bringing rare wit and insight not to mention humour to any song they choose to sing. This is an unmissable vocal tour de force.

LILLIAN BOUTTE8.30pm 606 Club

Bringing together a heady blend of blues, gospelised soul and the jazz sounds of her native New Orleans, exhilarating singer Lillian Boutté has few equals. A renowned R&B performer, her live shows are always full of passion.

THE SYNDICATE9pm Jazz Café

Joe Zawinul’s death in 2007 left a huge gap in the jazz landscape. An inspirational figure in jazz as he moved from acoustic to electric, a crucial member of Miles Davis’ band and co-leader of Weather Report, Zawinul created a ground-breaking vision of global jazz that still resonates. Some of the key members of the original Syndicate – including the phenomenal drummer Paco Sery – have reformed with the Zawinul family’s blessing to keep the spirit of this essential music alive

STEPHANE KERECKI TRIO7pm Baltic

Double bassist Stéphane Kerecki has worked with top European jazz stars that include Yaron Herman and Michel Portal – here, he’s joined by saxophonist Matthieu Donarier and drummer Thomas Grimmonprez.

“One of the fascinating European jazz prospects of the 21st century.”The Guardian

AFROCUBISM7.30pm Barbican

The legendary ‘lost’ World Circuit Records project that became Buena Vista Social Club is finally realised. Some of Cuba and Mali’s finest musicians, amongst them Eliades Ochoa, Toumani Diabaté, Bassekou Kouyate, Djelimady Tounkora and Kasse Mady Diabaté, collaborate in producer Nick Gold’s newest and most eagerly awaited project for years. The elements of Cuban and African music are thrown in the air, falling in entrancing new patterns.

GEE / PHELPS / BARTLEY7.30pm Dysart Arms, Richmond

A dynamite trio of Thelonious Monk-inspired pianist Jonathan Gee, fiery trumpeter Jay Phelps

and deeply grooving bassist Larry Bartley explore the music of Freddie Hubbard and Wayne Shorter.

KAIROS 4TET7.30pm The Forge, Camden

Led by the warm toned soprano and tenor work of Adam Waldmann, Kairos 4tet are among the hottest new bands emerging on the UK jazz scene. Here they create a captivating blend of melodic beauty and pin sharp improvising.

“Kairos 4tet mixes group-sensitive and freewheeling jazz improv and memorable themes with an élan that’s likely to put it on a lot of people’s “rising UK stars” list this year.” The Guardian

MOPOMOSO7.30pm The Vortex

This long-running session draws from a pool of world-class musicians to create London’s premier improvised music night. This programme features the UK debut appearance of violinist Hideaki Shimada and pianist Yoko Arai. Other musicians taking part include Roger Turner, Satoko Fukuda, Max Eastley, Dominic Lash, Hannah Marshall, Henry Lowther and John Russell.



london jazz festival 2010 newspaper

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