Jazz FM's EFG London Jazz Festival 2020 recommendations
The EFG London Jazz Festival is the capital's biggest pan-city music festival, taking place annually in November
Last updated 12th Nov 2020
Widely acknowledged for delivering world-class artists and emerging stars, the Festival continues to take jazz to a massive audience, in one of UK's landmark music events.
This year, working with the times, events include both live streamed performances to watch in the comfort of your own home and performances that you can attend. With social distancing in place, capacity will be limited so make sure you check out the full line up and get your tickets now.
Ahead of the festival, our presenters have put together their recommendations.
China Moses Recommends:
Jazz Voice – November 13th
China Moses says: “This is going be a wonderful evening with an ensemble led by Guy Barker. Original music from Cleveland Watkiss, Luca Manning paring tribute to Nancy Wilson and I will be there also!”
David Freeman Recommends:
Tom Seals – November 13th
David Freeman says: “Tom Seals excels in musical ability, a show that is consistently entertaining and the musical magnetism that other young musicians are drawn to play with him. Tom is a star in the making. Crewe turns out to be the place to breed jazz piano talent …. who knew?”
Jez Nelson Recommends:
Jazz 625 – November 20th
Jez Nelson says: “The show is bringing together an incredible line-up of the new UK scene under the umbrella of the UK’s most iconic jazz TV show - Jazz 625. Sons of Kemet, Nubya Garcia, Ezra Collective, Moses Boyd Exodus, Kokoroko, Matthew Halsall and Sarathy Korwar are all playing. It’s going to be a stunning show!”
Helen Mayhew Recommends:
A Time Remembered - The Music of Bill Evans – November 13th & 14th
Helen Mayhew says: “As well as being a hugely influential musician, whose work in Miles Davis’s band marked a high point in Miles’ career with the album Kind of Blue, Bill Evans was also a prolific composer. Bill is one of the musicians who has inspired the playing and writing of Nikki Iles, so to hear her playing Bill’s music, in the company of the incomparable Norma Winstone and wonderful saxophonist Stan Sulzmann and with the brilliant Dave Green on bass, it will be very special indeed.”
Anne Frankenstein Recommends:
Emma-Jean Thackray – November 13th
Anne Frankenstein says: "Emma-Jean is a musical powerhouse, and as anyone who's seen her live will attest, this is not to be missed. One piece of advice, wherever you're watching, make sure you've got space to dance!"
John Osborne Recommends:
Renell Shaw – November 19th
John Osborne says: This promises to be a gig of discovery and improvisation from this much in demand Bassist and multi-instrumentalist, who I'm sure will be blending Jazz and Hip Hop vibes together in his unique way, bringing something fresh to the party!”
Ruth Fisher Recommends:
Orphy Robinson – November 21st
Ruth Fisher says: "Commissioned by the EFG London Jazz Festival, Orphy Robinson has created a powerful narrative of the current situation in this 16 minute suite. And a highlight feature of this suite is the thrilling mixture of professional musicians and inexperienced players and volunteers!"