What’s on at the EFG London Jazz Festival 2024
Next month the EFG London Jazz Festival will open for its 32nd run.
This year, the festival boasts an extensive roster of cutting-edge acts anchored by a network of clubs, arts centres and basement bars that present jazz all year round.
With a grand opening at the Southbank Centre’s royal festival hall on November 15, Europe’s largest city-wide music festival will go on to bring audiences together for more than 300 live shows at 60 different venues until November 24.
Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the highlights coming up at the Barbican – a key venue for some of the most exciting acts at the EFG London Jazz Festival each year.
In addition to his sold-out performance on November 16, legendary guitarist Pat Metheny will now be playing an additional night on November 15.
Known for his versatility across musical genres, Mr Metheny has collaborated with some of the jazz scene’s very best artists from Steve Reich to Ornette Coleman and Herbie Hancock.
His upcoming performance is in support of his forthcoming album, MoonDial, a solo guitar record recorded on baritone guitar.
On November 18, trumpeter Charles Tolliver will present a landmark tribute to bebop pioneer Max Roach in celebration of what would have been the legendary drummer’s 100th birthday.
Mr Tolliver will be joined by Darrell Green on drums, Camille Thurman on tenor saxophone and an all-star UK big band led by Tony Kofi.
Following up on November 21, will see saxophonist Ms Kinoshi and her Mercury Prize-nominated ensemble, seed. collaborate with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO).
Formed in 2016, seed. released their debut album, Driftglass, under the Jazzre:freshed label in 2019. They were nominated for a Mercury Prize the same year and went on to win an Ivors Academy Award.
Their collaboration with the LSO will feature a mix of Ms Kinoshi’s original compositions, alongside Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 and Anna Clyne’s This Midnight Hour.
On November 22, percussionist and composer Marilyn Mazur’s tribal band Shamania will bring a display of shaman-inspired rhythms to Milton Court with their new album REROOTING.
Sikelela, thirty years on will close the Barbican’s run with a celebration of South Africa’s music to mark the 30th anniversary year of the country’s democracy.
Taking the cue from the word Sikelela (blessing) from the first phrase in the South African national anthem, this event celebrates a tradition of Ingoma as a practice in the intimate exercise of liberation in action.
Curated by The Brother Moves On’s Siyabonga Mthembu and pianist, composer, and singer Thandi Ntuli, the line-up includes Bokani Dyer, Thandiswa Mazwai, Keenen Myer, Chelsea Carmichael, Soweto Kinch and more.
Other venues to look out for throughout the festival include Ronnie Scotts, Level 5 Function Room, Live At Zédel, the Southbank Centre and more.
For the full line up, more information and tickets, visit: https://efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk/whats-on
Pictured top: Charles Tolliver, who will present a landmark tribute to bebop pioneer Max Roach (Picture: JimmyKatz)