With more than 250 shows at 50 venues across the city, the London Jazz Festival returns this year to host some of the biggest stars in the business at what promises to be one hell of a party.
The festival, which runs from November 9 – 18, will see legendary pianist and bandleader Herbie Hancock play his first ever solo UK show, an 82-year-old Sonny Rollins present his genre-defining saxophony, and jazz fusion trailblazer Chick Corea, as well as big hitters such as New Orleans trumpeter Terence Blanchard and Peter Brötzmann’s Chicago Tentet take to the stage.
The younger generation will be represented by the likes of double bassist Ezperanza Spalding, pianist Robert Glasper and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire.
The festival’s signature opening-gala night will be back once again with its epoch-spanning celebration of singing and song. Featuring Imelda May, Patti Austin, Juliet Roberts, Brendan Reilly, Claire Martin, Gwyneth Herbert, Junior Giscombe and Natalie Duncan, the opening night at the Barbican looks set to kick the festival off with a bang.
Among the young British talent being showcased will be the much talked about Ben Cottrell with his revered big band, Beats and Pieces, who will play the Southbank Centre on Sunday November 11.
In addition to a world class line-up of acts, the festival will feature the Feast of Jazz Film at the Queen Elizabeth Hall – with one £10 ticket giving access to three films over eight hours, offering a real exploration of some of the seminal names in jazz history. Feast of Jazz Film will be held on Saturday November 10.
Over 40 hours of live music will be broadcast on Radio 3, while talks, workshops and masterclasses will provide thousands of jazz enthusiasts the chance to get involved.
The full programme, further information and how to buy tickets, can be found at londonjazzfestival.org.uk.
