EFG London Jazz Festival 2021 - Jazz FM Recommends
A rundown of some of the key performances the Jazz FM team are recommending that you go and see at this year's festival
Last updated 24th Nov 2021
In the run-up to the Jazz FM Award-winning EFG London Jazz Festival 2021, our team of presenters have combed through the amazing line-up on offer at this year's festival to highlight the gigs and performances which they're excited to see.
Take a look below and see which concerts they'll be heading to.
EFG London Jazz Festival 2021 - Jazz FM Recommends:
Tony Allen: A Retrospective
Tony Allen: A Retrospective - Recommended by Elliot Moss
"Tony Allen is one of the most influential drummers in the world of jazz and beyond. He reinvented what drumming was about and music will never be the same again".
Michael Olatuja
Michael Olatuja - Recommended by Tony Minvielle
"Always loving the work of bass player Mr Olatuja. Michael has carved out a reputation as one of the best there is and this was manifested in his acclaimed 2020 LP Lagos Pepper Soup, which featured the vocals of musical titans such as Dianne Reeves, Angelique Kidjo and Laura Mvula.
Sarathy Korwar
Sarathy Korwar - Recommended by Sarah Ward
"This is sure to be an innovative exciting evening with master percussionist, tabla player and composer Sarathy Korwar, who's blazed a trail with music inspired by his Indian heritage threaded with the contemporary buzz of jazz in the UK".
CĂ©cile McLorin Salvant + Xhosa Cole
CĂ©cile McLorin Salvant + Xhosa Cole - Recommended by Helen Mayhew
"This is a great double bill. Singer CĂ©cile McLorin Salvant has a unique style, deep in the tradition, but with a highly original twist. Xhosa Cole's musical roots are also anchored in the classic jazz tradition, but with a fiery youthful energy, inspired by his native city of Birmingham".
Shane Forbes Explores Blossom Dearie
Shane Forbes Explores Blossom Dearie- Recommended by Helen Mayhew
"One of our most exciting drummers, Shane Forbes has been a member of the award-winning band Empirical since it was formed in 2007. Here, he's assembled a cutting-edge band of his own, including saxophonist Ruben Fox, guitarist Artie Zaitz, Joe Webb piano and fellow Empirical bandmember Tom Farmer on bass. They'll be exploring the music of one of the most whimsical performers in jazz, the delightfully witty and original singer and pianist, Blossom Dearie. Get set for a very interesting and fun evening!"
Judi Jackson
Judi Jackson- Recommended by Nigel Williams
"A true star who deserved the Vocalist of the Year Award at last year's Jazz FM Awards. A must see."
Frazey Ford + Rosie Frater-Taylor
Frazey Ford + Rosie Frater-Taylor- Recommended by Anne Frankenstein
"I'm so glad to see Frazeu on the lineup this year. Sweet, warm, cozy, soulfiltered through an Americana lens at one of the most gorgeous venues in London. This will be a perfect autumn evening gig."
Omar Sosa & Seckou Keita
Omar Sosa & Seckou Keita - Recommended by Nigel Williams
"These two create the most extraordinary atmosphere with their music. A must!"
Charles Lloyd + NĂ©rija
Charles Lloyd + NĂ©rija - Recommended by Sarah Ward
"An absolute must is one of jazz's legends, saxophonist and composer Charles Lloyd. In support of this iconic master of healing, spiritual jazz, there's the warmth and energy of NĂ©rija, the London collective of musicians inspired by global beats and thriving on jazz."