EFG London Jazz Festival Summer Series to return in 2023
Kandace Springs and Branford Marsalis are both set to appear at London Jazz Festival's second 'Summer Series'
Last updated 16th Mar 2023
Following its momentous thirtieth birthday last November, the EFG London Jazz Festival returns for its second Summer Series, in which a handpicked collection of global jazz stars will take to the stage in June and July 2023 across the Barbican and Eventim Apollo.
The electrifying and eclectic lineup includes the much-adored South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, 21st-century jazz mainstay and saxophonist Branford Marsalis, renowned vocalist Kandace Springs along with the multinational, multigenerational sextet of modern masters Artemis and iconic world music ensemble Shakti.
On the 27th and 28th of June, revolutionary world music ensemble Shakti - formed by pioneering jazz fusion guitarist John McLaughlin and pre-eminent classical tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain - will bring their cross-cultural musical conversation to the Summer Series at Eventim Apollo. The shows mark 50 years since the formation of the group and arrives alongside news of their first new studio album in 46 years and their first live performance in the UK since the 1970s.
At the Barbican on 11th July, world-renowned Nashville-based singer, songwriter and pianist Kandace Springs will be performing special new and unreleased material alongside tracks from her latest album, The Women Who Raised Me. Joining Kandace Springs is Artemis. The brainchild of pianist and composer Renee Rosnes, Artemis is a powerful ensemble of comprised of six visionary bandleaders and composers including Ingrid Jensen (trumpeter), Nicole Glover (tenor saxophonist), Alexa Tarantino (alto saxophonist/flautist), Noriko Ueda (bassist) and Allison Miller (drummer).
Revered and Grammy Award-winning contemporary saxophonist Branford Marsalis will be joined by his quartet which includes Eric Revis (bass), Joey Calderazzo (piano) and Justin Faulkner (drums), for a unique and special performance at the Barbican on 12 July. Following their recent release, Between the Shadow and the Soul, the quartet is renowned for their unparalleled and emotionally wide-ranging live shows, setting the standard of artistic excellence.
Cape Town’s jazz hero Abdullah Ibrahim - now 88 - will return to the Barbican on 15 July for what is sure to be a bewitching show mapping the journey through a lifetime of musical experience. He will perform with his trio of Cleave Guyton (flute, piccolo, saxophone) and Noah Jackson (bass, cello).
Pelin Opcin, the Artistic Director of EFG London Jazz Festival, said: “After launching the EFG London Jazz Festival Summer Series on the occasion of the EFG London Jazz Festival's thirtieth anniversary last year, we are continuing to bring a taste of the Festival to London this summer as well. Summer Series creates a big moment of jazz in June and July, joining London with the major summer tours happening in Europe. We’re all really looking forward to the 2023 EFG London Jazz Festival Festival this November - this is a great chance to enjoy the music of the artists we admire a few months early!”
EFG London Jazz Festival Summer Series 2023 - Dates:
Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 June at Eventim Apollo: Shakti
Tuesday 11 July at the Barbican: Kandace Springs
Wednesday 12 July at the Barbican: Branford Marsalis Quartet
Saturday 15 July at the Barbican: Abdullah Ibrahim Trio