London cultural news feeds

The Bad Plus - The Plus meet Django Bates

Submitted by admin on Sat, 11/20/2010 - 21:00

The Bad Plus detonate musical genres and expand all expectations of what an apparently standard jazz piano trio can achieve. With an egalitarian approach that transcends category, they de-construct and re-construct a century of sound that takes them from Black Sabbath to Stravinsky to Queen to jazz standards, as well as devastatingly original new compositions - music that derives its energy and attitude from the diverse talents of three master improvisers - pianist Ethan Iversen, bassist Reid Anderson and drummer Dave King.

Hugh Masekela & The Mahotella Queens

Submitted by admin on Sat, 11/20/2010 - 21:00

This historic meeting brings the warmth and optimism of South African jazz to the London Jazz Festival, in a year when all eyes will be focused on the nation hosting the World Cup.

Sonny Rollins at 80

Submitted by admin on Sat, 11/20/2010 - 20:30

In an unprecedented move the original saxophone colossus returns to the London Jazz Festival this year to celebrate his 80th birthday. The last of the great bebop saxophonists, Sonny is still on incredible form as he proved at last year’s triumphant sold-out Festival show, his garrulous style in full flow, he played with the energy of a man half his age. Here with a new band playing material selected from his astonishing six decades in jazz this will undoubtedly be another night of Rollins’ soaring saxophone magic.
Part of the London Jazz Festival in association with BBC Radio 3

The Bad Plus - "For All I Care"

Submitted by admin on Fri, 11/19/2010 - 21:00

The Bad Plus detonate musical genres and expand all expectations of what an apparently standard jazz piano trio can achieve. With an egalitarian approach that transcends category, they de-construct and re-construct a century of sound that takes them from Black Sabbath to Stravinsky to Queen to jazz standards, as well as devastatingly original new compositions - music that derives its energy and attitude from the diverse talents of three master improvisers - pianist Ethan Iversen, bassist Reid Anderson and drummer Dave King.

Arthur H

Submitted by admin on Fri, 11/19/2010 - 20:30

French singer and pianist Arthur H brings his eclectic and highly personal style to the Festival for the very first time.
Drawing on influences from Serge Gainsbourg to Jacques Brel and Tom Waits, he is alluring and enigmatic by turns. A Renaissance man for the 21st century.
Part of the London Jazz Festival in association with BBC Radio 3

The Bad Plus - alone...

Submitted by admin on Thu, 11/18/2010 - 21:00

The Bad Plus detonate musical genres and expand all expectations of what an apparently standard jazz piano trio can achieve. With an egalitarian approach that transcends category, they de-construct and re-construct a century of sound that takes them from Black Sabbath to Stravinsky to Queen to jazz standards, as well as devastatingly original new compositions - music that derives its energy and attitude from the diverse talents of three master improvisers - pianist Ethan Iversen, bassist Reid Anderson and drummer Dave King.

Paco de Lucia

Submitted by admin on Thu, 11/18/2010 - 20:30

Guitar legend Paco De Lucia’s breathlessly brilliant playing mixes flurries of Flamenco strumming with extraordinary flights of jazz improvisation that have made him national hero in his native Spain and earns him a heroes welcome whenever he performs in London. Leading an equally impressive ensemble of Spanish musicians and dancers through a panoramic mix of traditional and modern music, this will be a vivid slice of Flamenco culture.
Part of the London Jazz Festival in association with BBC Radio 3Part of the EFG International Excellence Series

Soweto Kinch: The New Emancipation

Submitted by admin on Thu, 11/18/2010 - 20:30

A MOBO award-winner and Mercury Prize nominee, Kinch premieres his latest project and CD The New Emancipation, which draws inspiration from 19th century work songs and early blues, exploring the modern resonances of an essential history.
From debt/wage slavery, to creative oppression in the music industry and ideas of race in a post-Obama age it combines this rich musical inheritance and revisits it with a stellar jazz ensemble and hip-hop production.
Part of the London Jazz Festival in association with BBC Radio 3

Hugh Masekela & The Mahotella Queens

Submitted by admin on Thu, 11/18/2010 - 20:30

This historic meeting brings the warmth and optimism of South African jazz to the London Jazz Festival, in a year when all eyes will be focused on the nation hosting the World Cup.

Hugh Masekela & The Mahotella Queens

Submitted by admin on Wed, 11/17/2010 - 21:00

This historic meeting brings the warmth and optimism of South African jazz to the London Jazz Festival, in a year when all eyes will be focused on the nation hosting the World Cup.