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Opening on November 10, the EFG London Jazz Festival’s 300-plus gigs encompass London’s concert venues and dense network of jazz clubs and arts hubs under a single umbrella. International in outlook but with strong local roots, the festival provides a snapshot of current jazz as well as a showcase for homegrown talent. Here is my selection of the very best events.
1. Joshua Redman Group featuring Gabrielle Cavassa and Guests
The American saxophonist’s latest project, Where Are We, probes at the emotional fissures scarring the US. The repertoire is broad — Bruce Springsteen to John Coltrane — and vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa matches Redman’s controlled passion and exemplary technique. Guests include star vibraphonist Joel Ross and the fiery Brian Blade on drums. November 12, Barbican Centre
2. The Symphonic Music of Wayne Shorter
The Philharmonia Orchestra tackle the oblique lines and shimmering harmonies of saxophonist Wayne Shorter’s late-life orchestral work, some of which he was working on shortly before his death in March. Vocalist/collaborator Esperanza Spalding features alongside saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, and musicians from Shorter’s last working band ensure an intriguing one-off retains focus and edge. The programme includes the song-cycle Gaia, the European premiere of the semi-operatic Iphigenia and a selection of Shorter’s wonderful songs. November 19, Royal Festival Hall
3. Charles Lloyd Ocean Trio
The veteran saxophonist’s flourishing late-life career finds his ear for first-class accompanists undiminished. This gig presents his wispy tone and melodic flair with pianist Gerald Clayton from the album Trios: Ocean, one of three 2022 Blue Note releases, alongside guitarist Marvin Sewell. Norwegian saxophonist/composer Mette Henriette completes an elegiac double bill. November 17, Barbican Centre
4. Marcus Miller and Camilla George
Marcus Miller’s bone-crunching bass guitar, unflappable cool and razor-sharp production skills have been a circuit highlight for more than 30 years. Add in hip young horns and contemporary rhythms, and his blend of uncut funk and vibrant jazz remain unequalled. UK saxophonist Camilla George completes a thrilling double bill. November 12, Royal Festival Hall
5. Tyshawn Sorey Trio/Tyshawn Sorey Pat Thomas Duo
MacArthur fellow and master-percussionist Tyshawn Sorey blurs boundaries with consummate ease. On Friday, the drummer re-examines piano trio orthodoxy in the free-flowing company of pianist Aaron Diehl and Matt Brewer on double bass — the recent album Mesmerism and newly released Continuing indicate the thrills to expect. On Saturday, Sorey explores the rhythmic vortex of drum’n’bass with London-based pianist and electronic wizard Pat Thomas. November 17, Kings Place and November 18, Café Oto
6. Joey Calderazzo Trio
Jazz-club intimacy is the perfect setting to appreciate the fine detail of pianist Joey Calderazzo’s singular blend of grit and romance. A long-term piano-chair mainstay in Branford Marsalis’s quartet, he delivers sparkling narratives with a joyously rounded technique. Orlando Le Fleming and Donald Edwards are sympathetic regulars on bass and drums. November 12, PizzaExpress Jazz Club
7. Makaya McCraven and London Contemporary Orchestra: In These Times
The American drummer’s “beat science” merges sampled jams and live improv into a rich and continually evolving rhythmic stew. This one-off gig takes McCraven’s album In These Times as a starting point for a new rhythmic tapestry to emerge. It combines a handpicked band of McCraven regulars with the London Contemporary Orchestra, whose credits range from Radiohead to Terry Riley and Jimmy Page. November 11, Barbican Centre
8. Avishai Cohen Quartet + Emma Rawicz
An intriguing double bill twins the brooding warmth of Israeli trumpeter Avishai Cohen’s quartet with the UK’s latest rising jazz star, saxophonist Emma Rawicz. Cohen’s last album, Naked Truth, celebrated the intimacy of kinship and friends, Rawicz’s outgoing Chroma combined jazz, world music and funk. Her club date with pianist Gwilym Simcock sold out early; here she’s with a muscular quartet. November 14, Cadogan Hall
9. Hiromi
The Japanese pianist’s exuberance and glossy technique are crowd-pleasing additions to the festival stage. Her latest release, Sonicwonderland, a quartet with brash trumpeter Arturo O’Farrill, tempers her runs and trills to fit sultry soul, sparse hip-hop and jittery EDM. Opening the evening, Hiromi: The Piano Quintet presents the pianist with an astutely arranged string quartet, confirming there is substance behind the style. November 13, Barbican Centre
10. Irreversible Entanglements
The retro flavours of 1960s free jazz infuse the Irreversible Entanglements’ aesthetic with sharp-angled themes and rhythms that cut. The core band, a piano-free two-horns-and-rhythm quartet, is solid, but poet and founder member Camae Ayewa, aka Moor Mother, takes the project to another level. Mixing rhyme and spoken word, she adds hip-hop relevance to the poetic tradition of Amiri Baraka and Langston Hughes. November 15, EartH Theatre
Festival runs November 10-19, efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk
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