Dianne Reeves, Jasper Høiby, Nduduzo Makhathini, Emma Rawicz and BBC Young Jazz Musician Final added to EFG London Jazz Festival 2024 line-up

The programme for the EFG London Jazz Festival – which runs from 15 to 24 November –  continues to expand with the addition of five-time Grammy Award winning vocalist Dianne Reeves who’s now set to appear at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on 16 November. Reeves will be joined by leading South Korean modern jazz singer Song Yi Jeon in a unique blend of contemporary jazz based on the Korean traditional drum’s music called ‘Samulnori’, where four different percussion instruments are played together to create a unique sound. The evening includes an informal Q&A with both artists and marks the 20th anniversary of the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.

The following night Cadogan Hall will feature a performance by renowned Armenian jazz pianist Tigran Hamasyan while over at KOKO, London-based Somali vocalist Faisal Salah, aka FaceSoul, will now be supporting Seun Kuti & The Egypt 80 (both gigs on 17 November). And just up the road in Camden at the Jazz Café will be a chance to hear top UK singer Zara McFarlane perform her soulful celebration of the music of Sarah Vaughan (17 Nov). There’s also a UK debut appearance by Brazilian guitarist Fabiano Do Nascimento for his first ever show in the UK at the ICA, as he blends Brazilian classical and jazz. Harpist and beat maker Marysia Osu will perform the opening set (ICA, 17 Nov).

On Thursday, 21 November The Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall will host a Take Five showcase with performances from up-and coming-musicians including saxophonist Helena Kay, singer Momoko Gill, bassist Caius Williams and singer/violinist Claire Victoria Roberts. All of whom are part of this year’s intake of emerging names who have benefitted from the expertise of festival producer’s Serious’s Take Five talent development programme.  

London-resident Danish bassist Jasper Høiby returns to the LJF with his new 3Elements band that sees the bassist explore an open ended piano trio format fuelled by his intricate compositions and high-wire improv (22 Nov, Purcell Room). The Southbank also plays host to the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year reaches its climax with four exceptional finalists accompanied by a stellar ensemble of top UK players, all competing in the final in front of an expert panel of leading jazz names and a live audience. The evening will be filmed for broadcast on BBC Four (QEH, 23 Nov).  

Also among this latest wave of concerts is Take Me To The River, a multifaceted celebration of the musical legacy of New Orleans and Memphis, featuring Cyril and Omari Neville of the legendary Neville family on vocals and percussion, alongside some of the most influential figures in New Orleans funk, R&B, soul and jazz including Jon Cleary, Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr., Anjelika "Jelly" Joseph, Robert Mercurio, Joe Ashlar and Martin Shore alongside a stellar London based horn section (Barbican, 23 Nov).

There’s also some further additions to the Kings Place Hall One programme with shows from Mercury nominated pianist Fergus McCreadie (15 Nov); 22-year old sax star Emma Rawicz performing her ‘Visitor From Everywhere’ project (16 Nov) and a welcome opportunity to catch high-flying Blue Note-signed South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini (21 Nov). Jazzwise is festival media partner.

These names join those already announced in Jazzwise – for the full line-up and tickets visit https://efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk/