The beauty of the annual EFG London Jazz Festival is that there really is something for everyone. The multi-venue festival caters beyond jazz purists to those who may enjoy a bit of soul, funk, and blues thrown in the mix. With that in mind, read our suggestions of the most exciting shows to check out!
10 November – Jazz Voice, at Southbank Centre (TICKETS)
This annual gala kicks off the festival by enlisting a diverse ensemble of voices. Previous concerts have featured Mica Paris, Kurt Elling, and Corinne Bailey Rae. This year’s concert will welcome China Moses, Omar, Brendan Reilly, Judi Jackson, and Vanessa Haynes – some of the strongest voices in the soul and jazz scene!
11 November – Mica Millar, at Union Chapel (TICKETS)
Releasing her debut album Heaven Knows to critical acclaim in 2022, Mica Millar has quickly become one of the brightest new stars of British soul music. Following sold out headline shows and festival appearances across the UK, plus opening slots for Gregory Porter at Royal Albert Hall and Lionel Richie at Blenheim Palace earlier this year, Mica has announced dates for her European Tour and she’ll be performing at Union Chapel on Saturday 11th November 2023.
11 November – Tawiah & Friends (TICKETS)
Tawiah invites friends and collaborators for a night where friendship and artistry unite, performing soulful melodies from her back catalogue and unreleased gems. In 2022, Tawiah released and toured her concept album Ertha, created collaboratively with artist Al Moore, a follow-up to her 2019 debut, Starts Again. She held a residence in Mumbai to perform Ertha with India’s only queer choir. Previously, she released two EPs: In Jodi’s Bedroom and Recreate, which she toured with Moses Sumney.
12 November – Marcus Miller & Camilla George, at Southbank Centre (TICKETS)
At the top of his game for over 30 years, Marcus Miller is a two-time Grammy Award winner, (U.S.), winner of the Edison Award for Lifetime Achievement In Jazz, the Victoire du Jazz and in 2013, was appointed a UNESCO Artist For Peace. His characteristic bass sound can be heard on a limitless catalogue of musical hits from Bill Wither’s “Just The Two Of Us” , to Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much”, to songs from Chaka Khan, David Sanborn, Herbie Hancock, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Elton John and Bryan Ferry to name a few. Opening the night is visionary saxophonist, composer, bandleader and innovator, Camilla George.
13 November – Cory Henry & Josh Barry, at Here at Outernet (TICKETS)
After his triumphant appearance at the BBC Proms performing the music of Stevie Wonder, keyboardist and vocalist Cory Henry will take to the stage at Here at Outernet to unveil his newest project Something to Say. He will be supported by vocalist Josh Barry who has featured on dance hits with the likes of Gorgon City, Sonny Fodera, The Martinez Brothers & Rudimental.
15 November – Cecile McLorin Salvant, at Southbank Centre (TICKETS)
Composer, singer, and visual artist Cécile McLorin Salvant has developed a passion for storytelling and finding the connections between vaudeville, blues, folk traditions from around the world, theatre, jazz, and baroque music. She has received Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Album for three consecutive albums, The Window, Dreams and Daggers, and For One To Love. Ghost Song, Salvant’s two-time Grammy-nominated debut for Nonesuch Records, was released in 2022 to critical acclaim.
19 November – Samara Joy, at the Barbican (TICKETS; concert has sold-out but check for returns)
With her GRAMMY-Award winning and chart-topping album, Linger Awhile, 23-year-old Samara Joy makes her case to join the likes of Sarah, Ella, and Billie as the next mononymous jazz singing sensation recorded by the venerable Verve Records.
