The EFG London Jazz Festivals Sets to Launch Into It’s 27th Year
For the first time, Festival organisers have collaborated to debut the EFG Elements Series as part of London’s largest jazz Festival.
Jazz lovers of the UK unite, as the EFG London Jazz Festival is gearing up for a memorable 27th year. The 2019 Festival was launched on Monday night at a memorable party at The May Fair Hotel, which featured a DJ set, speeches from key organisers and live performances, all in the elegant setting of the hotel’s Crystal Room amongst lively company. The performers were compered by Festival artist Soweto Kinch, and included Alice Zawadski accompanied by Misha Mullov-Abbado and Rob Luft, cellist Abel Selaocoe and a collaboration between Soweto himself and previous World Beatboxing Champion Bellatrix. Showcasing a variety of styles between them, the artists perfectly embodied the diversity that the Festival celebrates and the broad nature of jazz that makes it so appealing to many.
The evening’s speeches also saw the announcement of the new EFG Elements Series, a collection of four shows that will highlight the Festival’s breadth and depth. John Williamson, the Chair of EFG International, said, “This year, EFG and Serious have collaborated to create the EFG Elements Series, an outstanding and eclectic collection of shows with broad appeal, chosen to reflect some of the core components of the programming.” Claire Whitaker OBE, Director of Serious and the Festival, added, “The EFG Element Series represents the exceptional breadth and diversity of contemporary jazz, we are delighted to have such incredible artists in is year’s Festival.”
The four shows that will form the EFG Elements Series are the Jazz Voice Opening Gala on November 15th, Cécile McLorin Salvant & Sullivan Fortner + Andrew McCormack & Jason Yarde on November 16th, Christian Sands + Camilla George on November 19th, and Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox on November 20th.
The Festival’s full programme has now been announced and showcases over 2000 artists, amongst whom include the likes of Herbie Hancock, Terri Lyne Carrington, Art Ensemble of Chicago, Jan Garbarek and more. With more than 350 performances spread across over 70 venues across London, it is doubtless that the Festival’s aim to promote the passion for jazz will flourish this year, and the Festival’s online engagement with #WeAreJazz will ring true for many. You can find the full Festival programme at efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk so go find an event to get stuck into!
Words by Athena Kam
