London jazz festival

Jazz star Charles Lloyd: ‘Miles Davis wanted all the girls and money’

He played gigs to a young Elvis, got high with the Grateful Dead and made an enemy in Miles Davis. And, at 83, the saxophonist who collided jazz and rock still has his spirit of adventure

Garth Cartwright

18, Nov, 2021 @3:39 PM

Damon Locks – Black Monument Ensemble review – an eruption of groove-driven free jazz

EartH, London
Bringing the adventurous spirit of Chicago to the London jazz festival, Locks directs his group through black-caped dance – and they respond with an astonishing tumult of sound

Ammar Kalia

16, Nov, 2021 @1:10 PM

From Ghetts to Genesis, Nick Cave to Arlo Parks: autumn 2021’s essential music

From Fontaines DC to the Valkyrie, a techno Halloween to Little Simz, this is the unmissable music of the next few months

Alexis Petridis, Ammar Kalia and Andrew Clements

25, Aug, 2021 @5:00 AM

Shabaka Hutchings/Britten Sinfonia/Paterson review - tangible exhilaration

A leading light of London’s jazz scene gave an extraordinary demonstration of his clarinet expertise, adding nuance to Copland and Stravinsky

Erica Jeal

19, Nov, 2020 @1:15 PM

'He'll make your head explode': sax stars on the genius and tragedy of Charlie Parker

He was nicknamed Bird and he soared in his music – if not in his life. For the centenary of the saxophonist who redefined jazz, today’s players reveal how his dizzying speed and spirituality changed their lives

Interviews by Kate Hutchinson

18, Nov, 2020 @6:00 AM

Move with Mingus: The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady hit the dance floor

Unable to fully stage their celebration of the classic 6os album, Clod Ensemble are inviting audiences to a listening party for London jazz festival

Lyndsey Winship

17, Nov, 2020 @2:06 PM

John Cumming obituary

Founder of the London jazz festival who nurtured the careers of many musicians

Richard Williams

20, May, 2020 @11:44 AM

Art Ensemble of Chicago review – still free and funky after 50 years

With septuagenarians flanked by young rising stars, this was a thrilling show of scalding soloing and imaginative improv

John Fordham

25, Nov, 2019 @11:19 AM

Wormwood Scrubs blues: inside the gig mixing prisoners with the free

As part of London jazz festival, Rhiannon Giddens performed in the chapel at Wormwood Scrubs prison – supported by a choir of inmates

Nigel Williamson

22, Nov, 2019 @5:07 PM

Iggy Pop review – fearless punk rages against the dying of the light

The grizzled crooner is in a nihilistic mood, thumbing his nose at the Grim Reaper in this brilliantly spirited performance

Stevie Chick

22, Nov, 2019 @10:38 AM

Jan Garbarek Group review – smooth jazz and squeaky toys

Amid celebrations of the ECM label’s 50th anniversary, the Norwegian saxophonist delivered some compelling exploratory solo

John Lewis

18, Nov, 2019 @1:35 PM

Herbie Hancock review – fusion fantasist digs deep to keep it fresh

Even after half a century, the jazz legend’s playing was unpredictable as he switched effortlessly between styles