And all that jazz … performers pick their highlights from the 2018 London jazz festival
Mélissa Laveaux
Mélissa Laveaux. Photograph: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images
Windrush: a Celebration by Anthony Joseph (Barbican, 17 November) is going to be brilliant. I’ve shared the stage with Anthony many times and he’s such a generous performer. So is Calypso Rose – almost to a fault. I can only imagine the type of glee that can come rushing over you after dancing the night away to Trini tunes.
Lea Delaria (London Bridge theatre, 18 November) from Orange is the New Black has an insane range and stage presence. I think her show has the same level of camp as the Peaches Christ Superstar show I saw the other night. Definitely a must-see!
Everyone should see saxophonist Archie Shepp (Barbican, 19 November) at least once in a lifetime. His playing gives you goosebumps. He’s 81 now but I think his career has such longevity because he insists on playing with young new artists. He keeps it fresh.
Mélissa Laveaux and Leyla McCalla are at Cadogan Hall on 20 November.
Darius Brubeck
Darius Brubeck. Photograph: Heritage Images/Getty Images
A celebration of the life and music of Hugh Masekela (Royal Festival Hall, 18 November). Anyone connected with South Africa will recognise the stellar names on the bill, but what makes this unmissable is the fact that this is their tribute to Hugh, a great musician and lifelong force for good.
I recommend the Dave O’Higgins Quartet at the Other Palace (23 November). I don’t see how anyone who likes jazz wouldn’t be happy to be there; top soloists in every chair, huge repertoire, friendly presentation and Dave’s total commitment to excellent, inventive performance.
Monty Alexander & Tomorrow’s Warriors (Cadogan Hall, 25 November) – as a fan of Tomorrow’s Warriors as well as Monty’s, I’m not put off by the unexpected combination of one of the all-time greats with young talent. There is a connection and I expect an emotional and exciting evening is in store.
The Darius Brubeck Quartet are at Kings Place on 21 November.
Jason Yarde
Jason Yarde. Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer
Archie Shepp (Barbican, 19 November) is one of the all-time originals of the music and still inspiring debate in his 80s. His jazz festival gig, with Amina Claudine Myers on keys and vocals, will surely go deep.
I’m pretty sure Orphy Robinson will put some of the most interesting spins and deep dark twists on Van Morrison with his Astral Weeks project (Queen Elizabeth Hall, 19 November) featuring Zara McFarlane and Sarah Jane Morris.
And last but by no means least, the UK/US linkup between saxophonist Nubya Garcia and drummer Makaya McCraven (Hackney Arts Centre, 24 November) can only go from strength to strength. Two for the price of one, and then some!
Jason Yarde is at Barbican on 17 November and Rich Mix on 18 November.
Camilla George
Camilla George. Photograph: Steve Funkyfeet
Jeff Tain Watts and Kurt Rosenwinkle (Pizza Express Jazz club, 20 November). I have been waiting for Tain to return to the UK for years and am so excited about this gig. He is without doubt one of the world’s greatest drummers and has been an integral part of some of my favourite bands. An absolute must!
Orphy Robinson’s Astral Weeks (QEH, 19 November). I can’t wait to hear Orphy’s soul interpretation of this Van Morrison album. He is one of my favourite musicians on the scene and I am excited to hear this collaboration with the amazing vocals of Zara McFarlane and Sarah Jane Morris!
I am very excited about Evelyn and The Yellow Birds (King’s Place, 25 November) presented by Cherise Adams-Burnett, is an interactive musical adventure that follows the journey of the Yellow Birds from the Caribbean to England. Cherise is a prodigiously talented young singer, so expect fireworks!
Camilla George and Sarah Tandy are at the Purcell Room on 23 November.
Kandace Springs
Kandace Springs.
I’m super excited about Jazzmeia Horn (Ronnie Scott’s, 20 November) performing at the festival. She is one of the most exciting pure jazz singers I have heard in years.
And also, Melody Gardot (Royal Festival Hall, 25 November) is amazing! She’s always changing up her style and doing something new, but I really love it best when she does classic jazz.
Finally, Stanley Clarke (Royal Festival Hall, 20 November) is such a legend and he always has amazing musicians. He has got to be one of the greatest electric bass players ever, but I love when he plays upright bass – just incredible.
Kandace Springs is at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on 17 November.
Full details of this year’s EFG London Jazz festival are at efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk