JAZZ & BLUES
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The hugely varied London Jazz Festival comes to a climax this weekend with a gala concert at the South Bank's Royal Festival Hall tomorrow evening featuring the versatile singer Dianne Reeves and her fellow Blue Note artist, the Canadian pianist Renee Rosnes.
The same night sees the great South African drummer Louis Moholo and his Spirits Rejoice band at the nearby Queen Elizabeth Hall, while at the Black- heath Halls, Tim Richard's Great Spirit serves up its exciting blend of funk, blues and jazz. Back in Soho, at the Pizza Express Jazz Club, Dean Street, Stan and Clark Tracey's tribute to Duke, Ellingtonia, takes to the stage.
Tonight, British saxophonist Andy Sheppard (above) joins the double act of Carla Bley and Steve Swallow (whose latest Watt album, Are We There Yet?, is at times quietly enthralling) at the Royal Festival Hall, while recent Mobo prize winner and Mercury prize finalist Denys Baptiste brings the exciting saxophone playing showcased on the recent Be Where You Are (Dune) to the neighbouring Purcell Room.
Outside of the festival, the popular Cameroon multi-instrumentalist Manu Dibango begins a two- week stint at Ronnie Scott's, Frith Street, on Monday, with support from Benn Clatworthy, a young Londoner who received his first sax lessons from the late Ronnie Scott himself.
At the Pizza Express Jazz Club, another saxophonist, the Scot Tommy Smith, concludes a residency with his American quartet, while on Wednesday the Bobby Shew and Bob Martin Quintet starts a four-night run of their tribute to "Diz" and "Bird".
On the recordings front, Etta Jones produces another high-quality effort in the shape of her Sammy Cahn tribute, All the Way (HighNote), ably assisted by her husband, the saxophonist-producer Houston Person, who is in good form in harness with fellow tenor man Teddy Edwards on his own Close Encounters (HighNote) album.
Roger Trapp
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments