With the EFG London Jazz Festival 2022 imminently upon us, the ten-day event is set to play host to some wonderful artists across several of London's most celebrated venues. Since the festival's inception in 1992, the EFG has been driven in its celebration of jazz across the city while pulling in an awesome array of contemporary jazz talent including both local home-developed heroes alongside highly-decorated, international stars.
In support of the Festival, London's cherished 606 Club is playing host to an excellent line-up of performances during that time and we've spotlighted a few performances that would be well worth your time to explore further.
EFG Jazz Festival 2022 - 11-20th November
The incredible Imaani kicks off proceedings at the 606 Club with what is sure to be a dynamic and soul-infused performance. Perhaps best known as long-standing vocalist for Incognito - having graced several of their albums including 'Amplified Soul', 'Bees + Things + Flowers' and 'Tomorrow's New Dream' - her rich and sublime vocal has consistently proved to be a match made in heaven for Incognito's distinct blend of jazz-funk. Imaani's credentials extend far beyond the definitive Bluey collaborations with the vocalist having featured for artists including The Layabouts, Diplomats of Soul and Reel People. The Incognito love-in continues on the night with vocalist Joy Rose appearing as a special guest adding which is an absolute treat.
Vocalist Anita Wardell graces the 606 Club stage leading her quartet in celebration of the music of Betty Carter. As a vocalist and educator, the UK-born and Australian-based Wardell found inspiration at a young age from the early works of Miles Davis, Carmen McRae and of course Betty Carter. The celebrated artist has since gone on to amass a fantastic catalogue of releases in celebration of her life-long passion for jazz music dating as far back as her 1995 debut, 'Why Do You Cry?'. With a long-standing history of spirited and engaging collaborations with artists ranging from saxophonist Benn Clatworthy and pianists Jason Rebello and Robin Aspland, Wardell's sincere and respectful approach to her music has consistently proved to be one of her most endearing qualities. The legendary works of Betty Carter will certainly be in a safe pair of hands.
Jas Kayser provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with her music on an inspired level as she performs as part of her Jungle Trio alongside Joe Webb (piano) and Will Sach (bass). Based between London and Panama City, the drummer and composer has quickly developed an incredible career for herself as a session musician, performer and artist in her own right. With a breakout release this year in the form of 'JAS 5IVE', the project served as a further instalment within the heralded Jazz Re:freshed 5ive series that continues to demonstrate the label's foreboding of the next wave of jazz superstar. With collaborative and performance credentials steadily growing which thus far has seen Kayser grace stages and studios alongside Alfa Mist, Jorja Smith and a scene-stealing showcase in Lenny Kravitz's 'Low' video, Kayser finds ways to bring her indelible charm and charisma into each of these collaborations.
Revered for his varying styles and accomplishments as both a saxophonist and a flautist, Lew Tabackin has amassed an insurmountable catalogue dating as far back as award-winning releases from the late-1960s. Celebrated for his ability to showcase almost duelling characteristics when performing with each instrument - from the hard bop style of his saxophone in contrast with his sublime performances with the flute - Tabackin's proficiency and masterful playing has positioned him as a key contributor to projects by Donald Byrd, Freddie Hubbard and Carla White. Tabackin's career has been further characterised by his versatility and ability to excel as a leader within intimate trio arrangements or as part of an expansive Big Band ensemble. Along with pianist, and wife, Toshiko Akiyoshi, the two have frequently collaborated most successfully as part of the Toshiko Akiyoshi–Lew Tabackin Big Band and the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra featuring Lew Tabackin.
Click here for more info on the EFG Jazz Festival and here for for more on the 606 Club.
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