The annual EFG London Jazz Festival turns 30 this year and it’s spilling out from central London, calling in locally at Woolwich Works. It’s the second year the two-week festival has delivered part of its programme at Woolwich’s multi-purpose arts venue. Other venues on the roster include Cadogan Hall, The Jazz Cafe and Ronnie Scott’s. Like last year, a focus at Woolwich Works is on platforming female and non-binary jazz musicians as well as celebrating the sounds of new names in the industry, writes Holly O’Mahony…
“We’ve put together two fantastic line-ups of popular female and non-binary jazz musicians for our smaller studio space,” reveals Becca Thomason, Programme Manager at Woolwich Works. “In the Fireworks Factory, our bigger space, we have the jazz pianist Fergus McCreadie… I was already familiar with his music due to his recent nomination for the 2022 Mercury Prize,” she adds. “I’ve had Fergus’s new album Forest Floor on loop, so I’m very excited to see that performed live at this exclusive London date.”
Also in the main space is Rosie Frater-Taylor and her big band. “Rosie was also part of our line-up in 2021 and we’re very excited to have her back to headline our larger venue,” beams Becca. “The big band line-up for Rosie’s show is full of incredible talent, so I’m particularly looking forward to that show.”
For those looking to make the most of this year’s festival, Becca has some tips: “I would take a risk on someone who you haven’t seen or even heard of before,” she suggests. “Whether you end up discovering your favourite new jazz trio, or get to explore a new venue in London, everything programmed at EFG London Jazz Festival is always of an incredible standard and worth giving a go!”
As for jazz novices, she adds: “jazz today is a much broader genre than most people think, so I believe there is something for everyone.” Think of groups like Ezra Collective, who have created their hybrid sound by teaming up with Grime artists such as JME, MCs like Loyle Carner or soulful singers like Jorja Smith. “Then on the other side, there are artists like Rosie Frater-Taylor and Fergus McCreadie who bring a folky edge to jazz, or bands like Colectiva with their Afro-Latin influences that will make you want to learn how to salsa.”
Ultimately, “The London Jazz scene is incredibly diverse, so if there’s something that isn’t to your taste then you can just give another sub-genre a go.”
Four London Jazz Festival highlights to catch at Woolwich Works:
Rosie Frater-Taylor Big Band
Following in her musician parents’ footsteps, rising singer, songwriter and guitarist Rosie Frater-Taylor has music in her bones. The 22 year old picked up her first instrument at the tender age of eight. Her music has been described as a cross between Joni Mitchell and George Benson, or Lewis Taylor and Emily King. This year, she returns to the festival with her big band to perform her personal blend of jazz, folk, pop and soul.
When: November 12, 7:30pm
Admission: £18.50/ £17 concessions
Fergus McCreadie Trio
He was recently nominated for the 2022 Mercury Prize and this concert marks your only chance to see him perform live in London this year. With his unique blend of jazz and Scottish folk, jazz pianist Fergus McCreadie is a name to know right now. Here, he performs tracks from his latest album Forest Floor together with his long-term collaborators David Bowden on the double bass and Stephen Henderson on the drums.
When: November 13, 7:30pm
Admission: £16 – £22.50
Tara Cunningham + Maria Grapsa
We all like a two-for-one deal and this exciting concert is a chance to stand at the precipice of tomorrow’s jazz scene, as emerging artists Tara Cunningham and Maria Grapsa each perform a set. London-based instrumentalist and composer Tara is known for her distinctive style that melds the genres of jazz and avant-rock, while classically trained Maria performs explorative jazz as part of a talented sextet.
When: November 17, 8pm
Admission: £10.50/£9 concessions
Ineza + Emily Jane Roberts
The venue’s second double concert brings the chance to see Rwandan-born, London-based Belgian jazz singer Ineza, and up-and-coming jazz guitarist, composer and producer Emily Jane Roberts. Ineza trained locally at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and is growing a reputation for her powerful vocals and fusion of jazz with neo soul. Emily’s debut EP ‘The Persistence of Memory’ is a showcase for her guitar skills, bolstered by her sextet.
When: November 19. 8pm
Admission: £10.50/£9 concessions
London Jazz Festival runs from November 11 – 20 at venues across London.
Find concerts locally at Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 Street, Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6HD. Admission: varies depending on event. www.woolwich.works/whats-on/category/efg-london-jazz-festival-2022
