Classical and Jazz: Latest News > November 11
Published: 11 November 2010
by SEBASTIAN TAYLOR
THE annual London Jazz Festival kicks off tomorrow (Friday), with gigs all over Town – and there are more than 250 events taking place over the next nine days. This year, there’s a strong contingent of jazz pianists making the rounds.
The superb Alex Wilson is playing West African rhythms and Latin American melodies on the opening night at the Kings Place arts centre.
Also playing on Friday evening is feel-good jazz pianist Anthony Strong at The Forge arts venue in Camden Town – and the same venue has contemporary jazz pianist John Law on Sunday morning.
On Sunday afternoon, the Royal Opera House is hosting a gig at its Paul Hamlyn Hall given by dazzling vocalist Cleveland Watkiss and pianist Nikki Yeoh.
On Monday evening, award-winning pianist Kit Downes is playing with altoist Mike Chillingworth at the North London Tavern in Kilburn High Road in a double bill also featuring young jazz musicians, pianist George Fogel and trumpeter Richard Turner.
Also on Monday evening, prodigious young pianist Tom Hewson is playing at Green Note in Parkway, Camden Town, with vibes tyro Lewis Wright and bassist Calum Gourlay.
It’s not all youngsters by any means. On Tuesday evening, veteran 82-year-old pianist Martial Solal is at the Wigmore Hall. He’s been making music for more than 60 years, playing with such jazz giants as Django Reinhardt and Johnny Griffin. Film-buffs will know some of his compositions, notably his music for Jean-Luc Goddard’s debut film A Bout de Souffle.