All that jazz!

Jazz has undoubtedly been in the spotlight in recent months. Those in the know might find reports of a ‘resurgence’ somewhat overstated, referring to the distinguished history of British jazz, which now stretches back over a century.

But certainly, just as in the Jazz Age in the aftermath of World War I – a period characterised as much by the dark undertones of the reality of post-war devastation as the apparent glitter and glamour of the flappers – jazz seems to be a music of choice for young musicians in Britain. They often have plenty to say about the political and cultural issues of the day, and draw on their own perspectives and backgrounds to produce exciting musical results. Alongside this, musicians reinventing within established formats, such as the bebop combos of the 1940s or even the traditional big band, has ensured that jazz has remained relevant. The EFG London Jazz Festival’s growth year-on-year is one measure of the diversity and vibrancy of the British scene.

Camilla George. Image courtesy EFG London Jazz Festival

EFG Jazz Festival highlights:

The World Gone Mad 1899–1919: Jass, Ragtime, Tin Pan Alley and the Blues

Our understanding of jazz history is terrifically enriched by recordings that document what at least some of the musicians and bands sounded like. However, for modern ears used to high-fidelity sound, these can often prove difficult to listen to. The Jazz Repertory Company has become well known for its painstaking but vibrant reconstructions of historical jazz, and in this concert it focuses on the fascinating period in which jazz emerged from previous styles of popular music, offering a rare chance to hear this material live. I’ll be giving a pre-concert talk at 6.30pm.

24 November, 7.30pm
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Anthony Joseph & friends present Windrush: A Celebration

The development of jazz and popular music in Britain has been enriched by the contributions of those that visited or migrated to these shores, not only from America but from across the world. The West Indian influence on British jazz has been pervasive, and this concert, curated by British/Trinidadian poet, novelist and musician Anthony Joseph, celebrates the arrival of the Empire Windrush in 1948. The event represents the culmination of a month-long series of events and includes the premiere of a new piece by noted saxophonist Jason Yarde.

17 November, 7.30pm
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Camilla George + Sarah Tandy

Among many opportunities to catch young and emerging jazz talent at this year’s festival, saxophonist Camilla George and her illustrious band of peers will play at the Southbank, supported by pianist Sarah Tandy. One of many jazz musicians on the scene nurtured by the Tomorrow’s Warriors organisation, Camilla recently released her second album, The People Could Fly, inspired by a book of African-American folk tales which she read as a child. Her musical response draws widely on jazz, contemporary urban music and African influences. Sarah, in demand on the scene, cites a similarly eclectic array of influences: ‘vintage jazz LPs, classical music and Coleridge poetry’.

23 November, 7.45pm
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Look out also for free Next Generation Takes Over shows at the festival on 24 (Barbican) and 25 November (Southbank Centre).

Professor Catherine Tackley is a musicologist and head of the music department at the University of Liverpool

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