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PREVIEW – Chrissie Hynde, Blue Note tributes and Whirlwind Jazz Orchestra for EFG London Jazz Festival

This story is posted in partnership with Jazzwise

Some sizable names have been added to the EFG London Jazz Festival, which runs from 15 to 24 November, at stages across the capital. Among these is a performance from singer-songwriter Chrissie Hynde (top left), of renowned rockers The Pretenders, who plays music from her upcoming jazz-influenced Valve Bone Woe at the Royal Festival Hall (24 Nov). The album, due for release in September, features a choice selection of jazz standards, such as John Coltrane’s ‘Naima’, alongside songs by Brian Wilson, Frank Sinatra, Hoagy Carmichael, Charles Mingus, Nick Drake, Ray Davies and Rodgers & Hammerstein, all of which will be performed by Hynde and her ensemble of leading UK jazz musicians.

Also confirmed is an all-star tribute to Alfred Lion and Francis Wolff, the German founders of Blue Note Records, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. The concert has been curated by Siggi Loch, owner/founder of German jazz label ACT, and features fiery French saxophonist Émile Parisien (above centre) and French/Israeli pianist Yaron Herman, alongside US players Theo Croker, Glenn Ferris, Joe Martin and Gerald Cleaver, with special guests saxophonist Benny Golson and pianist Axel Zwingenberger (Cadogan Hall, 18 Nov). There’s also a UK take on lesser-known gems from the Blue Note catalogue via artists associated with the now defunct Total Refreshment Centre, who come together for a roof-raising night (QEH, 15 Nov).

Further gigs include Mercury-nominated pianist Elliot Galvin and trumpeter Laura Jurd’s Quartet with bassist Ruth Goller and drummer Corrie Dick (Purcell Room, 22 Nov); US sax great Gary Bartz, who collaborates with spiritual jazzers Maisha and lauded US singer Dwight Trible (Royal Festival Hall, 16 Nov): award-winning singer Cherise Adams Burnett’s charming family show, Evelyn & the Yellow Birds (12noon, Purcell Room, 23 Nov); the Juno and Grammy award-winning sax/trumpet sisters Christine and Ingrid Jensen (top right) who lead the heavyweight Whirlwind Jazz Orchestra that’s packed with top players associated with the London-based label (Purcell Room, 23 Nov) and the restlessly creative Art Ensemble of Chicago mark their 50th anniversary in emphatic style at the Barbican (23 Nov). These shows join those already announced in Jazzwise, who are festival media partners. For the full line up and tickets visit www.efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk

For full details visit efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk

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