Where to tap into London’s jazz scene

Want to know where to tap into London’s jazz scene? April is the month for celebrating all things jazz, with International Jazz Day on 30th April and various festivals taking place across the capital. Here is our selection of events and venues where you can kick back and enjoy the sultry tones of this great music genre.

 

Sunday Jazz Lunch: Frank Sinatra by Stephen Triffit, Boisdale of Canary Wharf (various dates)

 

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There’s something very spoiling about enjoying a three-course Sunday lunch to a backdrop of live Frank Sinatra hits. Okay, it may not be the man himself but Vegas-based artist Stephen Triffit has an uncanny likeness. On Sunday 9 April and other selected Sundays at Boisdale of Canary Wharf, dig into a scrumptious roast lunch featuring the finest Scottish beef and delectable sides. Add to that one of their award-winning whiskeys and you’ll be in true Sinatra heaven.

International Jazz Day with Audio Guido and friends, Hammerton Brewery (30 April)

 

Head down to Hammerton Brewery in North London on International Jazz Day (30 Apr). It’s their monthly Sunday LIVE Jazz afternoon. Performers include AUDIO GUIDO, DANNYISKEANE, JSIMPSONBASS & BILLYPOD. There’s beer, hand-stretched, stone-baked pizza and entry is free: What’s not to love?

 

Cross the Tracks Festival, Brockwell Park (28 May)

 

Cross The Tracks Festival is back for its fourth edition this year, set in the large, leafy Brockwell Park near Brixton. Taking place on Sunday 28 May, expect a fun-filled day of music, food, workshops and talks. The jazz, funk and soul festival features the likes of Alfa Mist, Giles Peterson, Kelis and many more.

 

Ronnie Scott’s

 

Ronnie Scott’s in Soho is the mother of all jazz clubs and is one of the oldest in the world, having opened in 1959. It has since featured most of the legendary names in modern jazz and jazz fusion including Prince and Chet Baker. The main club downstairs is an intimate space with tiered seating, low lighting, and a prominent centre stage. There’s even table service so you can enjoy drinks and food while you tap your feet along to the rhythm. Upstairs @ Ronnie’s bar plays host to The Late Late Show for three nights a week, with a specially selected band jamming until 3 am. Artists playing in April include Ruby Sings, Braziliance and the James Morrison Quartet.

 

Pizza Express Jazz Club

 

Just a short stroll from Ronnie Scott’s, on Dean Street, you’ll find Pizza Express Jazz Club. It resides in the basement of this branch of the well-known pizza chain. Since 1976 the club has hosted debut shows from artists including Gregory Porter, Norah Jones, Amy Winehouse, Van Morrison and Sting. Tuck into a glass of wine and a Siciliana as you listen to the soulful performers. They typically include traditional jazz artists, top local talent, and sometimes cabaret. Upcoming gigs are The Tom Green Septet (28 Mar) and Ben Waters & Dave Kelly (29 Mar).

 

The Jazz Cafe

 

This well-known Camden establishment, The Jazz Cafe, has had the likes of D’Angelo, Adele and Bobby Womack gracing its stage. Expect to see a range of jazz, funk, soul and R&B artists in the two-tier venue. You can either sweat it out downstairs, standing, or sit down upstairs to enjoy food and drinks. Catch Billie Holiday’s Birthday with Judi Jackson on the 8th of April.

 

Vortex

 

The award-winning Vortex Jazz Club in Dalston is one of the oldies, having been established in 1988. It’s been voted by Time Out readers as one of London’s best music venues. Famous names that have played there include Django Bates, Tim Berne, Liane Carroll, Last Amendment, Evan Parker, Ian Shaw, and Kenny Wheeler. Check out seminal jazz figure Byron Wallen’s ‘Four Corners’ on Saturday 8 April.

 

Brilliant Corners

 

Compared to the London greats, this is a much more modest venue, but it’s still a great space in which to enjoy Jazz. Brilliant Corners in Dalston is a restaurant bar with a Japanese theme. Expect cooked Japanese snacks, regular live music and jazz-focused DJ sets.

 

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