This year has been exceptional for smooth jazz enthusiasts. Although some of the most eagerly anticipated concerts and festivals have already occurred, another great event remains to explore. From cozy club shows to grand festival stages, this article highlights the must-see events remaining on the calendar for unforgettable live jazz sessions.
The Power of Jazz Music
Jazz music holds a unique power. It effortlessly manages to enhance the ambiance of any environment. Its smooth, rhythmic tones are often used in film scores to make scenes more memorable by teasing out the emotion from every visual. On casino floors, jazz plays a crucial role in creating a relaxed atmosphere, especially around their gaming tables, where focus is everything for players. This explains why many of the live dealer blackjack tables in Ontario have similar musical genres in the background to maintain a personal gaming experience.
Brighton Jazz Festival (26-29 September)
There are few better places in the UK to soak up the vibes with some smooth jazz music than the picturesque Brighton Pier. The Palace Pier will host four days of world-leading jazz music, known as the Brighton Jazz Festival. It was a massive success in 2022, selling out all performances, and the festival returned in 2024 with some big names.
The festival started with a performance by one of her generation’s finest up-and-coming saxophonists and composers. Rachael Cohen headlined the opening night. Famed for her free-flowing chord structures, Cohen is a regular on the jazz circuit, having held residencies in many exclusive London clubs, including Ronnie Scott’s.
As the week advanced, attendees also had the opportunity to catch the likes of Patrick Bartley, the Deschanel Gordon Trio, TJoe, and NTBM. The festival’s finale on Sunday, 29th September, saw Claire Martin and Tim Garland take to the stage with Jason Rebello. Martin, a stalwart of the UK jazz scene for over three decades, was an eye-catching addition to the lineup.
Nancy Jazz Pulsations (5-19 October)
This is a two-week festival of jazz music held in the beautiful French city of Nancy. Dating back to 1973, the Nancy Jazz Pulsations event is famed throughout the jazz music world. Every autumn, it attracts over 100,000 jazz lovers, many of whom flock from miles away to participate in the festivities.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this festival is that it’s not focused solely on smooth jazz. The event also taps into other contemporary musical movements, such as blues, electro, chanson française, and even hip-hop. Many of these concerts tend to sell out fast.
EFG London Jazz Festival (15-24 November)
Last but by no means least, the EFG London Jazz Festival is back in the English capital in November. It’s a nine-day festival hosted across iconic London venues, namely the Royal Festival Hall and the Barbican, as well as more intimate settings like Ronnie Scott’s and the Vortex Jazz Club. This festival dates back over 30 years to 1992 when the previous founders of the Camden Festival launched the London Jazz Festival, backed by the London Arts Board.
It’s marketed as the largest pan-city music festival on the continent. Over 300 live performances will be held across the capital, featuring top UK jazz musicians and the finest talent from around the world.
The opening gala of this year’s festival is set to be a spectacular event. Jazz Voice is scheduled to perform at the Royal Festival Hall, showcasing music from infamous tastemaker labels such as Concorde, Blue Note, and Motown. Put 21st November as a date in your diary for the appearance of the London Symphony Orchestra, who will be joined by SEED Ensemble, a contemporary jazz group nominated for a Mercury Prize in 2019. Seed’s leading light is their alto-saxophonist-cum-composer, Cassie Kinoshi.
