London Music: Jazz

Our Picks

Thievery Corporation (Shepherds Bush Empire - 16 October 2008) Chill music rises above the mediocre with this Washington, DC-based duo. Rolling Stone calls the Thievery Corporation sound 'a blend of dub, bossa nova and world music'. Expect a relaxing evening and a bit of cultural enlightenment.

Herbie Hancock (Royal Festival Hall - 15 November 2008) Herbie Hancock has pushed the boundaries of jazz since the 1960s, and he's still making waves today: He took home the 2008 Grammy for Album of the Year. This jazz pianist and composer, who has worked with Miles Davis, had big hits with Watermelon Man and I Thought It Was You.

Imelda May (Bush Hall - 1 December 2008) The timeless glamour of this Dublin-born crooner shines through in her music. With a sound that fuses rockabilly with jazz and blues, and a stage performance with notes of burlesque, she's sure to pull through with an unforgettable night.

Jazz in the City

London has a vibrant and diverse jazz scene. From trad to modern to free, jazz lovers are well catered for in the capital.

The venues listed below afford locals and visitors alike a wide variety of styles and environments. A must-visit for aficionados is Ronnie Scott's, a superb club in the heart of London's Soho. For those wanting to enjoy jazz with locals, take a visit to the west London suburb of Barnes, where the Bull's Head pub serves up great beer, tasty food and eclectic sounds.

Aside from the larger venues, jazz has traditionally co-habited with the pub scene, with musicians playing in smoky bars and back rooms. Over the past decade a new breed of pizza restaurants has joined the jazz scene led by the Pizza Express chain.

Latest Reviews

Clannad, London Palladium - Previewed by Kiernan Maletsky
Ronnie Scott's - Reviewed by Daniel Schreiber
Michael Bublé - @ The Royal Albert Hall
Sam Kelly - Interview by Jackie Jou
Jamie Cullum @ Shepherd's Bush Empire
Wynton Marsalis @ The Royal Albert Hall
Pizza On The Park Cabaret

Jazz Cruises on the Thames

- Bateaux London Restaurant Cruises
These restaurant cruises serve up good food, a relaxed atmosphere and spectacular river back-drop. The stunning views encompass the London Eye, Tate Modern, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

The two-hour Sunday lunch cruise offers a three course a la carte menu, and live jazz entertainment.

Available From Bateaux London , Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment, London WC2N, Tube: Embankment
Click here to book tickets