Press room

The Barbican today announces the final lineup for the 2023 EFG London Jazz Festival taking place from 10 – 19 November 2023. The final line-up includes a unique performance of the late Pharoah Sanders’ iconic 1977 album Pharoah as well as a range of FreeStage performances. In addition, the Barbican also announces new performance by Anoushka Shankar and support acts for Makaya McCraven and Hauschka.

Plus, as is tradition, Jazz on Screen returns to Barbican Cinema during EFG London Jazz Festival with three rarely seen films that shine a cinema light on some of the modern jazz legends in an era of change and creativity, with screenings of Ron Mann’s Imagine the Sound, Sven Klang’s Combo by Stellan Olsson, and Umetsugu Inoue’s The Stormy Man.

 

EFG London Jazz Festival new announcements:

• Melbourne International Jazz Festival Presents: Zela Margossian Trio & Brekky Boy (Sat 11 Nov 2023, FreeStage Level G, 5.30pm)
• Imagine the Sound + Introduction by Stewart Lee (*12) – (Sat 11 Nov 2023, Cinema 2, 3:45pm)
• J to Z stage (Sun 12 Nov 2023, FreeStage Level G, 3.20pm)
• Sven Klang’s Combo + Introduced by Ehsan Khoshbakht (*12) – (Sun 12 Nov 2023, Cinema 2, 5:45pm)
• The Stormy Man (*12) – (Tue 14 Nov 2023, Cinema 2, 6:30pm)
• The Harvest Time Project: A Tribute to Pharoah Sanders (Thu 16 Nov 2023, Milton Court, 7.30pm)
• Jazz from Ireland (Sat 18 Nov 2023, FreeStage Level G, 5.30pm)
• Jazz North Presents (Sun 19 Nov 2023, FreeStage Level G, 5pm)

New show announced:

• Anoushka Shankar (Sat 6 Apr 2024, Barbican Hall, 7:30pm)

Full details about each event can be found below:

The Harvest Time Project: A Tribute to Pharoah Sanders

Part of EFG Jazz Festival 2023

Pharoah Sanders, one of the most important and innovative recording artists of our time, is celebrated in The Harvest Time Project at the Barbican, the London performance of a series of ever-evolving live iterations of Sanders’ iconic 1977 record Pharoah.

Following Sanders’ passing in 2022, The Harvest Time Project was created in tribute to the late saxophonist, to be performed around the world by different ensembles reinterpreting the record’s seminal track: Harvest Time. The project will be performed at the Barbican by Brazilian singer Domenico Lancellotti and original Pharoah guitarist Tisziji Muñoz under musical director Joshua Abrams - with further special guest performers to be announced.

The performance follows the first-ever official reissue of the record by New York-based label Luaka Bop on 15 September 2023.

A bold experiment, a failed session and a love story combined, Pharoah became a giant, and much-bootlegged, work of the 20th century. The record includes one of Pharoah Sanders’ greatest artistic achievements: Harvest Time, a piece given its name by Sanders’ then-wife and the record’s harmonium player, Bedria Sanders, whose influence and inspiration can be found across the recording.

Talking about the spontaneous studio-birth of Harvest Time, Tisziji Muñoz says: “Pharoah said, ‘Man, you know, come up with something.’ So, I came up with something and it stuck. We all got into it, and I guess it became a masterpiece for people. Write the two-chord masterpiece in C minor. Beautiful, perfect.” On playing with Sanders, he reflects “his own contribution to the music [was] on the beauty side, and then on the terrifying avant-garde side. Go out with Pharoah [to perform] and you’ll never be the same. I’m not the same from that experience”. On the album Pharoah, Irreversible Entanglements lead vocalist Camae Ayewa (aka Moor Mother) calls it “The most important piece of music for me, ever.”

This special EFG London Jazz Festival performance in Milton Court Concert Hall accompanies the record’s first-ever official reissue on 15 September by Luaka Bop - the label behind 2021’s Promises, Sanders’ “late-career masterpiece” with British electronic musician Floating Points. Having built a trusting and mutual relationship during that collaboration, in spring 2022, Luaka Bop and Pharoah Sanders agreed to reissue this Holy Grail of jazz records and worked closely to piece together the story, open the making of the record, and even explore performing it live. Shortly after however, in September 2022, Pharoah Sanders passed away. With his blessing though, the recording and project live on. For seasoned listeners and new audiences alike, Pharoah will never sound the same.

Read more about The Harvest Time Project and access an exclusive growing-collection of archival material here.

Produced by the Barbican

Part of EFG London Jazz Festival

Find out more

~

CINEMA PROGRAMME

Jazz On Screen 23 

EFG London Jazz Festival 2023

As is tradition, Jazz on Screen returns to Barbican Cinema during EFG London Jazz Festival with three rarely seen films that shine a cinema light on some of the modern jazz legends in an era of change and creativity, the 1950s and 60s. Screenings include Ron Mann’s Imagine the Sound (11 Nov) with a special introduction by writer, comedian and documentary filmmaker Stewart Lee about the avant-garde, free jazz movement; Sven Klang’s Combo (12 Nov) by Swedish filmmaker Stellan Olsson, about a small dance band which explores a clash between tradition and innovation, and the power of music to shape destinies, with an introduction by film curator, critic and filmmaker Ehsan Khoshbakht; and Umetsugu Inoue’s The Stormy Man (14 Nov), an atmospheric view of 50s Japan, following an angry young man aspiring to make it in the competitive and occasionally violent world Ginza’s seedy jazz nocturnal clubs, set to a lively score by the prolific composer Seitaro Omori. 

~

FREESTAGE EVENTS

As part of the festival there will be free live performances presented on the Barbican Freestage.

Melbourne International Jazz Festival Presents: Zela Margossian Trio & Brekky Boy

Part of EFG Jazz Festival 2023

Melbourne International Jazz Festival presents an evening of ethno-jazz and instrumental electronic jazz performances featuring the Zela Margossian Trio and Brekky Boy.

Hailing from Sydney, the ARIA-nominated Zela Margossian Trio infuses their original works with influences from Armenian traditional music, creating a captivating and exotic musical journey.

Meanwhile, Brekky Boy, inspired by artists like GoGo Penguin, Tigran Hamasyan, and Robert Glasper, weaves chaotic rhythms, cinematic swells, and minimalist melodies, evoking the emotions of Studio Ghibli films. These Montreux Jazz Award nominees are at the forefront of the Australian instrumental music scene.

Presented by Serious. Part of the EFG London Jazz Festival 2023.

Find out more

~

J to Z stage

Part of EFG Jazz Festival 2023

BBC Radio 3's flagship jazz program, J to Z, which celebrates the finest in jazz across past, present, and future, presents a special episode from the Freestage on the Barbican concourse. This unique show will feature some of the most thrilling jazz artists of today.

Presented by Serious. Part of the EFG London Jazz Festival 2023.

Find out more

~

Jazz from Ireland

Part of EFG Jazz Festival 2023

In partnership with Ireland's leading advocate and promoter of jazz and improvised music Improvised Music Company, experience a sampling of Ireland's finest improvised music through two distinctive interpretations of a saxophone trio without chords.

The RBG Trio is a dynamic ensemble of fearless improvisers based in Ireland, specializing in intricate ensemble interplay that challenges the traditional roles of each instrument. All About Jazz describes their style as "...rhythmically grooving and tightly tethered one moment, loose and exploratory the next... thrillingly free-spirited." The trio comprises tenor saxophonist Meilana Gillard, double-bassist Dave Redmond, and drummer Kevin Brady, each boasting over two decades of experience, including producing their own albums. Their work draws inspiration from legends like Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, and Elvin Jones, as well as modern greats like Joe Lovano, Dave Holland, and Fly Trio.

The Eoin O'Halloran Trio, led by bassist and composer Eoin O'Halloran, delves into open jazz improvisation enhanced by electronic processing, and infused with elements of traditional Irish and world music. Prioritizing simplicity and clarity, their music is marked by catchy hooks and distinctive themes, brought to life by the intuitive collaboration of longstanding partners Yuzuha O'Halloran on alto saxophone and drummer Hugh Denman. Influenced by a diverse range of artists including Don Cherry, Hermeto Pascoal, and Ryuichi Sakamoto, each performance by this trio is a unique showcase of musical interaction.

Presented by Serious. Part of the EFG London Jazz Festival 2023.

Find out more

~

Jazz North Presents

Part of EFG Jazz Festival 2023

Jazz North presents a showcase featuring emerging jazz talents from Northern UK regions through Northern Line, Jazz North's acclaimed talent development program.

Now marking its 10th year, this initiative serves as a dynamic live touring support system, empowering artists from across northern England to shine on prestigious stages. Northern Line passionately champions innovative artists within the northern jazz scene, offering 18 months of personalized support and network development to propel them to the next level of their live performance careers.

With a legacy spanning since 2013, this program has facilitated over 700 subsidized gigs for more than 75 artists, solidifying its role as a vital platform for nurturing and promoting northern jazz talent.

Presented by Serious. Part of the EFG London Jazz Festival 2023.

Find out more

 

FULL EFG LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL 2023 LINE UP:

Fri 10 Nov – Sunday 19 Nov 2023

Various venues

Festival events at the Barbican include concerts in the hall, a FreeStage programme as well as a season in our cinema. Full listings details below and here.

• Mulatu Astatke (Fri 10 Nov, Barbican Hall, 7.30pm)
• Makaya McCraven + LCO: In These Times (Sat 11 Nov, Barbican Hall, 7:30pm)
• NEW - Melbourne International Jazz Festival Presents: Zela Margossian Trio & Brekky Boy (Sat 11 Nov 2023, Barbican, Level G, FreeStage, 12pm)
• NEW - Imagine the Sound + Introduction by Stewart Lee (*12) – (Sat 11 Nov, Cinema 2, 3:45pm)
• NEW - J to Z stage (Sun 12 Nov 2023, Barbican, Level G, FreeStage, 1pm)
• NEW - Sven Klang’s Combo + Introduced by Ehsan Khoshbakht (*12) – (Sun 12 Nov 2023, Cinema 2, 5:45pm)
• Joep Beving (Sun 12 Nov, Milton Court Concert Hall, 7.30pm)
• Joshua Redman Group feat Gabrielle Cavassa (Sun 12 Nov, Barbican Hall, 7:30pm)
• Hiromi’s sonicwonder (Mon 13 Nov, Barbican Hall, 7:30pm)
• NEW - The Stormy Man (*12) – (Tue 14 Nov 2023, Cinema 2, 6:30pm)
• Sam Gendel (Tues 14 Nov, Milton Court Concert Hall, 7:30pm)
• Sergio Mendes (Wed 15 Nov, Barbican Hall, 7:30pm)
• NEW - The Harvest Time Project (Thu 16 Nov, Milton Court, 7.30pm)
• LSO/Duncan Ward with Abel Selaocoe (Thu 16 Nov, Barbican Hall, 8pm)
• Charles Lloyd Ocean Trio (Fri 17 Nov, Barbican Hall, 7:30pm)
• NEW - Jazz from Ireland (Sat 18 Nov 2023, Barbican, Level G, FreeStage, 2pm)
• London Brew (Sat 18 Nov, Barbican Hall, 7.30pm)
• NEW - Jazz North Presents (Sun 19 Nov 2023, Barbican, Level G, FreeStage, 3pm)
• Samara Joy (Sun 19 Nov, Barbican Hall, 7:30pm)

~

NEW SHOW ANNOUNCED

Anoushka Shankar

Renowned sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar is set to grace the Barbican stage with a groundbreaking performance in Spring 2024. Shankar, alongside her newly formed quintet of musicians, will introduce audiences to a multifaceted and dynamic sound that seamlessly blends music from her latest mini-album with reimagined classics from her extensive discography, including last year's Grammy-nominated live album, Between Us.

This quintet made its debut in India in December 2022 and quickly garnered acclaim as one of the finest ensembles to accompany Anoushka Shankar during her illustrious 28-year global performing career. The synergy and camaraderie on stage are unparalleled as Shankar takes the lead in pioneering a groundbreaking sound through innovative arrangements, delicate virtuosity, and a neoclassical interpretation of the musical tradition to which she has dedicated her life.

Anoushka Shankar's music transcends borders, captivating audiences worldwide with her mastery of the sitar and her ability to bridge diverse musical influences. Her upcoming performance will offer a fresh perspective on her remarkable career.

Produced by the Barbican

Find out more

~

SUPPORT ACTS ANNOUCED

Hauschka  

+ Dobrawa Czocher 

At the peak of his compositional powers, BAFTA and Academy Award-winning composer Hauschka (Volker Bertelmann) brings his latest project and distinctive piano music to Milton Court Concert Hall.  

In November 2023, the Barbican welcomes back the renowned German pianist to Milton Court Concert Hall to perform material from his forthcoming album Philanthropy (released 20 October on City Slang). Philanthropy is Hauschka’s 14th studio album and first release in four years. Unquestionably conveying “a love of humankind” through the compassion and openness of the new music, the album is a carefully considered but jubilantly improvised response to the uncertainty of recent years.  

Discussing the album, Hauschka says: 

“After the last couple of years where everybody was thinking about how life would continue, I felt the urge to release a record that would help open the windows a little. I wanted to be positive, to put some energy into the music, not just play slow, depressed pieces.” 

Revisiting how he worked as a solo pianist at the beginning of his career, most of the new album was recorded alone at his piano in his studio in early summer 2022. Though Philanthropy is led by the ever-changing and distinctive sound of Hauschka’s prepared piano, the album also goes beyond the keyboard to employ a Turkish davoul drum, as well as featuring synthesizers, especially a bass synth, more prominently than ever. The album also features contributions from cellist Laura Wiek, violinist Karina Buschinger, and Múm’s drummer, Samuli Kosminen thus marking a heartfelt occasion for celebration and reflection altogether.  

In recent years, Hauschka has also built a prolific career writing scores for films, including All Quiet on the Western Front for which he won an Academy Award for Best Original Score. He has also written the scores for Lion, Adrift, In Dubious Battle, and music for the US TV mini-series Patrick Melrose starring Benedict Cumberbatch. His music never ceases to venture into new experimental arrangements too: from the electronica approach of A Different Forest (2019) to global questions about the future on What If (2017), or the proliferation and decay of urban life on Abandoned City (2014) as well as numerous projects in the fields of theatre, dance and classical ensemble works. 

Support comes from Polish cellist Dobrawa Czocher, who’s work oscillates between Classical and Contemporary music, combing virtuosic cello techniques with limitless imagination and expression.

Produced by the Barbican  

Find out more 

~

Makaya McCraven + London Contemporary Orchestra: In These Times

+ Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn

Part of the EFG Jazz Festival

Renowned American drummer and producer Makaya McCraven presents an evening of musical exploration at the Barbican, joined by the London Contemporary Orchestra, conducted by Robert Ames on Saturday 11 November 2023. This special performance will see McCraven perform his boundary-pushing album In These Times in the Barbican Hall.

One of Chicago's most sought-after artists, McCraven defies categorisation with his inventive process and intuitive style, constantly pushing the boundaries of jazz, composition, and rhythm.

McCraven's breakthrough album, In the Moment, released in January 2015 under International Anthem, was hailed as a dramatic statement. With this release, McCraven introduced his unique brand of ‘organic beat music’ propelling him to the forefront of internationally known jazz artists and the next-wave of composer-producers blurring the lines between jazz and electronic music. His subsequent releases, including the widely popular Universal Beings (2018) and the reimagining of Gil Scott-Heron's final album, We're New Again for XL Recordings, further solidified his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist.

McCraven's album, Deciphering the Message, released in October 2021 on Blue Note Records, showcases his exceptional talent in rearranging and remixing 13 pieces from the label's extensive catalogue, breathing new life into classic compositions. 

In These Times is McCraven’s latest and seventh album, released on 23 September 2022 via the three-label collaboration between International Anthem, Nonesuch, and XL Recordings. The record features a host of notable guest performances, including guitarist Jeff Parker, harpist Brandee Younger, and Macie Stewart from Ohmme. The album seamlessly weaves together hip-hop breakouts, machine music, and sumptuous strings with breathtakingly jazz brilliance.

Support comes from New Orleans electro-revival dynamo Dawn Richard and multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer Spencer Zahn.

Produced by the Barbican in association with Serious.

Find out more