The Best Places To See Live Jazz In London
The UK’s jazz scene is currently experiencing an explosion with new talent pushing the boundaries of the genre, bringing in influences from across contemporary music. Nowhere is that more evident than in London, where new artists like Moses Boyd, Sheila Maurice-Grey, Shabaka Hutchings, Theon Cross and others have emerged as the vanguard of a new era of jazz. There’s also no shortage of absolutely brilliant musicians keeping the older styles of jazz alive, from the trad jazz of the 20s and 30s to the cool jazz and fusion of the 50s and 60s onwards.
But exciting as all that is, the jazz world can be an intimidating one to dive into for the uninitiated. Thankfully, London is dotted with some surefire places to see jaw-dropping jazz any night of the week. Today, we’re guiding you through some of our favourites.
RONNIE SCOTT’S, SOHO
A London institution that’s played host to the likes of Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughn and Count Basie, Ronnie Scott’s is rightfully one of the world’s most famous jazz clubs. Since opening its doors in 1959, the venue has been a paradise for jazz lovers of all ages with live bands, jam sessions and DJs playing long into the night. The upstairs speakeasy, Upstairs at Ronny Scott’s, offers the perfect environment to enjoy cocktails and more expertly selected music. A packed schedule of events means there’s something pretty much every night of the week, but expect a crowd as Ronnie Scott’s reputation never fails to draw in the punters.
JAZZLIVE AT THE CRYPT, ST GILES’ CHURCH, CAMBERWELL
Since 1995, JazzLive at the Crypt has been one of London’s most reliable regular jazz nights. Situated beneath the George Gilbert Scott-designed St. Giles’ Church in Camberwell, the crypt was originally part of an 11th Century Anglo Saxon church that stood in the same spot. The venue welcomes a diverse and exciting selection of the finest UK jazz musicians for some incredible performances in an intimate setting. Shows take place every Friday evening with the occasional Thursdays or Saturdays too, so it’s always worth checking out the venue’s gig guide for the latest lineup.
CAFE OTO, DALSTON
With its fiercely independent and eclectic lineup of artists, it would be a disservice to describe Cafe Oto as simply a jazz venue. That being said, it’s still a great place to see some of the most thrilling jazz acts on the circuit today. Shows take place pretty much every night, and there’s enough variety to entice even the demanding most music obsessives. With Persian-inspired food from Zardosht and a record shop stocking music you won’t find anywhere else in London, Cafe Oto guarantees the kind of unique experience you can only find in the capital.
SD WEEKLY @ MATCHSTICK PIEHOUSE, DEPTFORD
Jazz and pies might not be the most predictable combo for a night out, but versatile arts venue, Matchstick Piehouse aren’t in the business of doing what’s expected. This theatre, arts, music venue and pie house have teamed up with Deptford artist collective, Steam Down, for SD Weekly, “an exploration in sound, roots stemming from jazz to afrobeat, fusing grime, hip hop, soundsystem music and future soul” taking place every Wednesday night at 8pm.
VORTEX JAZZ CLUB, DALSTON
The Vortex Jazz Club on a mission to support jazz in all of its forms, supporting new talent and growing the audience in London and beyond. With over 400 performances a year, this intimate venue is living up to its promise, showcasing a staggering array of talent in a warm and welcoming environment. As a not-for-profit venture, Vortex makes special effort to keep prices low, even when they’re playing host to big names like the Portico Quartet, Polar Bear and saxophonist Evan Carter.
JAZZ CAFE, CAMDEN
As a live music venue, restaurant and club, The Jazz Cafe, celebrates the past present and future of jazz with a superb mix of live artists and DJs performing every night of the week. Expect fresh new artists alongside regular live reimaginings of classic albums such as Kind of Blue, The Shape of Jazz To Come and Ah Um from the modern artists they’ve inspired. The first-floor restaurant offers a great view from which to watch the live music below, or if you prefer to be up close and personal, you can soak up the atmosphere from the ground floor.
Did we miss any of your favourite London jazz venues? Let us know in the comments! And to see more of our picks for the best places to find live music in London, be sure to give us a follow on Facebook and Instagram.
