Manu’s back (and I’ll miss his gig…). Such a good guy and dynamic musician.
Firstly, sorry for the somewhat late arrival of the Gig Guide - I’m in Turkey and accessing wi-fi can be challenging. Anyway, I’ll still keep Manu as my starter - here’s hoping you find concerts that are enjoyable and inspiring. From Manu Chao’s return through the annual K-Music Festival, Doc N’ Roll Film Festival, US soul veterans Booker T and Pretty Purdie playing London on the same night (not the same venue, unfortunately), Yemenite music from 2 very different bands, loads of folk and jazz and so much more! A smorgasbord of majestic musical performances are available across London as autumn gets underway.
Manu Chao – 22 September, Brixton Academy, Brixton
The Spanish maverick plays his first UK show in many years – and its an acoustic gig (which makes a change from his Latino punk workouts).
Ara Malakian – 22 September, Royal Festival Hall, South Bank Centre
The very popular Lebanese Armenian violinist plays a fusion of classical and Arabic and other sources while putting on quite the performance.
Songs Of Sanctuary – 22 September, The Jago, Dalston
A showcase where young refugee musicians get to perform songs they’ve written about their life experiences. Likely to be raw and moving and, possibly, a chance to spotflight new talent.
Tim Richards Trio - 22 September, The Old Library, New Cross Gate (free - 5-7pm)
Peckham’s own Thelonious Monk leads his stunning jazz trio at this beautiful venue.
Terry Reid – 24 September, Jazz Cafe, Camden Town
Terry Reid has been a professional musician since 1965 yet the singer and songwriter from Cambridgeshire never made it big – even turning down the offer to sing in what would become Led Zeppelin. No matter, he remains a unique talent and this show should be a treat.
Nick Lowe – 24 September, London Palladium, West End
Nick Lowe is a remarkable singer, songwriter and raconteur and its not often he performs so this date at the venerable Palladium will be a treat.
Buzz Ayaz – 25 September, Shaklewell Arms, Dalston Kingsland
UK debut for a combo hailing from Cyprus’s divided capital Nicosia, whose members come from both sides of the city’s Greek/Turkish divide. Their joining together is a deliberate attempt to create a psych music that gives voice to the whole city.
Niall Connolly – 25 September, The Green Note, Camden Town
Noted Irish indie folk singer songwriter makes his Camden debut.
Wu-Lu – 25 September, Bush Hall, Shepherds Bush
The Brixton based musician crosses genres – punk/rap/dub step – and keeps things interesting.
Touki – 25 September, SOAS, Russell Square
A blend of East and West African music with Appalachian folk so demonstrating the links between kora, banjo and other instruments valued in these communities. 6pm start.
King Hannah – 25 September, Rich Mix, Shoreditch
Liverpool girl+guy duo whose sound crosses genres – new album Big Swimmer demonstrates influences from the likes of John Prine, Bill Callahan and other offbeat songwriters.
Nigel Kennedy – 25-28 September, Ronnie Scott’s, Soho
Nigel will, over four nights, concentrate on his original recordings – which include classical, jazz, rock and East European folk influences.
Nils Økland & Sigbjørn Apeland – 26 September, Kings Place, Kings Cross
As music partners of thirty years, fiddle player Nils Økland and keyboardist Sigbjørn Apeland have long explored the interface of Norwegian traditional music and improvisation.
Sex Pistols & Frank Carter – 26 September, The Forum, Kentish Town
I loved the sound of the Pistols as a kid and missed seeing them when they reformed in 96 (my bad). As the vile John Lydon is now no longer friendly with Jones-Cook-Matlock they’ve recruited Frank Carter, a ferocious singer in various noise bands. Reports say their Bush Hall gigs were winners so this should be lots of fun for anyone nostalgic for the band who shook the nation.
The Tiger Lillies - 27 September, Cadogan Hall, Sloane Square
The Brechtian street opera trio perform a new work based on the meaningless and absurdity of existence. Yes, its the Nihilism Tour. It will surely be engaging.
Sara Dowling Quartet – 27 September, The Crypt, Camberwell
Dowling was voted Best Vocalist in the British Jazz Awards 2019 so expect to see a rising star.
Gemma Hayes – 28 September, Union Chapel, Highbury
Irish singer songwriter who made an impression initially with shoegazing sounds. Age has mellowed her (somewhat).
Errol Linton – 28 September, What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone
The Brixton blues man heads up to north east London for what will be a storming gig.
Dub Me Always – 28 September, The Ritzy, Brixton (free)
Long running Jamaican music night. This special Saturday event runs from 8pm – 2am and sees resident DJ David Katz joined by veteran selector Gladdy Wax and John Masouri, author of the just published (and excellent) Pressure Drop: Reggae In the 1970s.
SE18 Sessions: - 29 September, The Star, Plumstead (free entry, 3-5pm)
Last Sunday of the month sees Plumstead’s finest pub hosting an afternoon jazz session led by saxophonist Joe Browne. This event features James Wade-Sired, trombone; Wilf Cameron Marples, drums; Chris Outhwaite, piano, tbc bassist all joining Joe in performing an electric range of modern jazz classics.
Rising jazz vocalist Sara Dowling plays Camberwell’s magnificent Crypt on Sept’ 27.
OCTOBER
Donny Hathaway’s Birthday Party – 1 October, The Forge, Camden Town
Tribute bands devoted to US soul musicians take place quite often at The Forge. I’ve not yet attended one but, as we aren’t ever going to see Donny, I quite fancy this event.
Parsnip – 1 October, The Moth Club, Hackney Central
Australian all-female band merge lo-fi rock with inventive, melodic touches.
Watermelon Slim/Heavy Drunk – 2 October, What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone
Slim & Drunk are both lived-in white American musicians who have an idiosyncratic take on the blooze. If you like your American offbeat/raw then this is the gig for you. Support from Grazia and Sassyhia, two other female-led alt.music outfits.