GARTH'S GIG GUIDE: DEC' 27 - JAN' 25

THE QUIETEST MONTH OF THE YEAR FEATURES PLENTY OF BLUES & JAZZ

Geno Washington in action at Butlins Skegness some years ago. He kicks off the January Blues Festival at 229 on 3/4 January.

OK, its midwinter and, with festive celebrations coming to an end, live music in London enters its quietest phase of the calendar. This noted, the Smoke remains home to many talented musicians who both want to and need to (financially) play for the public. And a handful of international acts leave home to play for their public. Which means there are some exceptional gigs on across late-December/early January - I aim to highlight the good stuff here. Also: I’ve updated my venue guide – worth studying if you are wondering what the music space is like.

Finally, as its Xmas day I’ve made this edition of my Gig Guide free for everyone - have a wonderful celebration and I wish you all a very happy (and musical) new year.

Afrobeats Orchestra – 27 December, Jazz Cafe Camden Town

The 12-piece band, established by Mahlon Rhamie, have performed worldwide with chart-topping names including Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tems and AJ Tracey, through to the likes of Gregory Porter, Justin Timberlake and P!nk. Here they will play afrobeats and r&b hits.

General Levy and special guests – 27 December, Jazz Cafe, Camden Town (late show: 10.30 – 3 AM)

The British Jamaican dancehall/junglist MC will wake you out of your Xmas day stupor.

Omar – 27 – 28 December, Ronnie Scott’s, Soho

The pioneering British soul singer of the early 90s returns to show his mature style.

NYE: experience has taught me most ticketed NYE events vary between disappointing and awful. So I’m not going to recommend any. If you are venturing out to a ticketed event on this fabled eve, well, good luck!

January 2025

January Blues Festival 3 – 31 Jan’@229, Regent Park

This is easily the largest blues festival in the UK for many years – this century, possibly. Its spread out over the month with individual artists often playing two consecutive nights, sometimes pairing British artists in support of American, other times with Brits headlining. I’m excited by the lineup of Chicago Blues Explosion (featuring the great John Primer: I wrote up his early 24 performance here and it remains one of my gigs of the year), catching Sugarray Rayford, Karla Bronx, Ana Popovic, Sonny Landreth and more. I’m not going to list every gig – look online if you want to see all the JBF gigs – but I will highlight those I think most deserve attention. There’s also a handful of British bands that made an impression in the 60s/70s and now exist as “tribute” bands, so removed are they from the lineups that made the music we know them by (The Animals, Dr Feelgood). Which isn’t to say the aforementioned bands don’t make a decent fist of it, just that without Eric and Alan, Lee and Wilco, they are a shadow of the original lineups.

The Animals with special guests Geno Washington – 03/04 January, 229

I’ve no idea if The Animals in ‘25 are worthy heirs to the great Newcastle band of the mid-1960s but I’m reliably informed Geno Washington still puts on a decent show.

Colin Webster Large Ensemble – 03 January, Cafe Oto, Dalston

London based saxophonist Colin Webster's Large Ensemble, which comprises many of the leading players in the current generation of improvising musicians.

Lockheart/Davis/Williams – 03 January, The Crypt, Camberwell

Saxophone led jazz trio – could be akin to Sonny Rollins’ early 60s work?

Jocelyn Brown – 04 January, Jazz Cafe, Camden Town (matinee+evening show)

American born, London based, Brown started out singing soul then successfully moved into house and pop music. She’s sung with – and been sampled by – many major artists so this should be packed with bangers.

QOW – 05 January, Oval Tavern, Croydon (free lunchtime concert)

QOW are a modern jazz trio who The Hold-Up album was one of 2024’s delights. Drummer Spike Wells is a legend of British jazz and was the Yak’s first interviewee in early 24.

Matshidiso - 06 January, Green Note, Camden Town

London based singer songwriter of South African/Jamaican heritage who is dedicated to righting wrongs.

Big Joe Louis & friends – 05/12/19/26 January, Blues Kitchen, Shoreditch (free entry)

Exceptional blues as played by Louis and the different duos he invites to share the stage every Sunday evening. Louis also plays the BK Shoreditch solo on Monday nights and this is also a potent performance (and free entry).

A tribute to Big John Carter – 06 January, 100 Club, Oxford Street

An evening of boogie woogie piano in tribute to Carter, a musician highly rated by many in the rockin’ scene.

James Hunter - 06/07 January, 229, Regents Park

I first saw Hunter perform when he was trading as Howlin’ Wilf in the early 90s. Since then he’s carved out a name for himself as a gifted singer of vintage R&B.

Ben Poole with special guests The James Oliver Band ft Norman Watt-Roy – 08 January, 229, Regents Park

Poole looks like a male model and plays tasty blues. I don’t know Oliver but if he has Watt-Roy on bass then its going to very solid.

Rob Corcoran & The Necessary Evils / Kenan Flannery – 8 January, Leytonstone Social Club

Irish singer-songwriter Corcoran has been championed by no less a figure than Christy Moore. Expect a deeply felt evening of Celtic soul.

Ags Connelly - 08 January, The Green Note, Camden Town

Album launch party for one of the UK’s best country music singers and songwriters.

Errol Linton – 08/15/22/29 Effra Tavern, Brixton (free entry)

The masterblaster of blues harmonica leads a fine band in this excellent local pub.

Camilla George – 09 January, Ronnie Scott’s, Soho

George is a saxophone playing, rising star of British jazz and r&b.

Jude Brothers - 09 January, Green Note, Camden Town

Arkansas raised freak folk singer and songwriter.

The delightful Ms Joelle restarts her residency at Trisha’s on the 10th.

Florence Joelle - 10/17/24/31 January, Trisha’s, Soho

London-based Parisian chanteuse Florence Joelle performs at Trisha’s basement bar on Greek Street with her combo every Friday night from 8pm - 11pm. Florence is charming and her blend of vintage jazz and R&B is guaranteed to raise a smile.

Dirty Electronics & Oliver Torr – 10 January, Cafe Oto, Dalston Junction

An evening of experimental electronic music/noise making.

Adrian Reid Quartet – 10 January, The Crypt, Camberwell

Quartet featuring leading British jazz musicians, including saxophonist Denys Baptiste

Alexander von Schlippenbach, Evan Parker, Paul Lytton - 11/12 January, Cafe Oto, Dalston

Alexander von Schlippenbach (piano), Evan Parker (saxophone) and Paul Lytton (percussion). For this two-day residency they'll also be joined for special quartet and quintet sets by Axel Dörner (trumpet) and John Edwards (bass).

Balamuc + Zelt – 11 January, Jamboree, Kings Cross

Zelt are a Turkish trio who mix traditional Anatolian music with electronica while Balamuc are one of the UK’s foremost East European/Balkan folk music bands. A great double.

Ben Jones – 11 January, Ronnie Scott’s, Soho

Multi-instrumentalist producer Ben Jones is known for his funk and soul-rooted style, with a twist of hip-hop. Recently, his Instagram reels have created a buzz in the Lo-Fi beats community.

Ana Popovic – 11 January, 229, Regents Park

Leading US blues rock guitarist, Popovic is highly rated across the Atlantic.

Big Joe Louis Trio – 11 January, Leytonstone Social Club

Big Joe takes his fine trio to Leytonstone for what will be an engaging night of down-home blues.

Acid Arab Live - 11 January, Jazz Cafe, Camden Town

Arabic music goes to a rave…

Sonny Landreth - 13/14/15 January, 229, Regents Park

Louisiana native Sonny is a master guitarist and his touch has informed many artists, alongside his solo efforts.

Benjamin Lackner Quintet – 14 January, Ronnie Scott’s, Soho

American-German pianist Lackner unveils his latest album on ECM Records, blending lyrical tones and dynamic beats.

Mustafa Ozkent – 15 January, Jazz Cafe, Camden Town

The noted Turkish rock musician will play his celebrated 1973 album Gençlik İle Elele backed by his 7-piece band and accompanied by a DJ who specialises in Turkish psych.

Will Guthrie/Koshiro Hino (Goat) – 15 January, Cafe Oto, Dalston

A first time duo set from ace Australian drummer / percussionist, Will Guthrie, and Koshihiro Hino of cult Japanese group, Goat.

Jason McNiff Band – 15 January, Leytonstone Social Club

Jason McNiff is a UK based singer/songwriter and guitarist. He has made eight albums displaying his varied take on British and American roots music.

Mississippi MacDonald and band – 15 January, Pizza Express Holborn

The gifted British R&B/blues singer/songwriter/guitarist previews songs from a forthcoming album recorded at Royal Studios, Memphis.

Steam Down – 15 January, Peckham Levels, Peckham

Noted East London jazz outfit Steam Down host a Wednesday jazz jam that is very hip. Tickets go on sale at midnight each Wednesday and tend to sell out within a few days.

Congolese contenders Jupiter & Okwess spread the joy.

Jupiter & Okwess - 16 January, Jazz Cafe, Camden Town

Afro-rock band who mix Congolese rhythms with funk and rock. Band leader Jupiter Bokondji has worked with Damon Albarn and Money Mark.

Chicago Blues Explosion – 16/17 January, 229, Regents Park

This is likely to be the big US blues gig of 2025 with the great John Primer joined by Toronzo Cannon, Nora Jean Wallace, Oscar Wilson and Giles Robson. Outside of a visit to the Windy City this is as close as you can get to experiencing Chicago’s blues clubs.

Florence Joelle Quartet - 18 January, Toulouse Lautrec, Kennington/Elephant

The French bistro/bar regularly hosts Saturday night concerts and its fitting that Parisian style icon Florence Joelle kicks off the new year with 2 sets (7pm and 9.30 pm).

Mohsen Namjoo – 18 January, The Forum, Kentish Town

Noted Persian musician mixes rock and traditional music with Persian poetry.

Sugarray Rayford – 18/19 January, 229, Regents Park

Rayford is a rising star of soul-blues and a singer whose songs are celebrations of humanity. Support from Brixton’s Errol Linton ensures this will be a dynamic winter warmer.

The Benny Goodman Orchestra’s famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Concert – 19 January, Cadogan Hall, Sloane Square

Bandleader Pete Long presents a superlative recreation of a historic concerts when black and white jazz musicians first shared a major American stage. As with the original concert, this will be an acoustic concert – the Cadogan’s design allows for such.

Adrien Moignard Quartet: Gypsy Jazz Festival - 19 January, Jazz Cafe, Camden Town

The spirit of Django Reinhardt lives on in Moignard, an exceptional guitarist.

The Dime Notes – 20 January, Spice Of Life, Soho (7-9.30pm)

Sparkling vintage New Orleans jazz quartet.

Australian Invasion - 20 January, Green Note, Camden Town

Several young Americana artists from Oz share the stage.

Sharon Gal & Christian Duka / Moshi Honen / Billy Steiger – 21 January, Cafe Oto, Dalston Junction

An evening of experimental music making.

Julian Taylor – 21 January, Hackney venue (not disclosed at present)

Noted Canadian singer songwriter in town to perform at UK Americana Awards.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds – 22/23 January, 229, Regents Park

Vocalist Kim Wilson has been leading the T-Birds for close to half a century. Do they still deliver roadhouse blues? I hope so.

Paramount Band – 23 January, Cadogan Hall, Sloane Square

Formidable US jazz band led by saxophonist Joe Lovano and guitarist Julian Lage.

The Ukrainians - 23 January, Green Note, Camden Town

The Northern indie band originally named themselves as a nod to a new old nation they knew very little about. Today, these veterans play their folk punk with added rage as they support Ukraine against Putin.

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis – 24 January, 229, Regents Park

The siblings play a very enjoyable blend of skiffle and early R&B, delivered with a good natured enthusiasm that makes them hard to resist.

Lyle Lovett – 24/25 January, Cadogan Hall, Sloane Square

The celebrated Texan country singer and songwriter performs with his acoustic group.

Diz Watson – 25 January, Green Note (basement), Camden Town

The Yorkshire boogie woogie pianist will be playing classic R&B and promoting his fine album Diz Connected.

Ryley Walker – 25 January, The Ivy House, Nunhead

American singer-songwriter and acclaimed finger-style guitarist who made his name as part of the Chicago post-rock scene and has since gone on to cross genres, comfortable in folk and lo-fi psyche experimentation.

Lloyd Cole – 25 January, The Barbican Centre

Cole has matured into a smooth, literate singer songwriter. A perfect venue to see him croon in.

John Primer in action with Giles Robson earlier this year - he’s part of this year’s January Blues Festival at 229 on 16/17 January. The above concert was my blues gig of 2024!

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LONDON VENUES GUIDE

The Barbican Centre

The main concert hall is a magnificent place to experience live music. Free concerts in the foyer when themed festivals take place.

Kings Place

Just above Kings Cross Station, this arts space is like a mini-Barbican (seated, excellent sound and sight lines, formal ie no mosh pit). I’ve caught Lankum and other rising artists here.

Lafayette

A new venue, standing upstairs and down, behind Google’s building in Kings X. A good space but can get uncomfortably packed.

South Bank Centre

3 seated venues – all offering excellent sight and sound. In summer live concerts outside (and sometimes in the RFH’s Clore ballroom).

Royal Albert Hall

Majestic venue that holds 5000 capacity – sometimes all seating, sometimes all standing. Feel the weight of history as you enjoy a concert.

New Cross Tavern & Amersham Arms

Punk/thrash pubs situated a few hundred metres from one another. As elemental as you might imagine.

The Royal Albert

No, not the prestigious concert hall but a Deptford pub that puts on free live jazz on Sunday evenings and other live music on specified nights.

Cadogan Hall – Sloane Square

Extremely un-grungy seated venue. Excellent sound and sight lines so great for jazz and classical. Very formal and no place to dance. Predictably expensive.

Oliver’s Jazz Bar

I only discovered this tiny basement bar in Greenwich recently when a friend invited me to catch a young jazz quartet. Its £10 entry – cash only – and hosts rising jazz talent. A great space. Stays open late (no internet listings – you really just have to take a punt).

The Crypt

Live jazz every Friday night from 8 – midnight in the literal crypt of St Giles church. Different artists every week, always jazz oriented - although this stretches to include Brazilian music, electronic fusion and such. Lots of young UK jazz cats perform here – which means you might see dynamic rising talents, or rather smug outfits (yes, I’ve witnessed both). Tickets cost £11 and food and drink is available (again, reasonably priced). Two sets guaranteed – and often a sizeable number of those seated during the first set leave at the end of such - freeing up seats and allowing new entrants (booking in advance advisable as it tends to sell out). A wonderful space.

https://www.jazzlive.co.uk/

The Green Note

Small, acoustic venue (+ a tiny basement venue that only seats a few dozen punters max’). TGN specialises in singer-songwriters alongside the occasional country or blues artist. Its an intimate space, one for enjoying listening carefully. I don’t see any artists listed for April that take my fancy but there may well be several who appeal to you:

https://www.greennote.co.uk/

What’s Cookin’

Held in the Leytonstone Social Club (way up in north east London – Hitchcock’s home turf) on a Wednesday and most Saturdays. The Social Club is a spacious, upstairs bar, lots of tables, good sight lines, reasonable prices, and the music tends to be raucous London live circuit stuff – bands and soloists, playing rock and R&B and Americana and blues (and quieter folk nights). Its always fun, even if getting there and back isn’t.

https://whatscookin.co.uk/

The Betsey Trotwood

A longstanding Farringdon Road pub that puts on live music, generally acoustic folk/Americana solo or duo performers (occasionally bands). Come Down And Meet The Folks takes place here most Sundays from mid-afternoon on.

Cafe Oto

Cosy art space dedicated to presenting free jazz, electronica and experimental music – very close to Dalston Junction station.

The Vortex

Longstanding jazz club near Dalston Kingsland Station. Frill free but always a good spot to catch rising talent.

LVLS – Hackney Wick

Recently opened bar/alt-rock venue. Positive feedback so far.

The Windmill

Celebrated Brixton Hill dive bar/live music pub that puts on a huge number of gigs across the year. This is where bands like Goat Girl formed and members of noted indie/punk outfits often play secret gigs. If you want to experience indie rock in all its scuzzy underground energies then The Windmill’s the best venue to do so.

Dash The Henge

DTH is a brilliant record shop that hosts free live music and poetry and more several times a week. Always on Saturday – mid afternoon and then early evening – plus quite often on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Sometimes a dub DJ on Sunday afternoon. All free. New and used records + books and t-shirts, coffee and beer etc. Run by the dynamic duo of Tim & Chris. Best check their Facebook posts – or better yet, get on the DTH mailing list – to keep up with their many events.

The Old Library

Situated at the New Cross end of the Old Kent Road, this beautiful Edwardian building is open Friday – Saturday evenings and 1-9pm on Sunday. It hosts both free and ticketed events, often jazz, has an excellent bar and a really decent garden.

The Albany

Deptford’s community arts space that hosts concerts by rising, quirky musicians.

The Pelton Arms

Lovely, spacious Greenwich pub close to the river that hosts live blues and rock on a Saturday night (sometimes on other nights - free entry).

Fox & Firkin

Huge pub in central Lewisham that regularly hosts live music – including in its outdoor space over summer. Good sight lines and sound, highly recommended.

Peckham Levels

Peckham’s former carpark hosts, across summer, Frank’s Place which might just be Europe’s most celebrated roof top bar – home also to classical and jazz performances on occasion. In the covered spaces there’s live jazz (Wednesday) and DJs (largely at weekends).

Peckham Audio

Small, basement venue on Rye Lane just outside the Bussey Building. A good space for catching leftfield bands.

The Blue Basement @ Third Man Records

Jack White’s shop for his label makes good use of its basement with regular gigs by rising talents – not just artists associated with his TMR label.

Cecil Sharp House

The Camden-based heart of British folk music often puts on concerts – and holds regular folk dance and singing events.

World Heart Beat

This new music school/performance space was opened in early 2024 and regularly puts on small concerts (200 seats) of jazz, classical, folk and such. Lacks atmosphere but superb acoustics. Located behind the new US Embassy in Nine Elms.

The Effra Tavern

Great, free entry, Brixton community pub that has blues on Wed’, jazz on Thursday and outfits like Soothsayers and Little George Sueref on Sunday.

The Ritzy Cinema

Upstairs bar in Brixton cinema offers both DJ and live music events (some free, others ticketed) – check website to see what and when. The balcony overlooking Brixton is to be treasured.

The Hootenanny

Big Brixton pub that puts on lots of concerts – local and international artists.

The Electric

Brixton’s mid-level live music venue for touring artists – functional.

Brixton Academy

Recently reopened after 18 months forced closure due to the death of 2 young women who were crushed at an afrobeat gig. 5000 capacity so a major venue – hopefully now a safer space for all involved.

Toulouse Lautrec

French bistro/bar on Kennington/Elephant border that features live jazz and chanson and blues in the weekend (live music in upstairs bar, not restaurant - ticketed).

The Lexington

Upstairs bar in Angel for rising folk/Americana artists. A good place to see music up close.

O2 Academy Islington

Basic, charmless rock venue, all standing.

The Hope & Anchor

Once a famous venue for pub rock bands, the pub’s basement still hosts such.

Islington Assembly Rooms

Decent town hall venue with some seating upstairs.

Union Chapel, Highbury

A beautiful church with excellent acoustics.

The Garage, Highbury

Compact rock venue. Decent sound if often awfully crowded.

229

Two venues, one capable of hosting around 3-400 people standing, the other around 150, in the basement of a hotel that I believe is now a student hostel very close to Regents Park Station. They are functional but decent spaces and book all kinds of music.

100 Club, Oxford Street

Historic venue that’s hosted everyone from Django Reinhardt to the Sex Pistols. Still hosting regular live gigs and Northern soul DJ nights. A dive bar but its our dive bar.

Ronnie Scott’s, Frith Street

One of the world’s foremost jazz clubs, Ronnie’s is a wonderful space to hear live music. That said, it is now an expensive night out.

Rich Mix, Whitechapel

Community space that often puts on musicians from Africa and Asia.

Blues Kitchen – Camden, Brixton, Shoreditch

Chain of pubs with live blues music that ranges from Blues Brothers covers acts to top talent such as Big Joe Louis and Errol Linton. Generally free entry.

The Polish Jazz Café POSK!

Located in the basement of the Polish Social & Cultural Association, POSK, in Hammersmith. Regular concerts take place on Friday and Saturday evenings, both UK and international artists with, as the name suggests, often jazz leanings.

Hammersmith Apollo

5000 capacity with seating upstairs. Preferable to Brixton Academy for big bands.

Shepherds Bush Empire

Once a theatre where the BBC recorded drama and performances, now one of London’s finest venues. 2200 capacity with downstairs standing and seats on the two upper levels. Good sound and sight lines and the right venue for mid-level bands/singers.

Bush Hall

A former music hall, this 300 capacity space is an impressive venue for the more acoustic end of things.

Jamboree

Once situated in a ramshackle space in an artist’s studio building on Cable Street, Jamboree now has a spacious, attractive space only a few minutes walk from Kings Cross Station. Here they put on excellent roots music – She’Koyoch, ShunTA and other luminaries.

The Jazz Cafe

Longstanding soul/funk/rap/jazz (in that order) Camden venue. Seating with table service upstairs, standing downstairs. Excellent sound and good sight lines – one of the best places to experience a relatively intimate gig (note: it can get very crowded).

The Forge

Essentially, a shoddy knock off of the Jazz Cafe (a few minutes walk away). If there’s not a huge audience then you might experience a really good concert here. But if its packed then only those well over six foot will be able see what’s on stage.

The Green Door

A small ground floor space and tiny (tiny!) basement space make for a really cosy venue to see folk/blues/singer-songwriters etc. Upstairs can get packed for popular artists.

Blues Kitchen

Venues in Brixton, Camden and – easily the best – Shoreditch. Live blues several nights a week, often free entry.

KoKo

Old cinema in Mornington Crescent with several levels. At times difficult to get around but a good space for live bands.

Electric Ballroom

Large basement space by Camden tube that often hosts touring rock, reggae and Americana artists. Either get in early and down the front of stage or don’t bother as only the very tall can see who is on stage from a good distance. Not a venue I choose to venture into often.

The Roundhouse

Once famous for psychedelic gigs, then later early gigs by The Ramones, Chalk Farm venue has been remodelled into a high standard 2000 capacity venue with seats upstairs and standing down. Much better than the EB. And better sound than The Forum.

The Forum

An old Kentish Town cinema with seating upstairs and standing down. A really good place to catch exciting live acts but the sound can be messy as it bounces off the domed ceiling.

The Dome

Upstairs rock venue in Tuffnell Park. Good place for rock bands - standing only.

The Shacklewell Arms

Dalston indie/alt-rock pub. Old school grungy with the surly staff – if reviews are to be believed – to go with it.

The Moth Club – Hackney Central

Good venue for seeing rising artists. Compact but not uncomfortable.

The Bird’s Nest - Deptford

Want to get a flavour of the crustie circuit punk pubs of the 80s/early 90s? Then come down to this Deptford venue, live punk outfits every weekend.

Oslo – Hackney Kingsland

Former railway station transformed into an overpriced gastro pub downstairs and a standing only venue upstairs. I’ve seen some great gigs at Oslo – capacity 375 so this box room can get cramped – but its not a venue to relax in.

The Lower Third

Airless basement beneath a chic cocktail bar on Denmark Street, once home to London’s music publishers and demo studios. Only go if you are tall or willing to get in early so to be stage front as sight lines are poor.

Spice Of Life

A long standing basement venue in the Soho pub of the same name. Different musicians perform, some have residencies.

The Indigo – Greenwich Peninsula

2000 capacity venue inside the hellish O2 Dome. If the concert is all seated then you could consider going. Standing downstairs for a long period of time is painful (hard floor, nowhere to rest).

Venues to avoid: EaRTh and Village Underground – the two worst live music spaces in London, really uncomfortable with nothing to recommend them (followed closely by 02 Greenwich, Wembley Stadium + Arena – but who in their right mind goes to stadiums/arenas?)

Best wishes from Captain Yak!