GARTH'S GIG GUIDE: HIGH SUMMER MUSICAL MADNESS
Dozens of gigs and plenty of festivals across London (and further afield) through July and into August
Streatham’s Little George Sueref brings his rockin’ R&B sound to Arts Music Lounge, Shrewsbury House Bar, Plumstead on July 12. A good night, guaranteed.
Cro-Mags – 1 July, New Cross Inn, New Cross
Veteran US hardcore outfit return with 3 noize boyz bands in support. Party like its CBGB in 1985!
Loshn' – 2 July, St Ethelburgas, The City
Loshn’ area trio reviving the traditions of Klezmer music – the East European folk music with Jewish roots. Free tickets for refugees and asylum seekers. 18.30 – 20.30
Staples Jr Family – 2 July, 229, Regents Park
Mississippi siblings who cut a sole LP as teens in the 1970s and found unexpected fame when Luaka Bop reissued it in 2022. Great, deep gospel voices – no, they’re not related to Mavis & Pops.
Arturo O'Farrill Afro-Latin Jazz Quintet – 2 July, Ronnie Scott’s
A Mexican pianist and composer, O’Farrill carries on the Afro-jazz legacy of his father, Chico, with a contemporary twist. His career began with the Carla Bley Band and has since included collaborations with Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Bowie, Wynton Marsalis, and Harry Belafonte.
Big Joe Louis – 2 July, Blues Kitchen, Camden. Free entry.
Solo show from one of Europe’s finest blues musicians 21.45 - 11pm.
Errol Linton – 3+10+24 July, Effra Tavern, Brixton, free entry
Errol leads the best blues band in Europe – actually, one of the best anywhere. This local gig is always a blast.
Endea Owens and the Cookout – 3 July, Ronnie Scott’s, Soho
Endea Owens, a rising jazz artist, bassist, and composer, hails from Detroit and carries forward the legacy of renowned bass leaders. Owens recently debuted her album, Feel Good Music – a talent to watch.
Borges Macardo – 3 July, Cecil Sharp House, Camden Town.
Borges Machado is André Borges and Fernando Machado. Mixing field recordings, improvisation, Latin American rhythms like Samba, Baião and Salsa, and traditional Brazilian songwriting, they create eclectic sound art experiences.
Strum (Leon Michener, Rrose Plays Charlemagne Palestine) – 3 July, Cafe Oto, Dalston Junction
Virtuoso keyboardist Leon Michener (Klavikon) plays amplified clavichord. Radical experimentalist and club floor shaker Rrose (Seth Horvitz) plays Charlemagne Palestine’s iconic, minimal and mesmerising “Strumming Music” in a version for solo piano with the composer’s blessing.
Southside Johnny & the Asbury Dukes – 4 July, Shepherds Bush Empire, Shepherds Bush
Like Graham Parker, this white R&B outfit were critical faves in the 1970s but never broke through to wider popularity. PP Arnold supports.
Jo Harrop – 4 July, Ronnie Scott’s, Soho
A distinctive voice in the contemporary jazz scene, Harrop launches her fourth album, The Path Of A Tear at Ronnie’s. Harrop’s blend of mid-70s soul, jazz and a hint of Americana showcases a rising talent.
Simon Spillett Quartet – 5 July, The Crypt, Camberwell
Spillett is a disciple of the late, great British modern jazz saxophonist, Tubby Hayes – this should be a potent midsummer’s night jazz.
Delaney Davidson – 5 July, The Waiting Room, Stoke Newington
Davidson is the don of Kiwi alternative country and his live show is noted for its music hall elements ie its not navel gazing singer-songwriter stuff.
Errol Linton – 5 July, Magic Garden, Battersea
Errol leads his mighty band at this beautiful Battersea venue. A lively night guaranteed.
The Takeover – 5 July, Cecil Sharp House, Camden Town
London Youth Folk Ensemble and friends will take over Cecil Sharp House at their annual showcase of young folk bands from London and beyond. Guest bands are Fusion Ensemble and Folk Factory.
Daniel Garcia Trio – 05 July, Ronnie Scott’s, Soho
Daniel García, a prominent figure in the European Jazz scene, layers flamenco, jazz, rock, r'n'b, and electronic music into a highly expressive sound.
MAVERICK FESTIVAL – 5 – 7 July, Easton Farm Park, Suffolk
The UK’s foremost Americana festival showcases young and veteran musicians from the US, UK and further afield and is a lovely, low-key affair with concerts in barns and outdoors. This year features Jerry Joseph, Bill Kirchen, Diana Jones, The Arlenes, Ruben Moreno, Tom Attah, Angel Snow, The Sadies, Walter Salas Humara and plenty of others. This is a treat of a festival!