GARTH’S GIG GUIDE: MAY
60+ concerts are listed this month: Spring finds live music blossoming across London.
Sona Jobarteh: the British Gambian kora prodigy is at the Barbican on May 11.
As temperatures rise so does the amount of hot music being performed across London. Alongside old funk, punk and Southern rock bands there’s veteran Senegalese, rising Armenian and Kurdish musicians, a meeting of female folk icons, the most exciting Texan country singer in years, an Egyptian oud virtuoso, singers from Somaliland and Bosnia, free jazz and Gypsy jazz and much, much more!
Average White Band + Kokomo – 2 May, Royal Albert Hall
This is the London date for AWB’s farewell tour. Admittedly, Scotland’s finest now only have two original members in the band – that said, they have built a strong ensemble around them and will surely deliver their many classic soul-funk standards.
Orchestra Baobab – 2 May, Jazz Cafe
The wonderful Senegalese group are also now depleted of original members but their replacements continue to play the beautifully languid electric guitar melodies that won worldwide attention.
The sound of Senegal shimmering in the heat - Baobab make beautiful music.
Suna Alan – 2 May, SOAS, Russell Square
The Kurdish vocalist leads an impressive ensemble playing traditional Kurdish songs. Note: Suna is also at The Vortex on May 24.
Yessaï Karapetian – 2 May, Ronnie Scott’s, Soho
Armenian-born Karapetian is a celebrated pianist, making significant contributions to the international jazz scene.
Mary Gauthier – 3 May, King’s Place, Kings Cross
The New Orleans native is a remarkable singer and songwriter. While best known for I Drink, a bleak, honest song about alcoholism, her repertoire is packed with striking songs.
Kalpadruma Quartet – 3 May, Jazzlife at the Crypt, Camberwell
Young jazz band led by saxophonist Asha Parkinson.
Dan McConkey Trio – 3 (+31) May, The Old Library, New Cross Gate
Saxophone led jazz trio.
Cairokee - 4 May, Barbican Centre
Who knew that Egypt had a rock band that toured the world? Not me! Here’s your opportunity to experience them.
Bettye LaVette – 6 May Cadogan Hall
One of the last of the 1960s era soul singers still regularly recording and performing – Detroit native LaVette is a force of nature and never delivers a half-hearted performance.
Bettye is a powerhouse vocalist and her stage patter can be both brutal and hilarious.