The EFG London Jazz Festival returns to venues across the capital, with upwards of 2,000 artists playing 300 gigs at more than 50 venues

The EFG London Jazz Festival returns to venues across the capital, with upwards of 2,000 artists playing 300 gigs at more than 50 venues.

Having been going for nearly a quarter of a century, the annual festival showcases a mix of talent from around the world, both established and emerging.

There are concert hall fillers round the corner from basement jazz club performers, making the festival appeal to enthusiasts of all ages and levels of expertise.

Over the years, the LJF has seen some landmark events on the jazz scene in London.

The Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra played their first ever concerts at the Hackney Empire. The late virtuoso Sicilian jazz guitarist Joe Pass played alongside Martin Taylor MBE to spellbound crowds at the Union Chapel. Wayne Shorter made his debut with the Wayne Shorter Quartet, who are returning to the Barbican this year on Sunday November 20 in the main hall.

For this concert, the 10 Grammy Award winning saxophonist revives music from a career spanning 50 years with pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade, still exploring new themes.

Another saxophonist on the bill at the Barbican is YolanDa Brown with Reggae Love Songs. The 34 year old performs songs from her new album for the first time on Tuesday November 15, joined by her ten piece band and singer Shingai Shoniwa of The Noisettes. As the only person ever to win the MOBO award for Best Jazz two years in a row, Brown has performed with greats such as Courtney Pine, Jools Holland and Soweto Kinch along the way.

London Salisbury in Harringay’s Green Lanes offers a more intimate experience on Sunday November 20. HONsemble, a 9 piece set of Huw V William’s critically acclaimed HON project. Among the players are trumpeter Laura Jurd and Elliot Galvin on accordion and piano.

Fini Bearman and Emilia Mårtensson with the ELDA Trio bring exquisite vocals to the Union Chapel on November 20 for their regular Sunday Sessions.

For a full programme and list of venues, go to efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk.