London, England – Jazz music in London is experiencing a revival, with a new wave of young stars like Nubya Garcia and Ezra Collective taking the music scene by storm. The once dormant British jazz scene is now buzzing with energy, drawing on influences ranging from hip-hop and soul to traditional African music and acid rave.
One of the key players in this resurgence is the saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings and his group Sons of Kemet, who have been captivating audiences with their unique blend of angular but danceable jazz. This eclectic new wave of London jazz has been described as the most exciting home-grown musical movement of the past decade, pushing boundaries and redefining the genre.
To celebrate this vibrant jazz scene, a new radio show called ‘Round Midnight on Radio 3 has been launched, hosted by saxophonist Soweto Kinch. The show aims to shine a spotlight on the diverse and innovative corners of the British jazz scene, featuring both established artists like Dave Holland and emerging talents like Scottish pianist Fergus McCreadie.
Kinch, who is considered a father-figure to the new generation of jazz musicians, showcases a wide range of sounds and styles on his show, from the frenetic London sound to the slower, spacier Northern jazz wave championed by Manchester’s Gondwana Records. The show provides a platform for both old and new jazz, paying tribute to classics like Thelonious Monk while introducing listeners to fresh, groundbreaking music.
With the recent news of the cancellation of the radio show J to Z, jazz fans were left disappointed by the lack of a dedicated jazz series on Radio 3. However, ‘Round Midnight aims to fill that void, offering a unique blend of music, interviews, and insights from Kinch and his guests. As London solidifies its position as the new jazz capital of the world, ‘Round Midnight provides a crucial platform for showcasing the vibrant and diverse British jazz scene to a wider audience.