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Articles, Reviews and Interviews

Women in Jazz Media at the London Jazz Festival 2024! – Jazz in Europe

We are incredibly excited for the EFG London Jazz Festival this year and to host some fabulous musicians on the Women in Jazz Media stage once more. November brings with it dazzling performances, dotted all over London, and allows us as an organisation to platform some wonderfully talented jazz women. Including…
21st November 2024 – The Crypt at St Martin-in-the-Fields: 
The All-Female London Gay Big Band In Partnership with the Talent Banq
The All-Female London Gay Big Band is a sensational all...

Behind The Pen with Sandra Booker – Jazz in Europe

The world of jazz (and music) journalism is a competitive struggle at times, particularly for women looking to break the mould and find a name for themselves in a historically male-dominated industry. Despite this, plenty of women have successfully navigated their writing and journalistic careers, embarking on different paths and timelines to get where they want to be. Women in Jazz Media have been exploring the stories and experiences of several female music writers, who have been transforming...

Behind The Pen: A Writer’s Journey with Lara Eidi – Jazz in Europe

The world of jazz (and music) journalism is a competitive struggle at times, particularly for women looking to break the mould and find a name for themselves in a historically male-dominated industry. Despite this, plenty of women have successfully navigated their writing and journalistic careers, embarking on different paths and timelines to get where they want to be.
Women in Jazz Media have been exploring the stories and experiences of several female music writers, who have been transforming...

Behind the Pen with Jane Cornwell – Jazz in Europe

The world of jazz (and music) journalism is a competitive struggle at times, particularly for women looking to break the mould and find a name for themselves in a historically male-dominated industry. Despite this, plenty of women have successfully navigated their writing and journalistic careers, embarking on different paths and timelines to get where they want to be.
Women in Jazz Media have been exploring the stories and experiences of several female music writers, who have been transforming...
Jazz Views •

Lizz Wright – Shadow

Lizz Wright boldly reaches a new milestone in her 20-year solo career, with the release of her ninth album Shadow. This stands as her first release with her new label Blues and Greens Records, who aim to help artists ‘build sustainable and wholesome careers’. Wright remains one of the most iconic vocalists in jazz, with her sultry smooth melodies and emotive delivery. The album is built on an assortment of 5 original tracks and various old favourites, written by the likes of Cole Porter, Caitlin

Gig review: Alina Bzhezhinska and Tony Kofi Album Launch at King’s Place – Jazz in Europe

Set on the stage of King’s Place’s Hall Two, a smaller and more intimate venue lit up by streaks of purple and blue, a harp stands tall at the centre, as avid audience members gradually make their way to their seats. Eager and excited were the bustling voices which surrounded the stage, as harpist Alina Bzhezhinska, tenor saxophonist Tony Kofi and percussionist Joel Prime stride toward their musical stations.

CD and Live Review: Germana Stella La Sorsa, Primary Colours – Jazz in Europe

Recorded in May 2023, ‘Primary Colours’ is the second album release by Italian London-based singer songwriter Germana Stella La Sorsa. It’s official release date took us into the new year, launching at the Vortex on 26th January; a lively, communal event at the heart of Dalston.

The album features 7 original compositions which touch on the impact of various emotions, including joy, passion, and depression. Several musical styles and influences are explored throughout, from Latin grooves to free

Women in Jazz Media at the EFG London Jazz Festival 2023 – Jazz in Europe

In under a month, the jazz stages of London will be host to some of the biggest names in the scene today. November is set to bring the wonders of the EFG London Jazz Festival, featuring the likes of Cory Henry, Norah Jones and Samra Joy, to name a few.

Women in Jazz Media are thrilled to throw a week of inspiring events, giving voice to women and non-binary musicians all over the jazz scene. Formed on November 24th, 2020, Women in Jazz Media is a not-for-profit organisation created to help supp

CD Review: Maddalena Ghezzi, Emerald – Jazz in Europe

Maddalena Ghezzi, Milan-born and now London-based singer, composer, and improviser, has once again explored the depths of her artistry to create a glimmering ‘Emerald’ in her musical series, Minerals. This is the fourth release of the series, featuring pianist, synth player, composer and producer, Maria Chiara Argiró.

‘Emerald’ was preceded by 3 captivating releases: ‘Amethyst’, ‘Halite’, and ‘Opal’. These works were all moulded around the styles of Ghezzi’s different collaborators and based on

Gig review: Zoe Rahman, ‘Colour of Sound’ Album Launch at Kings Place – Jazz in Europe

Surrounded by her friends, family, and fellow musicians, Zoe Rahman took to the Hall One stage, beaming with appreciation and a true love for her craft. Looking out into the audience, no seat was left empty, packed with people of all ages ready to enjoy the wonders of London’s contemporary jazz scene. Rahman’s choice of musicians on stage seemed to reflect her engagement with the diverse contemporary jazz scene in Britain.

My music isn’t straightforward and needs people with depth to their play
Voice Online •

Music, education and the wellbeing of our children

ALREADY REELING from the impact of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, musicians in 2023 are now battling to navigate their careers through the cost-of-living crisis.

It’s been reported that one in four musicians in the UK skip meals and 51 per cent have taken up second jobs due to an increase in financial struggles.

Music education is facing a serious decline and is becoming restricted to the privileged few who can afford to purchase an instrument and regular tuition.

There has been a 21 per c

A Weekend Away at XJAZZ! Berlin – Jazz in Europe

Being asked to visit Berlin to interview several of my favourite musicians, watch some sensational performances and wander around a wonderfully eccentric city, was a surreal experience from start to finish. After winning the German prize for ‘Festival of the Year’ in 2022, XJAZZ! appeared to be a thriving event within Europe, one which I wished to experience for myself. Since its inception in 2014, the festival has been known to cause a stir. It became popular through questioning genre boundarie

A Weekend Away at The Cheltenham Jazz Festival – Jazz in Europe

With a reputation as one of the UK’s most renowned jazz events, I was delighted to be invited to The Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Through platforming a combination of international jazz icons to encouraging young talent, the stages of Montpellier Gardens glowed with musical genius. There was a buzz in the air as the 20,000 festivalgoers enjoyed the first real day of sunshine to hit the UK. The 2023 line-up was impressive, featuring Van Morrison, Gregory Porter, Laura Mvula, MIKA, Lizz Wright, and m
Jazz Views •

Laura Lantano – Song Writing & Returning To Herself

In her debut recording, Laura Lantano presents a collection of original, contemporary tunes influenced by her love of jazz standards and song writing. I wanted to get an idea of how Laura approaches song writing, and what inspired this idea of returning to herself…

Firstly, what does it mean to ‘return to yourself’? What inspired this album title?

When we were children, we knew who we were, we weren’t afraid to be ourselves. We were playful, curious, and carefree. However, as we grew up and be
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