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The Jazz Cafe has spent a quarter of a century bringing the most respected names in jazz and soul to Camden Town. D’Angelo, Amy Winehouse, Adele and Bobby Womack have all played the venue, formerly a branch of Barclays. Now the Columbo Group, who run a string of great London venues, have given the place a new look. They intend to carry on its legacy by presenting exciting new sounds from the wider family of jazz music, with a relaunch fortnight next month to set the groove. Here’s an exclusive look at the diverse line-up.
Things kick off on May 25 with 22a Records Showcase: key artists represent the bassy, soulful Peckham label on May 25. Darkside producer Dave Harrington launches his new album on May 26, followed by top US hip hop producer Just Blaze headlining on May 27.
Waka Flocka Flame
Lo-fi electronic act Darkstar top the bill on May 28 with support from Kutmah, Bullion and Throwing Shade, before trappy Atlanta MC Waka Flocka Flame hits the stage on May 29. Waka’s followed the next night by Mercury-nominated post-jazzers Portico, then jazz innovators Mammal Hands on May 31.
Fatima
Swedish soul queen Fatima and her label’s live crew The Eglo Band bring the house down on June 1, and LA producer Dâm-Funk joins The Egyptian Lover for a Stones Throw Records showcase on June 2. Then it’s time for Berlin electronic wiz Pantha Du Prince and his three-man project The Triad (June 3) and dub veteran Mad Professor (June 4) playing a live set to round things off. Make a date now to check out Jazz Cafe 2.0.