Here at Band on the Wall we live and breathe by our mantra Where the World Comes to Play – and as the nights close in the days get chillier, we’re making sure the nights feel the heat with a programme exquisite international breaking artists – from Brazil to Brooklyn, join us on an epic journey of global, groovy discovery. Keep scrolling to dive into our Spotify playlist!
Amaro Freitas
02/11/2022
Amaro is one of the biggest stars of Brazilian jazz hailing from Recife. For the prodigious young pianist, the spirit of his hometown runs deep. From the Afro-Brazilian maracatu born on the sugar plantations of slavery, to the high intensity carnival rhythms of frevo and baião, Amaro’s heavily percussive approach to jazz is as indebted to these Pernambuco traditions as it is to Coltrane, Parker and Monk.
Melanie Charles
14/11/2022
There are very few artists whose sound can capture the sentiments of a generation. The Brooklyn born and raised Melanie Charles, is one of these artists, making a name for herself through dynamic engagements with jazz, soul, and R&B. Her bold genre-bending style has been embraced by a range of artists including Wynton Marsalis, SZA, Mach-Hommy, Gorillaz, and The Roots.
Sly5thAve feat. Roberto Verástegui + Bryony Jarman Pinto
18/11/2022
Sly5thAve is the project of multi-instrumentalist, producer, arranger and composer Sylvester Uzoma Onyejiaka II, whose sophisticated compositions are shaped by his faith in hip-hop, and deep understanding of soul, R&B and jazz. Having released ‘The Invisible Man: An Orchestral Tribute To Dr. Dre’ to critical claim, Sly5thAve returned in 2020 with ‘What It Is’. Showcasing his abilities as a producer and collaborative musician, the LP featured the likes of Denitia, Marlon Craft, Melissa McMillan and Grammy-nominated Thalma de Freitas and celebrates Sly5thAve’s multifaceted musical nature.
2022 sees him collaborating with fellow composer and pianist Roberto Verástegui on ‘Agua de Jamaica’. Recording during lockdown in Mexico, the LP is rooted in a passionate and comprehensive understanding of Jazz and Mexico City’s ever-vibrant artistic culture. We can’t wait to hear this new music live right here at Band on the Wall!
Balimaya Project
8/12/2022
Balimaya Project was formed in 2019 by percussionist Yahael Camara Onono, a second generation Londoner whose rich West African musical heritage, coupled with his musical experiences in the UK, inspired him to bridge the gap between the diaspora and West Africa.
This group is built on the foundation of forging musical and cultural ties, from a place of integrity, authenticity and inspiration. Balimaya uses the repertoire of the Mande peoples of Senegal and Mali as the bridge to bring the folkloric West African music, together with Jazz and the sounds of Black London, to create something different.
+ loads more across two stages. Check our what’s on for full listings.
