What we’re about
London Loves Jazz is an open forum for jazz lovers, musicians and artists, jazz venues and promoters to share their love of jazz and live music in all its varied forms. Please note there is a one-off £5 contribution when you join the group. Membership to LLJ is free thereafter.
As a member of LLJ, you can start going to amazing gigs with likeminded people and find out about the wide range of jazz on offer across London, from young bands starting their career to iconic jazz musicians passing through town, including a well of London based artists dedicated to playing great music.
LLJ also plays a part in supporting jazz artists in London. If you are a jazz musician, artist, promoter or venue, you are welcome to list your gigs on the LLJ calendar.
Listing gigs on LJM is free, it gives your event great visibility to a large group of jazz lovers. In return we ask that you arrange for a clearly signposted reserved space for LJM members who attend your gig. This is to ensure that LJM members can gather and socialise together. Please ask me for more details about how to list and host your event on LJM.
So introduce yourself and share why you joined. And if you see a gig that you’d like to go to and it is not on the calendar, you can post a message on LLJ to see who’s interested in going. If there are a few, you can become an event host for the night.
By becoming a member you confirm that you have read, understood and agree with LLJ our group rules below.
Thanks, Ivy
LLJ GROUP RULES
LLJ is an inclusive group, we expect our members to feel safe when they attend events. Please be respectful and considerate.
When you sign to an event, it is your responsibility to purchase your own ticket for the performance, your own travel and pub expenses. Please only RSVP that you are attending an event, once you have bought a ticket for the performance.
It is your responsibility to find and arrive at the meeting place on time if you want to enjoy the gig with other LJM members. If you are late, please notify the event host. However it is up to the event host how long the group can wait for you.
Event hosts do not charge for organising and hosting events, they volunteer their time and energy to make everyone feel welcome. Please make it your responsibility too.
Please amend your RSVP to “not attending” if for any last minute reason you are unable to attend the event. It is important for the event host to have an accurate number of people attending the event, so they don’t have to wait unnecessarily.
Please contribute to our forum in any way you can, by sharing your ideas or making suggestions. Why not even organise an event once in a while? You have a choice to become a one-off or a regular 'event host'.
DISCLAIMER
LLJM events are free and community-driven.
LLJM members are a group of friends, not a business.
LLJM calendar offers different types of activities. Any LJM member may organize an event and you can too!
LLJM is not organized by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes. Any event details, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions to enable members to get together and have a great time. As this is no business, there is no "product", "service" or "event leader". Each LLJM member is expected to arrange their own travel to and from the gig venue. Each LLJM member is responsible for their own safety and attendance, for meeting the group at the meeting location specified by the event host and at the time specified. Even hosts will not assume responsibility for anyone arriving late, getting lost, any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Piano Smithfield Presents: THE MICHAEL BLAKE/HANNES RIEPLER QUINTETPiano Bar Smithfield, London
THE MICHAEL BLAKE/HANNES RIEPLER QUINTET
Thu 18 Sep 2025 7:00 PM - 1:30 AM | Tickets from £20 | BOOKINGS
Piano Smithfield, EC1A 9PNJazz at Piano Smithfield presents The Michael Blake/Hannes Riepler Quintet, feat Ivo Neame, Oli Hayhurst and Finn Genockey.
An unmissable night of transatlantic jazz, the first night of a new monthly Jazz at Piano Smithfield series of shows, with the very best Jazz Musicians from around the world.
London-based guitarist Hannes Riepler joins forces with acclaimed New York saxophonist Michael Blake for a special one-off performance. They’ll be joined by an outstanding London rhythm section: Ivo Neame on piano, Oli Hayhurst on double bass, and Finn Genockey on drums.
Expect inspired originals, electrifying interplay, and spontaneous creativity from five of the most distinctive voices on the international jazz scene.Saxophonist Michael Blake has been a mainstay in the New York scene for over 30 years and has put out over fifteen albums under his name. His most recent, Dance of the Mystic Bliss made The Guardian’s 10 Best Jazz Albums of 2023. Blake’s saxophone playing commands a wily style that might evoke an elder, snap at a hard bop riff or blast off to the interstellar. Both an in demand sideman and session musician, he has contributed to hundreds of recordings. Among the many artists he has performed with are The Lounge Lizards, Ray Lamontagne, Steven Bernstein, Charlie Hunter and Ben Allison.
Hannes Riepler is a compelling blend of artist and mentor: an Austrian-born guitarist whose melodic and forward-thinking approach has made him a central figure in the London jazz scene. Whether leading his own quartet, collaborating with international artists, or nurturing talent in academic settings, his influence is widely felt and respected. Riepler has performed with a wide range of artists, including Chris Cheek, Julien Lourau, and Jeff Williams. His network spans many notable names in jazz. His album Wild Life features his quartet alongside guest saxophonist Chris Cheek. The original pieces are noted for being catchy, heartfelt, and free of clichés, earning praise for both writing and performance.
The award-winning British pianist and composer Ivo Neame is known for his inventive, harmonically rich style and his work with acclaimed groups including Phronesis, the Marius Neset Quintet, and Kairos 4Tet. A bandleader in his own right, he has released numerous albums blending technical virtuosity with lyricism, most recently Zettalogue (2024). Beyond performing internationally, Neame is Professor of Jazz Piano at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, where he mentors the next generation of jazz musicians.
One of the UK’s most in-demand double bassists, Oli Hayhurst is celebrated for his warm tone, rhythmic precision, and deep musical empathy. His versatility has seen him perform across the jazz spectrum, from modern creative projects to straight-ahead swing, and he has worked with many of the UK’s leading artists. Hayhurst’s playing is characterised by an unshakeable groove and a keen melodic sense, qualities that have made him a trusted anchor in both small groups and large ensembles.
A dynamic young drummer, composer, and arranger, Finn Genockey is quickly making his mark on the UK jazz scene. His music combines intricate rhythmic ideas with a strong melodic focus, as heard on his acclaimed debut album Tacet Trust. An active collaborator and leader, he directs the London Intercollegiate Jazz Orchestra and has performed with figures such as Stan Sulzmann and Rufus Reid. Genockey’s drumming is both sensitive and powerful, providing a flexible, creative foundation for any ensemble.
Doors open at 7pm. 2 Sets, first set around 8.15pm...Piano Smithfield is a part seated/part standing venue, with seats allocated on a first come, first served basis, so arrive early to find your spot...Earlybird Tickets £20 in Advance, £25 on the door (if not sold out)
* Note: For a reserved table with the London Loves Jazz MeetUp Group bookings must be confirmed by actual bookings in advance of the gig directly with the venue.
For a comprehensive list of gigs in London check out the Jazz London Live app and subscribe for news of jazz gigs in London and outer region.
- Jazz On The Plaza with Edison Herbert and Terence CollieCafe Yukari, Richmond
This month’s Jazz on the Plaza at Café Yukari features the outstanding guitarist Edison Herbert, performing in an intimate duo with pianist Terence Collie. Edison is one of the UK’s most dynamic and expressive jazz guitarists, celebrated for his warm tone, inventive phrasing and captivating improvisation. Together, Edison and Terence will present a beautifully crafted set that blends jazz standards, jazz classics and a smattering of some of Edison's original compositions. With Café Yukari’s welcoming atmosphere and relaxed vibe, this promises to be a truly special evening of live music.
Optional Japanese food available.
Booking through www.moodindigoevents.co.uk
Tickets £20+booking fee online.Limited seats available booking ahead recommended!
