What’s happening (London-side, later this summer)?

Good times! These are the good times… The artists just keep on rolling into the nation’s capital. Here are some exciting concerts lined up for a little later this summer. Please note how I’m really trying to give y’all a little more notice, honest.

Quinteto Astor Piazzolla at the Barbican, 27th July

It may be too late to see the great man himself, but it’s never too late to catch the official ensemble honouring Argentina’s legendary composer. You can experience Nuevo Tango live in London with iconic pieces like “Oblivion” and “Adiós Nonino” as part of a stunning blend of jazz, classical and folk. Doors open at 7.30pm and you can book tickets here. I can’t seem to embed anything of the quintet’s work on YouTube, so here’s a reminder of the maestro himself.

Joe Bataan at the Jazz Café, 17th August

Having just written an enthusiastic paragraph about the wonderful Jazz Jamaica only to discover that their show at Ronnie Scott’s on the 2nd August is sold out, I took comfort in the fact that the King of Latin Soul is back in town for the first time in four years. Mere days after appearing in Dorset at the We Out Here festival, he will be headlining this show on Sunday, 17th August. With nine Fania albums and a load more to his name, and one of the most distinctive voices in the business, this represents a great opportunity to see a gen-u-ine living legend. Tickets here, and while you’re at it check the Camden venue’s site for information about shows by Os Mutantes, Marcia Griffiths, Israel Vibration, Horace Andy and others. Meanwhile, whet your appetite on our Joe’s glorious version of this Curtis Mayfield classic. Gaad, what a show, what a showman!

Moyses Dos Santos at Ronnie Scott’s, 19th September

Just this side of the solstice (or equinox) so still technically “late summer”, here’s an interesting show to pencil into your Sounds and Colours diaries (we’ll be sending them out just before Christmas). The bass player will be showcasing new material at Ron’s apparently, drawing from his Brazilian roots and jazz background to create a sinuous blend of jazz, funk and the sound of today’s vibrant UK music scene. The Brazilian expat works closely with producer Ankit Suri, crafting songs that balance structure with improvisation and feature such collaborators as Kate Stewart and Jay Prince on this particular number. I like what I’ve heard and you can find out more about him and the show here.

That’s all for now folks, but I’m prepared to wager there’ll be more before this summer is spent.

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