Full line up announced for Jazz in the Gardens Concert Series at World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens, London, Friday 25 April until Friday 11 July.
Thursday, April 24, 2025
World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens welcomes its first ever Jazz in the Gardens concert series – a selection of jazz on Friday nights this summer at its intimate music venue in Nine Elms, Battersea.
We have received the following press release;
JAZZ IN THE GARDENS: FRIDAY JAZZ THIS SUMMER AT WORLD HEART BEAT EMBASSY GARDENS
Starting Friday 25 April until Friday 11 July
World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens welcomes its first ever Jazz in the Gardens concert series – an exquisite selection of jazz on Friday nights this summer at its intimate music venue in Nine Elms, Battersea.
Starting on Friday 25 April until Friday 11 July, World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens will become a vibrant destination for jazz lovers, showcasing 11 jazz concerts and some of the world’s finest artists in jazz. Expect sensational performances in a lively and inviting atmosphere, with refreshments available at the bar and great, like-minded company.
The concert series kicks off with pianist and composer, Hans Koller who premiers with a brand-new jazz orchestra project, featuring soloists John O’Gallagher (alto saxophone) and Bryon Wallen (trumpet) exploring musical logic, provoking both thought and emotion Jazz in the Gardens: Hans Koller’s Rejoicing Ensemble (Friday 25 April).
In May we welcome saxophonist Trish Clowes and pianist Ross Stanley who present a celebration of two masters of composition, Wayne Shorter and Antonio Carlos Jobim Jazz in the Gardens: Trish Clowes & Ross Stanley (Friday 2 May) followed by the sounds of Jazz in the Gardens: Artie Zaitz Quartet (Friday 09 May) who combines retro feel with a modern approach to the guitar-meets-Hammond trio. Jazz in the Gardens: Yolanda Charles’ jazz group Project PH (Friday 16 May), internationally renowned bassist and composer Yolanda Charles MBE announces her jazz funk album with Project PH. We also welcome an intimate dialogue performing tangos and Latin American folk music, Tango and Argentine folklore: Federico D`Attellis and Ana-Josefina Nickelé (Friday 23 May) and an exciting visit from the Grammy Award-winning Jean Toussaint, formerly of Art Blakey’s ‘Jazz Messengers’ Jazz in the Gardens: Jean Toussaint + Emile Hinton Trio (Opener) (30 May).
The newest jazz innovators take the stage with Jazz in the Gardens: Henry Spencer (Friday 6 June) blending jazz and rock on his latest album, The Defector. Jazz in the Gardens: Ant Law and Brigitte Beraha’s (Friday 20 June) provides an intimately captivating vocal-acoustic guitar partnership. Later, vocalist Jazz in the Gardens: Tammy Weis (Friday 27 June) sets the words of Portuguese poet, Fernando Pessoa, to music, transporting listeners to Lisbon’s coast.
In July, we welcome Jazz in the Gardens: Julian Joseph Trio (Friday 4 July), an unforgettable performance including jazz compositions by George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Duke Ellington. Finally, we welcome Gabrielle Stravelli, one of the world’s foremost interpreters of the American Songbook, who will be bringing her quartet to present a programme of well-known classics and lesser-known gems from jazz’s history Jazz in the Gardens: Gabrielle Stravelli Quarte t (Friday 11 July).
Sahana Gero, MBE, World Heart Beat Founder and Artistic Director said:
“For the aficionado and those new to jazz, there’s something here for everyone at World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens. Whether you come for the deep, soulful originality of Grammy Award winning tenor sax giant Jean Toussaint, US vocalist Gabrielle Stravelli singing time honoured standards or celebrated composer and pianist Julian Joseph, we have even more great artists who embrace the rich tapestry that makes jazz so irresistible. Jazz on a summer’s evening evokes the perfect listening atmosphere so we welcome you to immerse yourself in the sound, warmth and energy of Jazz in the Gardens.”
April
Jazz in the Gardens: Hans Koller - Rejoicing Ensemble featuring John O’Gallagher, Friday 25 April 2025, 7:30pm
In his newest jazz project, Rejoicing Ensemble, pianist and composer Hans Koller takes from his interest in musical logic and reason, blending it with elements of the ever-changing language of jazz. His piece highlights the genius of soloists Byron Wallen (trumpet) and John O’Gallagher (alto saxophone), showcasing the possibilities and folk roots through improvisation. Koller has been widely acclaimed for his surprising yet intentional compositions and is hailed as a leader in jazz’s future.
May
Jazz in the Gardens: Trish Clowes & Ross Stanley: The Music of Antonio Carlos Jobim & Wayne Shorter, Friday 02 May 2025, 7:30pm
The duo of Trish Clowes and Ross Stanley come from diverse musical backgrounds, such as organ performance and studies of jazz and folk genres. With their wide array of expertise, Clowes and Stanley take inspiration and interest across various styles. In their Embassy Gardens performance, they celebrate two of their heroes with the innovative improvisation of Wanye Shorter and the bossa nova sounds of Antonio Carlos Jobim. They will also feature special guests, vocalist Immy Churchill and percussionist Andre Ticino.
Jazz in the Gardens: Artie Zaitz Quartet, Friday 09 May 2025, 7:30pm
Guitar prodigy Artie Zaitz leads a group of London’s most grooving, swinging musicians in a new quartet featuring winner of BBC Young Musician of the year Deschanel Gordon on acoustic and electric piano, with notable youngbloods Lorenzo Morabito on double bass, and Jack Thomas on drums. They will be presenting original music by himself as well as members of The Banger Factory label.
Jazz in the Gardens: Yolanda Charles’ Project PH Album Launch, Friday 16 May 2025, 7:30pm
Bassist Yolanda Charles has worked with names like Hans Zimmer, Van Morrison, and Mick Jagger, but now, she steps into her own with the formation of her new group, Project PH. The core trio of Charles, producer/guitarist Nick Linnick and keyboardist Hamish Balfour, blend jazz, R&B, and rock genres in their new album, Acid Funk. With vocals by Paris Ruel and Adeola Shyllon to round out their dynamic and rhythmic sounds, the group’s musical genius is brought to life.
Jazz in the Gardens: Tango and Argentine Folklore – Federico D’Attellis and Ana-Josefina Nickelé, Friday 23 May 2025, 7:30pm
The duo of Federico D’Attellis and Ana-Josefina Nickelé combine their musical talents and cultural heritages, performing classic and contemporary spins on Argentine tango. While guitarist D’Attellis melds melodies of tango and folklore, Nickelé employs her powerful and heartfelt voice. They embody the intimate forms of tango music—simply guitar and voice. Together, their full-bodied instrumentals and raw vocals create a captivating musical dialogue, exploring both tradition and modernity in Latin American music.
Jazz in the Gardens: Jean Toussaint + Emile Hinton Trio (Opener, Friday 30 May, 2025, 7:30pm
An exciting visit from the Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Jean Toussaint, formerly of Art Blakey’s ‘Jazz Messengers’. His blistering technique and lyrical sound have earned Jean acclaim from across the world, and the band leader has 12 albums under his belt. The opener is Emile Hinton, a charismatic young jazz pianist and composer coming out of the heart of the London jazz scene, who has played extensively in venues in London and around the UK, most notably at Ronnie Scott’s with The National Youth Jazz Orchestra.
June
Jazz in the Gardens: Henry Spencer’s The Defector, Friday 06 June 2025, 7:30pm
Trumpeter Henry Spencer communicates directly through his instrument. His latest album, The Defector, is a striking demonstration of his instrumental lyricism, speaking to the audience with his emotional and evocative storytelling. Even with such a personal approach, the album highlights his technical abilities, showcasing the dichotomy of precision and personal intimacy in jazz music.
Jazz in the Gardens: Ant Law & Brigitte Beraha: Ensconced, Friday 20 June 2025, 7:30pm
Ensconced is the enchanting new project of British guitarist Ant Law and British Turkish vocalist Brigitte Beraha. The album features interpretations of jazz standards by Louis Armstrong and Leonard Bernstein. Integrating original compositions, they highlight Law’s acoustic melodies and Beraha’s nostalgic and innovative lyricism. Together, they create a moving and heartfelt experience through the power of narrative and intimacy.
Jazz in the Gardens: Tammy Weis Sings Fernando Pessoa, Friday 27 June 2025, 7:30pm
After reading the work of Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa, Canadian vocalist Tammy Weis was moved by the magical qualities of his writing. In her latest album Soul Whisper, Weis sets Pessoa’s words to music, crafting soundscapes that reflect his South African and Mediterranean backgrounds. On Soul Whisper, she collaborates with UK and Portuguese musicians in a celebration of multicultural themes and sounds.
July
Jazz in the Gardens: Julian Joseph Trio, Friday 4 July 2025, 7:00pm
Virtuoso pianist, bandleader, composer, arranger and broadcaster, Julian Joseph is the undisputed heir to the global house of jazz. Acclaimed by critics and audiences the world over, Julian never fails to inspire with his mastery of the keyboard, the versatility of his musicianship, and the limitless scope of his creative imagination. Also featuring Mark Mondesir (drums) and Mark Hodgson (double bass).
Jazz in the Gardens: Gabrielle Stravelli Quartet, Friday 11 July 2025, 7:30pm
Gabrielle Stravelli is one of the most celebrated vocalists of today. Known for her swinging rhythmic feel, elegant and intelligent interpretation of ballads, and dazzling stage presence, she sings regularly at major jazz venues and festivals globally, has collaborated with artists including Fred Hersch and Wynton Marsalis, and has frequently taken up residencies at legendary jazz-clubs like Birdland with the USA’s top-tier musicians and improvisers.
Tickets;
https://worldheartbeat.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows?tags=jazzinthegardens
To celebrate International Jazz Day on Wednesday 30 April, we’ll be offering a 20% off all Jazz in the Gardens events (and Unfolding Space) - use code JITG20 on the day (T&Cs apply).
About World Heart Beat
In 2023, World Heart Beat opened World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens, a state-of-the-art digital music education and concert venue in Nine Elms, featuring a 200-capacity auditorium and industry-standard recording studio. Through our Music Leader and EMERGE training programmes, and GLA-funded South London Music Mentors, programme we are supporting Black, culturally diverse, female and LGBT+ South London talent to find their path in the music industry.
Wandsworth-based World Heart Beat Music Academy was founded in 2009 to meet the need for affordable music education, from grassroots to professional level, for South Londoners, no matter what their age, background or skills. Fronted by award-winning musician and educator Sahana Gero MBE, World Heart Beat is a leading music educator and hub – supported by Arts Council England as an NPO, and known for its inclusive global music programmes, youth-led approach and contribution to a more diverse and representative music sector.
The charity provides music tuition and performances opportunities for c.446 young people each year outside of school hours. World Heart Beat’s mission is to provide opportunities for all, with an ‘open door’ approach that welcomes any young person interested in learning music. This commitment sees them providing bursaries and free instruments to more than half of the students that come through their door.