“Good times, bum times, I’ve seen ’em all and, my dear, I’m still here” sings Jacqui Dankworth. The Sondheim lyrics are part of a three-song medley in tribute to her late mother, Cleo Lane. It’s one of the more moving parts of the eighteenth edition of Jazz Voice which serves as the opening gala of the EFG London Jazz Festival.

Conducted and co-created by Guy Barker, Jazz Voice is a recipe that always seems to work. Like a family favourite passed down the generations, the festival can be confident that serving it on opening night will result in smiling faces, delighted exclamations and the sense that a good time has been had by all. What’s the secret? Undoubtedly a key component is the massed forces of the EFG London Jazz Festival Orchestra which does not scrimp on any musical element. It seems that every inch of the left side of the stage is occupied by a string player, adding sweeping Hollywood glitz to the full big band, gleaming away on the other side of the platform. It’s an indulgence, a rarely heard gathering of musical forces that feels almost of another era — the audience know it’s a treat.

What’s more, the singers know it too. Stella Cole has amassed over 1.5 million followers across TikTok and Instagram, largely through introducing a new generation to the American songbook. Even she seems wowed by the chance to perform at Jazz Voice, exclaiming to those many followers “can’t believe I get to sing with an orchestra tomorrow”. Her contributions come in the form of some classics: ‘Till There Was You’ and ‘It’s Magic’. With Stella at the start of her career, there’s also serious longevity and pedigree in the line-up. Dee Dee Bridgewater is head-to-toe in silver sparkles as she emerges like a UFO across the night sky (and then appropriately sings a rendition ‘Flying Saucer’). She easily brings the audience with her, and in a flourish of fourth-wall-breaking, physically brings host Jumoké Fashola with her to dance during Roy Ayers’ ‘Sunshine’ (another tribute medley).

The evening builds to an all-hands-on-deck Stevie Wonder Medley featuring the full roster of vocal talent (Dee Dee Bridgewater, Tanita Tikaram, Stella Cole, Tyreek McDole, Caleb Kunle, Natalie Williams, Vula Malinga, Brendan Reilly for those keeping track at home). Maybe it’s in this display of shared endeavour that the secret of Jazz Voice’s longevity is revealed: artists, conductor, sponsors, partners and audience all rooting for the same team, the same goal, the same glorious musical celebration. “I’m still here” may well have been Jacqui Dankworth’s line to sing on this occasion. But year after year, Jazz Voice after Jazz Voice, festival after festival, this is a unifying, eternal, mesmerizing mantra for all who keep it going.

You can listen again to the full concert here. Part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. The 2025 festival runs 14-23 November — explore full listings here. Photo credit Emile Holba.