Come to the EFG London Jazz Festival and see a full spectrum of talent: jazz artists getting started, in the middle, as established as they get. Encountering a combination of these career stages across a single bill is often the promise of the festival format, and it’s satisfying when it all comes together.

The audience of Cadogan Hall are first treated to an introduction to rising star Gabrielle Cavassa. Championed by saxophonist Joshua Redman and Blue Note president Don Was, it’s clear that she’s winning respect from all the right people. The song selection is dominated by interpretations (accompanied by Femi Temowo on guitar) although the most warmly-received moment is where she seeks permission to sing “a really dirty blues”. While it sounds as if ‘Blues For Elaine’ will not be on the forthcoming album, Gabrielle’s original composition provokes such a good reaction that it deserves some form of wider release. It will be interesting to see how the up-and-comer grows over the coming years and surely wouldn’t be a surprise to see her gracing the Jazz Voice gala (and hopefully with something as cheeky as another Elaine-ish tribute).

Kicking off part two of the evening, Taylor Eigsti informs the audience that while he’s been to the festival many times in the past, it’s always been as part of other artists’ bands. He’s excited to be headlining his own show and wastes no time showcasing material from 2021’s Tree Falls album. Drummer ZackGrooves gets to show what he’s all about on ‘Hutcheonite’ while the album’s eponymous track shines the spotlight on cellist Marta Bagratuni whose bowed contributions are clearest when the rest of the band drops back to make room. The most telling contribution of the evening comes when Becca Stevens enters the room. Taylor speaks glowingly about how their songwriting and performing relationship goes back 20 years and it’s instantly clear why her singing, songwriting and guitar chops have driven such longevity. In ‘Magnolia’, Becca’s voice and stage presence give the ensemble a sense of centre. Performing ‘Now Feels Bigger than the Past’, its as if her every breath sucks in sentiment to exhale as devastating verse.

After orchestrating a generous set of music, Taylor informs the audience that they’ll close with Becca’s ‘Lean On’, giving everyone the chance to rock out. Roaming the stage, Becca moves between the other musicians, engaging with Reggie McNeill on keys and urging bassist Jonathan Maron onwards with his bass lines. It’s the pinnacle of the performance and the embodiment of what good festivals are about: contrasting artists showing an audience what they’re all about and having a good time to boot.

Part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. The 2025 festival runs 14-23 November — explore full listings here.