Laurie Burnette interviewed pianist, composer and leader Amina Figarova to discuss her excellent new CD Road To the Sun. You can hear the interview at these times:
Wednesday 7th August: 8pm
Thursday 8th August: 7pm
Friday 9th August: 8pm

Laurie Burnette interviewed pianist, composer and leader Amina Figarova to discuss her excellent new CD Road To the Sun. You can hear the interview at these times:
Wednesday 7th August: 8pm
Thursday 8th August: 7pm
Friday 9th August: 8pm
On Saturday 20th July at members’ club Vout-O-Reenee’s, the House of Customs debuted in London. Naples-born Dani Diodatoheadlined the intimate gathering, the British inauguration of the pop-up concert brand following its migration from Copenhagen. Fittingly, Diodato’s music also placed migration in the spotlight.
In his small, softly lit surroundings, he presented his project SUNAAT, which bills itself as a musical exploration of the current experience of migration in Europe. Naples-born and now London-based, Diodato seeks to achieve his project’s goals through melodies, trumpet solos and electronic drum beats. The result is a cohesive sound that unifies new London and classic Naples into a singular jazz harmony. The snug space and cosy decor gave the impression of a private living room, the band playing barely a meter away from the guests. Diodato’s sound was speakeasy-like, a vibrant hum of noise that broke free of the background and commanded the audience’s full attention.
Following stints at Glastonbury and Love Supreme Festival, Diodato has established a strong foothold in the vibrant London jazz scene. His confident image complemented the newly arrived House of Customs. In Copenhagen, the brand worked with jazz festivals and partnered with luxury venues as it developed its own voice. Judging by the London launch, it will extend its track record by showcasing artists such as Diodato.
The audience consisted of jazz enthusiasts, attracted by the House’s focus on the night’s talent. One attendee, however, admitted that while it was his first Jazz event, it would not be his last. He names the ‘intimate setting,’ ‘chilled vibe’ and ‘personal and relaxed environment’ as contributors to his overall enjoyment of the music. Another guest noted her amazement at how ‘in-sync and talented the artists [were] to make such beautiful jazz music.’
Diodato will be playing at the jazz club Kansas Smitty’s on Wednesday 7th August, and again on Saturday 24th August at Bar 91 in Shoreditch. It is possible that he will partner with House of Customs in the future. In the meantime, the brand, headed by Folayinka Coker, will continue to combine London’s most luxurious venues and best jazz talent.
Natasha Franks is a graduate of the University of St Andrews, where she studied English. She enjoys writing, reading, and learning new words. She currently lives in London.
Saxophonist Duncan Lamont passed recently, days short of his 88th birthday. Jazz London Radio delves into its archives to find Andrea Vicari’s interview with the great man from June 2016.
Laurie Burnette interviewed legendary guitarist, singer and composer Robben Ford, to discuss his new CD with saxophonist Bill Evans called the Sun Room You can hear the interview at these times:
Thursday 25th July: 7pm
Friday 26th July: 8pm
Wednesday 31st July: 8pm
Laurie Burnette interviewed South Korean pianist Jinjoo Yoo ahead of Jinjoo joining the Chris Hodgkins International Quartet for his spring UK tour starting May 14th.
Pianist Jinjoo Yoo is a South Korean pianist who is based in New York City. Jinjoo will be joining the Chris Hodgkins International Quartet for his spring UK tour starting May 14th. I interviewed Jinjoo in advance of the tour, you can hear the interview at these times:
Wednesday 17th April: 8pm
Thursday 18th April: 7pm
Saturday 20th April: 1pm
Sophia Alexandra Hall interviewed famed singer Lea DeLaria during her recent UK visit as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, November 2018.
In November 2018 after her eighth win at the British Jazz Awards, Sophia Alexandra Hall sat down with Claire Martin to discuss everything from BASCA to Brexit.
Sophia Alexandra Hall interviewed saxophone great Bob Mintzer during his visit and performance at the Queen Elizabeth Hall as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. November 2018
Laurie Burnette interviewed Bobby Sparks II who recently visited the UK for a date at the Queen Elizabeth Hall with singer Lizz Wright on 8th March. We discussed Bobby’s new debut album called Schizophrenia – The Yang Project.