Features/Interviews

Jazz in the Gardens Concert Series – until 11 July

A star-powered summer at World Heart Beat - London's newest concert venue

by Lavender Sutton

6 May 2025

Eleven spellbinding concerts are set to light up Friday nights in Nine Elms, with internationally acclaimed artists from the UK and beyond.

This summer, World Heart Beat presents its inaugural Jazz in the Gardens concert series — an exciting new addition to London’s live jazz calendar. From 25 April to 11 July, audiences can enjoy a curated lineup of top-tier talent in the venue’s intimate Embassy Gardens auditorium, where the focus is firmly on world-class music, warm hospitality, and community spirit.

Located in Nine Elms and opened in 2023, World Heart Beat is fast becoming a standout cultural destination. As both a music venue and innovative education hub, it provides a platform for rising and established artists alike — and Jazz in the Gardens marks a bold new chapter in its programming.

The series brings 11 standout concerts to the venue’s intimate auditorium, transforming it into a buzzing hub for jazz lovers. Audiences can expect unforgettable evenings of live music from leading artists in the field, all set in a welcoming atmosphere with a well-stocked bar and a community of like-minded music fans. The series opened on 25th April with Hans Koller’s Rejoicing Ensemble — a bold new jazz orchestra project featuring renowned soloists John O’Gallagher (alto sax) and Byron Wallen (trumpet), and was an evening of powerful, thought-provoking music.

Now the program gets into full swing starting May off with saxophonist Trish Clowes and pianist Ross Stanley (2 May), joined by special guests Immy Churchill and Andre Ticino, as they pay tribute to jazz legends Wayne Shorter and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Then, guitarist Artie Zaitz (9 May) follows with a high-energy quartet featuring rising stars including BBC Young Musician Deschanel Gordon. On 16 May, internationally acclaimed bassist Yolanda Charles launches her genre-blending new album Acid Funk with her band Project PH. Then on 23 May, Federico D’Attellis and Ana-Josefina Nickelé offer a soulful evening of Argentine tango and folklore with just voice and guitar. Closing the month is Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Jean Toussaint (30 May), bringing his world-class sound to Nine Elms, with rising talent Emile Hinton opening the night.

June’s Jazz in the Gardens lineup at World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens showcases lyrical storytelling, heartfelt collaborations, and global influences. Acclaimed trumpeter Henry Spencer (6 June) opens the month with The Defector, a powerful blend of emotional depth and technical brilliance. On 20 June, guitarist Ant Law and vocalist Brigitte Beraha present Ensconced, an intimate exploration of jazz standards and originals, weaving acoustic textures with evocative vocals. Closing the month, Canadian singer Tammy Weis (27 June) brings Soul Whisper, setting the poetry of Fernando Pessoa to music in a rich, cross-cultural soundscape inspired by Mediterranean and African influences.

July brings two standout performances to close the Jazz in the Gardens summer series in style. On 4 July, internationally acclaimed pianist Julian Joseph leads a powerhouse trio with Mark Mondesir (drums) and Mark Hodgson (bass), delivering a masterclass in musical brilliance, improvisation, and creativity. Then on 11 July, acclaimed US vocalist Gabrielle Stravelli takes the stage with her quartet, bringing her signature swing, expressive ballads, and magnetic stage presence to World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens for an unforgettable finale.

Whether you’re a dedicated jazz enthusiast or simply looking to discover something new, the lineup promises wide-reaching appeal. Sahana Gero, MBE, World Heart Beat Founder and Artistic Director says:

“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.”