After an invigorating few days at Web Summit 2024, I decided to route my journey home via London. There was a special reason for this: November in London means one thing for music lovers – the annual London Jazz Festival.
The Quest for a Soul-Stirring Musical Encounter
Even before my business trip was confirmed, attending this year’s London Jazz Festival experience was a prospect I eagerly anticipated. As CityNomix of Photomo, I yearned to discover local talent, perhaps an artist I hadn’t yet had the pleasure of encountering. With this in mind, I scoured the official festival website, specifically looking for a pianist or saxophonist.
A Fateful Discovery: Fergus McCreadie
That’s when I stumbled upon Fergus McCreadie, a pianist hailing from Scotland. Something about his music resonated deeply with me; I knew intuitively he was the one. I eagerly awaited the ticket release, but amidst a whirlwind of work, I missed the initial sale. To my dismay, the dreaded “SOLD OUT” sign greeted me. For a moment, my heart sank. While berating myself for my oversight, I noticed a glimmer of hope: a “Waiting List.” I immediately signed up, clinging to that last chance.
Twelve long days later, an email arrived – resale tickets were available! I scrambled to the website and, much to my relief, secured a ticket. The wave of relief was quickly followed by a surge of excitement. My seat was in the balcony, remarkably close to the stage. Could this be real? With a mix of disbelief and anticipation, I awaited the day of the concert.
To Kings Place: From Potter’s Platform to a Jazz Haven
I arrived at King’s Cross Station, famed for its iconic Platform 9¾ from the Harry Potter series. However, my destination today wasn’t Hogwarts, but Kings Place London. It was a short walk from the station, and with no major landmarks to distract, I easily found the modern-looking venue.
Stepping inside, I was greeted by a sleek, sophisticated interior. It felt more like a contemporary design center – clean, minimal, and inviting. My anticipation grew as I made my way towards the hall.
Pre-Show Buzz and a Welcome Surprise
The hall hadn’t opened yet, and the lobby buzzed with fellow concert-goers. A queue had formed at the on-site café, where many were enjoying a pre-show beer. “A pint before the gig? Absolutely brilliant!” I thought, promptly ordering one myself. My recent football match experience at the Amex Stadium involved a strict no-alcohol-in-the-stands policy. I assumed a concert hall would be similar. To my delight, I discovered that drinks were allowed inside! Enjoying jazz with a beer in hand? This was shaping up to be a perfect London music experience.
A Sonic Journey Beyond Imagination
Finally, it was time to enter the hall. As I’d seen on the website, it was a beautifully appointed space, suitable for classical concerts. Though intimate, the design exuded acoustic excellence. The atmospheric lighting further heightened the anticipation for the musical journey ahead.
I located my seat in the balcony, almost center stage. The proximity to the performers was astonishing! “Am I really allowed to watch from here?” I muttered in pleasant surprise.
Captivated from the Start: Juliette Lemoine & Chris Amer
Soon, the support act, Juliette Lemoine & Chris Amer, took the stage. From their first note, I was utterly captivated. “Wait, this is incredible…” I thought. I had expected traditional Scottish folk music, perhaps something pastoral. Instead, I was met with a sound that was profoundly original, energetic, and deeply moving. What struck me most was the sheer joy they exuded while playing. It was a fresh take on Scottish music, deeply respectful of tradition yet undeniably new. My Fergus McCreadie live experience was already off to an amazing start, even before the main act.
The Main Event: Fergus McCreadie Trio’s Dynamic Performance
After a short interval, during which I refueled with another beer from the café, the moment arrived. The Fergus McCreadie Trio graced the stage. I had listened to their albums in preparation, but nothing could compare to the raw energy of their live performance. The drummer and bassist played with an effortless cool, then would suddenly ignite into passionate, fiery exchanges. Fergus McCreadie’s piano was the thread that wove it all together, sometimes gently guiding, other times transforming their collective energy into something that danced freely across the keys.
McCreadie’s solos, in particular, were breathtaking displays of unbridled passion. This was the kind of improvisation and raw emotion that you simply can’t capture on a recording. “I am so glad I came,” I thought, a sentiment that echoed deep within.
An Unforgettable London Night
I left Kings Place enveloped in the lingering magic of the performance. This extraordinary experience was more than enough to make me want to return to the London Jazz Festival again and again.
If you find yourself in London in November, and have even a passing interest in music, I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing the London Jazz Festival. Whether you choose to see a favorite artist in this stimulating city or, like me, seek out a new discovery, you’re in for a treat.
Tips for Your London Jazz Festival Experience: Lessons from My Journey
Finally, allow me to share some practical advice gleaned from my London Jazz Festival experience. Firstly, tickets for popular artists sell out incredibly fast. If a particular performance catches your eye, act покупайте билеты (buy tickets) as soon as they go on sale. Even if it’s sold out, don’t lose hope – joining the waiting list, as I did, can sometimes yield results. Diligently checking for updates is key. My own scramble for London Jazz Festival tickets was a valuable lesson.
Kings Place London itself is a fantastic venue, conveniently located within walking distance of King’s Cross Station. It’s modern, clean, and has a great café for pre-show relaxation. And, of course, the fact that I could enjoy jazz with a beer was a definite plus (though it’s always wise to check specific venue/event rules beforehand).
In terms of cost, ticket prices vary depending on the artist and seating, but the performance I attended was in the £20-£40 range. The duration, including the support act and main performance, was about 2.5 to 3 hours – a thoroughly satisfying length.
I hope this account inspires your next trip to London and perhaps leads you to your own unforgettable musical encounter.
Kings Place London
Official Website: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/
This Concert’s Info: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/jazz/fergus-mccreadie/
EFG London Jazz Festival
Official Website: https://efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk/
Location of Kings Place: