James Albrecht

United Agents Music have just announced that JAMES ALBRECHT, who is currently Creative Director at St James Theatre (due to re-open in February after a refurb as The Other Palace) will be joining them at the end of this month as Head of Venues and Creative Director of Live at Zedel. 

James has written about the new role…and since he will be in place by the time of the EFG London Jazz Festival, Sebastian also asked him to talk through the Zedel LJF programme. James Albrecht says:

“I’m thrilled to be joining United Agents Music which in its short history has fearlessly challenged the perceived limitations of what an agency does. Helmed by the visionary force that is Alex Fane and supported by the inspiring wider group at United Agents, I am excited to be heading up the venue side of the operation and Live at Zedel in particular. The Crazy Coqs blends the intoxicating ingredients of its central Soho location, sumptuous Art Deco design, intimate atmosphere, and a reputation that is already a magnet to exceptional artists, at the start of their careers or of national and international renown. The first season has demonstrated the perhaps unexpected versatility of the space as well as its appeal to the broadest cross-section of audiences. I can’t wait to work with this nimble team to help to develop Live at Zedel further as one of Soho’s most vibrant cultural spaces.”

Hailey Tuck

Writing about the Zedel pogramme in the London Jazz Festival James singled out a few events: 

“It’s going to be a thrilling 10 days of jazz at Crazy Coqs:

– I particularly look forward to seeing Hailey Tuck live for the first time having been a big fan of her 2014 EP.

– New to me too is Shabaka Hutchings and the Man Dem so I’ll be at the late show on the 16th.

– Lizzie Ball and James Pearson, regular collaborators on Lizzie’s unique cross genre musical feast, ‘Classical Kicks’, like two peas in a pod will bring Stephane Grappelli and George Shearing into the room on violin and piano.

– Antonio Forcione’s unbelievably melodic guitar is the perfect complement to the huge range of Sarah Jane Morris‘ soulful vocals. Finally, in their reinterpretation of The Beatles back catalogue.

–  Barb Jungr and John McDaniel really do make us hear these iconic songs as if for the first time.”

FULL ZEDEL PROGRAMME FOR EFG LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL

12th November
9PM Jamie Safiruddin and Alice Zawadzki (songs by Joni Mitchell)

13th October
10pm – Shabaka and the Man Dem Neil Charles

14th November
9PM Giacomo Smith & Adrian Cox (two clarinets)

15th November
7.00pm Jay Rayner
9.30pm Jay Rayner

16th November
7PM Lizzie Ball & James Pearson
10PM Jazz Standard Presents: The Early…

17th November
7PM Hailey Tuck
10pm Jazz Standard Presents: The Early…

18th November
7PM Sarah Jane Morris & Antonio Forcione
 9:30PM Sarah Jane Morris & Antonio Forcione
11PM Ben Cox and Jamie Safiruddin – Round…

19th November
7PM Sarah Jane Morris & Antonio Forcione
9:30PM Sarah Jane Morris & Antonio Forcione

20th November
3PM Barb Jungr & John McDaniel
7PM Barb Jungr & John McDaniel (pp)

There will also be live jazz in the Brasserie each night during the festival from 9 30pm