JAZZ WEEK: Evelyn Axton

Evelyn Axton writes songs which sit in your back pocket like the fold of your grandfather’s old handkerchief - her music is an ever-comforting presence, and yet a heavy memory filled with deep meaning and unanswered questions. Evelyn is a London-based jazz vocalist and songwriter whose solo work blends the beauty and narrative of American and British folk songwriting with jazz. Performing as part of EFG London Jazz Festival for the very first time with her solo project, audiences can expect a beautifully textured soundscape featuring acoustic guitar, keys and double bass. Evelyn's music is influenced by songwriters such as Joni Mitchell and Labi Siffre, but her vocal style is shaped by the jazz greats - Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, Carmen McRae. Originally from the Lake District, her work is centred in nature, taking inspiration from contemporary poets like Wendy Cope, and using this interconnection to explore her own interior world.

Having performed with this project at renowned venues such as The Troubadour and the Vortex Jazz Club, Evelyn released her debut EP The Birds in May 2026, gaining traction with Cerys Matthews on BBC 6 Music and Jamie Cullum on BBC Radio 2. Having performed at the Royal Albert Hall and Love Supreme Jazz Festival with other larger projects, this is the first time she has forged ahead as a solo artist.