Riyoko Takagi Trio

Riyoko Takagi at Toulouse Lautrec

Following her acclaimed first UK appearances at Toulouse Lautrec, award-winning Japanese pianist Riyoko Takagi returns for a special performance as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival.

Blending the elegance and precision of classical music with the freedom and spontaneity of jazz, Riyoko transforms familiar standards through breathtaking improvisation and bold new interpretations. Her spellbinding technique and seemingly effortless performance bring fresh colour, energy and excitement to every piece. Expect jazz standards as you have never heard them before.Riyoko is joined by two outstanding UK musicians, Toby Yapp on double bass and Louis North on drums, creating an intimate trio performance filled with dazzling interplay and exhilarating improvisation.

With support from Klara Devlin Trio

Opening the evening is Klara Devlin, one of the most exciting emerging voices in British jazz. Klara is a London-based jazz trumpeter and composer whose assured playing combines lyrical expression, inventive improvisation and raw energy. A 2024 BBC Young Jazz Musician finalist and a student at the Royal Academy of Music, she has developed her voice through organisations including NYJO and Tomorrow’s Warriors.

For this performance, Klara’s original compositions, usually performed by her quartet, have been specially rearranged for a cordless trio of trumpet, bass and drums.