John Fordham 

The best jazz and world music gigs to see in autumn 2012

John Fordham: Nordic country music, British folk and some gold-standard jazz in London and Birmingham
  
  

Esperanza Spalding
Esperanza Spalding will play the London jazz festival. Photograph: Andy Sheppard/Redferns via Getty Images Photograph: Andy Sheppard/Redferns via Getty Images

Susanna

The Norwegian founder of Susanna and the Magical Orchestra tours material from her new album, Wild Dog: ethereal songs that suggest a kind of 21st-century Nordic country music, delivered by the mesmerisingly pure-toned singer-songwriter and pianist. St George's, Bristol, 11 October then touring. susannamagical.com

Wayne Shorter

Exclusive UK date from enterprising new Midlands venture Jazzlines, featuring former Miles Davis and Weather Report sax star and jazz composer Shorter. Shorter's quartet (with Danilo Perez on piano, John Patitucci on bass and Brian Blade on drums) is one of the world's most subtly attuned jazz groups. Birmingham Town Hall, Birmingham, 1 November. thsh.co.uk

London jazz festival

Britain's biggest jazz festival returns with indestructible sax miracle Sonny Rollins, pianist Herbie Hancock, singer Macy Gray backed by David Murray's big band, and dozens more. Various venues, London, 9 to 18 November. londonjazzfestival.org.uk

Welcome to Lau Land

Innovative and technically formidable Scottish-English folk trio Lau launch their new album, as well as curating a four-day folk festival. This will include Scottish folk-rocker Roddy Woomble, traditionalists Rura, Martin Carthy and more. Kings Place, London, 17 to 20 October. kingsplace.co.uk

 

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