What to see at the London Jazz Festival 2011

Now in its nineteenth year, this year’s London Jazz Festival boasts no less than 280 gigs, in more than 50 concert hall, club and free stage venues, over ten days and nights. Yet its musical riches are matched only by the daunting prospect of who and what to see. To help you get started with this dizzying array of sounds from across the global jazz scene - whether you are a complete jazz novice, seasoned jazz hipster or unrepentant jazzphobic - Time Out Jazz editor Mike Flynn guides you through the best bits of the festival, because there really is something for everyone here.

What to see if you are jazzphobic

For the avowed doubters of all things jazz there are plenty of sonic surprises in store at this year’s LJF, such as stonking live bands who draw on jazz but are by no means beholden to it. Hip hop inspired pianist Robert Glasper leads the pack at the Kings Place Residency that features many ultra-cool leftfield groups giving jazz a modern twist, alongside myriad other club and freestage gigs featuring jazz sounds combined with electronic, rock, soul and world influences.