Article by guest contributor Mike Rotts

Fans of all music genres from the entire world know that the United Kingdom is one of the liveliest and most exciting countries for catching concerts of globally acclaimed bands and singers. Many of the towns and cities in the UK have some truly amazing live music venues, which have an impressively long history of hosting the live gigs of some of the most iconic and remarkable musicians in the world. No matter what styles and genres you enjoy listening to, in the UK you’re bound to find plenty of events that will literarily take your breath away! Are you into pop, rock, reggae, jazz, rap, house, dance, electronic music, R&B, folk? You name it, and you’ll find something to suit your tastes in the many exciting venues of this country. Read on and check our list of the best upcoming music events throughout the UK, which will take place in the last part of this year.

1. Jordan Rakei

A new and talented player on the music scene, Jordan Rakei is a singer, writer, producer and keyboard player. He is undoubtedly one of the best alternative R&B musicians of the moment, as highlighted by the praises received from both fans and critics. His songs feature strong soul influences. Jordan Rakei made his stunning debut back in 2013 when he released Franklin’s Room, a fantastic EP which enjoyed immediate success. This thrilling compilation shows how easy it is for the singer to shift from soothing soul songs to energising reggae tunes. The peak of Rakei’s career was when he worked alongside Disclosure for Caracal (Masterpiece).

Time and place: 16.11.2016, 7:00 PM, The Bussey Building, London

2. Yussef Kamaal

Yussef Kamaal is the name of a globally acclaimed jazz-funk duo established in London by Yussef Dayes and Kamaal Williams. Their style is highly original and never ceases to amaze fans through the flawless and sublime combination of the 70s jazz-funk and the bass, beat, and hip-hop of today’s London. The history of Yussef Kamaal dates back to 2007 when the two singers first met and started working together on various live music gigs. After several successful collaborations, they made the decision of forming a duo. In November this year, Yussef Kamaal released their very first full-length album, Black Focus.

Time and place: 12.11.2016, 7:00 PM, Patterns, Brighton

3. Laura Mvula

Laura Douglas, known all over the world as Laura Mvula, is a famous soul and R&B singer and songwriter born on April 23, 1986, in Birmingham. Much of her fame was achieved due to her impressively creative and soothing style, which is a mixture of genres such as R&B, jazz, classical or pop music. She debuted in 2012 when she released a stellar EP which rapidly won the public’s attention and acclaim. One year later, she released her first full album, Sing to the Moon. No R&B fan should miss out on the newest Laura Mvula tour, in which the artist will promote her newest single, Ready or Not.

Time and place: 15.11.2016, 8:00 PM, The Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow

4. Matthew Halsall & The Gondwana Orchestra

The Matthew Halsall & The Gondwana Orchestra concert in London is an event that every jazz enthusiast is looking forward to, as it reunites some of the most talented and gracious artists of the genre. The renowned trumpeter, composer and band leader Matthew Halsall has a long history of hosting some stellar live gigs and has secured his position as one of the best European jazz artists. Halsall is most famous for keeping the spirit of great artists from the 60s English jazz scene alive. The Gondwana Orchestra is equally famous, as it features names such as Amanda Whiting (harp), Jordan Smart (saxophones) or Taz Modi (piano).

Time and place: 15.11.2016, 7:00 PM, Islington Assembly Hall, London

5. Azymuth

Azymuth is an old-school jazz-funk band established in 1973 in Brazil. With over four decades of illustrious activity, the trio is most famous for the song ‘Jazz Carnival’, which was a huge hit in 1979 and 1980. The line-up of Azymuth consists of Jose Roberto Bertrami (keyboards), Alex Malheiros (bass, guitars), and Ivan Conti (drums, percussion). Initially, the band also had a fourth member, Ariovaldo Contesini. Their style could be described as a mix of jazz, funk and samba. Throughout their career, Azymuth has released an impressive number of studio albums and have been engaged in projects which have enjoyed tremendous success.

Time and place: 19.11.2016, 7:00 PM, The Hideaway, London

6. Digable Planets

Digable Planets is an iconic American alternative hip hop band established in 1992 in Brooklyn, New York. Its three members, the rappers Ishmael “Butterfly” Butler, Mary Ann “Ladybug Mecca” and Craig “Doodlebug” Irving, have started singing together again in 2015 after an absence of four years. Their current worldwide tour, which includes a stop in London, marks the long-expected reunion of one of the most legendary hip-hop trios of all times. The reason why Digable Planets are so loved all over the world is the highly creative manner in which they synthesise jazz and hip-hop, two music genres that are very different.

Time and place: 23.11.2016, 7:00 PM, Under The Bridge, London

7. Jameszoo

Mitchell Van Dinther, better known by his stage name, Jameszoo, is a remarkable Dutch musician who emerged towards the end of the 2000s as a DJ. It’s quite hard to rank the unique sound of Jameszoo as a specific music genre. As described by his own words, his music can be labelled as ‘naive computer jazz’. The artist combines genres such as jazz, hip-hop and electronic music. His first single, ‘Leaf People’, a collaboration with Coultrain, was released in 2011 and was instantly crowned with success. Throughout his music career, Jameszoo has remixed famous tracks from names like Pixelord, Cid Rim or Nightmares on Wax.

Time and place: 23.11.2016, 8:00 PM, Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, London

8. Brand New Heavies

The Brand New Heavies are a world-class acid jazz and funk band established in London in 1985. Its current line-up includes N’Dea Davenport, Simon Bartholomew and Andrew Levy. They are rightfully regarded as some of the most important pioneers of acid jazz, as their songs are influenced by the classic funk hits that everyone loved during the 70s. Some of their most successful singles so far have been ‘Dream Come True’, ‘Stay This Way’ and ‘Never Stop’. Their newest album, “Sweet Freaks,” was released in 2014. Starting with July this year, The Brand New Heavies have been involved in a European tour, which also includes a stop in London.

Time and place: 07.12.2016, 7:00 PM, KOKO, London

9. Laura Misch

Born on November 1, 1992, Laura Misch is an extremely talented and appreciated London-based singer, saxophonist and producer. The incredibly relaxing and atmospheric style of her tunes stands as proof of the fact that the jazz genre is once again back in fashion. Laura Misch’s debut EP, entitled ‘Shaped By Who We Knew’, takes jazz music to a whole new level! Her sounds make for the perfect combination of jazz, soul and funk and she gracefully succeeds in instilling a modern vibe in a very old-school music style. This is why her career as a jazz singer will undoubtedly be a long and fruitful one.

Time and place: 07.12.2016, 7:00 PM, The Jazz Cafe, London

10. Placebo

Placebo is a name that doesn’t need any further introduction. Established in 1992 in London, they are one of the most legendary alternative rock bands of all times. Their music is loved and appreciated by millions of fans from all over the world due to the great success of hits like ‘Every You Every Me’, ‘Running Up That Hill’, ‘Teenage Angst’ or ‘Nancy Boy’. The current tour of Placebo promotes their newest album, ‘A Place For Us To Dream’ 20 Years Of Placebo, which marks two decades since the release of their first studio album. The album also includes their fantastic new hit, ‘Jesus’ Son’.

Time and place: 15.12.2016, 7:00 pm, SSE Arena, Wembley, London