Joe Lovano Village Rhythms Band

A second chance to hear American saxophonist Joe Lovano and his Village Rhythms Band explore the links between West African music and jazz in concert at Ronnie Scott's in London.

In a career spanning nearly four decades, Lovano's vast catalogue of releases on Blue Note Records as well as time spent with John Scofield, Paul Motian and Saxophone Summit has cemented him a reputation as one of the leading names in the post-bop tradition. However a trip to Lagos, Nigeria in 1981 also spawned a different musical fascination that had a lasting effect on his career. It was there that he met and jammed with afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti - an experience that over 30 years on forms the inspiration for his Village Rhythms Band, a project that explores the pulsing groove of Africa alongside Lovano's own rich history as an improviser.

Here in concert at Ronnie Scott's the saxophonist is joined by a group of master groove players, featuring guitarist Liberty Ellman, bassist Michael Olatuja, drummer Otis Brown III and Senegalese percussionist Abdou Mboup.