LIVE
TONY ALLEN: A RETROSPECTIVE
Royal Festival Hall, London, November 13
Damon Albarn leads a tribute to the Afrobeat great as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival
Rejoice: Damon Albarn invites the audience on stage for the finale
© EMILE HOLBA
Fela Kuti’s sax player Bukky Leo
Joan As Police Woman and Albarn
Eska: fiery passion
Ezra Collective: vibrant nu-jazz
DAMON ALBARN promised Tony Allen that he would hold a party at the Royal Albert Hall to celebrate the drummer’s 80th birthday. Sadly, Allen died of a heart attack in April 2020, some 81 days short of attaining his four score years. This sprawling, warmhearted tribute night is, in effect, that belated birthday party.