Riyoko Takagi Trio

Spellbinding jazz from two generations of exceptional talent

Following her acclaimed first UK appearances at Toulouse Lautrec, award-winning Japanese pianist Riyoko Takagi returns for a special performance as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival.

Blending the elegance and precision of classical music with the freedom and spontaneity of jazz, Riyoko transforms familiar standards through breathtaking improvisation and bold new interpretations. Her spellbinding technique and seemingly effortless performance bring fresh colour, energy and excitement to every piece. Expect jazz standards as you have never heard them before.Riyoko is joined by two outstanding UK musicians, Toby Yapp on double bass and Louis North on drums, creating an intimate trio performance filled with dazzling interplay and exhilarating improvisation.

With support from Klara Devlin Trio

Opening the evening is Klara Devlin, one of the most exciting emerging voices in British jazz. Klara is a London-based jazz trumpeter and composer whose assured playing combines lyrical expression, inventive improvisation and raw energy. A 2024 BBC Young Jazz Musician finalist and a student at the Royal Academy of Music, she has developed her voice through organisations including NYJO and Tomorrow’s Warriors.

For this performance, Klara’s original compositions, usually performed by her quartet, have been specially rearranged for a cordless trio of trumpet, bass and drums. Drawing inspiration from bebop, blues and free jazz, Klara is quickly establishing herself as a distinctive new talent on the UK jazz scene.

About Riyoko Takagi

Riyoko Takagi is an award-winning Japanese jazz pianist and composer known for her virtuosic technique, expressive improvisation and striking stage presence. She has become one of the most recognisable names in Japan’s contemporary jazz scene, attracting an international audience of over 400,000 followers across social media and bringing a fresh, modern energy to jazz piano.

Her career has included performances at major venues and festivals in Japan and internationally, with appearances associated with names such as Blue Note Tokyo, Tokyo Jazz and Billboard Live. Riyoko has also received significant recognition for her musicianship, including placing 4th in the piano category of Lee Ritenour’s Six String Theory Competition and winning Jazz Japan magazine’s “New Star” award. As a recording artist, she has released multiple albums showcasing her distinctive blend of jazz, classical colour, contemporary rhythm and original composition, establishing her as a pianist with both technical brilliance and a unique artistic voice.

Band Line-up

Riyoko Takagi – piano
Migdalia van der Hoven – drums
Double bass – TBC

About Klara Devlin

Klara Devlin is a London-based jazz trumpeter and composer whose assured playing combines lyrical expression, inventive improvisation and raw energy. A 2024 BBC Young Jazz Musician finalist and a student at the Royal Academy of Music, she has developed her voice through organisations including NYJO and Tomorrow’s Warriors. The Klara Devlin Quartet has appeared across numerous jazz venues and festivals, including Ronnie Scott’s Late Late show, Jazz Café, Jazz In The Round, Pizza Express Soho, JazzLive at the Crypt and performances at the Brick Lane, We Out Here and Brecon Jazz festivals.

Klara Devlin is one of the most amazing and unique new trumpet voices to emerge onto the UK jazz scene. I’ve never been this excited about a young musician, a true stylist who’ll be making new waves for the next generation.” – Tony Kofi

Band Line-up

Klara Devlin – trumpet
Tom Sheen – bass
Emmanuel Ampong – drums