Riyoko Takagi Trio

Riyoko Takagi returns for a special EFG London Jazz Festival performance, transforming jazz standards through spellbinding technique and breath taking improvisation, with support from rising trumpeter Klara Devlin.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.
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.
Band Line-up
Riyoko Takagi – piano
Migdalia van der Hoven – drums
Double bass