A double-bill featuring US bassist & singer Janet Evra and local-based Italian pianist Ilario Ferrari as part of the Watford Jazz Junction Festival.

Janet Evra is an international jazz vocalist, bassist, and bandleader, originally from England and now based in St. Louis in the USA.

Janet has collaborated with jazz superstars Randy Brecker, Taylor Eigsti, Marcus Miller, Veronica Swift, Wycliffe Gordon, Sara Gazarek, Mohini Dey, Dave Weckl, Eric Marienthal, and Diego Figueiredo, amongst others. She sings in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French, blending traditional American, French and Latin jazz flavours with a modern twist and a dash of pop to produce a charming performance.

We're delighted to welcome her to our festival for a debut performance.

"Evra blends the different flavors and languages of jazz tradition, all anchored in her warm, sweet-as-honey voice." St. Louis Magazine

Janet Evra line-up

Janet Evra – double bass, vocals

Will Buchanan – guitar

Jamie Joiner – drums

Ilario Ferrari is well-known to Watford Jazz Junction audiences, following his trio's gala showing that opened our festival back in 2022, with several absorbing performances since.

The trio now returns with their critically acclaimed second album, Above The Clouds, which has captured international attention and received airplay on over 100 radio stations worldwide, including BBC Radio 3, Jazz FM, and BBC London Radio.

Led by Ilario on piano and vocals, with Charlie Pyne on double bass and vocals, and Katie Patterson on drums and vocals, they bring a fresh approach to contemporary jazz, blending captivating melodies, soulful harmonies, and multicultural influences.

“A set that splits between vocally driven cuts and instrumentals, as accessible as it is adventurous. This is live jazz, rooted in tradition but challenging preconceptions of what a piano trio can be.” UK Jazz News

With a limited-edition vinyl release and a UK tour on the horizon, this is a chance to catch the trio at a pivotal moment in their journey. Expect a night of award-winning original music, signature improvisational flair, and a few special surprises crafted exclusively for the Watford Jazz Junction audience.

“One mind in three heads.” Jazz Journal

"Ilario's compositions glow with emotion, humanity and the playfulness of friends." Justin Turford for Truth & Lies

"A joyous, elegiac affair, mixing swinging piano trio jazz with Latin American grooves, classical flourishes, and both ethereal wordless passages and conventional vocals” Camden New Journal

Ilario Ferrari Trio line-up

Ilario Ferrari – piano, vocals

Charlie Pyne – double bass, vocals

Katie Patterson – drums, vocals