Double Bill: Danny Piers Trio + World Heart Beat Band: Tribute to Evelyn Dove

“Danny Piers is a talented jazz pianist with a personal compositional voice. His trio display an empathetic, contemporary, and high-level interplay through his original forward-looking compositions. I am sure he is destined for great things.” Bruno Heinen

Danny Piers Bio

Danny Piers is a British-Spanish jazz pianist and composer based in London. He taught himself jazz piano in his late teenage years after falling in love with the music of Erroll Garner and Oscar Peterson. After having established firm roots in the swing tradition whilst studying with renowned pianist John Turville, he began to explore more contemporary sounds, drawing inspiration from musicians such as Shai Maestro, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and John Coltrane.

Recently graduating from Trinity Laban Conservatoire with first-class honours, Danny has been mentored by Julian Joseph OBE, Shai Maestro, Bruno Heinen, Matthew Bourne and Steve Williamson.

Danny has been praised for his expressive and high-energy performances, with spontaneous sensitive interplay being a defining feature of his trio. Danny’s receptive ears, pianistic prowess and eclectic influences allow him and his trio to explore uncharted territories and let the music guide them beyond. Writing music that is rhythmically intricate, harmonically rich and from the heart, Danny has a unique voice as a composer and seeks to unite his eclectic influences into a focused stream of musical expression.

Danny was one of the few selected to compete in the 15th Unisa International Solo Jazz Piano Competition in Pretoria, South Africa in January 2024, being the only pianist to represent the UK. Danny is regularly performing as the pianist in the acclaimed Byron, Wallen Quintet, and has worked with jazz legends such as Charles Tolliver, Steve Williamson, Tony Kofi and Gareth Lockrane. He has played at venues such as The Barbican, The Southbank Centre, Pizza Express, The Vortex and The 606 among others.

The lineup includes Tom Sheen on bass and Sacha Harlan on drums.

The World Heart Beat Band

The World Heart Beat band is led by jazz pianist Ayo Vincent (and teacher at World Heart Beat) from South West London who’s played at venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, Kings Place and the 606 Club.

The band will be honouring Evelyn Dove, the pioneering jazz vocalist whose soulful interpretations and international career made her one of Britain’s earliest and most captivating jazz stars.

Evelyn Dove was the first woman of African heritage to be broadcast on BBC Radio in 1925.  She was a true trailblazer opening doors for future generations of artists in Britain, breaking both racial and gender barriers.

It is our honour to celebrate her legacy through this very special performance.

World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens is proud be a host venue once again at EFG London Jazz Festival 2025.