Jazz is like marmite. You either love it or you hate it. But whether the sounds of Miles Davies send you reaching for your pork pie hat or running for the door, there is no denying that this great musical tradition is once again cool, and for clarification you need look no further than anarchic jazz outfit Led Bib, who were nominated for this year’s Mercury prize. But long before the Walthamstow band were even a twinkle in the judging panel’s eye, the London Jazz Festival (LJF) has been paying homage to this rainbow genre, and this month sees the annual celebration, now in its 18th year, bring a huge cross-section of international and British stars to the capital’s venues.

Flying the flag for the E17 jazz scene is Walthamstow-based composer and saxophonist Carlos Lopez-Real, who will collaborate with versatile guitarist Stefano Kalonaris and two wonderful south Indian percussionist Sri Balachandar and Sri Prathap for a unique concert at the Quaker Meeting House on Sunday, November 22.

Speaking about the appeal of jazz, Carlos, who founded the E17 Jazz Collective two years ago, says: “The word ‘jazz’ covers such an incredible range of musical styles and many people love listening to music that is, in fact, jazz, although it might not be labelled as such. Collaborations such as this one, which promises to be one of the most exciting and unusual concerts ever to take place in Walthamstow, are a way to reach new audiences and show people the amazing variety and potential of this great music.”

Staying in the borough, the William Morris Gallery will welcome the rich voice of singer Fumi Okiji, who will be accompanied by the Afro-Cuban and Brazilian-influenced guitar of Stefano Kalonaris on Friday, November 13, and the Rose and Crown Theatre Pub will see performances from the E17 Jazz Large Ensemble on Sunday, November 15 and Solstice on Thursday, November 19.

Leytonstone jazz venue the Luna Lounge boasts a full programme of live music during the LJF, including performances from blues, soul, funk outfit 11 Foot Sack, fronted by harpist and saxophone player Philip Hughes on Friday, November 13 &20, and fiddle/jazz fusion Ten String Fever on Saturday, November 14.

In Newham, top female artists will headline Ladies Unplugged at Stratford Circus on Friday, November 13, with Ms Dynamite, Shola Ama, Yolanda Brown and Katy B taking the mic. Next door, at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, award-winning New York septet Naturally 7, will bring together gospel, doo-wop, beatboxing and soulful R&B in a demonstration of what they have termed ‘vocal play’.

Naturally 7 will also perform at the Barbican, where the festival will official open with a spectacular concert celebrating a century of song, with performances from an array of stellar vocalists including Natalie Williams, Roachford and Kurt Elling, all supported by Guy Barker’s specially assembled London Jazz Festival Orchestra.

Other highlights at the Barbican include a celebration of Africa’s best-known voice, Miriam Makeba, featuring special guests Baaba Maal, Asa, Vusi Mahlasela, Sayon Bamba, Dobet Gnahore and South African Chorus on Saturday, November 21 and The Blind Boys of Alabama who perform with songwriter and pianist Allen Toussaint on Wednesday, November 18.

By no means an extensive list, this is just a snapshot of the plethora of events on offer. So, whether it’s pop, soul, funk or blues, the LJF is one eclectic Marmite sandwich that can be enjoyed by all.

The London Jazz Festival runs from Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 22. For more information visit www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk