Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival announce 2026 edition of Residency celebrating Miles Davis

Entering its second year, the three-day residency investigates the question ‘What is Jazz Today?’, this time through the lens of Miles Davis – marking the centenary of his birth. The residency provides a platform for artists to honour jazz’s multi-faceted legacy, while pushing its sonic boundaries into new and unexpected places – from Grammy-nominated Theo Croker’s cosmic soundscapes to Children of Zeus’ soulful hip-hop inflections and corto.alto’s genre-fluid improvisation. Each artist embodies the visionary risk-taking and exploratory approach that has defined jazz for over a century.

Mark Ball, Artistic Director of the Southbank Centre, said: “The return of the Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency showcases jazz at its most boundary-pushing and curious and as an ever evolving form, bringing together artists who are expanding our understanding of jazz. The residency marks the centenary of the legendary Miles Davis, whose pioneering artistry serves as a touchstone for its programme, inspiring both performances and discussions of jazz as a living artistic force. Across the three days, we will welcome to the stage a diversity of perspectives and voices, each shaping the conversation around jazz’s future and its forward-looking, collaborative spirit.”

Mathieu Jaton, CEO of Montreux Jazz Festival, adds: "We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Southbank Centre and bring the spirit of Montreux to London once again. The question ‘What is Jazz Today?’ lies at the heart of both Montreux Jazz Festival and this residency — a celebration of artists who, like Miles Davis, challenge conventions, boundaries and keep the music alive as a constantly evolving art form. Together, we aim to inspire new generations of musicians and audiences by honouring jazz’s past while amplifying its vibrant, unpredictable future.”