• Peter Brötzmann
For those who enjoy an invigorating blast of free improvisation at its most wild and unfettered, this gig from German saxophonist Peter Brötzmann is a must. He's joined by those American luminaries of free jazz that make up the Chicago Tentet.
Café Oto London E8 9 Nov (www.cafeoto.co.uk)
• Beats and Pieces
One surprising trend in recent jazz is the revival of the big band, especially among younger players. This gig has two cracking examples of young bands: Beats and Pieces, who hail from Manchester, and Norway's Ensemble Denada.
Purcell Room Purcell Room 11 Nov (0844 847 9910)
• Michael Wollny & Iiro Rantala
Two great figures in European jazz piano play solo sets. Finnish pianist Iiro Rantala is the more extrovert and technically dazzling, Wollny is a quiet musing fantasist – though with sudden flashes of power. The juxtaposition should be fascinating.
St James's Piccadilly 12 Nov (020 7724 2389)
• Shabaka Hutchings
Saxophonist and BBC New Generation Artist Shabaka Hutchings (below) brings together his own band, packed with the cream of young British players, with the BBC Concert Orchestra, beatboxer Jason Singh and electronica wizard Leafcutter John for a brand-new piece.
Queen Elizabeth Hall 13 Nov (0844 847 9910)
• Wadada Leo Smith
There are few more mesmerising players in contemporary jazz than the trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith. His sound combines the weightiness of blues with a yearning for some far-distant Utopia. Here he joins another great musical dreamer, pianist John Tilbury.
Bishopsgate Institute 14 Nov (020 7392 9200)
• Life is for Living
The London Jazz Festival abounds in imaginative small-scale gigs every bit as enticing as the major names. This one from spry, witty singer Gwyneth Herbert is one of them. She's exploring the legacy of great jazz singer Peggy Lee, alongside the Buck Clayton's Legacy Band.
Artsdepot London N12 15 Nov (020 8369 5454)
• Jack DeJohnette Group
DeJohnette (below) is one of the great drummers in jazz history, who's honed his lean focused style over half a century of collaborations with such luminaries as Miles Davis. His quintet includes remarkable klezma-influenced reeds player Don Byron.
Queen Elizabeth Hall, Friday 16 Nov (0844 847 9910)
• Chick Corea
One of the great names in 1970s jazz-fusion, pianist Chick Corea has an irresistible virtuosity and harmonic flamboyance. Alongside him are the two first-rate players, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade.
Barbican Sat 17 Nov (020 7638 8891)
• John Surman
Subtly lyrical British saxophonist John Surman plays a solo set based on Saltash bells, his new album inspired by memories of his Devon childhood, and then leads a performance of Lifelines, a new piece for saxes, piano and Bolsterstone Male Voice Choir.
Queen Elizabeth Hall, 18 Nov (0844 847 9910)
• For full information about the London Jazz Festival programme and details of how to book see londonjazzfestival
BBC Radio 3 will broadcast more than 40 hours of music from the festival
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