New Covent Garden Market hosted a captivating lunchtime performance from the Nnamdi Nnachi-Cole Quartet (below), on Wednesday 15 July as part of World Heart Beat’s Jazz in The Gardens programme.

The free event, held in the Food Exchange’s Atrium, welcomed a mix of Market workers, local residents and visitors from across Nine Elms for an hour of outstanding live music from some of the brightest young talents on the London jazz scene as guests enjoyed a selection of fresh fruit and fruit juice from Market wholesalers DDP and Squish.

Introducing the event was Covent Garden Market’s Chief Operating Officer Tim Hampden-Smith, who said: “They say that music is food for the soul and we provide the food for the body, so collectively we’ve got it covered.”

Leading the quartet was pianist Nnamdi Nnachi-Cole (below), a graduate of the prestigious Julian Joseph Jazz Academy who is rapidly establishing himself as one of the capital’s most exciting emerging jazz musicians. His expressive playing and musical maturity were on full display throughout the performance, earning warm appreciation from the audience.

Joining Nnamdi was Ellis Gates (below), the South London drummer who recently made headlines after being crowned Zildjian Young Drummer of the Year. Influenced by jazz legends including Roy Haynes and Art Blakey, Ellis showcased the extraordinary talent and technical skill that have seen him recognised as one of the UK’s most promising young musicians.

The quartet was completed by bassist Hass Richards (below), a regular performer at some of London’s most respected jazz venues, who delivered his trademark basslines

Completing the quartet was alto saxophonist Joe Walker (below), who brought his own distinctive styles to the performance with a bold saxophone sound. A student at the internationally renowned Trinity Laban Conservatoire, Walker has already built an impressive reputation, including performances at the EFG London Jazz Festival.

The event followed a successful piano recital held in the Atrium earlier this year and formed part of Jazz in The Gardens, the summer-long festival organised by local charity World Heart Beat, based adject to the Market in Embassy Gardens.

“Thank you to everyone at New Covent Garden Market for all your hospitality,” said Sahana Gero MBE, World Heart Beat’s Artistic Director and founder, who chatted with audience members and fellow attendees to discuss the performance.

Sahana added: “We support children and young people who don't have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument in what is actually London’s and the UK's most transient area at the moment. We're really building a community and a home and a place through music.”