Retrospectives about recently deceased artistes can be a double edged sword. Is it too early? Did that album really mean that much? Prince seemed to have lived his life in preparation for such an exhibition as he seemed never to have thrown anything away and everything he used seemed to serve some sort of design purpose. Jazz on the other hand reinvents itself constantly while always keeping a foot firmly in the past. London is the ideal location for such cerebral ventures as we have the venues, audiences and the history. There’s certainly no shortage of indoor entertainment available in the Capital this month.

My Name Is Prince – O2 Arena
My Name Is Prince - O2 Arena
An artist that seemed to customise his very own existence, Prince put his stamp on everything from guitars to sunglasses and its this trait that has led to this wildly eclectic exhibition. Unprecedented demand means that the show will run into next year and as some items are due to be introduced over the three month span, it may be wise to visit more than once.

Prince’s restless mind involved itself in every aspect of the creative process and he ensured that he always had enough space and independence to follow his own path. Paisley Park in Minneapolis was his HQ and is the source of most of the material on show from swirly guitar designs to his extensive collection of pixie boots.

Depeche Mode – O2 Arena
Depeche Mode - O2 Arena
In the late 80s, Depeche Mode astounded the rock cognoscenti when they not only had hits in America but went on to sell out stadiums across the continent. Wasn’t this a quartet of goofy synth pop kids from Basildon? What were they doing playing the same circuit as Bon Jovi?

The alternative nerve that Depeche Mode struck has kept them at an artistic and commercial high and, now a trio, they bring their industrial synth rock to the O2. “Enjoy The Silence” was their breakthrough hit in the US and it’s a song that sums up the band and the audience completely: brooding, hypnotic and full of outsider chic.

https://www.theo2.co.uk/events/detail/depeche-mode

EFG London Jazz Festival – Various London Venues
EFG London Jazz Festival – Various London Venues
This annual event is a must see for anyone remotely interested in what has become one of the most eclectic of genres. This year’s edition has stepped back somewhat from the dalliance with crossover pop that has characterised the past few years.

Instead there is a renewed focus on young artists, especially those who are involved in producing as well as performing. Of course the big names are still there. Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny and Manu Dibango are all playing but look out also for Robert Glasper and Cory Henry, two young masters who are taking up the baton.

http://efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk/

Modigliani – Tate Modern
Modigliani - Tate Modern
Controversial and turbulent, the career of Amadeo Modigliani was a shooting star that lit up the art world in the early twentieth century. Pablo Picasso was a fan as were a small maverick group of Parisian dealers and galleries. Modigliani was well known for his direct style when it came to painting nudes and rejected the coy approach of many classicists.

This got him into trouble in his native Italy which was still dominated by the clergy, but when he got to Paris, he was able to express himself more fully. The Tate have managed to mount one of Modigliani’s largest retrospectives and will also be holding talks and workshops about this enigmatic artist.

http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/modigliani