Like many arts, music, and cultural organisations, it has been a rollercoaster year for the Festival – now in its sixth year. From musicians, sound engineers, promoters, festivals and venues, the challenges the industry faces are exceptional. Nevertheless, organisers of the event were totally committed to ensuring that the Festival went ahead in some form.
This year, they have embraced the virtual world and are set to present a focussed number of digital events, including a mix of concerts, live painting (from artist in residence, Gina Southgate), workshops, interviews, talks, live Q&As and film documentaries that will appeal to everyone and anyone who loves music.
Highlights include the return of Ian Shaw on the opening night of the Festival (Wednesday, 18th Nov, 8.00pm-9.30pm). Multi-award winner as best jazz vocalist – BBC Jazz Awards 2007 and 2004 and Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2018, alongside nominations from the Jazz FM Awards 2013 and Downbeat Magazine 2017 – Ian Shaw has amassed a number of highly acclaimed internationally released albums and is a popular performer both in the UK and the US. He has been cited as one of the world’s finest male jazz vocalists.
Further highlights include progressive jazz-rock legends Soft Machine; festival favourites, The Brass Funkeys, with their infectious, thumping energy; critically-acclaimed vocalist, violinist, pianist and composer, the genre-busting Alice Zawadzki Band with Amica String Quartet; the Rob Luft Quintet also with Amica String Quartet bringing a fusion of west African high-life, English folk, indie rock and various strands of contemporary jazz; and psychedelic soulsters, Native Dancer, to name just a few.
For all budding Ellas or Nats, the workshops and the live Q&As provide a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get involved and participate from the comfort of their home anywhere in the world. In particular, the Andi Hopgood choir workshop is open to everyone of all ages and abilities. A restricted number of people can also attend the live Tim Garland Masterclass at the large, socially distanced space in Cambridge Junction J1. The masterclass will be held online for those who are unable to attend in person.
As always, the Festival has endeavoured to bring something fresh and new to the jazz scene as well as some established favourites. This year’s programme offers a fantastic range of local, national and international artists, all bringing a potent mix of high-energy performances to get the party started or more chilled sounds to kick back in the comfort of home after a long day at work.
Most of the 28 events this year are free. However, organisers ask that people consider donating a small amount so that the Festival can return bigger and bolder next year.
Speaking ahead of the event, Festival Director Roslin Russell said: “Even if people think jazz isn’t for them, I encourage them to have a listen online to this year’s offering with an open mind and a willingness to listen to something new. People might be very pleasantly surprised and find their feet are tapping before they know it! They may also like to get involved in one of the fantastic vocal or instrumental workshops.”