First up is Issie Barratt, an internationally-active composer, arranger, conductor, baritone player, record producer and educator. Ranked at number 38 in BBC Radio 4’s Women in Music Power List 2018 (comprising the most influential women in the music industry), Issie has performed at a majority of leading concert halls, jazz clubs and festivals in Britain, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, south east India, central America and the east coast of Canada.
At this year’s Festival, Issie performs INTERCHANGE(Emmanuel United Reformed Church, Nov 21), an exciting new dectet, comprising 10 of the most innovative UK composers and improvisers, including award-winning musicians, trumpeter Laura Jurd and pianist Zoe Rahman, two of the brightest stars on the contemporary jazz scene.
Speaking about the project, Issie Barratt said: “I’ve been wanting to work with each of these amazing musicians for years – avidly listening as they each forge their diverse and vibrantly creative pathways across the international scene, collectively sharing a mutual keenness to be bold and adventurous with their ideas. I’m certain this hand-picked ensemble will provide the listener with a unique and exciting programme that offers a broader, more diverse experience than an audience might typically hear!”
Issie is also giving a talk at the Festival, Women in Jazz and Making Changes and an improvisation workshop Music By Women with Laura Jurd.
BBC New Generation Artist 2015-17, trumpeter Laura Jurd returns to the festival to lead the Mercury-nominated band, Dinosaur (Zoology Museum, Nov 21), presenting delicious folk-infused grooves and glistening melodies – all tied together by a love for extemporisation and improvisation.
Receiving a rare 5-star review in the Guardian for their 2016 debut album, ‘Together, As One’, Laura Jurd and the band have toured extensively in Europe and beyond at some of the world’s most prestigious festivals including North Sea Jazz, Montreal Jazz Festival and Molde International Jazz Festival. In addition, they have collaborated with some of the UK’s most celebrated ensembles including the BBC Concert Orchestra, Northern Sinfonia and the Ligeti Quartet
Yazz Ahmed (West Road Concert Hall, Nov 18) is a British Bahraini trumpet and flugelhorn player. Her music, through which she blurs the lines between jazz, electronic sound design and the music of her mixed heritage, has been described as ‘psychedelic Arabic jazz, intoxicating and compelling’. In recent years, she has led her ensembles during performances nationally and internationally. Yazz has also recorded and performed with Radiohead, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, ABC, Swing Out Sister, Joan as Police Woman, Tarek Yamani, Amel Zen and has toured the world with art-rock band, These New Puritans.
2016 BBC Young Jazz Musician of The Year, Alexandra Ridout is part of The Ridout family (Espresso Library, Nov 22), an extraordinary UK jazz phenomenon. Father Mark is a much sought-after guitarist, who has played for Jimmy Smith, Natalie Cole and Eddie Parker. Sax and recorder player Tom recently graduated from the RAM, where his sister Alexandra has just started studying trumpet. They were two out of the five finalists in the BBC Young Musician Jazz Award 2016, which Alexandra won. Tom has recently released his debut album ‘No Excuses’ with a sold-out launch at the Vortex.
Young jazz drummer, percussionist and bandleader Lorraine Baker (Espresso Library, Nov 16) brings her recently launched debut album, ‘Eden’, to Cambridge. Lorraine has performed at prestigious venues including Tokyo Opera House, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, the Royal Albert Hall, Isle of Wight Jazz Festival, Big Sky Jazz Festival, the Vortex Jazz Club, Queen Elizabeth Hall, amongst may more, as well as recording for BBC Radio One’s “Live Lounge” and BBC Radio Four.
Josephine Davies (Hidden Rooms, Nov 22) is a solo artist at the forefront of the UK contemporary music scene, pushing the boundaries of jazz with her current main artistic project Satori – a sax/bass/drums trio with an emphasis on extended and collaborative improvisation. As a saxophonist she is known for her melodic focus, versatility and unique style which has been described as ‘consistently inventive’ (Jazzwise Magazine), and ‘gifted and imaginative’ (All About Jazz).
Lydian Collective(CUC Wine Bar, Nov 25)is an exciting 4-piece instrumental group featuring two of the most talented female instrumentalists, in-demand drummer Sophie Alloway, and the gifted Ida Hollis on Bass. Described as ‘blissfully different’, their refreshing brand of original fusion-based music is rich in harmony and groove, showcasing the diversity and depth of their compositional skill and musicianship.
Tara Minton (Storey’s Field Centre, Nov 24) is a harpist, vocalist and songwriter who has built an international reputation as a performing artist and educator. Tara and her trio, Harp Bazaar, combine the majestic and yet delicate sound of the Harp with the speed and erratic energy of Gypsy Swing. The band have played some of London's most iconic venues including The Elgar Room at The Royal Albert Hall, The Pizza Express Soho, and Ronnie Scott's Upstairs amongst others. The band have toured extensively throughout the UK, Europe and Australia.
The Festival also welcomes back accomplished double bass player and composer, Daphna Sadeh (St Andrew’s St. Baptist Church, Nov 24), featuring her new Electro Ethno Jazz music with the Cambridge jazz Quartet. The group creates a fusion of Jazz, Folk and Gypsy music and improvisation with exciting Mediterranean and funk grooves.
The Cambridge Jazz Festival is supported by Arts Council England, Brewin Dolphin, Cambridge BID, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridgeshire Music and the University of Cambridge.
Media partners include BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, Cambridge Independent and Cambridge 105.
For the full line-up, tickets and lots more information visit: www.cambridgejazzfestival.info
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cambridgejazzfestivaluk/
Twitter: @CamJazzFest