Now recognised as a mainstay in the Cambridge arts and culture scene, the fourth annual Brewin Dolphin Cambridge International Jazz Festival kicks off on 13th November with two weeks of live music at a staggering array of over 30 city centre venues.
With music from a wealth of legendary national and international stars, a variety of emerging artists, and a wide choice of mainstream and cutting-edge music, the Festival is expected to attract thousands of people to over 60 events.
Highlights of the Festival this year include:
- The opening night with Liane Carroll & Ian Shaw with support from the London Gay Big Band. These two vocalists have four BBC Jazz Awards between them and ensure that Jazz is a truly universal genre. (Junction 2, Tue 14 Nov)
- Alec and Emily Dankworth celebrate the music of Spain, complete with the traditions of Flamenco dance in an intimate and exclusive event. (Stapleford Granary, Fri 16 Nov)
- Orphy Robinson is the UK’s leading Vibraphonist, multi-award winner, multi-instrumentalist and leading figure on the UK and international Jazz stage. In a tribute to the 50th year since Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks was released, Orphy brings a stellar line up of international talent together to pay and play tribute to this album with transcendental arrangements. (Saffron Hall, Fri 16 Nov)
- The life of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, left no-one untouched by her voice and music. The Festival celebrates her life with a tribute from one of the UK’s rising stars Vanessa Haynes (Incognito). (Emmanuel United Reform Church, Fri 16 Nov)
- Linn recording artist and BBC Radio 3 presenter Claire Martin OBE has spent the last 30 years honing the craft of Jazz singing. A ‘tour de force’ on the UK Jazz scene and with 18 albums to her name. Jazz Times USA claimed, ‘she ranks among the four or five finest Jazz singers on the planet’. Claire explores the Great American Songbook alongside some lesser known classics and original songs with the Dave Newton Trio. (Stapleford Granary Sat 17 Nov).
- Yazz Ahmed is an international star of the Jazz scene, her British-Bahraini heritage has combined musical traditions that have created new musical language and phrasing in Jazz, garnering praise from across the world’s highest critics for her work. Yazz joins the Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra to play standards as well as original compositions. (West Road Concert Hall on Sun 18 Nov).
- Jasper Høiby, (Phronesis appearing Sat 24 Mumford Theatre) has become renowned around the world for his fearlessly expressive sound, charismatic stage presence and distinct compositional prowess. This year, he launches a new European project, Planet B, taking his skills into uncharted territory. (Gonville & Caius College Jazz Mon 19 Nov).
- Cambridge soul legend, vocalist Myles Sanko and the UK’s leading Latin band leader and percussionist legend Snowboy & The Latin Section appear on a co-headliner for an evening that celebrates the very best in UK Jazz, funk, soul and Latin music. (Cambridge Junction, 22 Nov)
- Having opened the festival with a multi-award-winning female Jazz vocalist, pianist and composer, it is only fitting and proper that the Festival closes with an internationally celebrated Jazz vocalist and composer, Madeleine Peyroux. (Cambridge Corn Exchange Mon 27 Nov)
From gypsy Jazz with award-winning Dutch violinist Tim Kliphuis, Drum’n’Bass inspired Jazz from drummer, composer, and producer Richard Spaven, church organ Jazz that raises our spirits and soothes our souls with ECM signed artist Kit Downes to family-friendly shows with Groove Baby’s GROOVE INTO SPACE featuring The Brass Funkeys – as always, there is something to suit all musical tastes.
Artistic Director, Roslin Russell said: “Every year, we celebrate Jazz and this year we go further to celebrate women in Jazz, global connections in Jazz and tributes to the masters of Jazz.
“One of the key themes that we have been developing over the past few years is both the contribution and leadership of Women in Jazz. From headliners to debutants, concerts to workshops, this year’s programme is a proud celebration of the creativity that female artists have given to Jazz.
“With this being our fourth Festival, we also continue our developing mission to advocate and celebrate talent and excellence in Jazz – whether it’s established artists or rising talent.
“We very much look forward to welcoming back everyone who came along to gigs in previous years, and we’re excited to see some new faces too. Jazz really isn’t for a select few. It’s for everyone! We hope this year’s Festival continues to prove that.”
Venues this year include three new additions, Storey’s Field, Saffron Hall and Espresso Library. Other venues include Cambridge Junction, Cambridge Corn Exchange, Stapleford Granary, Emmanuel United Reform Church, West Road Concert Hall, Gonville & Caius College, St John’s College, Portland Arms, Flying Pig, Burleigh Arms, Hidden Rooms, La Raza, The Grapes, CB2, Cambridge University Centre wine bar, Earl of Beaconsfield, Music Recital Rooms ARU, Millers Music, Locker café, Tram Depot, Hot Numbers, Zoology Museum, Darwin College, Gonville Hotel, St Paul’s Church, St Andrew’s Baptist Church, Mumford Theatre, and Clare College.
The Cambridge Jazz Festival is supported by the 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