Music / bristol international jazz and blues festival
The return of Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival
After two years of Covid-related frustration, Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival is back – with a bang.
From September 2-5, the Lakota Gardens will be jam-packed with a series of top gigs featuring international jazz stars, alongside local heroes.
Big names include funk legend (and longtime festival patron), Pee Wee Ellis, performing in a jazz quartet with star vocalist Ian Shaw, and top pianist Gareth Williams.
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Another gig will star the impeccably groovy trombone hero Dennis Rollins MBE and his band Funky Funk!, which happens to include Bristol’s hyper-energetic alto sax player, James Morton.
Dennis Rollins MBE – photo: courtesy of the artist
The amazing Liane Carroll is due to make her festival debut – a compelling blues and jazz vocalist and Hammond organ player known for her captivating live presence.
Additionally, prepare to be uber-dazzled by clarinet virtuoso Adrian Cox who brings his Sunday Service.
On the blues front, international jump blues guitar star Chris Corcoran will bring his horn-heavy seven-piece band and an authentic vintage blues sound that Guitarist magazine has called ‘our favourite’.
Lady Nade – photo: Arthur René Walwin
Top acts from the local scene will kick things off, with Ladies Sing The Blues opening the proceedings on Thursday night fronted by three of Bristol’s top vocalists – Victoria Klewin, Elles Bailey and Lady Nade – backed by a cracking band.
The remarkable South African singer Sisanda Myataza will be showcasing songs and stories reflecting her home country, with her great band – including saxophonist Sam Crockett.
Get The Blessing – photo: courtesy of the artist
Naturally Get The Blessing will be there (and burning things up if recent live performances are anything to go by), while another treat will be the tireless Snazzback paying homage to Herbie Hancock’s classic Headhunters in an exclusive festival performance.
Hard bopping heroes, The Jazz Defenders, will offer their evocative take on the Blue Note era, while Andy Hague’s ever-popular Silverado pays tribute to one of the label’s greatest: pianist Horace Silver.
The all-star Electric Lady Big Band – photo: Tony Benjamin
Yet another legendary album will get refreshed when the Electric Lady Big Band revisits Jimi Hendrix’ masterwork.
This project from festival Artistic director Denny Ilett was a spectacular highlight of the 2019 programme and went on to receive rave reviews at Ronnie Scott’s Club and really shouldn’t be missed.
The 17-strong band is genuinely star-studded and Denny’s arrangements are something else.
While 2021 may not be as big a programme as past years, it’s a great achievement that the festival organisers have pulled together such a package of such quality and breadth and though tickets are still available for most events they are reportedly going fast.
Main photo: Courtesy of the artist
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