PREVIEW: Edinburgh Jazz Festival (12 – 21 July 2019)

Laura Macdonald Publicity picture

As well as the big names, such as the Jan Garbarek Group featuring Trilok Gurtu, the Chris Barber Big Band and Donny McCaslin, the range of gigs offered by the Edinburgh Jazz Festival ranges far and wide. Patrick Hadfield and Mark McKergow offer some tips:

Patrick’s choices:

Strata Expanded, Saturday July 20. A one-off concert in which the exciting, intense minimalist-prog jazz of Strata with a string quartet.

Colin Steele Quartet, Wednesday 17 July. A couple of years ago Steele used the Pearlfishers to explore the quieter, more romantic side of his music. Now his quartet take on the music of Joni Mitchell.

Laura Macdonald and Ellister Van der Moelen, Saturday 13 July. Edinburgh Jazz Festival excels in putting together musicians in novel combinations. Pairing alto player MacDonald with Dutch trumpeter Van der Moelen sounds like a recipe for success.

Mark Hendry Fractus, Sunday 14 July. Hendry’s large scale compositions for jazz orchestra were one of the hits of last year’s festival. This year he’s bringing a new project featuring Irini Arabatzi (vocals).

Mark’s choices:

Fergus McCreadie Trio, Friday 12 July. Top young Scots pianist and his trio are a must-see for festival visitors.

Moses Boyd Exodus, Friday 19 July. Ace London drummer brings his large group to lively up Edinburgh’s University Quarter.

Dick Lee’s Bechet Tribute, Wednesday 17 July. Veteran Edinburgh reedsman Dick Lee presents his latest group with a welcome focus on the New Orleans soprano sax sounds of Sidney Bechet.

Africa Grove Machine, Sunday 21 July. Drummers Tom Bancroft and Okoe Ardyfio bring the sound of Accra and Lagos to town, aided by a triple barrelled horn section, dancer and inspiration from Fela Kuti.

LINK: Edinburgh Jazz Festival website with full programme and booking details 

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Categories: Previews