Peter Bacon reports:

Bristol turns jazz and bluesy for the long weekend of Thursday to Sunday 26-29 March next year. Among those performing are Pee Wee Ellis, Andy Sheppard, Kairos 4Tet with Emilia Mårtensson, Clare Teal, Paul Jones, Pete Long, Denny Ilett, Rebecca Nash, Sara Colman, Andy Hague and China Moses.

Emilia Mårtensson is appearing with Kairos 4Tet. Publicity photo

Here are extracts from their press release:

“Running 26 – 29 March 2020, Bristol International Jazz & Blues Festival presents a tantalising weekend centred around Park St; with high-quality concerts in St George’s, blues and trad jazz in Folk House, and a Bond spectacular at O2. It embraces new partners – working with Worm Disco and UWE – whilst continuing its dynamic relationships with Bambalan and Bristol Music Trust.
The Festival opens on Thursday 26 March with Manfred Mann band leader and radio presenter Paul Jones performing his personal blues and swing favourites with a big band.

“Big bands and large ensembles continue to be a theme through the weekend: Clare Teal and Denny Ilett are joined by a large ensemble to celebrate the ‘60’s Bossa movement, performing Doris Day’s Latin for Lovers and Sinatra/Jobim’s album in full. And on the closing day Internationally acclaimed Bristol saxophonist Andy Sheppard brings his brilliant work, Bump 5250 originally commissioned for the Bergen Big Band. Featuring the cream of South West musicians together with Sheppard’s regular band, the large-scale work explores the ups and downs of falling in love…

“In 2020 the Festival presents its first full programme at the intimate Folk House where it will celebrate the roots of blues, trad, gospel and more…

“Bristol Jazz & Blues Festival has survived through the generosity of individuals supporting its crowd funder campaign. Now at the halfway point, the crowd funder campaign continues, check out ideas for unique Christmas ideas at: https://www.fundsurfer.com/crowdfund/bristol-international-jazz-blues-festival-needs-you

LINK: Bristol International Jazz & Blues Festival