(Press release)
Gateshead International Jazz Festival is back! As always there’s the
best of the UK, European and International jazz scene, hotly-tipped emerging
talent and exciting cross genre artists with a programme that truly brings
something for everyone. The festival, the UK’s biggest held under one roof,
runs from Friday 15 – Sunday 17 April 2016 at Sage Gateshead.
We’re proud to welcome back GRAMMY award-winning singer Gregory
Porter after his sell out show last year to open this year’s
festival. Saturday night’s stellar double bill opens with leading British
saxophonist and festival favourite Courtney Pine with fellow
Mercury nominee and MOBO award winning pianist, Zoe Rahman who
play the music from their acclaimed album Song (The Ballad Book).
In contrast, trumpeter, composer (renowned for his work on Spike Lee’s movies),
and former member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers Terence Blanchard brings
his new quintet, the E-Collective, in a powerful fusion of funk, R&B and
rock.
Headlining Sunday night is American soul maestro Charles Bradley.
His well-documented against-all-odds rise saw him transcend a bleak life on the
streets before being discovered by Daptone Records. Following the release
of his debut album No Time Dreaming, his performances have earned
rave reviews.
Other artists announced include award-winning singer-pianist Liane
Carroll, described by Jamie Cullum as 'one of the greatest
singers we have in this country'. Saxophonist John
Surman emerged as part of a gifted generation of British jazz artists
in the 60s – proving the age gap is no barrier to creativity, he is joined in a
brand new quartet by the Alexander Hawkins Trio, featuring three of the
UK’s finest young jazz performers.
Jazz takes on the world
British-Asian clarinettist and
composer, Arun Ghosh, has been captivating audiences and critics
alike with his trademark IndoJazz sound and Ibrahim Maalouf, widely
regarded as one of the finest trumpeters of his generation and a pioneering
figure in the contemporary jazz world, fuses pop, electro, soul, hip-hop with
the music of his Lebanese roots in the UK premiere of his super-charged new
Impulse CD Red and Black Light.
Explore the heritage
Café Society Swing features stellar vocalists and some of the UK’s finest jazz
musicians in a show that tells the true story of the legendary New York
nightclub which promoted racial equality and great music. Following
sold-out gigs at Ronnie Scott’s and the Brecon Jazz Festival we’re pleased to
welcome award-winning British jazz saxophonist Simon Spillett and
his quartet to the festival in a tribute to a revered British modern jazz
star of the 50s and 60s, the late Tubby Hayes. The performance will follow a screening of the
documentary film, Tubby Hayes: A Man in a Hurry, released
earlier this year.
Fans of free jazz and improvisation will be treated to a solo
performance from one of the most admired and influential saxophonists on the
planet, Evan Parker.
Award-winning British punk-jazz-funk specialists, WorldService
Project bring to the festival high-octane experimental but accessible
music – think Frank Zappa, Loose Tubes and Stravinsky, played loud.
New Generations
As always the festival brings some of the newest and brightest lights on
the international jazz scene to Gateshead. New York-based pianist and
composer Kris Bowers is a leading voice in a vibrant new wave
of genre bending jazz musicians. He collaborated with Jay-Z and Kanye West on
the hit album Watch the Throne, scored movies, and is a past winner
of the coveted Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition.
Saxophonist Phil Meadows is fast emerging as one of the UK’s
most creative young jazz musicians. A former lead alto for the National
Youth Jazz Orchestra, he performs in several ensembles and collaborations
including the acclaimed Phil Meadows Group and Engines Orchestra. In a special
matinee concert Phil and his band will be joined by our very own Royal
Northern Sinfonia and youth ensemble Jambone performing
a new arrangement for larger forces of his acclaimed suite Lifecycles.
Europe makes music
Airelle Besson’s sumptuous trumpet sound is catching the ears of listeners far
beyond her native France. Her delicately nuanced duo with Brazilian
guitarist Nelson Veras – discovered by Pat Metheny – is a masterpiece of
chamber jazz. Malija is a brand new all-star trio, featuring
saxophonist Mark Lockheart (Polar Bear), pianist Liam
Noble and bassist Jasper Høiby (Phronesis). Pianist
and composer Michel Reis splits time between his Luxembourg
home and the USA, where he has performed with Dave Holland, Joe Lovano and
Esperanza Spalding. He shares a double bill with John Law,
who brings all his varied influences – from jazz through classical music and
electronica – together in his new project, Congregation.
The festival, produced by Sage Gateshead and London-based music
producers Serious, is now in its 12th year. Ros Rigby,
Performance Programme Director said: “This year’s Festival reflects the
diversity of jazz in the 21st century, including well
established names alongside some very exciting younger voices – we hope
audiences will take the opportunity to find their own paths across the
programme and try some new things as well as enjoying their favourites.”
The ever popular free programme of jazz on the Concourse returns where
on Saturday BBC Radio 3 will present a selection of national and international
jazz artists recorded for a future edition of Jazz Line Up and on Sunday Jazz
North East, celebrating their 50th anniversary year will
present their choice of local and Northern artists.
Plus there will festival workshops, family fun, talks, late night club
and much more still to be announced. Keep an eye on the website for further
updates.
With all events taking place under one roof it couldn’t be easier to
move between concerts and try something new. Bookers can take advantage of the
Jazz Multi-Buy – the more concerts booked across the weekend the more money
saved.
Tickets go on general sale Friday 27 November, 10am online at sagegateshead.com and
12noon at Ticket Office either in person or by calling 0191 443 4661. Sage
Supporter pre-sale takes place on Thursday 26 November from 12noon at Ticket
Office.
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