(Press release)
Sage Gateshead is preparing to open its doors to thousands of music fans as it welcomes jazz artists from across the globe to the 13th Gateshead International Jazz Festival this weekend (Friday 31 March – Sunday 2 April).
Opening this year’s festival, award-winning singer and BBC Radio 2 presenter Clare Teal, and her 17 piece Hollywood Orchestra conducted by Guy Barker, celebrates timeless classics from the great American and British songbooks made famous by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Nancy Wilson, Peggy Lee and Lena Horne. At the heart of this concert are three specially commissioned pieces. Guy Barker has been asked to re-imagine three classics associated with Lena Horne to be performed for the first time at Gateshead International Jazz Festival.
Squarepusher’s live band Shobaleader One share a Saturday night double bill with acoustic-electronica trio GoGo Penguin. Shobaleader One will perform songs from the Squarepusher catalogue including classics from albums Hard Normal Daddy and Music Is Rotted One Note. One of the most in demand bands on the UK jazz scene, GoGo Penguin have recently signed a multi-album deal with Blue Note Records which puts them in a tiny elite of Brits – one that includes Stan Tracey, Andy Sheppard, Orphy Robinson, Us3 and Van Morrison – to have signed to the world’s greatest jazz label.
An African and Cuban jazz triple bill fills the Sunday headline slot. Bassist and vocalist, Richard Bona has toured the world with Pat Metheny and appeared as a guest on two of Bobby McFerrin’s albums, along with numerous notable collaborations. His latest project melds together a variety of roots music from Africa, South America and Cuba. Mentored by none other than Quincy Jones, Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodriguez is rapidly amassing international plaudits. He plays from his recent album Tocororo, telling his own personal story through the legend of Cuba’s national bird. Completing the bill, Shabaka Hutchings, the saxophonist behind Sons of Kemet, The Comet Is Coming and Melt Yourself Down, and 2017 Jazz FM award nominee presents his new collaboration The Ancestors.
Amsterdam’s ten-strong Instant Composers Pool Orchestra led by the iconic drummer Han Bennink, will be in residence for the whole weekend as they celebrate their 50th anniversary with performances, a family show, improvisation masterclass, as well as a film screening and exhibition.
Also joining the festival line-up and following the Saturday headline concert is founding member of the acclaimed Los Angeles group, the West Coast Get Down and long time Kamasi Washington collaborator, Miles Mosley. Recently signed to Verve Records, the release of his debut album Uprising coincides with his festival date – his only UK date on his first European tour.
Other festival highlights include pianist/composer Neil Cowley and his trio performing music from their concept album Spacebound Apes,celebrated Polish trumpeter Tomasz Stańko and the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars who provide a glimpse into the incredible history of Soho’s world famous jazz club.
There will also be performances from award-winning trumpeter Laura Jurd, tuba virtuoso Daniel Herskedal, saxophonists Stan Sulzmann and Trish Clowes, pianist Nikki Iles, vocalist Georgia Mancio, pianist/composer Alan Broadbent, saxophone and drum duoBinker and Moses and electro-improv trio Strobes. The National Youth Jazz Orchestra join forces with their German and Dutch counterparts for an afternoon of exceptional music making following a hugely successful collaboration in 2014.
And the North East’s very own next generation of jazz musicians, Sage Gateshead’s regional youth jazz ensemble Jambone, present a program of new music composed by special guests Matt Anderson and Zoe Gilby, under the leadership of British jazz pianist Paul Edis.
As always there’s something for jazz fans of all ages. Zoe Gilby presents a show for the whole family with popular classic songs from jazz down the years and the Instant Composers Pool orchestra gives a whistle stop tour of their many styles for in a special family edition of their festival concert.
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 Multibuy – the more concerts booked across the weekend the more money saved.
To book tickets please contact Sage Gateshead Ticket Office either in person or by calling 0191 443 4661 or visit sagegateshead.com
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