2–7 May 2018 Box Office 01242 850270 cheltenhamfestivals.com #cheltjazzfest
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Featuring Randy Crawford Kamasi Washington Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 Beth Hart Donny McCaslin Kansas Smitty’s House Band & Clare Teal Nigel Kennedy Christian McBride Big Band Tower of Power Gilles Peterson Jazzmeia Horn Caro Emerald Corinne Bailey Rae Jason Moran Bandwagon Andy Sheppard China Moses Jordan Rakei Van Morrison Jay Rayner Courtney Pine feat. Omar Dinosaur Bill Frisell & Thomas Morgan and many more
Henry Westons Vintage Cider
THANK YOU to our Partners and Supporters Principal Partner DSH
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In Association With
Henry Westons Vintage Cider
Major Partners
Official Supplier
Official Ale
Festival Partners CHK Charities Limited Strategic Partner
Official Festival Hotel
Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation
The Oldham Foundation
In-Kind Partner
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Marketing Partner
Media Partners
WELCOME All eyes are on Cheltenham as we bring you the best of jazz and beyond over the May bank holiday weekend. You can expect unique experiences that can’t be seen anywhere else and we’re committed to supporting the development of artists from their first performances to headline shows. This is all underpinned by our year-round education work – more details on page 11. This year we’ve also invited DJ and broadcaster Gilles Peterson to curate several gigs for the Festival. Back due to popular demand, Kansas Smitty’s House Band have curated a series of late night events at The Daffodil featuring some of their favourite bands. More Festival highlights below!
‘I’m so excited to be involved again at Cheltenham Jazz Festival. From artists I’ve championed on my radio show to ones I’m looking forward to seeing live for the first time, we’re in for a great Festival’ Jamie Cullum Artistic Curator
Jamie’s
Jamie’s Picks
Pick
Dinosaur page 19 Portico Quartet page 24 Jason Moran & the Bandwagon page 24 Anoushka Lucas page 26 Kansas Smittys House Band & Clare Teal page 27 Christian McBride Big Band page 31
The Best For First-Timers Bostin’ Brass & Young Pilgrims page 13 Friday Night Is Music Night page 18 China Moses page 29 Corinne Bailey Rae page 33 Riot Jazz page 34
See It Here First
Big Nights Out
Lucia Cadotsch & ENEMY page 17 Recomposed page 17 Roller Trio page 25 Christian McBride Big Band page 31 Rick Astley page 35
Van Morrison page 15 Friday Night Is Music Night page 18 Imelda May page 27 Tower of Power page 32 Caro Emerald page 35
Jazz Greats
Rising Stars
Courtney Pine featuring Omar page 18 Bill Frisell & Thomas Morgan page 22 Jason Moran & the Bandwagon page 24 Andy Sheppard page 29 Donny McCaslin page 30 Kamasi Washington page 31
Jazzmeia Horn page 14 Jalen N’Gonda page 17 Rob Luft page 18 Moses Boyd’s Exodus page 22 Hannah Grace & Josh Barry page 30 Ashton Jones & Demi Marriner page 34 3
FESTIVAL VILLAGE Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham, GL50 1UW Full site opens 3 May free entry
Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre (GL50 3AA) 0.2 miles The Daffodil (GL50 2AE)
0.3 miles
Hotel du Vin (GL50 3AH)
0.3 miles 0.2 miles
See back cover for map.
Colony Saturday & Sunday 12–8pm A free, aurally entrancing work of light and sound. See page 7 for details.
Wine Kitchen by Cooking Cooks Montpellier Woods
The Nyet Garden
Henry Westons Big Top
Colony
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MONTPELLIER WALK
Cheltenham Town Hall (GL50 1QA) 0.3 miles
Town Centre, Cheltenham Ladies’ College Parabola Arts Centre, Hotel du Vin, Malmaison, Town Hall, free music ...around town
Festi
Other Venues
Malmaison (GL50 3AS)
AD IER SPA RO
MONTPELL
Box Office
Main Entrance Record Store
Yamaha Discovery Space
Toilets Toilets
Children’s Playground
Skate Park
Gardens Gallery Head to the Gardens Gallery to discover their Jazz Festival Artist for 2018!
Yamaha Discovery Space Kids gigs, adult workshops and fun for the whole family take place here throughout the weekend. See pages 12–13 for details.
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Record Store Come in to purchase the latest jazz releases, CDs, vinyl, books and merchandise and get them signed by some of our Festival artists. Brought to you by UK label Stoney Lane Records.
The Nyetimber Garden The stunning Nyetimber Garden will provide the ideal spot from which to savour a perfectly chilled glass of Nyetimber throughout the festival.
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Free Stage Festival Bar
hen by Cooks
bottlegreen Garden Bar
The Nyetimber Garden
Free Stage
Food Traders
We’ve invited some of the best acts from across the country to perform on our Free Stage throughout the Festival. For the full line-up, pick up our free music guide from the Box Office or visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/ free-music
Jazz Arena Bandstand
Bandstand Bar
Picnic Area Gardens Gallery
The
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Dive into a night of souldrenched remixes at Malmaison with DJ and remixer Sam Redmore.
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Late Night Jam Sessions 4–6 May 10.30pm–3am Hotel du Vin (GL50 3AH) FREE
Sonic Vending Machines
bottlegreen Garden Bar
Find our retro vending machines, from musical instrument maker Sam Underwood, in the Box Office and Festival Bar… Warning: Includes fun!
Sit down, relax, enjoy the view, be refreshed and treat yourself to a bottlegreen cocktail in the Garden Bar.
Children must be supervised with these items.
4 May 9.30pm–12.30am Malmaison (GL50 3AS) FREE
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Enjoy cold cuts, cheese and nibbles with a superb selection of wine, cocktails and beers by day and a pre-booked wine supper club each evening. See page 6 for details.
Fuel up between gigs at our Festival Bar. Proudly serving Henry Westons Vintage Cider, Bath Ales Gem and a range of other beverages.
Sam Redmore DJ Set
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Festival Bars
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The party carries on late into the night at our free jam sessions. Expect some surprise collaborations with our house band from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
See page 9 for details about Late Nights at the Festival. 5
GREAT TASTE EXPERIENCES AT THE FESTIVAL Wine Kitchen by Cooking Cooks Visit the Wine Kitchen by Cooking Cooks for daily cold cuts, cheeses and delicious nibbles, with a superb selection of beers, wine and cocktails by day and a pre-booked wine and supper club each evening. For bookings call 07954 323145
The Nyetimber Garden will provide the ideal spot from which to savour a perfectly chilled glass of Nyetimber throughout Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Discover our celebrated collection of sparkling wines including Nyetimber Classic Cuvee, RosĂŠ, Blanc de Blancs and Demi-Sec.
The bottlegreen Garden Bar will be serving up plenty of tasty drinks to keep you refreshed over the Bank Holiday weekend. Enjoy an exclusive Festival Cocktail and soak up the atmosphere as you enjoy the entertainment on offer next door at the Free Stage. 6
Colony Saturday & Sunday 12–8pm Montpellier Woods FREE
Enveloped in a sea of sound and vibrations, Colony invites you to listen with your ears and your body! Colony artists Alison Ballard and Mike Blow have created a visually arresting and aurally entrancing work that transforms Montpellier Woods into an alien landscape through light and sound. Through listening, touching and hugging seven large, tactile, sonic sculptures, you’ll experience the physicality of sound as each pod plays a spatial composition which shifts slowly over time through six distinct phases. A musical and mysterious event all ages will enjoy. Produced by Hogarth Productions. Co-commissioned by Hogarth Productions and Oxford Contemporary Music with funding from Arts Council England and Reading Borough Council.
Music to your ears: Bath Ales – the official ale partner of Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Bath Ales was founded in 1995, and is the brewer of a distinctive range of premium, authentic and inventive ales for the discerning beer drinker. Its flagship ale is Gem, a full-bodied, malty and muchcelebrated amber beer.
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The Henry Westons Sessions at Cheltenham Jazz Festival
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Who will perform this year? Henry Westons Vintage Cider, the Official Cider of Cheltenham Jazz Festival.
Curated by Cheltenham Jazz Festival, the Henry Westons Sessions are an unmissable series of intimate performances filmed backstage at the Festival and shared online. Watch the eclectic mix of established artists and emerging talent throughout the Festival at youtube.com/cheltenhamfestivals
In 1880, Henry Weston first starting crafting cider from the bittersweet apples grown on his farm in Much Marcle, Herefordshire. Over many years, he refined the art of traditional cider making. Today, Henry Westons Vintage Ciders are produced only from apples grown in a single year’s harvest in the three counties of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. The cider is then slowly matured in aged oak vats to deliver a smooth and rounded cider, packed with magnificently exceptional character.
The UK’s No.1 glass bottled apple cider*
* IRI Scantrack 52 weeks to January 2018
Late Nights at the Festival Whether you like it mild or wild, late nights at the Festival are not to be missed! 3–6 May, 11pm–1am
Kansas Smitty’s Presents The Daffodil £16 * Kansas Smitty’s House Band bring the best of the programme from their East London bar to The Daffodil on four nights of the Festival. Expect a late-night part atmosphere and cocktails with music from all their favourite bands, including Cherise Adams-Burnett (see page 16 for details), Rachael Cohen (page 19), the RP Quartet (page 28) and Smitty’s own Pete Horsfall (page 33).
4–6 May, 10.30pm–3am
Late Night Jam Sessions Hotel du Vin Free Party on all the way to the Bank Holiday at our free Late Night Jam Sessions at Hotel du Vin, just a short stroll from the Festival site. Spot a few Festival artists in the crowd and expect our house band from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire to be joined by some surprise guests.
5 May, 11.30pm–1.30am
Gilles Peterson & Jordan Rakei Cheltenham Town Hall £18 * During his last Festival visit, Gilles Peterson blew our minds – this time, he brings along up and coming soul vocalist Jordan Rakei for a unique Saturday late night party, with support from Three Body Trio (page 28).
4 May, 9.30pm–12.30am
Sam Redmore DJ Set
NEW FOR 2018
Malmaison Free With cocktail in hand, dive right into a night of soul-drenched remixes at our very first Malmaison club night. DJ and remixer Sam Redmore reworks classics with new beats, known for blending well-known songs by the likes of Bob Marley, Q-Tip, Masters At Work and Stevie Wonder. *Plus booking fee: charged at £2 per order.
‘One of the UK’s biggest soul & funk DJs’ Craig Charles, BBC Radio 6 Music 9
FREE GIGS
…around town More than 90 gigs taking over the streets, pubs and clubs of Cheltenham
Up and coming local acts and national artists come together on our free stages across town for some musical inspiration between Festival gigs. Listen to pop-up street performances during the day, discover new jazz favourites in the evening or dance into the night… For full listings pick up our …around town guide from the Box Office or visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/free-music In association with
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SUPPORTING EMERGING TALENT Did you know that Cheltenham Festivals is a charity? Going hand in hand with our Festival events, we are committed to offering inspirational opportunities for young people, from introducing jazz to pre-schoolers in the Yamaha Discovery Space right through to in-depth career advice and creating a platform for a new generation of jazz artists. There are many ways to get involved!
JAZZ FOR SCHOOLS
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES
Concert for Schools
One-to-one Clinics
Our Concert for Schools sees 600 excited primary school children crowd into the Jazz Arena for a lively introduction to the joy of jazz.
This year, for the first time, emerging jazz musicians receive career advice from industry professionals in a series of short, bookable slots as part of our One-toone Clinics.
Hack the Jazz Festival Musicians, sound artists and producers will come together to Hack the Jazz Festival – an exploration of ideas for new commissions for the Festival’s interactive Musical Encounters strand. In partnership with Birmingham Centre for Media and Cultural Research. This project is kindly supported by Jeremy & Hazel Lewis and Keith Norton
Jazz Award
Friday Night is Music Night Interested in the music industry? There’s the chance to go Behind the Scenes at Friday Night is Music Night and meet the BBC Radio 2 producer and other professionals involved in the show.
Jazz It Up Jazz It Up is an annual highlight for school and county jazz bands to perform in front of large crowds at the heart of the Festival. Come along and join the fun at the Free Stage on 5–7 May, 10.30am–1pm.
For details on how to book for Jazz for Schools, go to cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz-for-schools
This year, the winner of the inaugural LetterOne ‘RISING STARS’ Jazz Award, guitarist Tom Ibarra, will receive agency support and embark on a tour of major jazz festivals in Europe, kicking off with Cheltenham in May (see page 18).
Conservatoire Students In partnership with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, we offer students the chance to collaborate on the Trondheim Exchange project (page 22), play with Festival artists at the Jam Sessions (page 9), appear on the Free Stage, and enhance their teaching within Gloucestershire primary schools. For more details see cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz
With thanks to all the supporters of our Jazz for Schools programme The John Armitage Charitable Trust CHK Charities Limited
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YAMAHA DISCOVERY SPACE Musical Adventures For All Ages (co-produced with Mubu Music) Ever dreamt of playing a musical instrument? Maybe you already do! Whether you’re discovering or rediscovering, come and visit us in the Yamaha Discovery Space to inspire your inner musician with a whole host of musical events and fun hands-on sessions.
SATURDAY 5 MAY
10.45–11.30am
JF01 12.15–1.15pm
BAM! Babies’ Academy of Music £6 * Ages 0–4 Back by popular demand after last year’s double sell-out, bring your baby for a bounce with the wonderful Sam Frankie Fox and Ricardo Rocha. BAM! is a warm and interactive performance for babies, families and friends that celebrates music by sharing a host of instruments, styles, gentle movements and stimulating sounds.
JF02
Sounds and Songs of Latin America with Camilo Menjura £6 * Ages 5+ Award-winning Colombian guitarist and vocalist Camilo Menjura has a passion for singing and wonderful Latin American guitar, from traditional, earthy tunes to groovy loop station creations. Discover new instruments including the cuatro, charango, quena and several surprises!
Children under 12 years must be accompanied by a responsible person aged 16 or over, approved by the parent/guardian. A ticket must be purchased for each person attending, excluding free events. Age recommendations are here to help you as an approximate guide to the ages of children who we think will most enjoy each performance. Everyone is always welcome to all of these shows, but some parts will be more suited to the ages we’ve suggested.
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2–3pm
JF03
Family Sing with Becki Biggins £6 * For all ages Our Festival favourite ‘Family Sing’ returns for 2018. This year we’re very lucky to welcome Grammy-nominated singer, saxophonist and educator Becki Biggins. Just bring your ears, voices, families and friends to join Becki for vocal fun and games!
Saturday 3.45pm onwards
Yamaha ‘Hands-On’ Free drop-in sessions for all ages
SUNDAY 6 MAY
5–6pm
Sunday 10am–12.30pm and 6.45pm onwards
Yamaha ‘Hands-On’
JF04
Laura The Musical Explorer £6 * Ages 2–5 Explore new musical worlds with specialist musical educator and folk musician Laura Carter. An exciting hour of musical games and dancing awaits you, with an accordion, recorder, ukulele, keyboard and double bass thrown in for good measure!
Jazz
Louis Armstrong’s famous song What A Wonderful World is now a beautifully illustrated children’s book, following one little boy as he discovers how wonderful this world of ours can be. ’Full-to-the-brim with hope and optimism and its sense of boundless joy’, join the incredible illustrator Tim Hopgood and our musicians to discover the book in an interactive session, full of art, movement and song.
£6 * Ages 5+ Join ‘Ben-Bot’ (sometimes known as guitarist & performer Ben Lee) and friends as they introduce the magical world of jazz in a thoroughly original and entertaining performance. Have beeps of fun playing games, improvising, learning tunes with robots, unicorns and plenty more!
MONDAY 7 MAY
2–3pm 11am–12pm
3.15–4.15pm
JF05
Adriano Adewale: Jazz & Percussion from Brazil £6 * Ages 4+ Brazilian-born percussionist Adriano Adewale brings his wonderful music and warmth to the Festival, with influences from South America, Africa and London! Adriano has toured the world with his distinctive sound and a vast of array of international collaborators – come and discover new percussion instruments, rhythms and traditional songs. *Plus booking fee: charged at £2 per order.
JF07
What A Beep! Ben Wonderful World Lee & Friends’ with Tim Hopgood Introduction to £6 * Ages 3+
Free drop-in sessions for all ages
1.30–2.30pm
JF06 12.15–1.15pm
J52
Family Show: Bostin’ Brass & Young Pilgrims Jazz Arena £8 * For all ages Birmingham’s awesome Bostin’ Brass are bringing their friends the Young Pilgrims for a New Orleans inspired, double-brassband bonanza for all ages. Young Pilgrims have caused musical mayhem from Paris Jazz Festival to the Commonwealth Games, and this jazz, funk, reggae and ska celebration makes Bostin’s sound even bigger with 13 musicians on stage (and sometimes off it).
JF08
Grace Savage £6 * Ages 6+ Four-time UK Beatbox Champion and one of ELLE’s ‘100 Most Inspiring Women’, the unique singer, actor and beatboxer Grace Savage closes our family programme in spectacular style. Come along and be amazed, and maybe even help Grace with some weird and wonderful beatboxing sounds along the way!
Monday 3.45pm onwards
Yamaha ‘Hands-On’ Free drop-in sessions for all ages 13
WEDNESDAY 2 MAY 7–9.45pm
Box Office 01242 850270 J01
Jazzmeia Horn The Daffodil £65 * Ticket includes a three-course set menu and Champagne cocktail on arrival. Bar open from 6pm, dinner served at 7pm, performance 8.30–9.45pm. Some tables may be shared.
Jazzmeia Horn has a name that speaks for itself, capturing her very essence. Winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition (the highest accolade for a young musician), her combination of straight-ahead jazz and inspirational 60s and 70s R&B carries the hallmarks of Sarah Vaughan as well as Erykah Badu and Cassandra Wilson. Catch her while you can.
‘The most talked-about jazz vocalist to emerge since Cecile McLorin Salvant and Gregory Porter’ The New York Times
8–9.30pm
J02
Randy Crawford Henry Westons Big Top £62 £58 £30 *
Broadcast live on BBC Radio 2
Sold out, returns only. For updates visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz As this is a live broadcast, please be seated by 7.45pm.
Known for her unforgettable and soulful voice, American jazz and R&B singer Randy Crawford is opening the Festival with a rare performance which will be the only UK stop on her tour. An artist of unmatched ability and extraordinary range, Randy will bring her best known songs including Street Life and One Day I’ll Fly Away.
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*Plus booking fee: charged at £2 per order.
THURSDAY 3 MAY
cheltenhamfestivals.com
Festival site opening Thursday, 5.30pm onwards on the Free Stage Start your Bank Holiday weekend with a drink or two, live music and great company in Montpellier Gardens. The Festival Bar and Free Stage will be buzzing from 5.30pm onwards. See the free music line-up online at cheltenhamfestivals.com/free-music
7–8.15pm
FREE
J04
Eric Gales Jazz Arena £22 * Eric Gales was a child prodigy and heralded as the second coming of Jimi Hendrix when he released his debut album at 16. As an African-American left-handed guitarist and expressive vocalist the Hendrix comparison is natural, but Gales has a blues-rock sound which also draws upon Albert King and Frank Gambale. His stellar supporters include Gary Clarke Jr and Lauryn Hill who appear on his latest album, and Carlos Santana, who describes Gales as ‘absolutely incredible’.
7–9.45pm
J05
Jay Rayner The Daffodil £65 * Ticket includes a three-course set menu and Champagne cocktail on arrival. Bar open from 6pm, dinner served at 7pm, performance 8.30–9.45pm. Some tables may be shared.
The Jay Rayner Quartet romps through a repertoire of two parts. In keeping with his international renown as a restaurant critic, Jay tackles songs that deal with food and drink, with help from vocalist Pat Gordon-Smith. Interwoven are a series of brilliant anecdotes as he reminisces about his childhood growing up with a mother who was a famous agony aunt and sex advice columnist, the late Claire Rayner.
8.30–10pm
J06
Van Morrison Henry Westons Big Top £68 £66 £30 * One of the most unique and celebrated musicians of a generation, OBE and six-time Grammy Award-winner Van Morrison is known for his characteristic blend of R&B and soul and powerful lyrics. With hits like Moondance, Gloria and Brown Eyed Girl in his back catalogue, he received a knighthood in 2016 and is bringing his brand new album Versatile to the Big Top this May. 15
THURSDAY 3 MAY
8.30–10pm
Box Office 01242 850270
J07
Nigel Kennedy plays Jimi Hendrix Cheltenham Town Hall £30 * The world’s biggest selling classical violinist of all time, maestro and maverick Nigel Kennedy performs the music of Jimi Hendrix accompanied by his exceptional Polish jazz band, with renditions including Purple Haze, Crosstown Traffic and Fire. Kennedy’s performances have ranged from straight classical interpretations to collaborations with Stéphane Grappelli, Kate Bush, Robert Plant and Paul McCartney, as well as a sold-out show here in 2009.
11pm–1am
J08
Kansas Smitty’s Presents: Cherise Adams-Burnett The Daffodil £16 * Following their sold-out takeover at last year’s Festival, Kansas Smitty’s bring the best of the programme from their East London bar to The Daffodil. Expect the same late-night party atmosphere and cocktails but with music from all their favourite bands, plus a few special guests. At just 22 years old, Cherise Adams-Burnett is a fiercely talented soul and jazz vocalist who has performed at venues including the Royal Albert Hall. She appears with the Kansas Smitty’s house rhythm section as they collaborate on new material especially for the Festival. The Kansas Smitty’s House Band won’t be playing at The Daffodil but you can catch their special show at the Town Hall; see page 27 for details.
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*Plus booking fee: charged at £2 per order.
FRIDAY 4 MAY
cheltenhamfestivals.com
‘Remember the name Lucia Cadotsch – you’re going to be hearing a lot of it.’ ★★★★★ The Guardian
1–3pm
J59
Jazz in Everyday Places Meeting point: Parabola Arts Centre front steps Free no ticket required Join us for a ‘sound walk’ around Cheltenham leading to a gig by saxophonist Trish Clowes at a secret location. This self-guided walking tour of jazz sites in Cheltenham includes musical sound bites which might have you dancing your way around town. All you need is a mobile phone and headphones. Sound walk requires a smartphone with a 4G connection.
7–8.30pm
J10
Double Bill: Lucia Cadotsch Speak Low & ENEMY Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre £14 * This special double bill features vocalist Lucia Cadotsch, who announced her presence on the international scene with one of DownBeat’s Best Albums of 2017 and by winning the Echo Jazz Award for Vocalist of the Year. Her band features edgy bassist Petter Eldh who is also one third of piano trio ENEMY. Described as ‘fiercely intense’ and ‘beautifully intricate’, ENEMY will launch their forthcoming album in this gig with pianist Kit Downes and drummer James Maddren playing alongside Eldh.
6.30–7.45pm
J09
Jalen N’Gonda Jazz Arena £16 * Adding a pinch of jazz to his classic soulful sound, US singer-songwriter Jalen N’Gonda is a star on the rise. Critical acclaim from NME and Afropunk compares him to Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, and he has been praised for his songwriting feeling both familiar and new. Having supported Laura Mvula and Lauryn Hill, his Maida Vale session for Jo Whiley’s BBC Radio 2 show has just been released: one to watch.
8.30–9.15pm
J14
Recomposed Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre Free no ticket required Hear Lucia Cadotsch & ENEMY’s performances reworked and artfully mixed into new pieces of music that retain the DNA of the original. Move through to the bar after their gig to see electronic musicians Iain Chambers and Dan Nicholls ‘recompose’ the live sets in a process described by The Guardian as ‘an exhilarating ride’. 17
FRIDAY 4 MAY
Box Office 01242 850270
8–10pm
J11
Friday Night Is Music Night: Rollin’ on the River Henry Westons Big Top £50 £48 £30 *
Broadcast live on BBC Radio 2
As this is a live broadcast, please be seated by 7.45pm
From the decadence of New Orleans to the pulsating rhythms of Baton Rouge, St Louis and Memphis, this event follows the jazz roustabouts who first stepped on board the showboats and paddle steamers of the mighty Mississippi, bringing jazz North to the rest of America. For this annual jewel in the crown of the Festival, we welcome back the sixty piece BBC Concert Orchestra and the Guy Barker Big Band, plus a host of renowned guest vocalists including Shaun Escoffery and Vanessa Haynes.
‘So young and so talented!’ Jamie Cullum
8–10.15pm
J12
Courtney Pine featuring Omar
plus support from Tom Ibarra
Rob Luft
Cheltenham Town Hall £24 * Support act on stage from 8pm.
The Daffodil £65 *
This special project, Black Notes from the Deep, brings together two of the UK’s finest jazz and soul talents. British jazz giant and multiple MOBO winner Courtney Pine returns to the tenor saxophone for the first time in a decade and is joined by UK soul star Omar who has previously collaborated with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Erykah Badu. Support comes from 18-year old French guitar prodigy and winner of the LetterOne Rising Stars Jazz Award, Tom Ibarra. 18
7–9.45pm
*Plus booking fee: charged at £2 per order.
J13
Ticket includes a three-course set menu and Champagne cocktail on arrival. Bar open from 6pm, dinner served at 7pm, performance 8.30–9.45pm. Some tables may be shared.
Rob Luft is an award-winning, 24-year-old guitarist with virtuosity which has been compared to that of six-string legends Al di Meola, John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia. Predicted by The Times ‘to achieve great things in the future’, Rob won the 2016 Kenny Wheeler Jazz Prize and has just released his debut album to universal acclaim, full of ‘catchy, earthy, infectiously upbeat tunes’ (Irish Times).
FRIDAY 4 MAY
cheltenhamfestivals.com
Jamie’s
Pick
‘...beautifully played and effortlessly confident collage of contemporary styles.’ ★★★★★ The Guardian
9.30–10.30pm
J15
Dinosaur Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre £15 * Nominated for the 2017 Mercury Prize for their critically acclaimed debut album Together, As One, Dinosaur are back with some immensely colourful, new music – full of imagination and enticing surprises. Led by trumpeter Laura Jurd, their highly anticipated second album Wonder Trail continues their exploration into the world of ‘synth-pop meets jazz’. Expect folk-infused grooves and glistening melodies – all tied together by a love for improvisation.
Sam Redmore DJ Set 4 May 9.30pm–12.30am Malmaison, FREE Dive into a night of soul-drenched remixes at Malmaison with DJ and remixer Sam Redmore.
11pm–1am
J16
Kansas Smitty’s Presents: Rachael Cohen The Daffodil £16 * Originally from the Shetland Islands, London-based saxophonist Rachael Cohen is one of the leading voices of her generation. Her infectious tone, lyricism and deceptively simple melodies have gained her a great deal of attention. Often hosting her own sold-out late shows at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s club, she now appears with the Kansas Smitty’s house rhythm section as they collaborate on new material especially for the Festival. See page 16 for full details.
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PLAN YOUR PERFECT FESTIVAL 10am
11am
12noon
1pm
2pm
3pm
4pm
5pm
6pm
WEDNESDAY 2 MAY BT D
THURSDAY 3 MAY BT JA TH D
FRIDAY 4 MAY BT JA TH J59 JAZZ IN EVERYDAY PLACES (STARTING POINT)
PAC D
SATURDAY 5 MAY BT
J21 SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80
J26 BETH HART
JA
J18 GILLES PETERSON PRESENTS: MOSES BOYD
J23 PORTICO QUARTET
TH
J19 BILL FRISELL & THOMAS MORGAN
J24 JASON MORAN AND THE BANDWAGON
YDS
JF02 SOUNDS & SONGS OF LATIN AMERICA
JF01 BAM!
JF03 FAMILY SING
J17 JAZZ EXCHANGE: TRONDHEIM & BIRMINGHAM
PAC
YAMAHA ‘HANDS-ON’ SESSION
J22 KADRI VOORAND
J25 ROLLER TRIO
D HDV
J20 MELISSA JAMES
SUNDAY 6 MAY J40 DOUBLE BILL: HANNAH GRACE & JOSH BARRY
BT
J44 KAMASI WASHING
JA
J37 CHINA MOSES
J41 DONNY MCCASLIN
TH
J38 ANDY SHEPPARD
J42 CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE BIG BAND
YDS
YAMAHA ‘HANDS-ON’ SESSION
PAC
J36 WOLVES ARE PEOPLE TOO
JF04 LAURA THE MUSICAL EXPLORER
JF05 ADRIANO ADEWALE
J39 ISSIE BARRATT’S INTERCHANGE
JF06 WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD WITH TIM HOPGOOD J43 A. HAWKINS / E. MITCHENER QUARTET
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MONDAY 7 MAY BT JA
J54 SHOWCASE: ASHTON JONES & DEMI MARRINER JF07 BEEP! BEN LEE & FRIENDS’ INTRO TO JAZZ
YDS 10am
20
J55 RICK ASTLEY & RONNIE SCOTT’S BIG BAND
J53 RIOT JAZZ J52 BOSTIN’ BRASS & YOUNG PILGRIMS
11am
12noon
1pm
JF08 GRACE SAVAGE
2pm
YAMAHA ‘HANDS-ON’ SESSION
3pm
4pm
5pm
6pm
KEY BT = HENRY WESTONS BIG TOP JA = JAZZ ARENA TH = CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL YDS = YAMAHA DISCOVERY SPACE PAC = CHELTENHAM LADIES’ COLLEGE, PARABOLA ARTS CENTRE D = THE DAFFODIL HDV = HOTEL DU VIN 6pm
7pm
8pm
9pm
10pm
11pm
12am
1am
2am
WEDNESDAY 2 MAY J02 RANDY CRAWFORD J01 JAZZMEIA HORN
THURSDAY 3 MAY J06 VAN MORRISON J04 ERIC GALES J07 NIGEL KENNEDY PLAYS JIMI HENDRIX J08 KANSAS SMITTY’S PRESENTS: CHERISE ADAMS-BURNETT
J05 JAY RAYNER
FRIDAY 4 MAY J11 FRIDAY NIGHT IS MUSIC NIGHT: ROLLIN’ ON THE RIVER J09 JALEN N’GONDA J12 COURTNEY PINE FEAT. OMAR J10 DOUBLE BILL: LUCIA CADOTSCH SPEAK LOW & ENEMY
J14 RECOMPOSED
J15 DINOSAUR J16 KANSAS SMITTY’S PRESENTS: RACHAEL COHEN
J13 ROB LUFT
SATURDAY 5 MAY J26 BETH HART
J32 IMELDA MAY J28 GILLES PETERSON PRESENTS: ZARA MCFARLANE J29 KANSAS SMITTY’S HOUSE BAND & CLARE TEAL
J35 GILLES PETERSON & JORDAN RAKEI
A ‘HANDS-ON’ SESSION J27 JIM BLACK MALAMUTE
J33 EVAN PARKER’S TRANCE MAP + J34 KANSAS SMITTY’S PRESENTS: RP QUARTET
J30 ANOUSHKA LUCAS
SUNDAY 6 MAY J49 CORINNE BAILEY RAE
KAMASI WASHINGTON J46 PP ARNOLD
J48 TOWER OF POWER YAMAHA ‘HANDS-ON’ SESSION
L WORLD OPGOOD
J50 VEIN + SPECIAL GUEST STAN SULZMANN
J45 ARUN GHOSH
J51 KANSAS SMITTY’S PRESENTS: PETE HORSFALL’S SUNDAY SERVICE
MONDAY 7 MAY J57 CARO EMERALD J56 EMPIRICAL
A ‘HANDS-ON’ SESSION
6pm
7pm
8pm
9pm
10pm
11pm
12am
1am
2am
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SATURDAY 5 MAY 11am–12.15pm
Box Office 01242 850270 J17
‘defiantly fun and inventive’
The Independent
Jazz Exchange: Trondheim & Birmingham Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre £10 * An annual showcase of contemporary jazz brought to you by the finest student musicians from two of Europe’s top training grounds. With bands formed of students from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and NTNU Trondheim Conservatoire, check out the next generation of jazz talent and spot some stars of the future.
12.30–1.45pm
J19
Bill Frisell & Thomas Morgan Cheltenham Town Hall £24 * Multiple Grammy Award winning guitarist Bill Frisell and respected bassist Thomas Morgan come together in their first ever UK show as a duo for an intimate set highlighting the chemistry of their playing. Frisell’s sought-after trademark sound has made him one of the most influential musicians in contemporary music, working with Elvis Costello, Paul Simon and Charles Lloyd, to name a few.
‘the weave of bell-like harmonics, quiet electronics and folk-blues figures is mesmerising….’ The Guardian 22
*Plus booking fee: charged at £2 per order.
12.30–1.45pm
J18
Gilles Peterson Presents: Moses Boyd’s Exodus Jazz Arena £16 * Still in his mid-20s, drummer Moses Boyd has collected accolades including two MOBOs for Best Jazz Act and two Jazz FM awards, and the support of tastemaker Gilles Peterson. One half of duo Binker & Moses, Boyd is not bound by the jazz tradition – his breakout single Rye Lane Shuffle epitomises his vibrant sound, drawing on London’s musical melting pot with jazz, afrobeat, grime and R&B as influences.
SATURDAY 5 MAY
cheltenhamfestivals.com
Yamaha Discovery Space Family events & workshops for all ages See pages 12–13 for details of today’s events: BAM! Babies’ Academy of Music, Sounds and Songs of Latin America, Family Sing
‘Superb singer in the classic mould’
‘A unique thoroughbred entertainer who hits people’s body and soul…she clearly deserves still more international exposure.’
Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music
London Jazz News
2–3pm
J22
Kadri Voorand Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre £12 *
1–3pm
J20
Melissa James Hotel du Vin £55 * Ticket includes a three-course lunch. Please arrive at 12pm to be seated. Lunch served at 12.30pm. Performance 1pm. Some tables may be shared.
Fusing her love of blues, folk, jazz and soul, vocalist Melissa James takes the listener on mini journeys which open up to reveal her innermost thoughts. Combined with the velvety power of her delivery, it makes for a spine tingling experience. To mark the launch of her new record Stripped Back, Melissa performs a special, stripped-back set of original material and choice covers with Tom Gamble (guitar) and Jonathon Holder (piano).
Kadri Voorand is a vocalist in a class of her own: from intimate storytelling to swooping wordless improvisations and spontaneous whispered murmurs, she is a joyful entertainer. Coming to Cheltenham from her home of Tallinn, Estonia, she brings her quartet for an energetic set which takes in diverse inspirations such as folk, poetry and the rhythms of R&B.
Late Night Jam Sessions 4–6 May 10.30pm–3am Hotel du Vin FREE Just a short stroll from the Festival site, the party carries on late into the night at our free jam sessions! Spot a few Festival artists playing with our house band from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
23
SATURDAY 5 MAY 2–3.15pm
Box Office 01242 850270
J21
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 Henry Westons Big Top £22 £20 £16 * The late Fela Kuti was the first to fuse jazz, funk and soul with highlife and other African rhythms to create afrobeat: music with the explosive energy of James Brown but the heart and soul of Nigeria. Fela’s youngest son Seun Kuti has a sound which is just as compelling and is famed for his live shows. Egypt 80 join him on stage with funky horns, stirring chants and kicking beats that will get you dancing.
‘Portico Quartet stake claims to territory occupied by Radiohead, Cinematic Orchestra and Efterklang.’ ★★★★★ The Guardian
Jamie’s
Pick
Jamie’s
Pick
4–5.15pm
J23
Portico Quartet Jazz Arena £18 * Sending out echoes of jazz, electronica and ambient music, the Mercury Prize-nominated Portico Quartet create an incomparable singular, cinematic sound. Now rebooted as a quartet after a brief spell as the three-piece Portico, their latest album features a welcome return for Jack Wyllie’s ethereal saxophone and Duncan Bellamy’s mix of live and electronic drums, as well as the band’s mesmeric signature tones of the hang drum. 24
*Plus booking fee: charged at £2 per order.
4–5.15pm
J24
Jason Moran and the Bandwagon Cheltenham Town Hall £20 * American pianist Jason Moran and his trio, the Bandwagon, have earned a reputation as ‘the best rhythm section in jazz’ (The New York Times). Moran is a Blue Note recording artist who has performed with everyone from Cassandra Wilson and Wayne Shorter to Steve Coleman and Chris Potter. But he is most known as an innovator of new directions for jazz, drawing on diverse inspirations from Thelonious Monk to 20th century painters.
SATURDAY 5 MAY
cheltenhamfestivals.com 4.30–5.30pm
J25
Roller Trio Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre £14 * Mercury Prize nominated jazz-rockers Roller Trio are back with a brand new line-up. Now featuring fiercely inventive guitarist Chris Sharkey, we present an exclusive premiere of their new album which is launched at the Festival. Their mix of high octane technicality and deceptively catchy tunes has transcended their jazz heritage, bringing them acclaim from fans and critics alike.
‘Epic rock-edge riffs, angular sax explorations, brooding beats and haunting dub-step style electronics’ Jazzwise
5.30–6.45pm
J26
Beth Hart Henry Westons Big Top £38 £36 £26 * Since a sell-out show here in 2015, Beth Hart’s career has rocketed to dizzying heights. She has headlined a sold-out Royal Albert Hall, reunited with her long-time collaborators Jeff Beck and Joe Bonamassa, appeared on Jools Holland’s Hootenanny, and that’s just for starters. Her blues-rock voice is put to stunning use on her new jazz-infused album Fire on the Floor from smouldering, bluesy low notes to swinging highs.
25
SATURDAY 5 MAY
Box Office 01242 850270
‘A classic voice’
Jamie Cullum
Jamie’s
Pick
7.15–8.15pm
J27
Jim Black Malamute
Anoushka Lucas
Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre £16 *
The Daffodil £65 *
Jim Black’s quartet plays music based on the idea of mixtapes and playlists: it changes every few minutes, a ‘short attention span’ approach keeping the listener on the edge of their seat. Black became known through drumming for fellow US luminaries Tim Berne and Dave Douglas, and now his propulsive, off-kilter rock grooves and electronics are balanced by the warm tone of Icelandic saxophonist Óskar Guðjónsson.
7.30–8.45pm
J28
Gilles Peterson Presents: Zara McFarlane Jazz Arena £18 * Singer-songwriter Zara McFarlane deftly combines the intricacies of jazz with a deep soulfulness, melding multiple influences from reggae to pop, folk and blues. Described as ‘vocally akin to early Nina Simone and Roberta Flack’, her most recent album traces her musical heritage of the Caribbean and explores her take on British-Jamaican identity. Expect original material and reworked classics in this gig curated by her longtime champion, DJ and broadcaster Gilles Peterson.
‘A classy celebration of black British music.’ The List 26
7–9.45pm
*Plus booking fee: charged at £2 per order.
J30
Ticket includes a three-course set menu and Champagne cocktail on arrival. Bar open from 6pm, dinner served at 7pm, performance 8.30–9.45pm. Some tables may be shared.
Invited by Jamie Cullum to feature on the BBC Introducing special live on BBC Radio 2, Anoushka Lucas is one to watch. As a singer and songwriter she won a Jazz FM competition to perform at the first Love Supreme festival, has performed at Ronnie Scott’s and sold out London’s Bush Hall. Her debut album with her quartet is due out this year.
SATURDAY 5 MAY
cheltenhamfestivals.com
Jamie’s
Pick
7.30–8.45pm
J29
Kansas Smitty’s House Band with special guest Clare Teal
plus support from Sarah Munro Cheltenham Town Hall £20 * Support act in the bar from 7pm. They brought down the house during their Cheltenham visit last year: with critically acclaimed albums, a soldout tour and rave reviews, Kansas Smitty’s House Band are one of the hottest live acts in the UK jazz scene. For this special show they join forces with award-winning jazz singer and Festival favourite Clare Teal.
9–10.30pm
J32
Imelda May Henry Westons Big Top £36 £34 £24 * After her last sold-out headline show, Imelda May returns, bringing her new album Life. Love. Flesh. Blood. Described as her ‘most personal and heartfelt work to date’ (The Independent), this album has seen her take a new soulful direction. With accolades from the likes of Bob Dylan, her latest release has been celebrated as career-changing, a combination ‘of dusky Americana and vintage British soul’ (All Music).
‘A sensation in the world of jazz’ Mail on Sunday on Clare Teal 27
SATURDAY 5 MAY
Box Office 01242 850270
11pm–1am
Evan Parker’s Trance Map+
Kansas Smitty’s Presents: RP Quartet
Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre £16 *
The Daffodil £16 *
Saxophonist Evan Parker is widely regarded for his improvising genius, having spent over thirty years working in the UK and internationally. His collaboration with electronics duo Spring Heel Jack, who made the unlikely move from drum‘n’bass to jazz back in 1999, has now expanded into the five-piece band Trance Map+ with Adam Linson on bass and Matt Wright on laptop and turntables.
Saturday night of the Kansas Smitty’s takeover ushers in a young French ensemble led by frequent Smitty’s collaborator Edouard Pennes. Inspired by the swing of Charles Mingus and Thelonious Monk but performing with a guitar, violin and double bass line-up more familiar to fans of Django Reinhardt, the quartet may also be joined by some familiar faces later in the evening for a cross-Channel hang-out.
10–11pm
J33
See page 16 for full details.
11.30pm–1.30am
J35
Gilles Peterson & Jordan Rakei Plus support from Three Body Trio Cheltenham Town Hall £18 * Support act in the bar from 11pm. In this specially curated night, DJ and broadcaster Gilles Peterson presents vocalist Jordan Rakei whose soulful, jazz and hip-hop driven sound has led to collaborations with Disclosure and Tom Misch. After Rakei’s live set, Gilles spins his trademark blend of soul hip-hop, house, Afro, Latin, jazz and beyond. Support comes from Three Body Trio playing electronica with the spirit of jazz, discovered by Gilles Peterson’s Future Bubblers programme. 28
J34
*Plus booking fee: charged at £2 per order.
SUNDAY 6 MAY
cheltenhamfestivals.com
12.30–1.45pm
J38
Andy Sheppard Cheltenham Town Hall £20 * Known as one of Europe’s leading saxophonists, Andy Sheppard’s graceful playing weaves a path through the other-worldly guitar sounds of Eivind Aarset, and the skittering patterns of rhythm team of Michel Benita and Sebastian Rochford in this international quartet. The Guardian described their 2015 record as ‘translucently beautiful’, and its successor, Romaria, has just been released on ECM Records.
11am–12pm
J36
Wolves Are People Too Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre £14 * This unique project brings together the dynamic band Hansu-Tori with dancers from Birmingham Royal Ballet to perform excerpts from their show Wolves Are People Too, inspired by the iconic Japanese animation film Wolf Children. Choreographed by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Kit Holder with an original jazz score by pianist David Austin Grey, the show follows the paths of two half-wolf, halfhuman children as they become adults.
Yamaha Discovery Space Family events & workshops for all ages See pages 12–13 for details of today’s events: Laura The Musical Explorer, Adriano Adewale: Jazz & Percussion from Brazil, What A Wonderful World
12.30–1.45pm
J37
China Moses Jazz Arena £18 * Singer China Moses has been raised in music and theatre. The daughter of legendary jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater and director Gilbert Moses released her first album at the age of 16, and now brings music from her 2017 release Nightintales. She is an adept storyteller capable of swinging with the finest; combined with her R&B heritage, a love of soul, blues and pop, she creates a kaleidoscope of sound. 29
SUNDAY 6 MAY
1.45–2.45pm
Box Office 01242 850270
J39
Issie Barratt’s INTERCHANGE
4–5.15pm
Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre £14 * INTERCHANGE is comprised of ten of the nation’s most innovative, award-winning jazz composers and improvisers, who all happen to be female. The line-up includes baritone saxophonist Issie Barratt, trumpet player Yazz Ahmed (who was a highlight of the Festival in 2016), saxophonist Tori Freestone and vocalist Brigitte Beraha, to name just a few. Performing six specially commissioned pieces by the band members, this hand-picked new ensemble is already making waves in the jazz world.
2–3.30pm
J40
Double Bill: Hannah Grace & Josh Barry Henry Westons Big Top £18 £16 £14 * 24-year old shooting star Hannah Grace’s voice has been described as ‘timeless’. You might recognise her uplifting cover of Fatboy Slim’s ‘Praise You’, incorporating folk, soul, jazz and pop in her music. With his soulful, raw vocals and captivating charisma, Josh Barry won the 2017 Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition, is supporting Rag’n’Bone Man and has already performed at prestigious festivals across Europe. 30
*Plus booking fee: charged at £2 per order.
J41
Donny McCaslin Jazz Arena £20 * Donny McCaslin is a three-time Grammy nominated saxophonist, winning critical acclaim across jazz, rock and electronica and leading the band that collaborated with David Bowie on his final album, Blackstar. Donny’s latest release, Beyond Now, is a set of covers and originals dedicated to his friend Bowie. The band join us for their only UK tour date in what is sure to be a special gig.
SUNDAY 6 MAY
cheltenhamfestivals.com
Jamie’s
Pick
4–5.15pm
J42
Christian McBride Big Band
5.30–6.45pm
Kamasi Washington
Cheltenham Town Hall £24 * The Christian McBride Big Band has a sound which respects the past while looking forward. Playing originals from their Grammy-winning new album Bringin’ It, this will be the band’s first ever UK show and the only British date on their European tour. Five-time Grammy winning American bassist Christian McBride will be joined on stage by an 18-piece band, vocalist Melissa Walker and Danny Ray, the legendary stage announcer for James Brown.
4.15–5.15pm
J44
J43
Alexander Hawkins / Elaine Mitchener Quartet
Henry Westons Big Top £32 £28 £24 * When Kamasi Washington released The Epic in 2015 it reached number one in iTunes Jazz charts around the world and made the young saxophonist one of the biggest names in jazz right now. His music is scattered with elements of hip-hop, classical and R&B music. Since The Epic he has collaborated with influential artists such as Kendrick Lamar, John Legend and Run the Jewels, and made tour stops including Glastonbury, Coachella and now Cheltenham.
‘Constantly surprising and superbly executed cutting-edge music built on winningly familiar foundations’ The Guardian
Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre £14 * Put together for the first time by the Festival in 2015, pianist Alexander Hawkins and vocalist Elaine Mitchener have emerged from that meeting with a powerful quartet featuring two of the most distinctive voices of their generation. Their acclaimed debut album was described by The Guardian as ‘remarkable reinventions by two fearless originals’. The music fuses Mitchener’s unique way with melody and abstraction with Hawkins’ idiosyncratic composition and piano playing. 31
SUNDAY 6 MAY
7–8pm
Box Office 01242 850270
J45
Arun Ghosh Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre £14 * Award-winning clarinettist Arun Ghosh captivates audiences in the UK and internationally with his signature Indo-jazz sound, which fluidly incorporates jazz, rock, folk, South-Asian and ambient styles. His sextet, featuring Chris Williams and Chelsea Carmichael on saxophones, perform music from his new album But where are you really from? as well as previous acclaimed releases.
9.15–10.45pm
32
J48
7.30–8.45pm
J46
Tower of Power
PP Arnold
Cheltenham Town Hall £30 *
Jazz Arena £22 *
For the last five decades, Tower of Power have delivered the best in funk and soul music to sold-out crowds around the world. Through their formative years in San Francisco and a string of hits including What is Hip? and Soul with a Capital S, they have built a huge cult following thanks to unparalleled musicianship. Celebrating their 50th anniversary, the funk powerhouse heads to Cheltenham for the only UK date on their spring tour.
One of the iconic faces of London’s swinging 60’s, US-born PP Arnold is still a household name in soul today. Having worked with musical greats such as The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton to name just a few, she is best known for her all-time favourite songs The First Cut Is The Deepest and Angel Of The Morning.
*Plus booking fee: charged at £2 per order.
SUNDAY 6 MAY
cheltenhamfestivals.com 9–10.30pm
J49
Corinne Bailey Rae Henry Westons Big Top £38 £36 £26 * Grammy Award-winning British songstress and guitarist Corinne Bailey Rae has celebrated huge successes in Europe, the United States and Asia over the past years, including guesting with Stevie Wonder at his Hyde Park concert for a crowd of 100,000. Originally hailing from Leeds, she is bringing her collection of hits such as Green Aphrodisiac, Put Your Records On and Like A Star.
‘boundary-defying, epic music’
11pm–1am
NPR
J51
Kansas Smitty’s Presents: Pete Horsfall’s Sunday Service 9.45–10.45pm
J50
Vein with special guest Stan Sulzmann Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre £14 * The Swiss trio Vein are ‘serial collaborators’, regularly joining forces with guest musicians in horizon-expanding partnerships. Formed specially for the Festival is a new and unconventional Swiss-British quartet with Stan Sulzmann, one of the most important saxophonists in today’s jazz scene. This is the meeting point for four musicians who go way back, as Sulzmann masterfully moves through Vein’s lyrical and groove-heavy compositions.
The Daffodil £16 * Kansas Smitty’s House Band singer Pete Horsfall presents The Sunday Service – a joyous and relaxed evening of swinging southern spirituals, hymns, and gospel tunes to close our Kansas Smitty’s takeover. Following his sold out 2017 gig and the release of his critically acclaimed debut album Nighthawks, Pete will lead the service as his band swing these beautiful melodies for you. For fans of a Sunday sing-along you’ll be welcome to join in song, or just soak up the latenight atmosphere and cocktails. See page 16 for full details.
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MONDAY 7 MAY 11am–12pm
Box Office 01242 850270 J52
Family Show: Bostin’ Brass & Young Pilgrims Jazz Arena £8 * Suitable for adults & kids of all ages Back by popular demand, Birmingham’s awesome Bostin’ Brass are bringing their friends the Young Pilgrims for a New Orleans inspired, double-brassband bonanza for all ages. Young Pilgrims have caused musical mayhem from Paris Jazz Festival to the Commonwealth Games, and this jazz, funk, reggae and ska celebration makes Bostin’s sound even bigger with 13 musicians on stage (and sometimes off it).
2.30–4pm
J54
Showcase: Ashton Jones & Demi Marriner Jazz Arena £10 *
1–2.15pm
J53
Riot Jazz Henry Westons Big Top £18 £16 £14 * These nine brass-wielding superheroes fronted by MC Chunky have become one of the UK’s most exciting live acts over the last decade, having filled festival fields including Glastonbury, Womad and Soundwave Croatia. Anchored in the same New Orleans sound as the Hot 8 Brass Band, Riot Jazz navigate jazz, soul, hiphop samples, funked-up favourites and re-interpreted dance-floor bangers that never fail to send limbs flying! 34
*Plus booking fee: charged at £2 per order.
A double bill of the best talent from last year’s Free Stage line-up. Ashton Jones and his 5-piece band bring old school funk and soul to Cheltenham with original tunes and creative interpretations of a melting pot of artists including Earth, Wind & Fire, Prince, and James Brown. With influences from the Nashville country scene and her UK midlands roots, pop and country singer and songwriter Demi Marriner has opened for Rufus Wainwright and received praise for her her debut EP Tracks and Trails.
Yamaha Discovery Space Family events & workshops for all ages See pages 12–13 for details of today’s events: Beep! Ben Lee & Friends’ Introduction to Jazz, Grace Savage
MONDAY 7 MAY
cheltenhamfestivals.com
4.30–5.45pm
J55
Rick Astley & Ronnie Scott’s Big Band Henry Westons Big Top £44 £38 £26 * Rick Astley has left an unforgettable mark on popculture over the past three decades, which continued with his platinum comeback album in 2016. For Cheltenham, Rick turns his attention to jazz, with the Ronnie Scott’s Big Band and classics such as Come Fly With Me and I’ve Got You Under My Skin transporting him back to the music he heard at home as a child.
‘Their approach is so fresh and their sound so appealing that there’s never a dull moment.’ The Observer
6.30–8pm
J56
8.30–10pm
J57
Empirical
Caro Emerald
Jazz Arena £16 *
Henry Westons Big Top £52 £48 £30 *
This MOBO award-winning quartet are ‘enthusiastically devoted to remaking jazz for a contemporary audience’ (The Guardian), taking 1960’s-style swing in new directions. They head to Cheltenham to premiere material from their forthcoming album, and off the back of their highly successful ‘pop-up jazz lounge’ series, which included performing to over 3,000 commuters in Old Street Station in London.
Returning to Cheltenham following a stunning show in 2015, award-winning pop-jazz singer and style icon Caro Emerald will again bring 1940s and ‘50s Hollywood glamour to the Big Top. Known for chart toppers such as A Night Like This and That Man, Caro is the perfect way to close the Festival with her velvet voice, energetic performance and vibrant swing tunes. 35
CH ELT ENH AM
J A Z Z F E S T I VA L Hotel du Vin presents FREE live jam sessions The party carries on late into the night at our jam sessions, just a short stroll from the Festival. Expect some surprise collaborations and a famous face or two, backed by a house band from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
HOTELDUVIN.com
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HOTEL DU VIN& BISTRO CHELTENHAM events.cheltenham@hotelduvin.com 01242 370 584
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PATRONS We would like to thank all our Patrons for their generous support, including those who have chosen to remain anonymous. Life Patrons Dr Lynda Albertyn & Pat Gallasch Mark and Sue Blanchfield Peter and Anne Bond Dominic and Jannene Collier Michael and Felicia Crystal Colin and Suzanne Doak The Eaton Family Charles Fisher David and John Hall Margaret Headen Diane and Mark Hill Jeremy and Germaine Hitchins Family Jonathan and Cassinha Hitchins Family Stephen and Tania Hitchins Family Jeff and Keren Illiffe Elizabeth and Michael Jones Family Rick and Lisa Jones Steven and Linda Jones The Kwintner Family Hugh and Sue Koch Robert and Moira Leechman Hazel and Jeremy Lewis Graham and Eileen Lockwood The McKelvie Family Fiona McLeod The McWilliam family in loving memory of Ruth McWilliam Keith Norton and Piers Norton Mark and Elizabeth Philip-Sørensen John and Susan Singer
Simon Skinner and Jean Gouldsmith Skinner Andrew Smith Phil and Jennifer Stapleton Liz and Neil Stewart Sharon Studer and Graham Beckett Chris and Bridgette Sunman Fiona and David Symondson Ludmila and Hodson Thornber The Walker Family Michael and Jacqueline Woof
Directors’ Circle Mike and Kerry Alcock Heather Barrett Jack and Dora Black Richard Claridge Michael and Angela Cronk Nigel and Sally Dimmer Miles and Monica Dunkley Carol Farnell Paul and Caroline Feinson Jeremy and Alison Halliday Mark and Moira Hamlin Stephen Hodge Andrew and Caroline Hope Simon and Emma Keswick Andrew and Susanne Malim Lady Marychurch Hayden and Tracy McKinnes Chris Morgan The Oldham Foundation Jan and Gill Rowe Peter Stormonth Darling Charitable Trust Su-Mei & Marcus Thompson Michele Rodriguez Wise and Dustin Wise
Gold Patrons David and Hayley Ashley Geraldine and Jim Beaty Christopher Bence Stephen and Victoria Bond Charlie Chan Colin and Michele Cole Stuart and Gillian Corbyn Wallace and Morag Dobbin Peter and Sue Elliott Maurice Gran and Carol James Mr and Mrs Riff Heber-Percy Lord and Lady Hoffmann Anthony Hoffman and Dr Christine Facer Hoffman Elizabeth Jacobs Sue Jones Jocelyn and Dave McNulty Sir Michael and Lady McWilliam Janet Middleton Paul and Kathy Mottershead Dr Julia Pearson and Dr Keith England Martin and Susan Pickard Shelley and Paul Roberts Sharon and Toby Roberts Khal and Zoe Rudin Brenda Salters and Harold Longmate Elizabeth Saunders Esther and Peter Smedvig Andy and Ali Stalsberg Michelle Thorley Ian and Liz Topping Michael and Rosie Warner Sarah and John Watkins Stephen Wood William Wyman
We would also like to thank all our Silver Patrons who are listed at cheltenhamfestivals.com/patron-acknowledgements
Get closer to the Festivals with Patronage Join this exclusive group of supporters and make a real difference to our work as a charity. • Dedicated ticket line with advance booking • Access to hospitality areas at the Literature and Jazz Festivals • Invitations to special events and parties throughout the year From £75 per month*, your Patronage covers all four Festivals and will support our artistic programme and our education work. To find out more please contact Jessica Lowes on 01242 537263, email jessica.lowes@cheltenhamfestivals.com or visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/patrons *With Gift Aid tax relief, becoming a Patron doesn’t cost as much as you might think and can make your donation go further. Please ask for details.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Cheltenham Jazz Festival is presented by Cheltenham Festivals, a company limited by guarantee, and is a member of the British Arts & Science Festivals Association (artsfestivals.co.uk), Jazz Promotion Network (jazzpromotionnetwork.org.uk) and the Europe Jazz Network (europejazz.net).
Cheltenham Jazz Festival Festival Director Ian George Head of Programming Emily Jones Programme Advisor Tony Dudley-Evans …around town Co-ordinator Becky Woodcock
Cheltenham Festivals Board of Trustees Dominic Collier (Chair) Diane Savory OBE (Vice Chair) Lewis Carnie (Chair of Cheltenham Jazz Festival) Susan Blanchfield Vivienne Parry OBE Edward Gillespie OBE Prof Averil Macdonald OBE Peter Howarth Caroline Hutton
Senior Management Board Ian George (Director of Festivals) Ali Mawle (Director of Education) Adrian Farnell (Director of Finance) Sue Dudley (Director of Marketing and Partnerships) Helena Bibby (General Manager) CF Productions and Box Office Andrew Bate, Elaine Holt, Jo Marsh, Helene Rose
Registered Office 28 Imperial Square, Cheltenham, GL50 1RH
Marketing and Partnerships Kathleen Barnhill, Amy Bates, Samantha Bonnes, John Creedon, James Davis, Sue Dudley, Lisa Garrett, Hanna Goldschmidt, Bairbre Lloyd, Jessica Lowes, Jenna Marks, Arlene McGlynn, Martin Perks, Laura Popperwell, Sarah Sharma, Sam Skillings, Ellie Topham, Matthew Walsh
Company No. 456573 Charity No. 251765 VAT Registration No. 100114013 Main Switchboard No. 01242 511211
Education Philippa Claridge, Sarah Forbes, Ali Mawle, Sharron Pearson, Rose Wood
Company Secretary Matthew Clayton
Operations and Finance Helena Bibby, Adrian Farnell, Angie Hawkins, Adrian Hensley, Aline Imray, Anna Jukes, Amanda Keane, Pete Riley, Megan Watt Festival Advisory Group Mike Bartlett, Joe Baxter, Lewis Carnie (Chair), Marc Connor, Kate Danielson, Tony Dudley-Evans, Leo Green, Hugh Phillimore, Nick Stewart With many thanks to the staff and volunteers who provide invaluable support and help make the Festival a success. Contact If you have any specific comments about any aspect of the Festival, please email boxoffice@ cheltenhamfestivals.com Artwork Credits Main programme illustration © 2018 Sarah Gullen Printed by Orchard Press Cheltenham Ltd. Photography Credits Visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/ photos for a full photo credit list.
If you require this brochure in large format please call 01242 850270.
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GOLD £75 per year ✓ Priority booking ✓ Discounted tickets ✓ Third party offers
Buy up to four tickets per event during priority booking (one discounted, three at full price).
Buy up to six tickets per event during priority booking (two discounted, four at full price).
Join online today at cheltenhamfestivals.com/membership
16–25 Free ✓ Priority booking ✓ 50% discount on
walk up tickets one hour before the event Terms and conditions apply – see cheltenhamfestivals.com
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HOW TO BOOK cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz Make your online booking quicker and easier by building your Wish List before our on sale dates. Then just click and pay on the day.
+44 (0)1242 850270 Before the Festival: There will be a pop-up Box Office in Cheltenham when booking opens. For details visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/booking During the Festival: Festival Box Office, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham, GL50 1UW For queries email boxoffice@cheltenhamfestivals.com For full details about Box Office opening hours, in person and telephone ticket sales, booking fees, terms & conditions and Membership, visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/booking
Special Access Requirements Please book using our online form which will be available from 14 February at cheltenhamfestivals.com/access-requirements
Booking Dates Members’ Priority Booking From 1pm, Wednesday 28 February 2018 Public Booking From 1pm, Wednesday 7 March 2018
Getting to Cheltenham Jazz Festival Cheltenham is easily accessible from all over the UK, by road and rail. Most events take place on the main Festival site, located in central Cheltenham on Montpellier Gardens (GL50 1UW). Other venues are within walking distance. For more information on public transport and car parks go to cheltenhamfestivals.com/your-visit
Festival Venues
REGENT ARCADE
1 Festival Village at Montpellier Gardens
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(including the Henry Westons Big Top, Jazz Arena, Free Stage, Yamaha Discovery Space)
GL50 1UW 2 Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Parabola Arts Centre GL50 3AA
2 3
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MONTPELLIER COURTYARD
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3 Cheltenham Town Hall GL50 1QA 4 Hotel du Vin GL50 3AH 5 The Daffodil GL50 2AE
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6 Malmaison GL50 3AS Charity No. 251765
Illustration by Sarah Gullen