WEST PRINCES STREET GARDENS,
12-6pm
Join us for a breath-taking celebration of costumes, dance and music as we transform the city centre into a kaleidoscope of vibrancy, sound and movement – the perfect free day out for all ages.
Throughout the afternoon, 750 local and international artists will parade and perform throughout West Princes Street Gardens, with performances from KalentuRa Drums (the Netherlands), The Sprite of Monserrate (the Caribbean) and the Edinburgh Chinese Art & Culture Community
The Ross Bandstand opens with the sounds of soca, (Tropical Storm) and samba (Ilê Aiyê), culminates with a Latin American salsa showcase by The Latina Turners
Full programme announced on Friday 14 June - check out EJBF.CO.UK/CARNIVAL for all the latest updates... and for more information on the Goodtrees Mini Carnival.
SUNDAY 14 JULY
SANDY TWEEDDALE’S MESSENGERS OF THE BLUES
Piccolo
6-7.30pm
£15
A new project from Sandy Tweeddale is always something to celebrate. His new band of Chris Agnew (bass and vocals), Ali Petrie (keys) and Willie Molleson (drums and vocals) play everything from BB King to Buddy Guy with Hound Dog Taylor, Bo Diddley and of course boogie and slide guitar... with some original songs thrown in for good measure.
JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS RHYTHM & BLUES ORCHESTRA
FEATURING GILSON LAVIS AND GUEST VOCALISTS RUBY TURNER, LOUISE MARSHALL & SUMUDU JAYATILAKA & INTRODUCING TOBY LEE
Festival Theatre
7.30-9.30pm from £32.50-£67.50
Jools’ Jazz & Blues Festival party is not to be missed! Back by popular demand, the 20-piece band love playing Edinburgh and always deliver an exhilarating live show. Featuring powerhouse drummer Gilson Lavis and guest vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka, the line up is completed by young British blues guitarist Toby Lee
KING LOUIS AND THE PRIMAS LAS VEGAS LOUNGE SHOW
George Square Spiegeltent
5.30-7pm
£16.50
Jump/jive music from a killer band recreating a swinging night in the Sahara Hotel Las Vegas in 1954. After a memorable perfomance at last year’s festival, the band will be joined by Seonaid Aitken as they pay homage to the music of Louis Prima and the vocal talents of Keely Smith. This is exuberant music packed with fun and entertainment, and with the incomparable trombonist and vocalist Dave Batchelor at the helm, a good time is guaranteed.
Lavis
Ruby
SUNDAY 14 JULY
LAURA JURD
St Bride’s Centre
4.30-6pm
£17.50
Joyous music blending feel good rhythms from New Orleans with a dash of Scottish folk tradition.
Specially-written for EJBF24 to embrace the strengths of the exciting band which features Ultan O’Brien (violin), Martin Green (accordion), Ruth Goller (bass) and Corrie Dick (drums).
PART OF FROM FOLK TO FREEDOM. SEE PAGE 4
BLUES AFTERNOON: AL BROWN & THE BLUE GRAINNE DUFFY | KING SIZE SLIM
George Square Spiegeltent 1-4pm £22.50
Big hearted, gorgeously lyrical, feel-good romp, which does not preclude cerebral engagement but which wears its complexities so lightly that one barely notices them.”
Chris May, All About Jazz
COLIN STEELE QUARTETTHE BLUE NILE
St Bride’s Centre
8.30-10.30pm £20
King Size Slim are the real deal. Led by award-winning guitarist, singer/songwriter Toby Barelli, they are a force of nature. With their fat roots, unique bluesy voice and larger-than-life personalities they will have you hooked to their authentic sound. Grainne Duffy blends blues, soul, rock and Celtic influences into emotionally supercharged performances, all delivered with a killer combination of vocal strength, range and intensity and guitar virtuosity. Glasgow based guitarist Al Brown is widely known for his authentic style with clean toned lines, and he honed his craft playing with many fine musicians including Tam White, Zoot Money and Rev Doc to name but a few.
Following on from their highly successful projects celebrating the music of The Pearlfishers and Joni Mitchell, the Colin Steele Quartet now turn their attention to cult Scottish pop icons The Blue Nile for this world premiere.They didn’t sound or function like any normal band with their fusion of sophisticated pop and plaintive vocals. Colin and his quartet of Dave Milligan (piano), Calum Gourlay (bass) and Alyn Cosker (drums) give this distinctive music a jazz twist, reimagining this understated pop modernism with love, affection, and huge imagination.
FUNDED BY EXPO
TENEMENT JAZZ BAND’S CABINET OF CURIOSITIES
St Bride’s Centre 11am-12pm £6
This interactive family show explores the incredible music and inventiveness of early jazz that changed the face of music forever. From sousaphones to gramophones, this travelling museum of curiosities will wow you with rip roaring live music, songs, and instrumental stunts. The audience will get to dance, drum, sing, conduct and even join the band! A magical introduction to live music for young music lovers and their grown-ups.
SUNDAY 14 JULY
AT THE JAZZ BAR
FRASER FIFIELD: SECRET PATH
6-7pm £12.50
Secret Path sees Scottish musician and composer Fraser Fifield fronting an exciting trio featuring two stalwarts of the Scottish jazz scene. Expect funky grooves, adventurous compositions with folk and jazz inflections. Fifield’s low whistle the perfect match for Paul Harrison on Wurlitzer piano and Tom Bancroft on drums. Truly unique.
SUE McKENZIE QUARTET
8-9.30pm £12.50
Sue McKenzie’s gloriously pure and rich saxophone sound brings atmosphere and groove in equal measures. For this performance, she is joined by innovative harpist, composer and singer Esther Swift, bassist Seth Bennet and percussionist Jose Rojas Navea
JAM SESSION
10.30pm-12am £10 (18+)
The classic after hours blow. The top-notch house trio will be joined by a host of talented musicians. PRESENTED BY THE JAZZ BAR
The horn players throw punches, the drummer goes berserk. This is a full on exciting jazz.”
Humo
TROMBONE ENSEMBLE NABOU CLAERHOUT
Piccolo
9-10.15pm £15
Rising European jazz star, Belgian trombonist Nabou returns to EJBF with an octet comprising five trombones and a rhythm section. The music is a revelation: energetic, playful and progressive. Nabou has handpicked her trombone players, each offering a different flavour which adds to the complexity and excitement of the music.
JAZZ FROM BELGIUM
CHRISTOS STYLIANIDES & CORRIE DICK
Leith Arches
7.30-9pm £12.50
Daring and exciting, trumpeter Christos Stylianides delivers a unique and powerful sound that flits between fragile to soaring, as he mixes experimental improvised soundscapes and grooves tinged with a love of the avant-garde. Add in Corrie Dick’s euphoric and inventive drumming and the stage is set for a sonic adventure.
PART OF FROM FOLK TO FREEDOM. SEE PAGE 4
ILÊ AIYÊ
George Square Spiegeltent 9-10.30pm £15 (Standing)
Combining Brazilian rhythms with the traditional Yoruba music, Ilê Aiyê are a Carnival bloc band from Salvador. Driven by drums and vocals, their Afro-Brazilian music is powerful, spiritual, unique and best experienced live. Since forming in 1974, they have performed all over the world, including at the 2014 World Cup, and we can’t wait to have them in Edinburgh as part of their 50th anniversary tour.
Funded by Consulate General of Brazil in Edinburgh and Instituto Guimarães Rosa
MONDAY 15 JULY
ROSE ROOM
George Square Speigeltent 6-7.30pm £17.50
Back by popular demand!
Fronted by virtuoso violinist and singer Seonaid Aitken, the quartet deliver gypsy jazz favourites and self-penned originals with virtuosity, verve and panache. Combining brilliant musicianship and warm personality, these festival favourites recreate the excitement of Rive Gauche Paris of the 30s and 40s, celebrating the Hot Club sounds made famous by Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt.
KONRAD WISZNIEWSKI & DANIELE RAIMONDI
St Bride’s Centre
8.30-10.30pm £15
Sharing precocious fluency, flaring tones and sweeping confidence, Italian trumpeter Daniele Raimondi and Scottish saxophonist Konrad Wiszniewski made a huge splash with their EJBF debut in 2022. With the addition of a crack rhythm section, expect expressive and captivating music packed with energy and style from two musicians at the top of their improvisational game.
FUNDED BY EXPO | JAZZ FROM ITALY
SWING, SWING, SWING
St Bride’s Centre 2-4pm £15
John Burgess (clarinet and saxophone), Brian Kellock (piano) and Max Popp (drums) are Scotland’s three great ambassadors of swing. In their superstar trio, they cover all the classics, from Fats Waller stride to dixieland clarinet; Benny Goodman to Count Basie. Fabulous swing fun!
CHRIS BATCHELOR’S ZOETIC
St Bride’s Centre 6-7pm £17.50
Chris Batchelor is renowned for his distinctive compositions from his days writing for the influential groups Loose Tubes and Big Air. His latest all-star band offers a host of rich textures from East African guitar band grooves to echoes of wistful European folk themes and sinuous lines reminiscent of Arabic music. He is joined by Margrit Hasler (viola), John Parricelli (guitar), Steve Watts (bass) and Paul Clarvis (percussion).
PART OF FROM FOLK TO FREEDOM SEE PAGE 4
Lush textures to bathe in.”
BBC Radio 3
CILI MARSALL
Meadowbank Church 7.30-8.30pm £15
Sensational Hungarian pianist, Cili Marsall makes her Scottish debut. She plays the hottest music ever invented for the piano, boogie woogie and stride. Steeped in the tradition, she delivers formidable stylings and dynamic rhythms which combine with a fearlessness to create fantastic rollicking fun. Don’t miss this shooting star pianist.
MONDAY 15 JULY
AT THE JAZZ BAR
DE BEREN GIEREN
6-7pm
£15
This Belgian piano trio stands out from the crowd. Using simple, hypnotic riffs with electronic effects their music is multi-layered, improvised and visionary, often taking in some groovy urgency or old school stride along the way. Minimalism and bursting energy go hand in hand creating a genuine hybrid that never sounds contrived.
JAZZ FROM BELGIUM
THE JAZZ BAR BIG BAND
8-9.30pm
£18
The Monday night big band deliver a programme of music inspired by the legendary Duke Ellington LIMITED TICKETS – BOOK EARLY!
JAM SESSION
10.30pm-12am
£10 (18+)
The classic after hours blow. The top-notch house trio will be joined by a host of talented musicians.
PRESENTED BY THE JAZZ BAR
NIKI KING: ECHOS OF INFLUENCE
HONOURING SARAH VAUGHAN & DINAH WASHINGTON
George Square Spiegeltent
8.30-10.30pm £17.50
Echoes of Influence is a beautiful fusion of past and present, showcasing timeless melodies and soulful rhythms that defined an era and celebrating the brilliance of Sarah Vaughan and Dinah Washington as we commemorate what would have been 100 years since their birth. Acclaimed Scottish singer Niki King highlights their lasting influence and inspiration through her own exceptional voice and songwritingdon’t miss this extraordinary evening.
EDINBURGH NAPIER UNIVERSITY
JAZZ SUMMER SCHOOL 15 TO 19 JULY 2024
SKYLLA | SIMONE SEALES
Traverse Bar 8-9.20pm £15
Original and inventive, bewitching and polyphonic, Skylla have taken Europe by storm. Featuring Ruth Goller (Melt Yourself Down) on bass guitar and vocals, as well as featuring outstanding UK vocalists Lauren Kinsella (Snowpoet) and Alice Grant (Matthew Herbert), they take inspiration from Bulgarian folk song to free jazz. Simone Seales is a cellist and improviser whose solo opening set embraces the unexpected.
PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH SOUNDHOUSE | FUNDED BY EXPO | PART OF FROM FOLK TO FREEDOM. SEE PAGE 4
Led by saxophonist Sue McKenzie, the summer school is open to musicians over the age of 14 who are ideally around Grade 5 or above on their chosen instrument. The course promises a cross-generational, intensive immersion into the practical aspects of playing jazz, delivered by an expert team of tutors and culminates in a concert as part of the festival programme on Friday 19 July (see page 27).
TUESDAY 16 JULY
HAVANA SWING
St Bride’s Centre 2-4pm £15
Inspired by the music of Django Reinhardt’s fabulous quintet, the Hot Club de Paris, Havana Swing combine artistry, fun and feel-good music featuring clarinettist Walter Smith and a top-notch ensemble.
ALI AFFLECK & THE TRAVELLING JANES | TENEMENT JAZZ BAND WITH CILI MARSALL
Portobello Town Hall
7.30-9.30pm £20
A double bill of fantastic traditional jazz. Ali Affleck leads five fantastic musicians from four countries, reviving the joyful, irreverent and wild music of the past. Playing the melodies and songs that made pioneers of jazz and blues such as Louis Armstrong, Ma Rainey, Jelly Roll Morton, and Sidney Bechet immortal. This bold music is as vibrant and relevant today as it was during the prohibition period and The Janes play with the same rapture and joyous spirit that the original composers intended. A new collaboration for the ever-entertaining Tenement Jazz Band, the band who revive the sounds of traditional New Orleans jazz in Scotland. They are joined by sensational Hungarian boogiewoogie and stride pianist, Cili Marsall for a dynamic, rollicking performance.
FUNDED BY EXPO
KRISTINA BARTA TRIO
St Bride’s Centre
8.30-10.30pm £15
One of the most incisively influential talents on the burgeoning Czech jazz scene, award-winning pianist Kristina Barta offers a fresh approach to the jazz trandition. Her music is elegant and bursting with charisma, from fragile and melancholic laments to soaring, resonant soundscapes as her piano trio pushes the boundaries while always remaining just within the lines.
PART OF SPARK: JAZZ FROM CZECH
SANGUE LATINO
Piccolo
6.45-8.45pm £15
A celebration of the music of Brazil and Spain from two acclaimed musicians, singer Giulia Drummond and bassist Mario Caribe. Exploring the Brazilian and Spanish sonic worlds of Milton Nascimento Mercedes Sosa, Geraldo Azevedo and Maná and Pablo Milanés, the tunes range from evocative and powerful to contemplative and languid. Funded by ASELE, Consulado General de España en Edimburgo, Consulate General of Brazil in Edinburgh, Instituto Guimarães Rosa, Insituto Cervantes
TUESDAY 16 JULY
AT THE JAZZ BAR
UNDO REDO
6-7pm £15
A sound exploration like no other. Czechian electronic jazz trio Undo Redo fizz with invention, melding elements of jazz, Afro-American music, and classical music to create a dynamic mix of electronics, loops, and dance beats with a focus on improvisation.
PART OF SPARK: JAZZ FROM CZECH
CHUN-WEI KANG: NEW SONG
8-9.30pm £12.50
After a fantastic debut at last year’s festival, this young drummer from the ever-exciting Glasgow jazz scene is making waves. Showing skill well beyond his years, he plays with a melodic and rhythmic mastery and will be joined by Jon Green (trumpet/electronics), Tom Gibbs (piano) and Ewan Hastie (bass).
FUNDED BY EXPO
JAM SESSION
10.30pm-12am £10 (18+)
The classic after hours blow. The top-notch house trio will be joined by a host of talented musicians. PRESENTED BY THE JAZZ BAR
THE UNFURROWED FIELD
George Square Spiegeltent 6-7.30pm £18
Mercury Prize-nominated pianist Fergus McCreadie and his spellbinding trio join the Manchester Collective, an eminently versatile string quartet, to blast through an irresistible collection of music that lives somewhere between the boundaries of jazz, new classical and folk. It’s music that goes straight to the heart, full of warmth and optimism.
FUNDED BY EXPO
kitti
George Square Spiegeltent 8.30-10.30pm £15
A visionary artist in the modern musical landscape.”
Jazz Sensibilities
Singer/songwriter kitti is one of the fastest rising stars on the Scottish scene. Winner of the Female Breakthrough Award at the 2023 Scottish Music Awards, her enthralling blend of gritty soul and jazz, smoky vocals and unique lyrics makes it easy to see why fans are making comparisons to the likes of Jorja Smith and Alicia Keys. Joining her band is one of Italy’s finest young jazz trumpeters Daniele Raimondi
FUNDED BY EXPO PART OF JAZZ FROM ITALY
NORMAN WILLMORE SEXTET
St Bride’s Centre 6-7pm £15
Scottish saxophonist Norman Willmore has pulled together a talented supergroup that includes two members of Mercurynominated British band Dinosaur - Laura Jurd (trumpet) and Corrie Dick (drums). Their bewitching music takes inspiration from the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of the Shetland Islands, incorporating elements of contemporary Scandinavian jazz and improvised music to create a unique sound that is both fresh and captivating.
PART OF FROM FOLK TO FREEDOM SEE PAGE 4
WEDNESDAY 17 JULY
DAVINA & THE VAGABONDS
George Square Spiegeltent 6-7.30pm £22.50
She’s back for 2024! Davina sings and plays the music we love with an honesty and craft that endears her to audiences in a special way. She’s been compared to the likes of Etta James, Janis Joplin, or Billie Holiday but she is truly one-of-a-kind. Backed by a top-quality band that play jazz, blues, soul, swing, rock ‘n roll with passion, energy and a whole lotta fun, Davina is a festival favourite for good reason.
BRIAN MOLLEY: HENRY MANCINI
St Bride’s Centre 2-4pm
£15
Scottish saxophonist Brian Molley pays tribute to American musician, composer and conductor Henry Mancini. Winner of four Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and twenty Grammy Awards, Mancini is often cited as one of the greatest composers in the history of film, with a legacy that includes The Pink Panther theme and Moon River Brian is joined by Alan Benzie on piano, Brodie Jarvie on bass and Max Popp on drums.
THEO CROKER
George Square Spiegeltent 9.30-11pm
£20
Renowned for his entrancing trumpet melodies and innovative musical approach, American trumpeter Theo Croker is a standout figure in the contemporary music scene. He delves deep into the genre-bending, spiritually enlightened, funk-influenced jazz sound, complemented with high-wired soloing. An adventurous jazz musician known for his cosmically minded take on post-bop, funk, and electronic-tinged fusion – don’t miss this Edinburgh debut.
WEDNESDAY 17 JULY
AT THE JAZZ BAR
SIMON HERBERHOLZ
6-7pm £12.50
Rising star saxophonist Simon Herberholz makes his EJBF debut. Having studied under Tommy Smith and Paul Towndrow at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, he’s an exciting new talent on the scene, ably supported by Ewan Johnston (piano), Ewan Hastie (double bass), and Chun-Wei Kang (drums) - a young band brimming with talent and invention.
FUNDED BY EXPO
TREETOP
8-9.30pm £15
With influences spanning from jazz and folkloric to classical and contemporary, Czech trio Treetop combine accordion, trombone and double bass to create boundary-breaking sounds. Swaying from confident and assertive to moments of poignant emotion with breathtaking interplay, they make their Scottish debut.
PART OF SPARK: JAZZ FROM CZECH
JAM SESSION
10.30pm-12am £10 (18+)
The classic after hours blow. The top-notch house trio will be joined by a host of talented musicians. PRESENTED BY THE JAZZ BAR
JED POTTS & THE HILLMAN HUNTERS
St Bride’s Centre
8.30-10.30pm £15
A band brimming with passion, playfulness and intensity, The Hillman Hunters are an electric trio, playing blues inspired by 50s and 60s American greats, from Freddie King to Howlin’ Wolf. Infectious guitar lines, grooving bass lines, playful drums and raw tinged vocals range from moody to gritty creating blues-infused rock with irresistible melodies.
A distinctive new voice in a crowded scene.”
BBC Music Magazine
MATT CARMICHAEL QUINTET
St Bride’s Centre 6-7pm £16.50
Saxophonist Matt Carmichael is one of the brightest young talents on the Scottish scene. Creating rhythmically engaging, emotionally uplifting folk infused jazz, his quintet feature the talents of award-winning fiddle player Charlie Stewart, as well as Fergus McCreadie, Ali Watson, and Stephen Henderson
SALTIRE STREET BAND
Murrayfield Church
6.30-7.30pm
£12.50
Led by trombonist Patrick Kenny, and featuring some of Scotland’s finest brass, wind and percussion players, Saltire Street Band are Edinburgh’s own New Orleans inspired brass band. The six-piece band create a mix of upbeat, feel-good tunes that will get you moving, giving new life to New Orleans classics and playing contemporary arrangements with a brass band twist.
THURSDAY 18 JULY
NIK WEST
NIK
La Belle Angele 7.30-9.30pm £22.50
Downright funky and explosive, Nik West is regarded as the heir to the legacy of the legendary Prince, and she will blow the roof off when she makes her Edinburgh debut. Described as the queen of bass guitar she has played with Quincy Jones, Santana, Macy Gray, Bootsy Collins, George Clinton and Esperanza Spalding.
Fiercely swinging numbers peppered with spicy, punch-packing solos.”
The Herald
TOM GORDON’S KANSAS CITY 7
St Bride’s Centre 2-4pm £15
Swing classics inspired by the small groups of Count Basie, Benny Goodman and more. Featuring the talents of Scotland’s finest, Tom Gordon (drums) will be joined by Lorne Cowieson (trumpet), Dick Lee (reeds), Phil O’Malley (trombone), Duncan Findlay (guitar), David Patrick (piano), Ewan Hastie (bass).
The female Lenny Kravitz.”
Dave Stewart, The Eurythmics
DAVINA
& THE VAGABONDS
George Square Spiegeltent 6-7.30pm £22.50
Davina sings and plays the music we love with an honesty and craft that endears her to audiences in a special way. She’s been compared to the likes of Etta James, Janis Joplin, or Billie Holiday but she is truly one-of-a-kind. Backed by a top-quality band that play jazz, blues, soul, swing, rock ‘n roll with passion, energy and a whole lotta fun, Davina is a festival favourite for good reason.
THURSDAY 18 JULY
ANOUSHKA NANGUY BAND
Piccolo
8.30-10.30pm £15
Within Glasgow’s vibrant young jazz scene, Noushy has forged her own path as a hip-hop-informed musician and poet who loves jazz standards, swing and soulful blues. Her influences are wide ranging from the likes of Pharoah Sanders, Kenny Garrett and Sarah Vaughan to Wycliffe Gordon, Jill Scott and rapper, Noname. As well as starring roles with corto.alto and the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, she has been writing her own music which she is premiering for the festival.
FUNDED BY EXPO
MR SIPP
George Square Spiegeltent 8.30-10.30pm £25
Mississippi guitarist and vocalist Castro Coleman (AKA Mr. Sipp) knocks audiences out wherever he goes with the soulful warmth and consummate brilliance of his shows. He combines the best of old-school soulblues with modern lyrics and themes that bring the blues into a new century, and he presents it all with a swagger. A top guitarist who always looks for emotional charge rather than technical effect; a writer with real song writing skills; and a singer with the ultimate southern blues voice.
BRIAN KELLOCK & SCOTT HAMILTON
St Bride’s Centre 6-7pm £17.50
A treat for fans of mainstream jazz as legendary American saxophonist Scott Hamilton renews his partnership with Scottish swing jazz titan, pianist Brian Kellock. They share a perfect sense of swing, with Scott’s warm, expressive saxophone the perfect match for Brian’s joyful and passionate playing. A swinging evening of great music and good company – book early.
LIANE CARROLL
Patina
7.30-9.30pm
£40
A world-class performer, Liane Carroll’s powerful, blues-tinged voice combined with masterful piano playing and exciting infectious material, not to mention a wicked sense of humour, make this a truly remarkable gig. The intimate and attractive surrounds of Patina and a delicious supper platter enhance this rare solo show.
RESERVED SEATING. TICKET INCLUDES SUPPER PLATTER – SEE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
THURSDAY 18 JULY
AT THE JAZZ BAR
DUSOVÁ | WATSON | HENDERSON
6-7pm £12.50
Three players who mix traditional influences with contemporary jazz play together for the first time: saxophonist Nela Dusová, bassist Ali Watson and drummer Stephen Henderson. These musicians from Czechia and Scotland combine experimentation with peerless improvisation.
FUNDED BY EXPO | PART OF SPARK: JAZZ FROM CZECH
AKU!
8.30-10pm £12.50
A sonic attack from a blistering power trio. AKU! blend jazz, dance party, and heavy rock into doom jazz, weaving together a searing mix of expressive and inspired solos, incessant and pulsating grooves, and explosive, thundering drums. Harry Weir (saxophone, FX), Liam Shortall (trombone, FX) and Graham Costello (drums).
JAM SESSION
10.30pm-12am £10 (18+)
The classic after hours blow. The top-notch house trio will be joined by a host of talented musicians. PRESENTED BY THE JAZZ BAR
Few world-class jazz improvisers are comparably imaginative composers, but the British reeds player Tim Garland is that rarity.”
The Guardian
TIM GARLAND LIGHTHOUSE TRIO
St Bride’s Centre
8.30-10.30pm £22.50
Grammy winning saxophonist Tim Garland packs lyricism and power in equal measure. 2024 sees the 20th anniversary of this trio that features pianist Gwilym Simcock (Pat Metheny, Antonio Sanchez, Linda Oh) and percussionist Asaf Sirkis (Dave Holland, Jacob Collier, Larry Coryell, Gary Husband). Showcasing a fusion of folk, classical music and middle eastern rhythms, this is a truly unique and formidable band where interplay is paramount.
EDY FOREY
Piccolo
6-7.30pm £15
Up-and-coming Edinburghbased urban jazz duo Edy Forey deliver original groovejunkie material with lyrical passion. Pianist-composer
Guilhem Forey and singer Edy Szewy will be backed by their Scotland-based band to play songs from their all-star debut album Culture Today
FULL FAT
Leith Dockers
8-10pm £12.50
Punchy, smooth and bursting with soul, Full Fat are a killer live band. Their origins are in blues and roots, and they add their own unique measure of funk, rock and soul to the mix, with a healthy dose of down and dirty guitar riffs sprinkled in. This power-trio are electrifying live.
FRIDAY 19 JULY
JERRON PAXTON
Piccolo
6-7.30pm
£17.50
Back by popular demand. An amazing multi-instrumentalist, Jerron ‘Blind Boy’ Paxton carries the torch for traditional acoustic blues, mixing ragtime, hokum, old time, French reels, Appalachian mountain music and, of course, blues all in the true songster tradition.
JENSEN INTERCEPTORS | REDFISH
La Belle Angele
7.30-9.30pm
£15
Fronted by Gary Martin’s trenchant vocals and harmonica playing, Jensen Interceptors are a band who deliver rocking blues straight out of the Chicago tradition. They tear through a mix of covers by the likes of Slim Harpo, Little Walter, T’Bone Walker and Muddy Waters as well as their own original songs. Dynamic, high-energy Redfish Blues Band open the concert with their distinctive mix of blues, roots, jazz and soul. They deliver a barnstorming set of interpretations of classics from the canon mixed with mix original compositions.
George Square Spiegeltent 8-9.30pm £25
DAVINA & THE VAGABONDS
Davina sings and plays the music we love with an honesty and craft that endears her to audiences in a special way. She’s been compared to the likes of Etta James, Janis Joplin, or Billie Holiday but she is truly one-of-a-kind. Backed by a top-quality band that play jazz, blues, soul, swing, rock ‘n roll.
CLASSIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA
St Bride’s Centre 1-3pm
£16
Step back into the golden age of swing with the band that sets the standard for classic jazz, playing a repertoire ranging from Jelly Roll Morton to Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. This eightpiece band features Colin Steele (trumpet), Chris Greive (trombone), Dick Lee (saxes/clarinet), Konrad Wiszniewski (saxophone), Martin Foster (saxes/clarinet), Paul Harrison (piano), Roy Percy (bass) and Tom Gordon (drums).
FRIDAY 19 JULY
MAMA TERRA
Piccolo
8.30-10.30pm £15
Scottish jazz/soul/spiritual music from the minds of Marco Cafolla and Konrad Wiszniewski. Influenced by John and Alice Coltrane, Nina Simone, McCoy Tyner and Miles Davis to Kamasi Washington, Erykah Badu and Robert Glasper, they are a band on the rise. Signed to the legendary Acid Jazz Records, their first release shot straight to the top of the iTunes jazz chart and they make their EJBF debut this year.
LONDON AFROBEAT COLLECTIVE
George Square Spiegeltent
11pm-12.30am £17.50 (Standing)
Get ready for the best late-night grooves! They sold out at last year’s festival, and this year London Afrobeat Collective are back to once again bring the party to the Spiegeltent! The nine-strong band are an explosive live act who channel the spirit of Afrobeat founder, Fela Kuti, Parliament Funkadelic and Frank Zappa to create a relentless mix of funky highlife and Yoruba – a good time guaranteed.
HAMISH McGREGOR AND HIS JAZZMEN
PLAY BALL, BARBER & BILK
George Square Spiegeltent 5-6.30pm £16.50
Clarinet virtuoso and traditional jazz band leader extraordinaire, Hamish McGregor pays tribute to the three big hitters of the British trad jazz revival. the bean features Colin Steele (trumpet) and Dave Batchelor (trombone). All the fun and all the hits!
LORNA REID
St Bride’s Centre 6-7pm £15
Cool and classy takes on The Great American songbook and original songs, including tunes from her new album. Lorna Reid has been described as having the ‘swing of Ella, soul of Nina and heartbreak of Billie’. Expect songs from the greats including Cole Porter and Gershwin with influences from the legendary divas such as Ella Fitzgerald and Julie Christie to Diane Krall and Melodie Gardot.
FRIDAY 19 JULY
AT THE JAZZ BAR
ENUJSS CONCERT
2-3.30pm
£6
An opportunity to see and hear the jazz stars of the future as the summer school students show off their newly acquired skills. Led by saxophonist Sue Mckenzie
TRIO HENYA
6-7.30pm
£15
This Czech trio play beautiful, beguiling music, blending classical music with European jazz and Balkan influences. They play with subtlety, finesse, intricacy and create compelling compositions which swing, whilst drawing audiences into their mesmeric atmospheres.
PART OF SPARK: JAZZ FROM CZECH
MATTHEW KILNER QUARTET
8-9.30pm £12.50
With a new album and a killer rhythm section, saxophonist Matthew Kilner delivers fresh music which has been inspired by the North-East of Scotland. With beautiful tone and melodic lines he delivers high-energy jazz in the company of Ewan Hastie on bass and Alyn Cosker on drums.
FUNDED BY EXPO
JAM SESSION
10.30pm-12am £10 (18+)
The classic after hours blow. The top-notch house trio will be joined by a host of talented musicians. PRESENTED BY THE JAZZ BAR
THE SWING CATS
Port of Leith Distillery 7-9pm £16.50
The swing quartet of the moment presents a programme that recalls classic jazz songs but in an original and acoustic format. The warm and melodious voice of Jaqueline Djohar celebrates the music of the 30s and 40s, songs by artists such as Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields.
GIL SCOTT-HERON SONGBOOK
Port of Leith Distillery 10-11.30pm £16.50 (Standing)
Extraordinary guitarist and vocalist Aki Remally pays homage to Gil Scott-Heron. He delves deep into the work of the revolutionary poet, jazz musician and rap pioneer whose lyrics covered politics, culture and social injustice - expect a whole lotta of funk, jazz and soul tunes from Gil Scott-Heron’s repertoire. He is joined by dynamic keyboardist Rob Harrison
KULTURA
The Pitt, Granton 7.30-9.30pm Free
Exciting, uplifting, grooving and soulful music. With influences that include Brad Meldhau, John Scofield and Dr. John, Kultura are Harry Higgs (guitar), Cameron Bradley (bass) and Vid Gobac (drums).
ROBERTO GATTO PERFECTRIO
St Bride’s Centre 9-10.30pm
£16.50
Top Italian jazz drummer Roberto Gatto has collaborated with the likes of Joe Zawinul, John Scofield, Lee Konitz and Chet Baker during his illustrious career. Perfectrio sees him working with two of the most exciting young players on the Italian scene Alfonso Santimone (piano, fender Rhodes) and Pierpaolo Ranieri (electric bass). Keeping the link to the tradition they add electronics to their improvisational palette ranging from moments of great energy and groove which alternate with periods of high lyricism.
PART OF JAZZ FROM ITALY
SATURDAY 20 JULY
One of the most innovative, exciting and original trumpet players alive."
Jazzwise
PLAYTIME FEATURING BYRON WALLEN
St Bride’s Centre
6-7pm £16.50
Trumpeter and composer Byron Wallen is one of the most influential musicians on the British jazz scene. For this special concert, he joins Playtime - Martin Kershaw (saxophone), Graeme Stephen (guitar), Mario Caribe (bass) and Tom Bancroft (drums) – for a magnificent musical conversation ranging from spontaneous and inventive to a celebration of the tradition.
FUNDED BY EXPO
SOWETO KINCH TRIO
George Square Spiegeltent
8-9.30pm £17.50
Alto-saxophonist, MC and composer Soweto Kinch has amassed an unprecedented array of accolades including two MOBO awards, two Urban Music Awards and a Mercury Prize nomination. A titan of the UK jazz scene, his exhilarating, hard hitting jazz is complemented by racing freestyle lyrics and hip-hop stylings. Great music, showmanship and sheer energy - don't miss it.
BLUES AFTERNOON: JERRON PAXTON | DOUG MacLEOD | MARK HARRISON BAND
George Square Spiegeltent
1-4pm £22.50
He’s back! An amazing multi-instrumentalist, Jerron ‘Blind Boy’ Paxton always leaves audiences smiling with his mix of ragtime, hokum, old time, French reels, Appalachian mountain music and, of course, blues. Doug MacLeod is a blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter from St. Louis A solo troubadour, he’s paid his dues playing with Lowell Fulson, Pee Wee Crayton, and Big Joe Turner. He’s lived the life and he tells the stories with great wit and charm. A thrilling, rhythmic finger-picker and slide player, with a very distinctive style and sound. Mark Harrison plays a 1934 National resonator guitar and a 12-string guitar, as well as singing. His band fuses roots music, including folk, blues and gospel to create an original sound.
THE SWING CATS
Piccolo
6-7.30pm £17.50
The swing quartet of the moment presents a repertoire that recalls classic jazz songs but in an original and acoustic format. The warm and melodious voice of Jaqueline Djohar celebrates the music of the 30s and 40s, with songs by artists such as Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields.
SATURDAY 20 JULY
JERRON PAXTON
St Bride’s Centre
8.30-10.30pm £20
We're delighted to welcome back a festival favourite. An amazing multi-instrumentalist, Jerron ‘Blind Boy’ Paxton carries the torch for traditional acoustic blues, mixing ragtime, hokum, old time, French reels, Appalachian mountain music and, of course, blues all in the true songster tradition.
RIOT JAZZ BRASS BAND
George Square Spiegeltent
11pm-12.30am £17.50 (Standing)
This New Orleans style brass band deliver original peace-lovin’ aggro jazz, hip-hop samples, funked-up favourites and re-interpreted dubstep, drum’n’bass and dancefloor bangers that never fail to send limbs flying! This nine-piece brass-heavy combo are fronted by the prodigious MC CHUNKY and have played festival fields at Soundwave, Bestival, WOMAD, Kendall Calling, Kelburn Garden Party and Glastonbury.
Red Stripe’s immediate rapport with the audience and quirky humour makes this show unmissable."
Stephen Fry
RED STRIPE BAND
George Square Spiegeltent
5.30-6.30pm £16.50
Red Stripe and his seven-piece band are back with another rollicking mix of 1930s boogie woogie, 1940s swing and 1950s rock ‘n roll –all part of their mission to give audiences a good time.
Packing a hefty punch.”
The Guardian
DOUG MacLEOD
Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre 7.30-9pm £10
A multiple blues award winner, Doug MacLeod is known for his superb song writing, guitar wizardry, warm soulful vocals, wit, and unforgettable live performances. His knack for storytelling is unmatched, and this solo set is the perfect fit for the intimate surroundings of Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre.
SATURDAY 20 JULY
AT THE JAZZ BAR
ELCHIN SHIRINOV & LOUISE DODDS
6-7.30pm £12.50
Scottish jazz vocalist and songwriter Louise Dodds and Azerbaijani pianist, composer and arranger Elchin Shirinov deliver classy music inspired by traditional Scottish songs rearranged with influences of jazz, classical and Azerbaijani folk.
ENDEMIT
8.30-10pm £15
High-octane jazz/garage/ rock fusion played with a punk attitude and joyful vibe. Endemit create a hard-hitting, addictive sound full of thick grooves, exhilarating melodies and propulsive improvisation that leaves audiences wanting more. PART OF SPARK: JAZZ FROM CZECH
JAM SESSION
10.30pm-12am £10 (18+)
The classic after hours blow. The top-notch house trio will be joined by a host of talented musicians. PRESENTED BY THE JAZZ BAR
NICOLE SMIT SINGS JAZZ
Piccolo
8.30-10.30pm
£17.50
Singer Nicole Smit has wowed Edinburgh audiences with her uplifting and inspirational performances drenched in the history of the blues. Now she turns to jazz with music inspired by Dinah Washington, Etta James, Eartha Kitt and Billie Holiday –singers with jazz techniques but also cool, bluesy-textured voices.
COLIN STEELE KINGS OF SWING
St Bride’s Centre 1-3pm £17.50
Scottish trumpeter Colin Steele leads a stellar line-up as he celebrates the swinging dance tunes from the 30s and 40s. Drawing from the likes of Louis Armstrong and Kenny Ball, expect familiar tunes played with vibrancy and freshness from Martin Foster (clarinet and saxophone), Campbell Normand (piano), Roy Percy (double bass) and Jim Drummond (drums).
MAID OF THE FORTH
Hawes Pier, South Queensferry
7.30-10.30pm £25
Step aboard the Maid of the Forth and enjoy an evening of music and spectacular views as you sail alongside the three iconic bridges that cross the river Forth. Setting sail from South Queensferry, this special three-hour cruise features music from house band the Maid of the Forth Stompers as they celebrate their 35th year playing on board. Expect a mixture of dixieland and traditional jazz as well as interesting tales about the local landmarks you will encounter along the way.
SOUND EXPLORERS
Currie Community Centre 10-11am £6 + North Merchiston Club
2.30-3.30pm £6
Are you ready to uncover the exciting world of sounds and rhythms? Come on a journey with us from jazz music to sonic creation using some crazy instruments and fun props. This creative and interactive workshop is led by saxophonist and educator Sue McKenzie (Jazz for Kids). She is joined by her co-explorers Esther Swift on harp and Jose Rojas on percussion.
SUITABLE FOR 5–9-YEAR-OLDS
BLUES AFTERNOON: BLUES ’N’ TROUBLE | GERRY JABLONSKI AND THE ELECTRIC BAND
| DIXIE FRIED
George Square Spiegeltent
1-4pm
£22.50
Guitarist John Bruce and singer and harmonica player Tim Elliott return to recreate the magic of the legendary Blues ’N’ Trouble. Their deep understanding of the roots of the blues underpinned high energy shows inspired by classic electric Chicago blues and boogie and packed with classic tunes by John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson. Gerry Jablonski and the Electric Band deliver infectious blues rock, slow burners, and high-octane blues stompers led by driving guitar riffs. With their unique sound, swagger, and well-honed stagecraft they deliver gusty, powerful performances and they turn the volume up loud! Kicking off the afternoon, Dixie Fried bring their deep and dirty Mississippi rooted blues-rock to the Spiegeltent.
THE SWING CATS
St Bride’s Centre
1-3pm
£16
The swing quartet of the moment presents a repertoire that recalls classic jazz songs but in an original and acoustic format. The warm and melodious voice of Jaqueline Djohar celebrates the music of the 30s and 40s, songs by artists such as Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields.
The best bass soloist I've heard at his age - ever!"
Tommy Smith
EWAN HASTIE TRIO
Piccolo
6-7.30pm
£12.50
The multi-award winning musician and composer is fast making his mark on the UK music scene, and his trio features two of Scotland's most talented musicians. Hastie’s skills in jazz improvisation and creativity are balanced by the mastery of Tom Gibb’s touch and melodic sensibility on the piano and supported by the wizardry of Stephen Henderson’s versatility on the drums, creating a modern and mature sound.
GRAEME STEPHEN: TREE SONGS
St Bride’s Centre
5-6.30pm £17.50
New music and a new octet from a top Scottish guitarist. Beautiful melodies, classical inflections, folk rhythms, and jazz create evocative sounds, inspired by trees, the forest and our relationship with nature. Graeme is joined by Aidan O'Rourke (violin), Martin Kershaw (clarinet/ saxophone), Fiona Winning (viola), Donald Grant (violin), Christie Elliot (cello), Elie Afif (double bass) and Doug Hough (drums).
FUNDED BY EXPO
SUNDAY 21 JULY
Mellow, soulful guitar and legendary fluency.”
The Observer
JIM MULLEN: BURNS
St Bride’s Centre
8-10pm £17.50
Arguably the finest jazz guitarist the UK has produced, Jim Mullen gets into a groove with his take on the songs of Robert Burns. From Banks and Braes to My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose, expect hard swinging, melodic, blues-drenched modern jazz, and plenty of musical fireworks as he is joined by David Milligan (piano), Mario Caribe (bass) and Max Popp (drums).
SISTER COOKIE
George Square Spiegeltent
8-10pm £18.50
After a stunning EJBF debut in 2023, Sister Cookie is back! From London via Lagos, the charismatic singer and her band deliver a unique blend of 50s/60s blues and jazz, influenced by the West African rhythms learnt from her upbringing. Inspired by greats like Eartha Kitt, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith, her smoky, soulful vocals and stage presence is unmatched.
JERRON PAXTON
George Square Spiegeltent
5-6.30pm £17.50
Jerron Paxton carries the torch for traditional acoustic blues. He’s the most sensational newcomer in the blues since the originals left us. He plays banjo, fiddle, guitar, piano, harmonica, Cajun accordion, and the bones, all of them brilliantly. He sings with a classic weary tone when he wants, and is cheerfully bright on upbeat tunes. He tells stories and jokes that show he’s as smart as a button, easing audiences into a good time. He mixes it all in the true songster tradition: ragtime, hokum, old time, French reels, Appalachian mountain music and, of course, blues, and he always leaves audiences smiling.
Super tight horns, a funky rhythm section, heroic guitar and cool vocals.”
The Times
JAMES BROWN IS ANNIE
Piccolo
8.30-10.30pm £15
With their high energy soulfunk-jazz, James Brown is Annie light up a venue with their groove-based get-on-down funk. Inspired by Average White Band and Steely Dan,
AT THE JAZZ BAR
TRIO MAGICO
6-7pm £12.50
A celebration of the music of Brazilian piano and guitar virtuoso, Egberto Gismonti Infectious rhythms and beautifully intense melodies are presented in a new light through inspiring jazz improvisation by Paul Harrison (piano), Mario Caribe (bass) and Stuart Brown (drums).
HELENA KAY QUARTET
8-9.30pm £15
A beguiling saxophonist with improvisational prowess, Helena Kay is rooted in the jazz tradition but takes inspiration from more contemporary artists such as Melissa Aldana, Dayna Stephens and Carla Bley. Their sheer musicality, sure tone and beautifully expressed flow of ideas create stand out performances. Peter Johnstone (piano), Calum Gourlay (double bass) and Alyn Cosker (drums) complete the line up. FUNDED BY EXPO
JAM SESSION
10.30pm-12am £10 (18+)
The classic after hours blow. The top-notch house trio will be joined by a host of talented musicians. PRESENTED BY THE JAZZ BAR
