Brighton offers a real alternative
The Brighton Alternative Jazz Festival takes place Sept 11-12 with a programme of respected improvisational performers from both sides of the Atlantic.
The inaugural Brighton Alternative Jazz Festival will take place in the town’s Old Market Sept 11-12 with a programme of respected improvisational performers from both sides of the Atlantic.
The organisers have described the festival as, “taking inspiration from long running avant-garde jazz festivals such as New York’s Vision Festival and Germany’s Moer Festival, it will offer a genuine alternative to more mainstream festivals, providing a platform for the truly left-field and the avant-garde – while maintaining an emphasis on music that isn’t afraid to swing.”
They boast specially commissioned collaborations and headline acts including American bassist William Parker and Manchester based spiritual jazz saxophonist Nat Birchall. The festival is also making a positive attempt to re-balance gender on the bill by inviting leading female avant-garde jazz musicians.
William Parker will play in a trio with drummer Hamid Drake and Amsterdam based US saxophonist John Dikeman. Nat Birchall’s appearance will be with a new quartet including drummer Franklin Kiermyer, who has played drums with Pharoah Sanders. Trombonist Sarah Gail Brand features with her new sextet including pianist Liam Noble. There’s also a chance to see vibes man Corey Mwamba with acclaimed saxophonist Rachel Musson and much more.
The festival has received Arts Council support but is reliant upon other funds being raised towards it so organisers have started a ‘crowd funding’ site via IndieGoGo here to raise £3,000 from interested individuals.