Guy Barker unveils lineup for his annual Christmas extravaganza

Guy Barker has revealed the lineup for his fourth annual Christmas extravaganza at the Royal Albert Hall (and it’s set to be a cracker). The award winning British trumpeter will lead his big band with special guests on stage including Grammy winning US singer Kurt Elling and the UK’s own Vula Malinga as well as clarinettist Giacomo Smith and Kansas Smitty’s. Claire Teal will once again be a co-host and singer for the show.

Guy told Jazz FM: “Kurt Elling is one of the greatest singers of all time, and when we worked together at the Lincoln Center earlier this year and I heard that voice again, I knew I had to have him back for the show at the Hall. We’ll be joined by Vula Malinga, an amazing vocalist I have worked with many times, and a real showstopper. And we’ll play with the Smitty’s, one of my favourite groups to have arrived on the scene recently, and whom I find incredibly inspiring.”

Guy Barker’s Big Band Christmas is on Thursday 19th December, with tickets on sale this week. Another guest will be announced in the run-up to the show, with further surprises on the night.

Other festive treats at The Royal Albert Hall this December include three jazz shows in the Hall’s intimate Elgar Room: A Swinging Christmas – featuring Joanna Eden and the Chris Ingham Quartet – a set from the Shirt Tail Stompers, and Jason Frederick Cinematic Trio presenting their tribute to the music of TV composer Vince Guaraldi. There’s also a Children’s Theatre show titled The Legend of the Jazz Penguin, which combines live music, puppetry and audience interaction on Friday 6 December.

More details at www.royalalberthall.com/christmas