Manchester Jazz Festival ready to roll

The 20th Anniversary Manchester Jazz Festival gets underway from July 31 to August 9 across the city. This year includes several big names and international stars including pianist Robert Glasper and his trio, vocalist Norma Winstone, saxophonist John Surman with strings, Jazz FM Award nominee Alice Zawadzki, Christine Tobin plus saxophonists Tori Freestone and Iain Ballamy.

The festival will centre on the Thwaites Festival Square & Pavillion in Albert Square, which hosts performances from British heavyweights Partisans, GoGo Penguin, Riot Jazz and more. Basque Country saxophonist Gorka Benitez leads a trio on the afternoon of Saturday August 8 while that evening Robert Glasper appears at Royal Northern College of Music Theatre showcasing his new Blue Note recording ‘Covered’. The Reading Room at Central Library, a new venue addition, will host John Surman on Monday August 3. Tori Freestone duets with pianist Alcyona Mick at St Anne’s Church on Tuesday August 4 promising to play their own work and overlooked jazz standards.

There are a selection of ‘Afternoon Tea’ and ‘Introducing’ gigs too which champion new artists and music including all female group Nérija, brilliant young pianist Ashley Henry and Trio, improvisational Leeds outfit Cameron Vale and the tuba laden vibes of London’s Phaze Theory.

See manchesterjazz.com for more.

Robert Glasper