This November, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival presents the Scottish Jazz Weekend – celebrating what’s new in Scottish jazz, from established leading lights of the scene to the stars of the future.
The familiar names of Colin Steele, Paul Towndrow and Steve Kettley are balanced by some of the new names on the block like 2022 BBC Young Jazz Musician Ewan Hastie, and drummer Finlay Mackenzie, pianist Douglas Wright and bassist William Ewins who make their EJBF debuts. Several musicians present new music at the weekend, including pianist Ben Shankland and singer Lucy-Anne Daniels, a world premiere form Vid Gobac, new group Teraphon, led by Phil Alexander (Moishe’s Bagel) and pianist Elchin Shirinov.
Norman Willmore premieres a brand-new project, coinciding with the release of a new album. His band includes two members of Mercury-nominated British band Dinosaur – Laura Jurd (trumpet) and Corrie Dick (drums) – as well as BBC Traditional Musician of the Year Amy Laurenson (piano) and they tour to Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh with music drawing inspiration from the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of the Shetland Islands.
There’s more new music from drummer Vid Gobac as he presents the world premiere of Ready Player Seven, celebrating the iconic music from famous video games of the past. From the iconic themes of Super Mario to the enchanting melodies of Legend of Zelda, the speedy beats of Sonic, and the haunting echoes of Castlevania, Ready Player 7’s electrifying fusion of jazz, funk, latin, and rock brings pixelated favourites to life, promising an evening of rhythm, nostalgia, and pure, unadulterated fun.
Two stellar Scottish musicians pay tribute to giants of the scene as part of the weekend. Colin Steele’s tribute to Joni Mitchell was a smash hit in 2019, and he is reviving it in the same month as the acclaimed singer/songwriter celebrates her 80th birthday. American saxophonist Pharoah Sanders – a disciple of Coltrane but a musical giant in his own right and one of the founding fathers of spiritual jazz – sadly passed away last year aged 81. Who better to pay tribute to a much-missed legend than saxophonist Steve Kettley and his talented ensemble including vocalist Niki King.
There are two chances for young music fans to get in on the action with two brand new shows for kids aged 5 and above. Tenement Jazz Band will open their Cabinet of Musical Delights – a magical introduction to live music for young music lovers and their grown-ups. Fresh from the success of Jazz For Kids, saxophonist Sue Mackenzie presents Sound Explorers – an interactive show for kids aged between 5 and 9.
From 24 to 26 November, eight events will take place at the St Bride’s Centre in Dalry, catering for audiences aged 5 to 105