The fourth Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival will be held at Christ Church in Old Town and its grounds on Friday and Saturday 19 and 20 April.
Fans are promised another roster of world class acts and a month of free entry Festival Fringe events at The Royal Oak.
The main event starts with 'An Evening of Classic Soul' headlined by The Wonder of Stevie, the Ultimate Celebration of Stevie Wonder.
The project has been a favourite throughout theatres and is the brain child of two of the top performers in the UK, Noel McCalla and Derek Nash.
Noel McCalla’s long association with the Morrissey Mullen Band earned him acclaim as “one of Britain’s best Soul Singers” (Blues and Soul Magazine).
Noel's vocals were featured with the iconic Manfred Mann's Earth Band and he provided vocals on Mike Rutherford's album, Smallcreep's Day.
The award-winning saxophonist Derek Nash has played with Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra since 2004 and is also a member of the Ronnie Scotts Blues Explosion.
He has performed live with artists such as Gregory Porter, Chaka Khan, David Sanborn, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Amy Winehouse and many more.
On the David Knight Jazz Stage - Saturday 20 April - the line up is headlined by the Darius Brubeck Quartet.
Born in San Francisco, Jazz pianist and composer Darius Brubeck grew up in the artistic milieu of his famous father Dave and has enjoyed a lifetime of international experience as band leader, composer, teacher and broadcaster.
Previously a Professor of music in South Africa, his concerts also feature South African music as well as his own compositions and some of Dave Brubeck’s iconic hits. The quartet also feature Dave O’Higgins (Saxophone), Matt Ridley (Double Bass), and Wesley Gibbens (Drums)
The 2023 festival added a showcase of music from Africa which was a huge success and the 2024 event will continue to include this genre.
The African stage - Saturday 20 April - is headlined by Suntou Susso and his band. Celebrated across Africa and Europe, Suntou is a Kora player (a 22 stringed harp-lute), percussionist, singer and composer from The Gambia.
Born into the 700-year-old Griot tradition, Suntou performs his role as a historian, storyteller, and unifier of people through song. The group combine the rich, traditional sound West-African Mandinka culture with Afro jazz and soul.
The event also features Ibou Tall Quintet, Ian Bateman's 'It's Trad, Dad', Billy & Louie's Soul Band, Two Man Ting, Kim Cypher Quartet and more.
Festival Fringe venue The Royal Oak Old Town is the home of Tuesday weekly Jazz nights.
From 19 March, leading up to the festival, the venue will be celebrating some of the biggest names in Jazz such as Herbie Hancock and Stan Getz, with some of the best musicians on the scene.
All the fringe events are free entry and the first set is at 8pm. As well as the live music, Royal Oak restaurant The ChopTank will be serving a delicious menu before and during the first set.
People are asked to contact the venue direct for table or-pre music dinner bookings on 01793 977337.
Tickets are available via from https://ccccswindon.co.uk/events/9/details and further information can be found at jazzknights.co.uk
For up to date announcements, people are asked to follow Swindon Jazz & Soul Festival on Facebook and Instagram.
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article