Andy Scott: Mancunity

Date: Thursday 23 May 2019

Venue: St Ann’s Stage

Link: https://manchesterjazz.com/programme/andy-scott-mancunity/

The spirit behind this piece sums up for me so much of the Mancunian attitude and sense of togetherness that is the trademark of our city. We asked Andy to create a new work that involves people, not only to share the occasion of mjf’s new location and timing, but to offer a musical celebration of the resilience, independence and unity that makes our city so special.

 

Northern

Date: Saturday 25 May 2019

Venue: Royal Exchange Studio

Link: https://manchesterjazz.com/programme/northern/

Another new work commissioned for mjf, Northern is the brainchild of Maja Bugge – a Norwegian cellist now based in the north west, who has been busy exploring the sounds of our city, sampling them and melding them into an audio-visual portrait of tram hoots, football cheers and buzzing bees. 

 

Both Sides of Africa

Date: Monday 27 May 2019

Venue: St Ann’s Church

Link: https://manchesterjazz.com/programme/nani-noam-vazana-with-abel-selaocoe-both-sides-of-africa/

Another very special new work for this year’s mjf. I was captivated by Nani’s breath-taking voice, simultaneous piano and trombone playing and dedication to reviving the ancient Ladino language of her ancestors, and I know you will be too. Determined to bring her to mjf for her UK debut, we introduced our very own South African cellist Abel Selaocoe into the mix – together they reinvent the traditions of Sephardic song and of north and south Africa.

 

Leila Martial: Baa Box

Date: Sunday 26 May 2019

Venue: The Bread Shed

Link: https://manchesterjazz.com/programme/celebrating-europe-leila-martial-baa-box/

Leila is a vocal acrobat with a jaw-dropping command and expressive power – at her last mjf gig, her voice filled St Ann’s Church and stunned audiences into silence! Spine-tingling, funny and with an undeniably French, playful sense of theatre, this rare visit to the UK will be a tour de force of artistry and imagination.

 

Equilibrium

Date: Saturday 25 May 2019

Venue: St Ann’s Church

Link: https://manchesterjazz.com/programme/celebrating-europe-equilibrium/

I was inspired by these three virtuosic musicians when I saw their late-night show in a church at last year’s Copenhagen Jazz Festival. With a beautiful sound and a magnetic empathy, they follow each other’s paths through songs that ebb and flow like water. This show also launches a new partnership with Jazz Denmark that will bring more fascinating Danish jazz artists to the UK over the next two years.

 

Orphy Robinson All Stars

Date: Sunday 26 May 2019

Venue: RNCM Theatre

Link: https://manchesterjazz.com/programme/orphy-robinson-all-stars-the-bobby-hutcherson-songbook/

What I love about this band is the way Orphy pays homage to the inspiring vibes legend Bobby Hutcherson by adding his own distinctive sound and approach to the instrument – at the same time, assembling the very best of Black British talent currently gracing the UK jazz scene: everything such a respectful but forward-looking homage should be.

 

Jason Singh & the Adivasi Quintet

Date: Friday 24 May 2019

Venue: YES Basement

Link: https://manchesterjazz.com/programme/jason-singh-quartet/

Jason is one of Manchester’s musical mavericks and a vocal artist who thrives in any creative environment he finds himself in. We asked him to lead a special band of Mancunian stars for mjf that would allow him to stretch out and explore his many sonic inspirations ranging from ragas and ambient to techno.

 

Alice Zawadzki & Rob Luft

Date: Monday 27 May 2019

Venue: The Whiskey Jar

Link: https://manchesterjazz.com/programme/alice-zawadzki-rob-luft/

A special event combining a whiskey-tasting followed by intoxication of a musical kind: an intimate set of songs from one of the most open and warm vocalists (and violinists) that Manchester has yet produced. With Rob’s flowing guitar lines, I admire this duet’s good humour, surprising choice of song and simple, pure sound.

 

Werkha + Roller Trio

Date: Sunday 26 May 2019

Venue: The Bread Shed

Link: https://manchesterjazz.com/programme/werkha-roller-trio/

We were determined to align these two powerhouse bands into one almighty gig – and it’s happening! What I love about both is their visceral energy and fearless presence: the perfect antidote to anyone who still dares to think of jazz as background music! With 6 Music’s Stuart Maconie hosting, this is a night for freak zone lovers and new music fiends everywhere. Do not miss…

 

Sarah Tandy Quintet + Skeltr

Date: Monday 27 May 2019

Venue: YES Pink Room

Link: https://manchesterjazz.com/programme/sarah-tandy-quintet-skeltr/

One of the many young artists blasting out of the current London scene and making a name for herself, I’m struck how Sarah takes her accomplished playing and perceptive feel out of the jazz club and onto the dancefloor. Who better to open the show than band-of-the-moment Skeltr, with their unstoppable Mancunian energy and pulsating passion.