Glasgow Jazz Festival gets underway for 2024
Glasgow Jazz Festival launches today with performances from some of the biggest names in jazz set to be hosted in the city across the iconic five day event.
Article Source: Glasgow Jazz Festival
Last Updated: 19 June 2024 10:30
Taking place between Wednesday 19th - Sunday 23rd June 2024, there are over 20 captivating concerts confirmed across Glasgow at well-loved venues, including Saint Luke’s, Mackintosh Church, Òran Mór, Nice n Sleazy, The Griffin and The Glad Café.
Made possible with funding from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, and showcasing everything from the legendary to the up-and-coming, the 38th edition of the festival promises an electrifying line-up that audiences have come to expect of the world-renowned event. Scottish talent will stand shoulder to shoulder with jazz names from across the globe including Vietnam, Japan, USA, France & Canada.
Launching the festivities at the Mackintosh Church is Vietnamese ensemble Đàn Đó who perform alongside Scottish musicians for the unique sold out concert tonight, inspired by saxophonist Quyền Thiện Đắc’s traditional musical background and his research and study abroad.
Elsewhere on opening night, Scottish jazz duo Norman Willmore & Corrie Dick will be challenging traditional notions of folk music at Nice n Sleazy with support from Juliette Lemoine & Chris Amer, while the Michelle Willis Trio gets the jazz celebrations underway at The Glad Cafe in the Southside.
Thursday 20th June sees a number of tributes to legendary musicians. Scottish jazz and soul ensemble Mama Terra recreates songs from the classic album ‘Head Hunters’ by Herbie Hancock, in their own sound at Saint Luke’s, while the collaboration project BLACKSABBATHMODE seamlessly blends BIGHEADMODE's ethereal jazz rhythms and Plumm's soulful melodies, journeying into new musical realms while embodying Black Sabbath's iconic rock style. While kitti's Caledonian Songbook pays homage to songs in the Scots tradition from Robert Burns right up to Paolo Nutini on Friday 21st June at Saint Luke's.
Celebrating their 30th anniversary, Kyoto Jazz Massive led by two hugely influential DJs and artists among the Japanese music scene in Shuya Okino (Kyoto Jazz Sextet & owner of The Room in Shibuya) and Yoshihiro Okino (owner of Especial Records). The ensemble will be supported by DJ Rebecca Vasmant. Scottish protest musician Kapil Seshasayee blends R&B, Indian classical and jazz fusion with contemporary electronic genres with support from rapper / singer Raj Mahal.
The Glasgow Jazz Festival is bursting with award winners this year. Over the weekend, Scottish pianist, composer and Mercury Prize nominee and Scottish Album of the Year winner Fergus McCreadie presents music from his latest venture ‘Stream’ at the Mackintosh Church, blending together contemporary jazz with Scottish folklore, while Ben Shankland, winner of the 2023 BBC Radio Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year award, performs with his trio at Saint Luke’s. Current Scottish Jazz Awards Best Vocalist winner Marianne McGregor joins forces with Brian Kellock for a special concert of their favourite jazz repertoire featuring exciting improvised solos in an intimate setting at The Griffin.
Making a triumphant return to Glasgow after a hiatus of over a decade, US saxophonist Bobby Watson’s long-awaited comeback is sure to be a highlight of the festival, echoing his 1994 stint as Artist in Residence exactly 30 years ago. A one-time musical director of the hugely influential Jazz Messengers, he has also worked alongside the legendary Max Roach, George Coleman and Branford and Wynton Marsalis. He will be supported by skilful guitarist Nathan Somevi.
Hamish Stuart, an original member of the famed Scottish funk and R&B act Average White Band, brings his unique talents to Òran Mór. Known for dynamic beats and funky rhythms that captivate audiences, he takes to the stage with his band on Saturday night when they will perform two sets for this energetic homecoming show.
The final day sees two afternoon shows with prominent Glasgow songstress Pippa Blundell at The Glad Café and Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra reuniting with Orphy Robinson, one of the most engaging and influential voices in British jazz. Following last year’s sell-out concert, this year’s matinee at Saint Luke's celebrates the work of Barbadian trumpeter Harry Beckett.
Closing the beloved week of jazz on Sunday 23rd June at Nice n Sleazy are Nimbus Sextet, one of the most innovative groups in the new wave of UK jazz. Ahead of the release of their hotly anticipated third album, they’ll perform with special guest vocalists Russell Stewart & lissappear, who appear on their recent version of Roy Ayers' Searching, and trombonist / vocalist Christopher Small.
The free Late Night Jam Sessions also return each evening of the festival. The hosts include pianist Fergus McCreadie, vocalist Marianne McGregor and saxophonist Helena Kay, with the sessions providing a crucial platform for musicians to come together to improvise and create unique musical moments into the wee hours of the morning.
Jill Rodger, Director of Glasgow Jazz Festival, said: “For the next five days, we’re thrilled to present the very best of Scottish jazz and host notable international legends in Glasgow. The city is famous for being a music hub so it’s incredible to see that the passion for live jazz music is still strong, 38 years on from the first Jazz Festival in Glasgow. This year is set to be an unmissable one - there truly is something for everyone.”
Glasgow Jazz Festival runs until Sunday 23 June 2024. For more information and to buy tickets, visit: www.jazzfest.co.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Christmas has come early! Glasgow youngster wins the entire DreamToys list in national competition
One very lucky youngster from Glasgow has been crowned the winner of an incredible festive giveaway – taking home all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
The River Inn launches dream wedding reception giveaway worth thousands
One lucky couple to win a luxury wedding reception for up to 100 guests... completely free!
READ MORE
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong crashes into the Kings Theatre Glasgow
Multi-award winning company Mischief return to the King's Theatre Glasgow with their new stage show – Christmas Carol Goes Wrong!
READ MORE
Christmas drawing by 11 year old Glasgow schoolgirl lights up the city
An 11-year-old Glasgow schoolgirl has seen her Christmas drawing light up the city after it was transformed into a glowing display as part of this year’s festive light trail.
READ MORE
Scottish Doctor Who actor to lead The Woman in Black at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
PW Productions is delighted to announce casting for Susan Hill's The Woman in Black, as it returns to the Theatre Royal Glasgow.
READ MORE
Scottish dancer to appear in The Red Shoes in first tour stop in Glasgow
The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to reveal the full cast and tour dates for Matthew Bourne's double Olivier award-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes.
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas
Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!
READ MORE
Solasta Residence supports Beatson Cancer Charity through festive giving tree initiative
Solasta Residence in Glasgow has launched its first Giving Tree in support of Beatson Cancer Charity.
READ MORE
The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow unveils exciting new programme for 2026
The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow is set to light up 2026 with a thrilling year of music, theatre and comedy.
READ MORE
Wingstop UKI opens its doors at Silverburn
Leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has turned up the heat on its dining line-up with the official opening of Wingstop UKI, bringing even more flavour and choice to guests.
READ MORE
90s pop icon joins the cast of Mean Girls
Faye Tozer to star alongside Kiara Dario as Gretchen Wieners in the award-winning musical Mean Girls, coming to the King's Theatre in Glasgow from Monday 29th June!
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with new book Elephant
Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with Beatson Cancer Charity this month.
READ MORE
Popular lifestyle brand Oliver Bonas opens at Silverburn
Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, has welcomed much-loved independent fashion, jewellery and homewares retailer Oliver Bonas.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!
READ MORE
New film on resistance to Home Office raid on Kenmure Street to be released next year
Scottish distributor Conic has acquired all UK and Ireland rights for Everybody to Kenmure Street, a new documentary about Glasgow's community resistance to a Home Office raid in 2021.
READ MORE
Sean Batty joins Glasgow businesses to champion choose local at Christmas cry
STV presenter visits Glasgow West End's Business Improvement District to highlight the vital role that local people can play in the the final festive push.
READ MORE
Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value
See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership
Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity announces amazing total for Glasgow Santa Dash 2025
Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that the Glasgow Santa Dash 2025 has raised more than £100,000 to support people affected by cancer across the west of Scotland.
READ MORE
University of Glasgow launches first Virtual Reality kiosk for Museums in the Metaverse
Imagine visiting a museum and being transported inside the glass cases, to virtually examine artefacts at astonishing proximity and from every possible angle. This is now reality.
READ MORE
Jock and the Beanstalk panto stars support Social Bite Festival of Kindness
Pavilion Panto stars headed to Social Bite's Festival of Kindness on Vinicombe Street to encourage Glaswegians to donate gifts and funds to support people experiencing homelessness this winter.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Full casting announced for Scottish premiere of Single White Female at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
Full casting has been announced as rehearsals begin for the Scottish premiere of Single White Female coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow in June!
READ MORE
Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Glasgow
With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!
READ MORE
A sweet partnership bringing locally produced, sustainable ice cream to the SEC in time for a packed winter events season
Equi’s Ice Cream, the award-winning Scottish, family-run ice cream maker, is announcing a major new partnership as the official ice cream supplier of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Teenage Cancer Trust units in Glasgow receive festive surprise from Aldi
Young people receiving cancer treatment in Glasgow have been treated to a surprise delivery of festive goodies from Aldi, helping them celebrate the holiday season away from home.
READ MORE
Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December
Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links