Other than Christmas, it’s the most wonderful time of the year…
Glasgow Jazz Festival 2024…
I’m not a music aficionado, but I know what I like. I know what I love – and I love jazz. So when some of the most legendary musicians in jazz visit our fair city, it is like Christmas for me.
The Glasgow Jazz Festival returns in 2024, with a truly exceptional programme. With over 20 events planned over five days, there really is something to suit everyone’s taste. From the fabulously popular late-night jam sessions through to perfectly rehearsed jazz anthems, the balance couldn’t be better.
From the East…
The venues traverse the city. East End favourite St Luke’s sees ‘jazz luminary’ Bobby Watson perform with his quartet. The American saxophonist has had a 10-year break and returns with his electrifying improvisation. Watson first took to the Glasgow stage back in 1994, so it’s an enormous welcome back to this icon of Jazz after 30 years.
Other acts performing at St Luke’s include Mama Terra who will give us their spiritual take on Herbie Hancock’s classic album, Head Hunters. Homegrown talent includes Kitti’s Caledonian Songbook, playing traditional Scots fare with a jazzy twist! Scotland’s young jazz musician of the year, Ben Shankland is also performing at the festival. Ben is a talented pianist and will showcase this in an afternoon performance at St Luke’s.
To the West…
So what can we expect here in the West End? Well two stalwart jazz venues – the Mackintosh Church and Oran Mor – are delighted to play host again to this year’s festival. If it’s funk you’re after, The Average White Band’s Hamish Stuart takes to the stage of Oran Mor with his band for a night of toe tapping genius. The Kyoto Jazz Massive are a group who blend Jamiroquai-esque funk with influences of Japanese and French jazz. A great example of how to create a seamless blend of fusion. Over at the Mackintosh Church, award winners The Fergus McCreadie Trio play, following a Mercury Prize nomination. The trio have had a fantastic couple of years, also winning the Scottish Album of the Year back in 2022.
With performances at The Glad Cafe on the South Side and Nice and Sleazy in the City Centre, it really is the GLASGOW Jazz Festival. Nice and Sleazy host the free Late Night Jam Sessions every evening. Hosts include Marianne McGregor and Saxophonist Helena Kay. Expect some tired yet satisfied mornings!!!
Jazz is Best!
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, who fund the festival from The National Lottery, says: ‘Jazz is a genre that refuses to be pigeonholed. It’s always evolving, thrilling its audiences with new ideas, pushing towards an exciting future while keeping one eye on the great artists of the past. Our emerging stars and seasoned veterans have crafted a distinctive voice for Scottish jazz in recent years, with Glasgow Jazz Festival at the heart of the action.’
Glasgow Jazz Festival
19th – 23rd June 2024
Various venues
Programme and tickets are available at the Jazz Festival website HERE
Return to Music Articles
