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| Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2007 In 2007 as ever the Cheltenham Jazz Festival rejoices in bringing some genuine jazz legends to perform. The groundbreaking composer and trombonist Bob Brookmeyer takes up the esteemed position as the festival artist in residence. Playing throughout the festival alongside some the of the jazz scene's brightest young stars, Bob will ensure the festival goes with a swing. American saxophonist and free spirit Charles Lloyd has justly earned the reputation as something of an international treasure and his appearance at Cheltenham is expected to be a highlight of the festival. Add to this the influential sounds of former Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock sideman Bennie Maupin in a rare UK appearance with his new quartet, Eddie Henderson performing with bassist Arnie Somogyi's group Ambulance and the quality of this year's line-up simply cannot be matched. Where else will you be able to hear the sumptuous vocals of Marti Pellow within an unusual jazz setting? Or the unique pairing of Koop's kooky electronica with the BBC Big Band? And where else could you wrap up these musical delights with the chart-topping Guillemots exploring the heights of free jazz alongside their best selling tunes? Why, it can only be in Cheltenham of course.... In association with BBC Radio 2, Cheltenham will be simply the most happening place to be from 1-7 May 2007. This year's stellar line-up will start with a bang as we host one of the biggest events in our 12 year history with an opening night concert from the sensational Madeleine Peyroux. In the closing concert of her Careless Love tour, Madeleine will delight a 2000-strong audience with her fusion of jazz, folk and blues. With her charming vocals and sweet melodies, this is surely the smoothest way to start the festival. As ever, the festival has a special focus on nurturing the best of the UK's rising jazz talent, and in 2007 the much acclaimed Jerwood Rising Stars series takes a leap forward to become the Jerwood Jazz Generation. The artists who have previously been showcased as rising stars are now welcomed back to take centre stage after cutting their teeth in various spheres of the wider musical world. With brand new music and electrifying performances from the likes of Seb Rochford's Fulborn Teversham (with special guest, Babyshambles' Patrick Walden), Ingrid Laubrock and Gwilym Simcock, this is a great way to discover cutting edge jazz. This is only the tip of the chart-topping iceberg of stars at this year's festival as fresh from huge chart success and critical acclaim the fantastic Guillemots make a unique appearance in Cheltenham. They've already made waves with their carefree brand of music, and in Cheltenham they will show their skills as true jazz aficionados. Catch them at the festival for a truly exclusive one-off concert and hear an even more experimental side of their music. And for the festival finale, pop superstar Marti Pellow reveals his love of jazz with the Sentimental Me show. Fresh from his storming success on BBC One's Just the two of us, the erstwhile Wet Wet Wet frontman heads to Cheltenham with inestimable pianist Jim Watson and his quintet for a truly spine-tingling jazz set - one definitely not to be missed. Last year saw the start of a blossoming relationship with BBC Radio 2, and in 2007 this partnership continues to welcome some exciting performances to Cheltenham. The series kicks off with Michael Parkinson presents... as Curtis Stigers guests in this live BBC broadcast and the BBC Big Band join the alternative Koop in a unique festival collaboration. As ever Jez Nelson returns to the festival for the wonderful Jazz on 3. So for your chance to be involved in some live, on-air musical magic, just head to any of these performances to be part of the action. For some jazz enjoyment after dark, the festival features some late night clubbing courtesy of the Cinematic Orchestra. Signed to the uber-cool Ninja Tune label, The Cinematic Orchestra treads the fine line between classic jazz cuts and contemporary club grooves, and joined by the Nextmen this is an unmissable double bill. In addition to this, there will also be sets from Mercury-nominated Zoe Rahman (with her trio) and two of the hottest acts from the New York jazz scene - the Ben Allison Quartet and the Claudia Quintet. And as if all these musical delights weren't enough - 2007 also sees the introduction of a brand new jazz marquee and family fun day live from Imperial Gardens. The fantastic Daffodil series takes the best music out to this classy venue. Kyle Eastwood and Esther Miller will both play to the sensational art deco backdrop. And with the return of the festival fringe around town there are lots of new, exciting and unique ways to enjoy this year's festival. So whether you're burning the midnight oil dancing the night away, or getting up early for the family breakfast show, this year's festival has a huge range of concerts for the full spectrum of jazz tastes. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |