Upcoming Gigs

Bringing you more concerts, more dancing and more festival buzz than ever before in seven days of the very best performances, exclusive new commissions and unique collaborations

Cheltenham has become an unmissable date in the jazz calendar due to its unique blend of British stars, creative New York names and quirky European acts and this year’s programme reads like a who’s who from the world of jazz. In this truly diverse line-up the Festival really does showcase the finest in international talent.

As ever, Cheltenham is delighted to showcase a selection of performances from some true jazz heavyweights. This year offers the chance to witness a unique solo set at the Everyman Theatre from Jack DeJohnette, the drum maestro who has played with the likes of Bill Evans, Miles Davis and Charles Lloyd, who performed at Cheltenham in 2007. DeJohnette will also be lending his awesome talents to a drum masterclass, demonstrating the stellar level of talent and ability that comes with a lifetime of being a true leader in his field. Also at the Everyman Bill Frisell presents an exclusive performance, the guitarist who has found fame and favour for his work with Paul Motian and Joe Lovano among countless others launching his gloriously talented new quintet featuring Chris Cheek on saxophone and clarinet, Ron Miles on cornet, Larry Grenadier on bass and Rudy Royston on drums.

Exploring the boundaries of jazz, Cheltenham welcomes the singular sounds of artists such as Han Bennink, the avant-garde percussion adventurer from Holland for a night of searching music, and US alto star Tim Berne’s Science Friction group play free-funk improvisation in the company of some of the most gifted musicians from the British scene. UK sax hero Pete Wareham, who has previously graced the festival’s stages with Acoustic Ladyland, presents his latest project, The Final Terror, with free-improvisation meeting the rocking rhythms of the new-wave ‘post-jazz’ UK scene. Saxophonist and MC Soweto Kinch showcases Basement Fables, the second part of his A Life In The Day Of B19 album, fusing exceptional post-bop alto playing with the slam-poetry styled vocal delivery that has won him fans across the board.

Traditionalists will be delighted with the schedule on show for this year’s event as well - over on the Town Hall main stage BBC Radio 2 will treat Festival goers to a Tribute To Billie Holiday with the ever popular Friday Night is Music Night directed by UK trumpet sensation Guy Barker. If the smooth sounds of Lady Day leave you yearning for more vocal perfection you can spoil yourself with the infectious sounds of Imelda May – back in Cheltenham by popular demand. Add to this a tribute to Sidney Bechet courtesy of jazz ambassador Courtney Pine and a not-to-be-missed performance from aristocrats of British jazz Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth and this is a line-up bursting with the very best music the country has to offer.
Cheltenham also spans the globe in terms of jazz music’s influence, encompassing sounds from around the world. Buena Vista graduate Roberto Fonseca bring his fantastic Cuban and Latin infused sound to the Everyman Theatre on Sunday night, while pianist Dan Nicholls artfully blends contemporary Western jazz music with classical Indian forms. The beautiful piano and trumpet duo of Italian virtuosos Stefano Bollani and Enrico Rava add a distinctly European flavour to their stunningly impressive set, and Birmingham’s own TG Collective draw together flamenco, jazz and gypsy elements in a hugely expressive display that features flamenco diva Ana Garcia. Genres merge with hypnotic grooves from Outhouse Ruhabi who bring a unique flavour of the Gambia to the programme this year with collaboration between Dave Smith’s Outhouse from London and five traditional Gambian Wolof drummers. Add to this the sounds of the 45-piece Heritage Orchestra in collaboration with DJ Bonobo, playing the music of Brazilian DJ Amon Tobin, and you have a event that truly takes in the sounds of the world of jazz.

This year’s event also coincides with the 10th anniversary of BBC Radio 3’s Jazz On 3 show. For the last decade, the programme has provided listeners with the very best in jazz music, informed and intelligent opinions and exclusive performances and guests from the cream of both the home-grown and international scene. Once again, Jazz On 3 will be broadcasting from the Festival bringing the highlights to the airwaves.

All in all, Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2008 is set to offer something for jazz lovers everywhere, with the very finest exponents of the music in all its various forms coming together in this astounding line-up. With exclusive performances, stunning debut sets and rare one-off opportunities to catch some real legends in action, Cheltenham once again stakes its claim as one of the premier music festivals around.

Ticket Offers

Free Ticket - Buy 4 tickets for different events and get the cheapest free.
Concession code B4. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers or for Daffodil events.

Everyman Event - Buy 2 tickets for different Everyman events & get a third Everyman
event ticket half price. Concession code EE.

Clubbers Double - Buy both Town Hall club night events for £30.
. Sat 3 & Sun 4. Concession code C2. Offer available until 1 April 2008.

HSBC Cheltenham Jazz Festival 29 April – 5 May
For more information and to book tickets please contact the
Box Office on 01242 227979. You can also visit the Festival website HUwww.cheltenhamfestivals.comU

For further media information please contact Air, on 0207 386 1600
Sheela Bates sheela@airmtm.com OR Joe Baxter joe@airmtm.com