Makaya McCraven’s Universal Beings, The Necks and Ambrose Akinmusire make moves at Mondriaan Jazz Fest

Programmed by The Good Music company's Mike Bindraban and Henk Koolen, the packed programme runs across four stages as well as foyer and lounge spaces at the Paard van Troje music venue in The Hague, Holland.

The line-up boasts a strong contingent from Chicago's resurgent jazz scene with a super-group led by hotly-tipped drummer Makaya McCraven who headlines the main stage with his Universal Beings band, which features violinist (and Thundercat collaborator) Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, harpist Brandee Younger, influential guitarist Jeff Parker (Tortoise), MOBO award winning UK saxophonist Soweto Kinch, bassist Junius Paul and cornetist Ben Lamar Gay.

Further headliners include Indo-jazz drummer Sameer Gupta's mesmerising large ensemble, Brooklyn Raga Massive; while in-demand drummer Marcus Gilmore leads his electronica-inspired Silhouwav band, with a guest appearance be fiery saxophonist Casey Benjamin alongside acclaimed keyboadist David Virells and Japanese classical/electronics prodigy BigYuki. Other names on the bill to look out for include fast emerging UK singer Yazmin Lacey; Vulfpeck funk-fusion guitarist Cory Wong; Blue Note-signed trumpet star Ambrose Akinmusire; LA-based virtuoso fusion band Spirit Fingers; leading Norwegian drummer Thomas Strønen's strings-led group Time Is A Blind Guide plus a closing set from revered Australian improve trio, The Necks.

The line-up also includes DJ sets taking place in the venue foyer, with additional discussions with Jeff Parker and Makaya McCraven on the Chicago scene plus an interview with acclaimed jazz writer Ashley Kahn.

– Mike Flynn

For full programme details and tickets visit www.mondriaanjazz.nl