Ambrose Akinmusire and George Benson set for 38th Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Fest
Monday, July 13, 2015
The 38th edition of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival kicks off later this week, with 10 days of jazz and blues gigs from 17 to 26 July, featuring a wide variety of artists at over 10 venues.
Jazz guitarist/vocal star George Benson closes the festival on 26 July, while other headliners include Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, plus Chicago blues players Mud Morganfield and band in a double bill with fellow guitarist Lurrie Bell. Scottish contemporary jazzers Trio JSK, featuring Rich Harrold (piano), Ant Law (guitar) and Richard Kass (drums) in collaboration with Cory Henry of Snarky Puppy also appears.
Other names announced include atmospheric electronica from Hidden Orchestra, frenetic Mexican jazz-rockers Troker, and the rich textures and virtuosic playing of Blue Note-signed trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire. A number of concerts and events will appeal to trad and swing jazz fans, such as the Mardi Gras street party (18 July); an Acker Bilk memorial concert brought together by Hamish McGregor (19 July) and the Ellington revival group Echoes of Ellington.
Also of note is the new Edinburgh Napier University Jazz Summer School where players of all levels can study and play together over the course of four days, culminating in a public concert.
– Mike Flynn
– Photo by Roger Thomas
For more info go to www.edinburghjazzfestival.com