Pee Wee Ellis Tribute, Matt Brown’s 6161 and Victoria Klewin help Bristol Jazz Festival bounce back for 10th anniversary

Bristol Jazz Festival (BJF) is set to take over the Bristol Beacon foyer space – now known as Bridgehouse – with 16 gigs over three days, from 19 to 21 May, across a vibrant selection of jazz styles.

The festival’s original Patron and staunch supporter, the late, great Pee Wee Ellis is celebrated in a gala opening concert in the form of Pee Wee Ellis: A Life of Music featuring some of the top UK musicians that worked with the legendary saxophonist, including guitarist Denny Ilett, drummer Mark Mondesir and bassist/arranger Laurence Cottle.

Other bookings include the hard-bopping Jazz Defenders and their punchy Blue Note-inspired sound; trumpet player Jonny Bruce’s Bristol Community Big Band with their exuberant take on swing, jazz, blues and Latin big band repertoire. Renowned saxophonist Iain Ballamy makes a guest appearance with rising young Bristol-based piano trio Yetii – featuring pianist Alex Veitch, bassist Ashley John Long and drummer Alex Goodyear – collectively they combine strong melodies with imaginative harmonies (see Taking Off this month).

Also appearing will be singer Victoria Klewin, who salutes iconic jazz vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Hoagy Carmichael and Blossom Dearie, backed by her talented Bristol-based band and performing songs from her new EP, Loverboy. Cellist and singer, Hannah Moule presents Xenolalia, her ambitious, radical project exploring interpretations of the same 11 songs through five different sonic lenses including electro, folk, jazz, pop and beyond. Further names appearing include Americana/blues duo Holly Carter and Joe Wilkins; Afrobeat-inspired group NO GO STOP; gospel-soul group The Good Stuff Gospel Choir; soulful jazz and Afrobeat singer Sisanda Myataza; the Hopkins Hammond Organ Trio - featuring local star Ruth Hammond on keys; local Run Logan Run drummer Matt Brown premieres his new seven-piece Bristol supergroup 6161 featuring horn players including Pete Judge and Jake McMurchie; and powerful soul singer Hannah Williams completes the programme.

For full line-up details visit www.bristoljazzandbluesfest.com