Yazmin Lacey, Nat Birchall and Sarathy Korwar headline Jazz Stroud festival

The Jazz Stroud festival returns between 25-28 May for its sixth edition, and once again presents a funky alternative line-up to complement glitzy neighbouring Cheltenham’s big-name event at the start of the month.

So far confirmed are leading jazz-soul vocalist Yazmin Lacey (who returns with music from her new album Voice Notes); renowned Manchester-based spiritual jazz tenor and soprano saxist Nat Birchall; saxophonist/ vocalist Laura Misch; International Anthem-signed jazz poet/saxophonist Alabaster dePlume and Indo-jazz percussionist/bandleader Sarathy Korwar are all among the headliners.

The festival also continues to showcase new young talent from across the region with two rising Bristol acts appearing in the form of piano trio Yetii (see Taking Off in the May issue of Jazzsise) and heavy jazztronica sax-keys-drums trio Hippo. Ten-piece, Leeds-based TC and The Groove Family bring their riotous horn-heavy sound to the Cotswolds in support of their recent album First Home. Also appearing will be Matters Unknown, the spiritually-charged project led by trumpeter/composer Jonathan Enser who was featured on the recent Transmissions From Total Refreshment compilation released on Blue Note.

Further newcomers include acoustic duo JOW – James Gow (cello) and Pete Judge (trumpet); emerging vocalist Plumm; big band jazz from the Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra; jazz-glitch drums-and-keys duo Church Andrews and Matt Davies; and Bristol fusion-groove quintet Rwkus. Stroud Jazz’s venues include the 300-capacity Grade II-listed Brunel Goods Shed, and satellite participating venues such as the Ale House and SVA studio bar. The main programme will be expanded to include jam sessions, late-night DJ sets and more across the Bank Holiday weekend.

Full programme and tickets available at www.jazzstroud.org