Tayside music lovers attuned to the changing seasons know that November brings with it not only the nearing of winter, but also the annual Dundee Jazz Festival.
For around 40 years, the festival has provided a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the city’s venues to jazz fans and the jazz-curious in which to enjoy the best in jazz in all its varieties. This year is no different. Taking place from 20 to 24 November, with funding from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, the festival provides a meeting point on Tayside for festival-goers to hear fabulous local, national, and international talent in the heart of the city.
This year’s exciting line-up features artists working across the wide world of jazz, but has a special focus on female vocalists including much-decorated singer Jacqui Dankworth MBE, Scottish rising star kitti, and local favourites The Vintage Girls. Audiences can enjoy the artistry of legendary jazz figures such as trumpet extraordinaire Colin Steele, highly-acclaimed Scottish pianist Brian Kellock, and German free jazz drummer Günther Sommer. For those looking for something with a heavy groove or poignant message, one could do much worse than to spend an evening with Roan Anderson’s ‘Tao’, a band fusing contemporary jazz elements with soulful melodies and infectious rhythms, or listening to the emotive words and beats of spoken word artist Bee Asha.
The city’s political and ecclesiastical history is the subject of a lecture and performance of US-based musician and scholar Ruth Naomi Floyd. Her contribution to the festival shines a spotlight on the work of the prominent African American writer and abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, and his connections to Dundee. Big band music features in abundance this year with performances from both the energetic Tayside Big Band and the massive Dundee University Big Band.
Reflecting on this year’s programme, Jazz Scotland CEO, Coralie Usmani, said, “There should be something for everyone at this year’s festival, with a mix of international guests, local heroes and Scottish favourites all packed within the potent 5 day celebration. Dundee has much to be proud of, and the longevity of this iconic festival is definitely one of them”
Head of Music at Creative Scotland, Alan Morrison, said of the festival, “This year’s Dundee Jazz Festival bridges genres and generations, from SAY Award longlist nominee Bee Asha to vocal legend Jacqui Dankwork MBE. It not only celebrates the roots of jazz as a musical form but also the bond between Black history and the city itself. Creative Scotland, through funding from the National Lottery, is proud to support a festival that links past to present in such an inspirational way.”
Background
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports culture and creativity across all parts of Scotland, distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot
The Dundee Jazz Festival runs from 20 - 24 November. Tickets are £8 for students across the festival and range between £8 - £18 for General Admission.
Festival Website - www.dundeejazzfestival.com.
Media contacts
For more information please contact:
Coralie Usmani, CEO Jazz Scotland [email protected]
07399 457 659