Cheltenham Jazz Festival returns in May 2019 bringing with it a line-up of world-class artists and emerging musicians over six – usually very sunny! – days.
Taking place in Montpellier Gardens and around town from Wednesday 1 to Monday 6 May 2019, SoGlos has had the almost impossible job of selecting just seven unmissable highlights from the 2019 line up.
1. Friday Night Is Music Night at Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2019
Always a huge highlight in the Jazz Festival’s line up, Friday Night Is Music Night is broadcast live on BBC 2 and features conductor Guy Barker, the BBC Orchestra and the Guy Barker Big Band.
Set in the Henry Westons Big Top on Friday 3 May 2019, Friday Night Is Music Night will have the theme of ‘The Song of Soho’ and celebrates the eclectic mix, vibrance and music of London’s Soho. Special guest singers are Georgie Fame, Vanessa Haynes and Tommy Blaize, all presented by John Sessions.
2. Incognito and Friends at Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2019
Foot-stomping and utterly mesmerising music will be served up when Incognito and Friends takes the roof off Cheltenham Town Hall on Friday 3 May 2019.
Crafting English acid jazz into what it is today, Incognito are best known for their huge hit ‘Always There’. Musicians Jean-Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick and Paul ‘Tubbs’ Williams will be performing in Cheltenham to celebrate 40 years of their music by collaborating with singers Omar and Leee John.
3. Adbullah Ibrahim and Ekaya at Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2019
Jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim is heading to Cheltenham Jazz Festival to perform alongside his band Ekaya on Saturday 4 May 2019.
A UK exclusive, the performance will be a treat for music fans. Working with names including Duke Ellington and John Coltrane, Abdullah Ibrahim has been a huge figure in the jazz scene for the last 50 years.
4. Carmel at Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2019
Get ready to dance the night away in the Jazz Arena on Saturday 4 May 2019 when star Carmel is back with a brand new band. Breaking onto the jazz scene nearly 30 years ago, Carmel shot to success with ‘Bad Day’ back in 1980.
Promising to be an unforgettable performance featuring Carmel’s unique fusion of jazz-pop, gospel and soul, audiences will be dancing in the aisles.
5. David Sanborn Acoustic Band at Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2019
With eight gold albums and six Grammy awards under his belt, David Sanborn is a real highlight in the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, performing on Sunday 5 May 2019.
Having worked with David Bowie, James Brown and Stevie Wonder, David Sanborn has earned his way to the top of his jazz game and is heading to Cheltenham with his acoustic band.
6. Swing Out Sister at Cheltenham Jazz Festival
A rare chance to see Swing Out Sister in Cheltenham will take place on Sunday 5 May 2019. A must-see at Cheltenham Town Hall, the performance sees the band return with their 10th album.
Hitting the jazz scene back in the 1980s and earning themselves two Grammy nominations and a number one album, Swing Out Sister will also be supported on the night by the talented Ben Cipolla.
7. Hypnotic Brass Ensemble at Cheltenham Jazz Festival
Starting their road to success with humble beginnings on street corners, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble are a Chicago band made up of seven brothers.
Taking over the Henry Westons Big Top on Monday 6 May 2019, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble have played alongside Prince and Snoop Dogg and will treat Cheltenham audiences to their signature sound of jazz, funk and hip hop.
For more information see Cheltenham Jazz Festival.
