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City of Music Studio

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City of Music Studio can be found in the restaurant at the front of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

ORAN MOR

THEON CROSS TRIO FT. GRAHAM COSTELLO

Plus

DJ REBECCA VASMANT

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Sat 21st June at 7:30pm

THEON CROSS TRIO FT. GRAHAM COSTELLO

Plus DJ REBECCA VASMANT

Sponsored by Second Line Records:

Theon Cross is one of those rare musicians whose vision has redefined their instrument. His
unique approach to the tuba has expanded the instrument’s sonic possibilities in revolutionary
fashion, restoring it to a long-forgotten prominence as a crucial part of the contemporary jazz
ensemble. Through his combination of technical mastery, studio smarts, deep musical knowledge
and expansive vision, the power and originality of Theon’s playing has reinvented the tuba’s
place in modern music.

Exploring the tuba’s possibilities in the light of diasporic bass culture, Theon has worked to
develop the full sonic spectrum of his instrument, transforming it into a total 21st century
sound-system, powered by breath. Using the instrument’s ability to produce sub-sonics, bass,
mids, and tops, Theon creates complete sound-worlds, building up from rhythm and bass to
arrive at melody. Employing its oft-neglected capacity to generate complex multiphonics and
sustained pedal tones, he can summon colour, texture and atmosphere. With this expanded
low-end theory as his base, Theon approaches his music with a sensibility that travels freely
across outernational style and genre, but which remains deeply rooted in his own
African-Caribbean heritage. A graduate of Guildhall school of music and an alumnus of the
legendary Tomorrow’s Warriors, he is as at home with ensemble jazz as he is when playing road
marches, collaborating with grime stars, or providing bassline pressure in reggae, afrobeat or
soca settings.

Theon released his first EP Aspirations in 2015 followed by his first album FYAH in 2019 and the
Intra-I in 2021. He was a key member of Sons of Kemet until their dissolution in 2022. He has
featured on albums by The Smile, Little Simz, Steamdown, Makaya McCraven, Joy Crookes, Ill
Considered to name a few and contributed his version of Thelonious Monk’s Epistrophy to the
Blue Note Re:Imagined series.

GREEN ROOM

JON CLEARY

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Sat 21st June at 7:30pm

JON CLEARY

After thirty-five years of being at the forefront of the ever-evolving musical landscape of New Orleans, Grammy Award winner Jon Cleary decided to bring that sound back home, both figuratively and literally. He assembled his Absolute Monster Gentlemen (his acclaimed all-star big band) in his home studio in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans, drew up a setlist of some of his most beloved songs– and some new favorites– and rolled tape.

“We set out to capture that sound in the old-fashioned way: everybody in the room, playing together,” Cleary explains.

The result is The Bywater Sessions, a musical tour-de-force that showcases the grit, funk and joy that’s packed concert halls from New Orleans to Tokyo and beyond. Co-produced by Cleary and John Porter (Roxy Music, The Smiths, Taj Mahal), it’s a stunning collection of performances that affirms Cleary’s place in the New Orleans musical vanguard.

“There’s a lot to be said for the ‘lean and mean’ sound of a piano trio, stripped down to basics, simple and direct,” Cleary says. “But recently, I’ve been experimenting with different combinations; adding horns, guitar, percussion and even another keyboard player. This expanded line-up has allowed the arrangements to blossom in new directions.”

As for the musicians, it’s the best of the best. Long time Monster Gentlemen Cornell Williams and A.J. Hall anchor the band on bass and drums, respectively. They are joined by Nigel Hall (Lettuce) on Hammond organ, Pedro Segundo (Ronnie Scott’s All Stars) on percussion, Xavier Lynn (MonoNeon, Ledisi) on guitar, and an all-star horn section of Aaron Narcisse (Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra), Charlie Halloran (Squirrel Nut Zippers, Preservation Hall All Stars) and Jason Mingledorff (Galactic).

“Sophisticated, nasty, good-time, low-down funk is the folk music of New Orleans,” Cleary says. “Everyone playing on this recording is a New Orleanian by birth or by choice, having learned their craft at the feet of the masters who in turn were taught by the old lions in their day – it’s a tradition stretching back over two hundred years. The roots go deep, but each generation, growing up with street parades and second-lines, absorbs the old and introduces the new, gently coaxing the essential essence into and out of each succeeding decade.”

It’s an apt description of Cleary’s career thus far. Born in London and on a plane to New Orleans before he turned twenty years old, he grew up absorbed by the sounds and rhythms of the Crescent City. His mastery of the city’s music landed him gigs playing as a session musician in the bands of local legends Earl King, Johnny Adams, Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington, Snooks Eaglin, Ernie K-Doe, Jessie Hill– and as a guitarist for Dr. John. He later toured extensively with icons like Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal. His solo career began in earnest in 1989 and includes beloved records like their self-titled band debut and his 2015 Grammy winner, Go-Go Juice.

In fact, his first job in New Orleans was as a painter at beloved local club the Maple Leaf Bar, and it wasn’t long until he was playing piano in that very room. To this day, he and his band continue to pack that room to crowds that gather from around the world, playing their unique and ever-evolving take on New Orleans funk and R&B.

“These grooves are not museum pieces, they are alive, breathing and fresh – and that’s why joints like Tipitina’s, The Maple Leaf Bar and Chickie Wah Wah are always packed when the locals, young and old, come out to hear the Gentlemen do they thang,” Cleary proudly adds.

On The Bywater Sessions, the band that Rolling Stone’s David Fricke called “as broad, deep and rolling as the Mississippi river” is finally captured as intended– live, in the room and as funky as ever. And with that comes an invitation from Cleary himself:

“Close your eyes, imagine you’re in the room with us, me and the band, Mike Dorsey the engineer, John Porter the producer and Reed the manager. Turn it up and enjoy the experience. I hope you have as much fun listening as we did playing.”

St Lukes

NEIL COWLEY TRIO

Plus

RACHEL DUNS

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Wed 18th June at 7:00pm

NEIL COWLEY TRIO

Plus RACHEL DUNS

Sponsored by ESP Music Rentals:

As a young boy, Neil Cowley studied classical music and by the age of 10 had performed a Shostakovich piano concerto to a full house at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. By his mid-teens he had turned his back on his classical career entering the world of old-school RnB, soul and funk working with some of the most successful bands of the day including the Brand New Heavies and Zero 7 alongside his own chill-out production duo, Fragile State.

In 2005 Cowley returned to his first love, the piano, and formed the Neil Cowley Trio. His dynamic sound and jazz-meets-rock ethic placed him and his trio at the forefront of a new British post – jazz movement. Defined by hook laden melodies, stadium-sized piano riffs and whimsical romps alongside poignant, delicate passages, the trio turned the concept of the jazz piano trio on its head. They went on to record six highly acclaimed studio albums – Displaced (2006) winner of the 2007 BBC Jazz Award for Best Album; Loud… Louder… Stop (2008) hailed by Mojo as a “Modern Classic”; Radio Silence (2010), cementing Cowley’s credentials as a brilliant, dazzling composer; The Face of Mount Molehill (2012) with a string ensemble that earned them the 2013 Jazz Fm award for Best UK Jazz Act and ‘Touch and Flee’ (2014), described by Cowley as his ‘concert hall album’. In 2016, they released Spacebound Apes, a richly imaginative concept album augmented with electronics, dubbed a ‘post-rock jazz masterpiece’ and the trio’s magnum opus.

During this time, the trio earned a reputation for their captivating live performances with Cowley’s marvellously English wit and remarkable rapport with his audience at its heart. They kept busy. A TV appearance on Later with Jools, inclusion on two Mojo cover- mounted CDs (re-workings of tracks by the Beatles and The Beach Boys), a year as Musician in Residence in Derry-Londonderry. ‘Neil n’ Dud’, celebrated Cowley’s idol, Dudley Moore spanning a live show and a companion radio programme which Cowley wrote and presented for Jazz FM, subsequently nominated for an Arqiva Commercial Radio Award. More radio followed with Cowley creating two further documentaries for the BBC.

Aside from his trio recordings, Cowley became the go-to pianist acts that require a jazz technique and rhythmic suppleness to their artful pop hits. He famously contributed to global chart-topping albums by multi Grammy-winner Adele, including the stomping piano on Rolling in the Deep (which made him quite literally, 2011’s most listened to pianist on the planet!). He leant his golden piano touch to artists such as Emile Sandé, Birdy and Michael Kiwanuka.

In 2017 Neil pressed ‘pause’ on the trio to step out a solo artist. Introducing elements of ambient, electronic and neoclassical music into his sound, he collaborated with artists such as Maribou State, Jacana People, Rival Consoles, Christian Loffler and others. 2019 saw the release of Grains & Motes with electronic composer Ben Lukas Boysen followed by Building Blocks, a series of successful EP’s in 2020. He then released his acclaimed debut solo album, Hall of Mirrors in 2021 and its follow-up Battery Life in 2023. Despite Neil’s direction into more electronic realms, his solo work reflected his unending love affair with the piano and his enduring affinity with rhythm.

In 2024, prompted by Cowley’s extended time of solitary music making, the Neil Cowley Trio reunited after a long 7-year hiatus. The joyous reunion gives rise to their 7th studio album, Entity.

Neil Cowley – composer, pianist
Rex Horan – bass
Evan Jenkins – Drums

GREEN ROOM

ROSE ROOM

15TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW

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Wed 18th June at 7:30pm

ROSE ROOM

15TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW

Crowned ‘Best Band’ twice at the Scottish Jazz Awards, Rose Room are Scotland’s leading ensemble influenced by Hot Club Swing. 2025 marks their 15th anniversary as a band and they are celebrating with the release of a new album: ‘It’s Been A
Long, Long Time’ – a collection of their favourite tunes, songs and guest musicians that they’ve ‘gathered’ throughout their time as a band.

Led by virtuoso violinist, Scottish Jazz Award-winning vocalist, BBC broadcaster and Grappelli-Django Camp tutor Seonaid Aitken, Rose Room’s other longstanding members are Scotland’s No.1 guitar maker Jimmy Moon on double bass and Danny
Kyle Award-winning Tam Gallagher on rhythm guitar. The ‘newest’ member of the band (joining in 2020) is an exceptional talent from Glasgow’s Southside; solo guitarist Conor Smith – known for his work with popular band The Vintage Explosion.

Supported by the likes of Jazz FM and BBC Radio Scotland, Gypsy Jazz Festival of London, Shetland Folk Festival and Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, Rose Room have collaborated with world-famous finger-style guitar virtuoso Martin Taylor MBE, British Jazz violinist Christian Garrick, German Gypsy Jazz star Joscho Stephan and Children’s Classic Concerts – with whom they perform their show ‘Django’s Journey’.

Expect the effervescent sound of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli as they serve up a mix of 1920 and 30s standards, French chanson, original music and Gyspy Jazz favourites with their signature flair and fireworks!

Oran Mor

Baiana

Feat.

Snowboy and The Haggis Horns

Oran Mor Buy Tickets Remove from My Festival

Wed 18th June at 7:00pm

Baiana

Feat. Snowboy and The Haggis Horns

Renegade Communications and Glasgow Jazz Festival present Baiana feat. Snowboy and The Haggis Horns

“So Good” Gilles Peterson, BBC 6 Music

“Homegrown Jazz Gem” Daily Mail

“Lush and Sophisticated” RnR Magazine

Baiana is the Brazilian-inspired project of Liverpool-born singer-songwriter Laura Doyle. Refreshingly joyful and charismatic, the show will feature internationally acclaimed percussionist Snowboy, (Lisa Stansfield, Imelda May, Amy Winehouse, Rod Temperton, Airto Morreira) who produced their stunning debut album along with the trio from The Haggis Horns (John Legend, Mark Ronson, Corinne Bailey Rae, Amy Winehouse)

Dubbed “the band we are all obsessed about” (Deb Grant, BBC 6 Music), Baiana’s thrilling live shows have been described as “Outstanding” (Robbie Vincent Jazz FM) and having “a proper wow factor” (John Osbourne Solar Radio).

A hugely popular draw at Love Supreme and Ealing Jazz Festival, Baiana also headlined the Southend Jazz Festival, as well as supporting Brazilian mega-star Gilberto Gil on his UK tour.

It promises a heady mix of infectious rhythm, superb musicianship and beautiful song.

Gavin’s Mill

The Cordless Four

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Wed 18th June at 7:00pm

The Cordless Four

Join us for our first collaboration between Glasgow Jazz Festival and Gavin’s Mill bi-monthly Jazz Supper Club events. The Cordless Four will perform acoustically, bringing you the best of Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker which featured no piano or guitar in the lineup. This ensemble will also include some original music which embraces the challenge of creating their own voice in a similar mould to this iconic quartet.

Matt Gough – Trumpet
Allon Beauvoisin – Baritone & Tenor Saxophones
Ali Watson – Acoustic Bass
Will Blackstone – Drums

This concert series brings the best of Scottish Jazz to Milngavie in an intimate setting.

Experience great food, wine and relaxing music in the cosy cafe at this unique and historic converted mill on the banks of the Allander water, Milngavie. Tickets include two sharing plates and dessert. Pay bar on the night.

OVO HYDRO

SANTANA

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Wed 18th June at 6:30pm

SANTANA

SJM & DF Concerts Presents Santana

For more than five decades – from Santana’s earliest days as a groundbreaking Afro-Latin-blues-rock fusion outfit in San Francisco – Carlos Santana has been the visionary force behind artistry that transcends musical genres and generational, cultural, and geographical boundaries. To date, Santana has won ten GRAMMY Awards and three Latin GRAMMY Awards, with a record-tying nine GRAMMY Awards for a single project for 1999’s Supernatural (including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for “Smooth”). He has received the Billboard Century Award (1996), was ushered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1998), received the Billboard Latin Music Awards’ Lifetime Achievement honor (2009), and was the recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors Award (2013). Among many other distinctions, Carlos Santana has been cited by Rolling Stone as #11 on their list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time;” and has joined the Rolling Stones as one of only two bands to have an album reach the Top 10 in every decade since the 1960s. In 2018, he released his first MasterClass, and recently celebrated three epic milestones – the 20th anniversary of his groundbreaking album Supernatural, the 50th anniversary of his legendary performance at Woodstock, and the 50th anniversary of his masterpiece Abraxas. His most recent album, the powerful, energy-infused Blessings and Miracles (2021) features collaborations with Rob Thomas, Chris Stapleton, Steve Winwood, and many others. The epic feature documentary CARLOS, produced by Sony Music Entertainment and Imagine Documentaries, is a celebration of Carlos Santana’s life and career. It had its World Premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival and is now available to stream worldwide. Santana has been in residency in Las Vegas for over 15 years and will continue to perform at House of Blues Las Vegas where he recently celebrated his 10th anniversary in the intimate venue.

ORAN MOR

FAT-SUIT

PLAY VIDEO GAMES

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Thu 19th June at 7:30pm

FAT-SUIT

PLAY VIDEO GAMES

Loading… Fat-Suit Play Video Games

Award winning, genre defying instrumental collective Fat-Suit pay tribute to the golden age of video game music. From Zelda to Final Fantasy, Mario Kart to Sonic the Hedgehog, this one-off show reimagines iconic soundtracks through Fat-Suit’s signature blend of jazz, folk, funk, and electronics.

Influence of the modern jazz greats combine with noughties indie guitar riffs, 90s dance sounds, and timeless groove and funk, while their softer side opens up to folk melodies with Celtic roots.

Equally at home on a late night festival slot, jazz club, or concert hall, some recent performance highlights include Love Supreme Jazz Festival, Boomtown, Vsetin Jazz Festival (CZ), Budapest Jazz Club, and Jazzdock (Prague).

Hailed as ‘Ones to Watch’ by Jazzwise magazine, and winners of ‘Best Band’ & ‘Best Album’ at the Scottish Jazz Awards, they embrace a seamless mix of musical styles in a ‘showcase of sonic domination. One to dance at’ (STV)

St Lukes

MATT CARMICHAEL

Plus

JULIETTE LEMOINE & CHRIS AMER

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Thu 19th June at 7:00pm

MATT CARMICHAEL

Plus JULIETTE LEMOINE & CHRIS AMER

Sponsored by Second Line Records:

Heralded by BBC Music Magazine as “a distinctive new voice in a crowded scene,” Scottish saxophonist and composer Matt Carmichael continues to move from strength to strength and grow his reach globally with his powerfully emotive blend of jazz and folk music. He was born just outside of Inverness before moving to Glasgow, where, at the age of 11, he enthusiastically ran home from school clutching a letter from his local music service offering saxophone lessons. Music instantly became his passion, and he soon began writing music for his own band, performing their first gig at the Butterfly and Pig in Glasgow — before half the band were legally allowed in the pub.

Since then, the band has developed a special chemistry and sound together, grounded in collective improvisation. They regularly perform internationally at venues like Bimhuis, Fasching, Celtic Connections, Ronnie Scott’s, and Love Supreme, as well as Matt working as a soloist and arranger with the Grammy Award-winning WDR Big Band and the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra.

Following his critically acclaimed debut Where Will the River Flow (which amassed over 8 million streams), Carmichael signed to the renowned label Edition Records for his second album, Marram, which won “Best Album” at the Scottish Jazz Awards. His latest album, Dancing with Embers, is a collection of emotionally driven instrumental songs where melody takes centre stage. It is Matt’s most ambitious work so far, with his distinct soundworld being expanded with guests Rachel Sermanni (voice), Brìghde Chaimbeul (small pipes), Chris Amer, and Innes White (guitars), alongside his core quintet, which includes pianist Fergus McCreadie (piano), Charlie Stewart (fiddle), Ali Watson (bass), and Tom Potter (drums).

NICE N SLEAZY

TIMMY ALLAN

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Thu 19th June at 8:00pm

TIMMY ALLAN

BBC Scotland Young Jazz 2024 winner Timmy Allan (guitarist) brings his jazz quartet to the Glasgow Jazz Festival showcasing his original works. His music draws from a wide array of influences including Jim Hall, Ahmad Jamal, Reinier Baas, Maurice Ravel and Igor Stravinsky. Allan tries to marry the old and new styles of jazz with 20th Century Classical music in his compositions to create wonderfully detailed vehicles for improvisation.

Joining him will be alto saxophonist Norman Willmore, bassist Brodie Jarvie and young drummer Roan Anderson.

GREEN ROOM

BEYOND BORDERS

Feat.

Lulu Manning, Xhosa Cole, Conor McAuley & Claire Victoria Roberts

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Thu 19th June at 7:30pm

BEYOND BORDERS

Feat. Lulu Manning, Xhosa Cole, Conor McAuley & Claire Victoria Roberts

A premiere of a collaborative commission funded by PRS Foundation.

In 2025, Serious’ talent development programme Take Five will celebrate its twentieth edition, marked by a project bringing together four Take Five alumni to re-imagine the piece of music they wrote for Take Five and tour the work in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Lineup:
Lulu Manning – is an artist and composer born in Glasgow, now based in London. She often writes slow music that offers the listener a space to locate themselves in the work. Music that changes in subtle ways over time and that invites introspection. Lulu enjoys exploring different textures of sound ; often foregrounding processes of disintegration and modulation as key features of her work. Lulu’s formative years were shaped by growing up in Glasgow amongst the city’s fervent creativity and DIY ethos. She relocated to London to study jazz & improvised music, this background experience informing her more recent work in experimental composition and ambient sound. Last year, her composition work was performed at London’s V&A Museum in the multidisciplinary work ‘Queering The Mind ; Releasing The Body’. She composed the score for Loverboy’s S/S ’25 Fashion show at London’s Somerset House and was shortlisted by the Arts Foundation for the Jazz Composition award in 2024.

Xhosa Cole – is one of the new rising stars of British Jazz. BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2018, Xhosa went on to win numerous awards and to appear onstage alongside jazz legends. Xhosa’s exposure to players from a range of different traditions, combined with his strong connection to his inner-city community in Birmingham, has helped to develop a fiercely unique and independent voice.

Claire Victoria Roberts – is a composer, vocalist and violinist, blurring the boundaries of jazz, classical and folk genres. The Welsh-born artist draws upon her diverse influences through improvised vocals, Celtic fiddle music, and lyrical jazz and classical styles.

Conor McCauley – Belfast based drummer and improviser Conor McCauley is one third of Córas Trio – who are part of a new creative wave of musicians based in Belfast exploring how traditional music relates to the experience of the 21st century. Challenging ideas of cultural purism, they sweep the lines of contemporary musical practice, unafraid and unapologetic in their exploration of new ideas

Serious Trust is supported by PRS Foundation’s Beyond Borders

Nice N Sleazy

LATE NIGHT JAM SESSION

Hosted by

Timmy Allan

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Thu 19th June at 11:00pm

LATE NIGHT JAM SESSION

Hosted by Timmy Allan

Glasgow Jazz Festival host the infamous Late Night Jam Sessions featuring some of the best musicians in the exploding Glasgow scene, from 11pm until 3am. Each features a stellar line-up with the evening’s house trio chosen by the host.

Timmy Allan began his musical career on the streets of Glasgow busking with the Glasgow early jazz quintet ‘Awkward Family Portraits’. The band then went onto play on BBC Radio Scotland, Basque radio stations round the north of Spain and also some Friesland (NL) regional TV stations as well as playing Festivals round the UK and Netherlands including Belladrum, TRNSMT, Kelburn Garden Party, and Wild Rooster(NL). Allan then joined with Glasgow singer icon ‘Kitti’ exercising his contemporary jazz/neo soul capabilities. He then moved to Birmingham to study jazz more intensively under the tutelage of Chris Montague, Mark Hodgson and Andrew Bain before moving back to Glasgow and winning the BBC Scotland Young Jazz 2024 and also received a nomination for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2024.

Free entry

Over 18’s only

St Lukes

BRIAN JACKSON

Plus

Gaïa

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Fri 20th June at 7:00pm

BRIAN JACKSON

Plus Gaïa

Brian is on tour with a show that is a mix of his most recent work and the iconic, most-loved tunes in the Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson catalogue – songs like Winter In America and The Bottle. Brian is generously sharing stories and anecdotes about life as
creative brothers in an era eerily reminiscent of today. Fans never cease to delight at the behind-the-scenes commentary on how their favorite tunes came together from the eyes of the artist himself.

Brian Jackson also introduces his new opus, simply called This Is Brian Jackson. True to his identity and musical signature, Jackson brings us on a journey through society’s struggles, his knowledge of history and a survivor of the government’s backlash against the activists of the 70s.

Lineup:
Brian Jackson: keyboards, lead vocals, flute
Lex Cameron: keyboards, backing vocals, flute, guitar (Omar, Leon Ware)
Steve Walters: bass (George Michael, Amy Winehouse)
Paul Jones: drums (Alison Moyet, xPropaganda)

Half of the power duo Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson, Brian wrote, arranged and produced over 10 albums over an eight-year period. Time and time again that music has found its way onto hundreds of cuts from tracks like Common’s “The People” (from “We Almost Lost Detroit”) to Kendrick Lamar’s “Poe Mans Dreams” (from “Peace Go With You, Brother”) to Tupac’s “Ready for Whatever” (from “1980”) and many more.

Almost 50 years later, Brian is still building with artists as diverse as Adrian Younge (Black Dynamite) and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (Tribe Called Quest) and co-produced his 2022 BBE album release with producer Daniel Collás (Phenomenal Handclap Band, Joe Bataan). Brian’s next BBE project promises to be legendary, having worked with the legendary Louie Vega and Kenny Dope (Masters at Work) along with several surprise guest artists. It is scheduled for release in the summer of 2025.

Plus support Gaïa

Gaïa is a vocalist from France who has quickly cemented herself in the Glasgow new-jazz scene, blending rnb and neo-soul. Having been deeply influenced by black music from an early age, her connection to her music is deeply explorative and emotive, connected to her identity and experiences. She made her start in Glasgow’s vibrant grassroots jazz scene, listening, learning and honing her craft, eventually making a name for herself through jam sessions. Since building herself up in the Glasgow jazz scene, she continues to push boundaries and cross-pollinate within different genres.

ORAN MOR

TOMMY SMITH YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA

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Fri 20th June at 7:30pm

TOMMY SMITH YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA

The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra was established in 2002 and exists to provide the most promising young jazz musicians in Scotland with a platform for creative learning, continuing personal development, and high-level performance.

Throughout its history, the TSYJO has been a byword for inclusive participation. Young people with a passion for jazz and from all walks of life have, almost inevitably, found their way into this outstanding band. They needed only to demonstrate high levels of improvisational skill to discover the route into orchestral jazz.

TSYJO recognizes promising young musicians at an early stage, provides them with experience of playing orchestral jazz as both section members and soloists, develops their skills and encourages them to reach their full potential.

With the support and encouragement of special guests from the professional Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and international jazz artists, TSYJO inspires and coaches young musicians to higher levels of achievement. Many alumni have gone on to study jazz at conservatory level and are now full-time musicians, contributing to a growing pool of professional Scottish jazz musicians.
Through the continuing engagement of these young jazz musicians in high quality tuition and training, we have consistently helped to produce winners of the Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year title. A considerable number of musicians, including current members, including saxophonist Helena Kay and pianist Peter Johnstone, have also progressed to the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, helping to maintain a succession of first-rate players.

A band whose past members include some of the biggest talents in Scottish jazz today, TSYJO has nurtured award-winning musicians including Scottish Album of the Year Award 2022 winner and Mercury Music Prize nominee, pianist Fergus McCreadie. BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2022, bassist Ewan Hastie, and Scottish Jazz Awards 2023 winners, saxophonist Matt Carmichael and trombonist Liam Shortall, who works under the name of corto.alto, are also TSYJO alumni.
Encouraging versatility, TSYJO has presented programmes of music from Woody Herman to Miles Davis and Duke Ellington to Steely Dan and to date has released three albums that have earned praise from top jazz critics internationally.
Jazz is for brave hearts, and TSYJO bears all the hallmarks of a courageous ensemble.

GREEN ROOM

COLIN STEELE QUARTET

PLAY THE BLUE NILE

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Fri 20th June at 7:30pm

COLIN STEELE QUARTET

PLAY THE BLUE NILE

Sponsored by SM Lighting Scotland Ltd:

Following on from their highly successful projects celebrating the music of Joni Mitchell and The Pearlfishers, the Colin Steele Quartet are joining us for the release of their latest recording celebrating cult Scottish pop icons The Blue Nile. Colin and his quartet of Dave Milligan (piano), Calum Gourlay (bass) and Alyn Cosker (drums) give this distinctive music a jazz twist, reimagining these understated pop masterpieces with love, affection, and huge imagination.

“I am a massive fan of The Blue Nile. I love the melodies of their songs, but I also particularly love the overall atmosphere they create, so artistically produced, and there is just so much space. Paul Buchanan’s vocals are beautiful and intimate, his singing actually reminds me of Miles Davis’ trumpet playing – understated, cool, but every nuance filled with beauty and so much emotion”.

Nice N Sleazy

Late Night Jam Session

Hosted by

Harry Weir

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Fri 20th June at 11:00pm

Late Night Jam Session

Hosted by Harry Weir

Glasgow Jazz Festival host the infamous Late Night Jam Sessions featuring some of the best musicians in the exploding Glasgow scene, from 11pm until 3am. Each features a stellar line-up with the evening’s house trio chosen by the host.

Free entry

Over 18’s only

St Lukes

MAMMAL HANDS

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Sat 21st June at 8:00pm

MAMMAL HANDS

Mammal Hands formed in Norwich in 2012 and quickly gained a reputation for their hypnotic fusion of jazz and electronica. They signed to Gondwana Records in 2013 and have released 5 critically acclaimed albums since, the most recent being “Gift from the Trees,” in 2023. Their unique sound has received glowing recommendations from tastemakers Tom Ravenscroft, Bonobo, Jamie Cullum and Gilles Peterson.

Their intense and mesmerising live performances have forged a strong reputation as a live band and have enabled them to tour the world extensively, performing in Japan, China, USA, Thailand and all across Europe.

Landmark live performances have included shows at The Barbican London, Hamburg Elbphilharmonie, Montreux Jazz Festival, Köln Philharmonie, La Cigale Paris, Montreal Jazz Festival, Athens Technopolis and Unit Tokyo.

With a broad array of influences, Mammal Hands take inspiration from jazz, contemporary classical, electronica, folk and minimalism to create their own inimitable style that has captured the imagination of a loyal following across the globe. They are currently working on their 6th studio album and continuing to play live shows across the globe.

Line-up:
Jordan Smart – Saxophone
Nick Smart – Piano
Rob Turner – Drums

GREEN ROOM

JON CLEARY

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Sat 21st June at 7:30pm

JON CLEARY

After thirty-five years of being at the forefront of the ever-evolving musical landscape of New Orleans, Grammy Award winner Jon Cleary decided to bring that sound back home, both figuratively and literally. He assembled his Absolute Monster Gentlemen (his acclaimed all-star big band) in his home studio in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans, drew up a setlist of some of his most beloved songs– and some new favorites– and rolled tape.

“We set out to capture that sound in the old-fashioned way: everybody in the room, playing together,” Cleary explains.

The result is The Bywater Sessions, a musical tour-de-force that showcases the grit, funk and joy that’s packed concert halls from New Orleans to Tokyo and beyond. Co-produced by Cleary and John Porter (Roxy Music, The Smiths, Taj Mahal), it’s a stunning collection of performances that affirms Cleary’s place in the New Orleans musical vanguard.

“There’s a lot to be said for the ‘lean and mean’ sound of a piano trio, stripped down to basics, simple and direct,” Cleary says. “But recently, I’ve been experimenting with different combinations; adding horns, guitar, percussion and even another keyboard player. This expanded line-up has allowed the arrangements to blossom in new directions.”

As for the musicians, it’s the best of the best. Long time Monster Gentlemen Cornell Williams and A.J. Hall anchor the band on bass and drums, respectively. They are joined by Nigel Hall (Lettuce) on Hammond organ, Pedro Segundo (Ronnie Scott’s All Stars) on percussion, Xavier Lynn (MonoNeon, Ledisi) on guitar, and an all-star horn section of Aaron Narcisse (Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra), Charlie Halloran (Squirrel Nut Zippers, Preservation Hall All Stars) and Jason Mingledorff (Galactic).

“Sophisticated, nasty, good-time, low-down funk is the folk music of New Orleans,” Cleary says. “Everyone playing on this recording is a New Orleanian by birth or by choice, having learned their craft at the feet of the masters who in turn were taught by the old lions in their day – it’s a tradition stretching back over two hundred years. The roots go deep, but each generation, growing up with street parades and second-lines, absorbs the old and introduces the new, gently coaxing the essential essence into and out of each succeeding decade.”

It’s an apt description of Cleary’s career thus far. Born in London and on a plane to New Orleans before he turned twenty years old, he grew up absorbed by the sounds and rhythms of the Crescent City. His mastery of the city’s music landed him gigs playing as a session musician in the bands of local legends Earl King, Johnny Adams, Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington, Snooks Eaglin, Ernie K-Doe, Jessie Hill– and as a guitarist for Dr. John. He later toured extensively with icons like Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal. His solo career began in earnest in 1989 and includes beloved records like their self-titled band debut and his 2015 Grammy winner, Go-Go Juice.

In fact, his first job in New Orleans was as a painter at beloved local club the Maple Leaf Bar, and it wasn’t long until he was playing piano in that very room. To this day, he and his band continue to pack that room to crowds that gather from around the world, playing their unique and ever-evolving take on New Orleans funk and R&B.

“These grooves are not museum pieces, they are alive, breathing and fresh – and that’s why joints like Tipitina’s, The Maple Leaf Bar and Chickie Wah Wah are always packed when the locals, young and old, come out to hear the Gentlemen do they thang,” Cleary proudly adds.

On The Bywater Sessions, the band that Rolling Stone’s David Fricke called “as broad, deep and rolling as the Mississippi river” is finally captured as intended– live, in the room and as funky as ever. And with that comes an invitation from Cleary himself:

“Close your eyes, imagine you’re in the room with us, me and the band, Mike Dorsey the engineer, John Porter the producer and Reed the manager. Turn it up and enjoy the experience. I hope you have as much fun listening as we did playing.”

ORAN MOR

THEON CROSS TRIO FT. GRAHAM COSTELLO

Plus

DJ REBECCA VASMANT

ORAN MOR Buy Tickets Remove from My Festival

Sat 21st June at 7:30pm

THEON CROSS TRIO FT. GRAHAM COSTELLO

Plus DJ REBECCA VASMANT

Sponsored by Second Line Records:

Theon Cross is one of those rare musicians whose vision has redefined their instrument. His
unique approach to the tuba has expanded the instrument’s sonic possibilities in revolutionary
fashion, restoring it to a long-forgotten prominence as a crucial part of the contemporary jazz
ensemble. Through his combination of technical mastery, studio smarts, deep musical knowledge
and expansive vision, the power and originality of Theon’s playing has reinvented the tuba’s
place in modern music.

Exploring the tuba’s possibilities in the light of diasporic bass culture, Theon has worked to
develop the full sonic spectrum of his instrument, transforming it into a total 21st century
sound-system, powered by breath. Using the instrument’s ability to produce sub-sonics, bass,
mids, and tops, Theon creates complete sound-worlds, building up from rhythm and bass to
arrive at melody. Employing its oft-neglected capacity to generate complex multiphonics and
sustained pedal tones, he can summon colour, texture and atmosphere. With this expanded
low-end theory as his base, Theon approaches his music with a sensibility that travels freely
across outernational style and genre, but which remains deeply rooted in his own
African-Caribbean heritage. A graduate of Guildhall school of music and an alumnus of the
legendary Tomorrow’s Warriors, he is as at home with ensemble jazz as he is when playing road
marches, collaborating with grime stars, or providing bassline pressure in reggae, afrobeat or
soca settings.

Theon released his first EP Aspirations in 2015 followed by his first album FYAH in 2019 and the
Intra-I in 2021. He was a key member of Sons of Kemet until their dissolution in 2022. He has
featured on albums by The Smile, Little Simz, Steamdown, Makaya McCraven, Joy Crookes, Ill
Considered to name a few and contributed his version of Thelonious Monk’s Epistrophy to the
Blue Note Re:Imagined series.

St Lukes

Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra

with

PAT THOMAS

St Lukes Buy Tickets Remove from My Festival

Sat 21st June at 1:00pm

Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra

with PAT THOMAS

For over 20 years the critically acclaimed Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra has been at the forefront of a global movement exploring large ensemble improvisation – “one of the best large improvising ensembles in the world” (BBC Jazz on 3).

Here they collaborate with award winning, spellbinding pianist Pat Thomas, whose virtuoso and lyrical approach makes him one of the UK’s most loved and respected improvisers.

Their collaboration celebrates the music of Thelonious Monk, presenting new compositions featuring a double concerto for real and imaginary pianists, Monkish dreamscapes, and a piece that merges every Thelonious Monk composition in a joyous mélange.

1:00 pm doors, 1:30 pm start time
All ages, under 16s to accompanied by an adult over 18

Nice N Sleazy

LATE NIGHT JAM SESSION

Hosted by

Gaïa

Nice N Sleazy FREE Remove from My Festival

Sat 21st June at 11:00pm

LATE NIGHT JAM SESSION

Hosted by Gaïa

Glasgow Jazz Festival host the infamous Late Night Jam Sessions featuring some of the best musicians in the exploding Glasgow scene, from 11pm until 3am. Each features a stellar line-up with the evening’s house trio chosen by the host.

Gaïa is a vocalist from France who has quickly cemented herself in the Glasgow new-jazz scene, blending rnb and neo-soul. Having been deeply influenced by black music from an early age, her connection to her music is deeply explorative and emotive, connected to her identity and experiences. She made her start in Glasgow’s vibrant grassroots jazz scene, listening, learning and honing her craft, eventually making a name for herself through jam sessions. Since building herself up in the Glasgow jazz scene, she continues to push boundaries and cross-pollinate within different genres.

Free entry

Over 18’s only

ST LUKES

MODERN VIKINGS

Plus

GLASSWORKS

ST LUKES Buy Tickets Remove from My Festival

Sun 22nd June at 7:30pm

MODERN VIKINGS

Plus GLASSWORKS

Award winning band Modern Vikings have taken the UK jazz scene by storm since the release of their highly acclaimed debut album, ‘Tales of the Skald,’ in the autumn of 2024.

Evolving fluidly from understated songwriting, delicate musicianship and intricate arrangements to extended passages of high energy, explorative, exhilarating improvisation, the record demonstrates the quintet’s honest, fearless and personal approach to Scotland’s distinctive answer to the American artform.

Led by Ayrshire drummer and composer, Stephen Henderson (Fergus McCreadie Trio), the band features some of the brightest stars in the UK jazz scene today; mercury nominated Fergus McCreadie on piano, award-winning bass player David Bowden, prolific composer and genre crossing guitarist Dr Graeme Stephen and the undeniable force on the saxophone, Konrad Wiszniewski (New Focus).

“unpretentiously balancing cheer and melancholy by a positive-vibing simpatico ensemble” Jazz Wise

“I’m particularly inspired by jazz musicians who incorporate elements of their own countries’ folk music into their writings and playing. Modern Jazz artists such as Shai Maestro, Avishai Cohen, Lionel Loueke, Leo Blanco and John Scofield have been huge influences on my style more recently.” Stephen Henderson

Green Room

MARIANNE MCGREGOR

ALBUM LAUNCH

Green Room Buy Tickets Remove from My Festival

Sun 22nd June at 7:30pm

MARIANNE MCGREGOR

ALBUM LAUNCH

‘Make Believe’ is the new original album from Scottish Jazz Awards ‘Best Vocalist’ Marianne McGregor. An exciting self-release for 2025, this much anticipated self-penned album was generously funded by Creative Scotland. Marianne writes music autobiographically, about her life and experiences of love, loss and growth. Along with a band of impressive musicians, Marianne uses her instrument to convey a deep personal message that invites each listener into her world. Launching her album with an exciting event at Glasgow Jazz Festival, Marianne McGregor and her six-piece band bring an exquisite sound that blends old jazz with something new, a fresh take on vocal jazz that transcends genre, this promises to be a very special concert.

Marianne McGregor is a powerful voice in UK Jazz, awarded ‘Best Vocalist’ in the Scottish Jazz Award 2023, Marianne has been delighting sell-out audiences with her impressive voice and scat-singing. Using her voice like an instrument, Marianne sings with tone and sincerity that can both break your heart and mend it all in one performance. Alongside her star-studded band of top Scottish jazz players the group embody exciting improvisation and awe-inspiring musicianship.

7:30 pm doors, 8:00 pm start time

 

Mackintosh Church

AnaVitória

Mackintosh Church Buy Tickets Remove from My Festival

Sun 22nd June at 7:30pm

AnaVitória

432 Presents ANAVITÓRIA – a Brazilian pop musical duo formed by Ana Caetano and Vitória Falcão. Originally from Tocantins, a state in the northern region of Brazil, they began their career in 2015 and quickly captivated the Brazilian audience with poetic lyrics about love and self-discovery. Four highly successful original albums have solidified them as one of the leading names in the new generation of Brazilian music. Winners of four Latin Grammy Awards, twice in the “Best Portuguese Language Song” category and twice for “Best Portuguese Language Pop Album”, ANAVITÓRIA continues to document their journey without being tied to a single style.