Glasgow Jazz Festival unveils its 2024 programme

Taking place between June 19 and 23, the festival will see some of jazz’s biggest names perform alongside up-and-coming stars of the future, combining the legendary and the local into one unmissable line-up.

Shows will be held at a number of renowned venues across the city including the Mackintosh Church and Òran Mór in the West End, the city centre’s Nice n Sleazy, Saint Luke’s in the East End, and The Glad Café in the Southside.

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One of the highlights will undoubtedly be jazz luminary Bobby Watson gracing St Luke’s with his legendary improvisational prowess, a decade since his last Glasgow visit.

The Glasgow-based Fergus McCreadie Trio, recent nominees for the prestigious Mercury Prize and winners of the Scottish Album of the Year in 2022, will light up the Mackintosh Church in another standout billing. And be sure to catch original Average White Band member Hamish Stuart laying down an irresistible groove at the Òran Mór.

Elsewhere, spiritual jazz act Mama Terra will recreate songs from the classic album Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock in their own sound, while kitti's Caledonian Songbook pays homage to songs in the Scots tradition from Robert Burns right up to Paolo Nutini.

Winner of 2023 BBC Radio Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year, pianist Ben Shankland also performs an afternoon show, as well as Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra who reunite with Orphy Robinson, one of the most influential voices in British jazz.

The free Late night jam sessions will also return every evening of the festival, providing a welcome platform for musicians to come together to improvise and create unique musical moments into the wee hours of the morning.

Jill Rodger, Director of Glasgow Jazz Festival, said: "We are delighted that some of the biggest names in jazz will be joining us this summer. With over 20 confirmed events spread across the city, the 38th festival is set to be another iconic edition of this annual event.

“This year’s line-up showcases everything from the legendary to the up-and-coming, promising an electrifying mix that festival audiences have come to expect from our event. We're thrilled to present such an eclectic line-up of jazz luminaries at this year's festival, from international to local talents, there's something for everyone to enjoy.”

Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, said: "Jazz is a genre that refuses to be pigeonholed. It's always evolving, thrilling its audiences with new ideas, pushing towards an exciting future while keeping one eye on the great artists of the past. Our emerging stars and seasoned veterans have crafted a distinctive voice for Scottish jazz in recent years, with Glasgow Jazz Festival at the heart of the action.

"This June, the very best in Scottish jazz will stand shoulder to shoulder with international guests in venues across the city and on programmes that head into the early hours. Creative Scotland, through National Lottery funds, is proud to support a long-running event that so fully embodies Glasgow's unrivalled musical identity.”

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Vocalist Marianne McGregor, one of the hosts of Late Night Jam Sessions, said: “Glasgow Jazz Festival is an unmissable event in the calendar and the Late Night Jam Sessions are legendary, supporting Scotland’s emerging talent and also providing a space for artists to collaborate, experiment and stretch their creative practice.

“This year is set to be an unforgettable one so I’m really excited for my own singers Jam Session on opening night and to once again experience the very best jazz talent across five days in a city which is always bursting with rhythm and creativity.”

The festival is funded by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

For more information and to buy tickets for Glasgow Jazz Festival 2024 visit www.jazzfest.co.uk.

Tickets go on sale at 1pm, Wednesday, May 1.