I’m really excited for the Jazz festival; there’s some cracking stuff on this year.  I’m most excited about hearing Pharaoh Sanders and William Henderson, Trio Riot, Laura Jurd, Paradox Ensemble, and Shatner’s Bassoon, although I’ll be at loads more throughout the week!  Unfortunately I won’t be able to get to some of the other incredible gigs, like The Dors and Billy Moon, but I can’t complain when there’s this much to choose from!

I have a few things on at the festival too, which I’m looking forward to as well.  My quartet will be playing as part of the Efpi Records showcase on Monday 29 July at the RNCM, alongside the Anton Hunter Trio and Roadrunner Honey, followed by the mjf Jam Session at Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club.  I’ll be back at Matt & Phred’s on Tuesday 30 with my quartet again.  On Wednesday 31, I shall be at the Bridgewater Hall with the Pete Lyons Quintet performing the LX:V suite.  I’ll be back (again) at Matt & Phred’s on Friday 2 August with the Reggae/Jazz group, Skamel.

The festival’s artistic director, Steve Mead, spoke to me the other week about my attempt to take over Matt & Phred’s during the festival week…  You can read about it here.  Thankfully, he made me come across much more coherent and succinct than I actually was!

Hopefully see lots of you throughout the week!