The Jazz Festival started a few days ago and it’s already been great!  I’m really disappointed to have missed loads of great stuff, but it’s bound to happen when there’s so much happening.  Here’s just a few of the groups that caught my eye but there is so much more: Pigfoot (Sat 19), Adam Fairhall’s Imaginary Delta (Tue 22) and his solo performance (Mon 21), the Dead Hedge Trio (Tue 22), The Great Mountain (Wed 23), Jonathan Silk’s Big Band (Wed 23), Silence Blossoms (Wed 23), and of course, Beats & Pieces (Fri 25).  Check the listings on the website (http://www.manchesterjazz.com).

With regards my own gigs, I was very happy that my Quartet was chosen to play for the BBC Introducing Showcase at the Band on the Wall on Friday 18th along with the Moss Project, Brassy B and the Peter Edwards Trio.  The whole concert will be broadcast on Monday 28 July on Jazz on 3, BBC Radio 3, at 11pm.

I’m also excited to be playing in my brother’s MJF Originals commission (6pm on Thursday 24 July at the Central Library), the Nat Birchall quintet (7.30pm on Wednesday 23 July at Band on the Wall), and Engine Room Favourites (5pm on Thursday 24 July at teh Festival Pavillion).

See you there at the Festival Square!