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Arguably the finest jazz guitarist the UK has ever produced, Jim Mullen is famed for his “mellow, soulful guitar and legendary fluency” (Observer), and gets into a groove with his take on the songs of Robert Burns. From “Banks and Braes” to "My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose", expect hard swinging, melodic, blues-drenched modern jazz, and plenty of musical fireworks as his is joined by David Milligan (piano), Mario Caribe (bass) and Max Popp (drums).
Assembly Roxy
With the tone of Amy Winehouse, an Ella-like improvisational freedom and the ability to capture emotion like Billie Holiday, singer Marianne McGregor is destined for success. In 2021 she won ‘Best Vocalist’ at the 2021 Scottish Jazz Awards and now she fronts an all-star band including Brian Kellock on piano and Colin Steele on trumpet.
The Jazz Bar
‘Spellbinding’ (The Guardian) roots, blues and slide guitar from award winning bluesman making his festival debut. Blending delta blues and rich acoustic folk, with a snarling rock and roll edge and sweet vocal harmonies his star is rising, with Total Guitar Magazine rating him as one of the world’s greatest acoustic guitarists.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
As New Orleans as they come, Don Vappie is a virtuoso of the banjo and larger-than-life character immersed in Creole culture. You may have heard him in the popular band Django à la Créole, now he leads his own group with a stellar line-up of David Horniblow on clarinet, Dave Kelbie on guitar and Sebastien Girardot on double bass. This unabashedly laid-back music has songs and vamps that, in true Big Easy style, blend jazz virtuosity with buoyant blues riffs and a splash of Caribbean rhythms. The ghosts of Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet and Kid Ory roam the streets again.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Roaring jazz and swing from the 1920s. This washboard/banjo driven horn collective of young swingsters scorch audiences with their hot jazz and their passion for entertaining. Think music from the Gatsby era. Presented in Association with Edinburgh Jazz & Jive Club.
Heriot's Rugby Club
We are opening the 2022 Festival in style, celebrating the First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald. Arguably one of the finest female jazz vocalists of all time, her extraordinary diction, timing, sense of swing and all-round joie de vie made her one of the finest interpreters of the great American song book. Violinist, vocalist and broadcaster Seonaid Aitken is the ideal choice to celebrate Ella and the songs she made famous. Fronting a superstar big band with special guests including Glaswegian rising star singer kitti, saxophonist Konrad Wiszniewski and Italian trumpeter Daniele Raimondi, this will be an evening of inspiring music, celebrating a jazz legend.
Assembly Hall
After participating in a project featuring exciting, young jazz talent from across Europe, Scottish bassist David Bowden met and was inspired by two rising stars of their respective scenes: Belgian trombonist Nabou Claerhout and Luxembourg drummer Michel Meis. Now joined by Norman Willmore from Scotland this new band will deliver a new set of music that inspires and thrills, engrossing audiences with powerful melodies, punchy grooves and shimmering soundscapes. Supported by Scottish Jazz EXPO.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
One of the most exciting and striking figures on today’s jazz scene, American trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire is “thrilling with a unique spark” (The New Yorker). His music is a “dramatically paced, surprise-packed and sometimes intense fusion of cliche-free solo exploits and collective improvising” (The Guardian). He is touring to support his most recent Blue Note album, on the tender spot of every calloused moment, which confirms his kaleidoscopic vision as a composer. He is joined by Sam Harris (piano), Harish Raghavan (bass) and Kweku Sumbry (drums).
Assembly Roxy
Poignant, lyrical, inventive, rising jazz star, drummer Richard Glassby produces music with great power and appeal. His debut album 'Eclipse' won critical acclaim and he recently was awarded the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Prize for Composition. Inspired by classic jazz he digs deep into the tunes taking them in interesting directions. His band features Simon Herberholz and Matthew Kilner on saxes, Fergus McCreadie on piano and Ewan Hastie on double bass. Supported by Scottish Jazz EXPO.
The Jazz Bar
Get ready to party! This 8-piece Glaswegian funk-soul powerhouse deliver untouchable live performances. Headed by keen skater, lumberjack-attired soul bearer, Tom McGuire, this funky collective feature top musicians from Glasgow are fast becoming one of the most exciting bands on the festival circuit: “Every time, they absolutely blow your face off, funk to the ceiling” BBC Radio Scotland.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Do you know your scooby doors from your doo-dats? Learn all about jazz in this fun, interactive workshop led by the brilliant saxophonist Sue McKenzie. Taking place at venues across the city, these 30-minute sessions are packed full of fun and only cost £5 for a child plus an adult. Saturday 16 July 10:30am: Muirhouse Millenium Centre, EH4 4RW (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: North Merchiston Club, EH11 1EP (6-9 Years Old) Sunday 17 July 10:30am: St. Bride’s Centre, EH11 2DZ (6-9 Years Old) Saturday 23 July 10:30am: Rannoch Community Centre, EH4 7ES (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: Currie Community Centre, EH14 5RU (6-9 Years Old)
Muirhouse Millenium
Our ever-popular Blues Afternoons are back for 2022. Born and bred in Mississippi, Lisa Mills opens the afternoon mixing Southern charm and roots country blues and gospel into her distinctive solo guitar and vocal style. The Cinelli Brothers share a common passion for the electric Chicago and Texas blues from the 60s and 70s, showcasing original repertoire in the style of Chess, Stax and Motown. Closing the afternoon, festival favourite Nashville’s own Stacy Mitchhart delivers feel-good music that cuts across soul country and rock and always leaves audiences wanting more.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Do you know your scooby doors from your doo-dats? Learn all about jazz in this fun, interactive workshop led by the brilliant saxophonist Sue McKenzie. Taking place at venues across the city, these 30-minute sessions are packed full of fun and only cost £5 for a child plus an adult. Saturday 16 July 10:30am: Muirhouse Millenium Centre, EH4 4RW (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: North Merchiston Club, EH11 1EP (6-9 Years Old) Sunday 17 July 10:30am: St. Bride’s Centre, EH11 2DZ (6-9 Years Old) Saturday 23 July 10:30am: Rannoch Community Centre, EH4 7ES (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: Currie Community Centre, EH14 5RU (6-9 Years Old)
North Merchiston Club
Roaring jazz and swing from the 1920s. This washboard/banjo driven horn collective of young swingsters scorch audiences with their hot jazz and their passion for entertaining. Think music from the Gatsby era. Presented in Association with Edinburgh Jazz & Jive Club.
Assembly Roxy
Led by guitarist Guillaume Vierset, they play jazz impregnated with a layer of folk and touches of rock with a good dose of dreaminess. Music rich in invention, surprise and adventure, the cello and soprano provide dynamic and expressive sound textures. One of the most important groups in Belgian jazz right now.
The Jazz Bar
Mississippi-born Lisa Mills meshes country, gospel, blues and soul in her intimate solo shows. Her voice has an unusual passion and soulful sophistication that recalls Stax’s legendary sweltering bluesy funk. She’s “a full-throated female Otis Redding”.
Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre
Super talented guitarist Conor Smith breaks out his pedal steel guitar to deliver a selection of tin pan alley standards reimagined with a country and western aesthetic in a truly unique mix that he calls ‘western swing’. He is joined by Tom Gibbs (clarinet), Matt Gough (trumpet), Andrew Sharkey (bass), Dan Brown (accordion) and Greg Irons (drums). Supported by the Scottish Jazz Expo.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
The multi-award winning singer-songwriter melds influences ranging from jazz and folk to reggae and neo-soul. Her third album ‘Arise’ was co-produced by drummer Moses Boyd and is a product of their exploration of the meeting points between British jazz sounds and the traditional rhythms of Jamaica. After catching the attention of Giles Peterson, she's since collaborated with Gregory Porter and Shabaka Hutchings showcasing her splendid, scintillatingly clear voice, which reminds some of Nina Simone, others of Cassandra Wilson.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Fergus McCreadie is riding high. His music a melting pot of originality, freshness of sound and vitality, which excites and inspires. Its chemistry of improvisatory adventures combines spontaneous jazz and folkloric influences. Tonight, he delivers a special, one-off new project featuring an extended line-up and a brand-new commission. His regular trio of David Bowden (bass) and Stephen Henderson (drums), are joined by drummer (Graham Costello) and three saxophonists (Matt Carmichael, Harry Weir, Norman Willmore) plus the stellar trumpeter Laura Jurd. Don’t miss this landmark concert. Supported by the Scottish Jazz EXPO.
Assembly Hall
Since winning the 2018 BBC Young Jazz Musician of the year, saxophonist Xhosa Cole continues to showcase his authentic connection to the lineage of jazz music, updating and refreshing the music of the masters. What sets him apart is his technique, talent, artistry and a burning desire that shows throughout his concerts. Nominated by Soweto Kinch as one to watch as part of his series: Blaze.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
Atom Eyes deliver neo-soul, jazz-funk and hip-hop, with soaring vocals and enchanting, adventurous melodies. Frontwoman Lissa Robertson is backed by a formidable rhythm section playing grooves that could have been sampled straight from a Dr Dre G-Funk era record.
The Jazz Bar
Feel-good music from Nashville’s classy blues man. Extraordinary guitar skills, he plays lap steel and cigar box, meet his soulful, blues voice and he bestrides stages with his big warm personality and flamboyant style. A genuine high quality live performer who always leaves audiences wanting more.
Assembly Roxy
Handpicked by Gilles Peterson to join his Brownswood music label, Manchester jazz-funkers Secret Night Gang are an exciting band on the rise. Their debut release created waves last year, bringing a heady mix of jazz, soul, gospel, R&B and more. “For me it’s an extraordinary level of musical competence at such a young age. It’s incredibly complete music, tight arrangements and with far reaching musical ambition.” Gilles Peterson
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Do you know your scooby doors from your doo-dats? Learn all about jazz in this fun, interactive workshop led by the brilliant saxophonist Sue McKenzie. Taking place at venues across the city, these 30-minute sessions are packed full of fun and only cost £5 for a child plus an adult. Saturday 16 July 10:30am: Muirhouse Millenium Centre, EH4 4RW (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: North Merchiston Club, EH11 1EP (6-9 Years Old) Sunday 17 July 10:30am: St. Bride’s Centre, EH11 2DZ (6-9 Years Old) Saturday 23 July 10:30am: Rannoch Community Centre, EH4 7ES (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: Currie Community Centre, EH14 5RU (6-9 Years Old)
St.Bride's Centre
A double header of quality blues. Ian Siegal is an extraordinary artist. His love of rock ‘n’ rollers like Little Richard and Elvis; blues titans such as Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf; the experimentalism of Tom Waits; and all the fine roots music coming out of the Southern States; combine to fuel a powerful voice and magnetic stage presence. Direct from Nashville, songwriter, singer and guitarist Stacy Mitchhart plays joyful Memphis blues ranging from soulful to roadhouse. All delivered with his big warm personality and flamboyant style.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
“Happy, jaunty, feelgood jazz” (The Herald), inspired by the music of Django Reinhardt’s fabulous quintet, the Hot Club de Paris. Havana Swing combine artistry, fun and feel-good music featuring “the animated intense playing of clarinettist, Walter Smith and the fine fiery ensemble of the rhythm section” (Just Jazz).
Assembly Roxy
Mercury-nominated, "British Jazz super-group" Dinosaur are led by multi-award winning composer and trumpeter Laura Jurd. Playing her spiritedly accessible compositions, Dinosaur explore Jurd's distinctive yet ever-evolving music with playful abandon and technical prowess from Elliot Galvin (piano), Conor Chaplin (double bass) and Corrie Dick (drums).
Assembly Roxy
A rising star of the Scottish Jazz scene, trombonist Anouska Nanguy has been described by Soweto Kinch as “amazing” and as one to watch. Her expressive scale-jumping trombone slides and resonant vocals are heard to good effect on standards and her own original forward thinking tunes. Joined by regular rhythm section collaborators Ewan Hastie (bass) and Peru Eizagirre (drums). Supported by Scottish Jazz Expo.
The Jazz Bar
Infectious rhythms with a fiery Latin beat, fuelled by throbbing percussion and springy bass lines. Scuba’s warm melodies and catchy riffs have been inspired by percussionist Ricky Linn’s trips to Havana and Mumbai. He is joined by Paul Greenwood (woodwind), Seth Bennett (bass), Paul Judge (drums and percussion) and Richard Bailey (piano).
Assembly George Square Piccolo
One of the most exciting musicians of today, multi award-winning alto-saxophonist, MC and composer Soweto Kinch brings his exhilarating, hard hitting jazz, racing freestyle lyrics and hip hop to EJBF22. A titan of the UK jazz scene, he has amassed an unprecedented array of accolades including two MOBO awards, two Urban Music Awards and a Mercury Prize nomination. A set infused with great music, showmanship and sheer energy - don't miss it. He has also curated a series for EJBF called Blaze.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
He’s the eldest son of the undisputed King of the blues, Muddy Waters. Mud and his fantastic band deliver classic Chicago electric blues. He’s the real deal charisma, authority, authenticity, musicality. This incredible showman plays the classic Chicago electric blues that Muddy is generally held to have invented, and which in its turn spawned the rock revolution of the 60s and 70s. Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Paul Rodgers are among many to have covered Muddy’s music. A great singer and great band.
Assembly Hall
Herbie Hancock’s seminal jazz funk group The Headhunters has been a big influence on award winning pianist Alan Benzie. With Konrad Wiszniewski on saxophone, Ben MacDonald (guitar), Ewan Hastie (bass) and Mark Scobbie (drums), they play infectious grooves, high energy interaction, with lots of good vibes on classics like Chameleon and Watermelon Man.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
Step back in time to the Golden Age of Jazz. Put on your sharpest suit or most glamorous frock and join Scotland’s top trio of close-harmony singers. Backed by their band, they present their new show ‘The Roaring 20s and Beyond’, packed with charisma and classic tunes.
Assembly Roxy
The young singer from Chicago by way of Glasgow is inspired by Joni Mitchell, Brian Wilson and Neil Young and unveils new arrangements of their songs as part of tonight’s set. She is joined by Tom Gibbs (piano), Conor Smith (guitar), Brodie Jarvie (bass) and Max Popp (drums). Supported by Scottish Jazz Expo.
The Jazz Bar
Explosive and energetic blending extended funk and rock grooves with stirring vocals from Soweto townships that draw deeply on indigenous spiritual traditions. Infused with the spirit of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, this seven-piece collective - Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness - have been mesmerising audiences globally. Gilles Peterson is a fan of their indomitable outspokenness on modern Africa, delivered with powerful indigenous funk, hip-hop consciousness and punk rock energy. Live they are joyous and unmissable.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Pioneers in the use of four-hands piano in jazz, Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi have earned widespread success with their arrangements of classics from the stride piano, ragtime, and boogie woogie traditions, as well as from the Swing Era and the Golden Age of Tin Pan Alley. Blending impeccable technique with mature musicality, the piano duo has performed across the world, wowing critics and fans alike.
Assembly Roxy
Dubbed an ‘Urban Brass Band,’ this ensemble from Torino, Italy sets their sights on all sorts of brass music, from ragtime and jazz to Balkan, rocksteady, and Latin. Their rousing live performances are irresistible, as they mix ideas and switch directions at the drop of a hat.
Bellfield
The deeply passionate, challenging and highly emotional songs from the Nina Simone canon bring out the best in Ali Affleck’s rich and highly emotive vocal. She is joined by a powerhouse band featuring Colin Steele (trumpet), Paul Harrison (piano), Roy Percy (bass) and Stu Brown (drums). Check out this new chapter for Ali.
Assembly Roxy
Dubbed an ‘Urban Brass Band,’ this ensemble from Torino, Italy sets their sights on all sorts of brass music, from ragtime and jazz to Balkan, rocksteady, and Latin. Their rousing live performances are irresistible, as they mix ideas and switch directions at the drop of a hat.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
From Belgium, a piano trio that stands out from the crowd. Using simple, hypnotic riffs with electronic effects their restless dynamic moves from flowery romanticism to fractured pointillism as the mood dictates, often taking in some groovy urgency or old school stride along the way. It’s a genuine hybrid that never sounds contrived.
The Jazz Bar
Bold, innovative, hypnotic and powerful minimal music ranging from ambient and post-rock, to jazz improvisation from leading all-star band. Drummer, Graham Costello is joined by Harry Weir (saxes), Liam Shortall (trombone), Fergus McCreadie (keys), Kevin Cahill (guitar) and Gus Stirrat (bass). “Thrilling” (Jazzwise).
Assembly George Square Piccolo
Pioneers in the use of four-hands piano in jazz, Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi have earned widespread success with their arrangements of classics from the stride piano, ragtime, and boogie woogie traditions, as well as from the Swing Era and the Golden Age of Tin Pan Alley. Blending impeccable technique with mature musicality, the piano duo has performed across the world, wowing critics and fans alike.
Murrayfield Parish Church
Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd's ‘Jazz Samba’ is one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time featuring the coolest bossa novas alongside high energy samba. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of its release, this quintet deliver a powerful tribute with classic tunes lke ‘Desafinado’ and’ ‘Samba Dees Days’ with Brian Molley (saxophone) and Ross Milligan (guitar) taking the leading roles.
Assembly Roxy
Playtime are known for welcoming some of the brightest talents in the scene today to sit in on their bi-weekly gigs. For this very special edition of Playtime, the quartet of Martin Kershaw (saxophone), Graham Stephen (guitar), Mario Caribé (bass) and Tom Bancroft (drums) and are joined by multi-award winning composer and trumpeter Laura Jurd. The sparks will fly. Supported by Scottish Jazz EXPO.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
The Mississippi guitarist and vocalist, knocks audiences out wherever he goes with the soulful warmth and the consummate brilliance of his shows. He combines the best of old-school soul/blues with modern lyrics and themes that bring the blues into a new century. Zac Harmon is the real deal - a top guitarist who always looks for emotional charge, a stellar songwriter writer, and a singer with the ultimate southern rhythm and blues voice.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
“A big, bombastic sound” (The Scotsman) from mainstays of the Edinburgh scene, this is the classic Monday night big band, featuring the best players in town. Joined tonight by a very special guest.
The Jazz Bar
A critical link between ragtime and bebop, Erroll Garner was one of the most stylistically distinct jazz pianists of the 1940s to 1960s. Beloved by audiences and revered by fellow musicians, Garner’s accomplishments transcended his art. Here, Italian pianist Paolo Alderighi pays homage capturing Garner’s soul, good-natured mischief and contagious joy.
Assembly Roxy
Dubbed an ‘Urban Brass Band,’ this ensemble from Torino, Italy sets their sights on all sorts of brass music, from ragtime and jazz to Balkan, rocksteady, and Latin. Their rousing live performances are irresistible, as they mix ideas and switch directions at the drop of a hat.
Willowbrae Church
Dubbed an ‘Urban Brass Band,’ this ensemble from Torino, Italy sets their sights on all sorts of brass music, from ragtime and jazz to Balkan, rocksteady, and Latin. Their rousing live performances are irresistible, as they mix ideas and switch directions at the drop of a hat.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
Sharing precocious fluency, flaring tones and sweeping confidence, Italian trumpeter Daniele Raimondi and Scottish saxophonist Konrad Wiszniewski lead a new quintet. Focussing on big booting swinging jazz, improvisational excitement is guaranteed. They are joined by Alan Benzie (piano), Mario Caribe (bass) and Doug Hough (drums) .
Assembly Roxy
Packing a punch, Greig Taylor’s music is a cross-section of old and new blues, funk, and soul with his voice by turns uplifting, rocking and powerfully raw, but always over a funky riff.
The Jazz Bar
Tenement are a young band who are reviving the sounds of traditional New Orleans Jazz in Scotland, bringing new energy and excitement to music that was shocking and thrilling in equal measure in its time. In a special concert for EJBF, the sensational stride and ragtime pianist Stephanie Trick joins them to play Jelly Roll Morton and other early classics. Supported by Scottish Jazz Expo.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Needing no introduction, John Scofield is a towering figure in jazz. ‘We're exploring rock, funk, country, jazz and having a fantastic time doing it. I’m excited about it’ say John Scofield of his latest project Yankee Go Home. Reinterpreting tunes by everyone from Leonard Bernstein, Neil Young and Buddy Holly to Stevie Wonder and The Grateful Dead, he is joined by a stellar trio of Brian Blade Fellowship pianist and arranger Jon Cowherd, ace bassist Vicente Archer, and monster drummer Josh Dion.
Assembly Hall
A must for lovers of great songs and great singing. Georgia Cécile’s star continues to rise with the release of her latest album ‘Only The Lover Sings’. She fuses classic jazz and soul influences reminiscent of Duke Ellington and Nina Simone with a contemporary cinematic edge in the vein of Gregory Porter and Melody Gardot. For this special concert she is accompanied by jazz trio and string quartet.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Williams is the icon of blockbuster film music scores. The Katet are an 8-piece soul/jazz/funk band who deliver pounding grooves and thick funky horn riffs. Their recent success in re-calibrating Stevie Wonder tunes won many admirers, and now hear the crowd-pleasing scores of “Jurassic Park”, “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars” funked-up by their magical touch.
Assembly Roxy
Young Aberdonian tenor saxophonist, Matthew Kilner is making waves wherever he plays with his beautiful tone and melodic lines. He is joined on the front line by Colin Steele on trumpet, and the grooving rhythm section of Neil Birse on piano, Ewan Hastie on bass and Richard Glassby on drums. Supported by Scottish Jazz EXPO.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
A sonic attack from a power trio like no other - energy at max! They call it doom-jazz and their album “Blind Fury” showcases their big grooving bass, thundering drums, wild sax expression creating a noise three musicians have no right to muster. Harry Weir (saxophone), Liam Shortall (trombone) and Graham Costello (drums) blend jazz, dance party, and heavy rocking into one.
The Jazz Bar
Dubbed an ‘Urban Brass Band,’ this ensemble from Torino, Italy sets their sights on all sorts of brass music, from ragtime and jazz to Balkan, rocksteady, and Latin. Their rousing live performances are irresistible, as they mix ideas and switch directions at the drop of a hat.
Assembly Roxy
Six Scottish musicians pay homage to Charles Mingus in this his centenary year, by playing the music of “Ah Um”. One of jazz’s most celebrated albums, it is a joyously exuberant roll call of tunes including “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat’, ‘Open Letter To Duke” and ‘Better Git In Your Soul’. Norman Willmore - Alto Sax Michael Butcher - Tenor Sax Anoushka Nanguy - Trombone Alan Benzie - Piano David Bowden - Bass Stephen Henderson - Drums
Assembly George Square Piccolo
Davina is a festival favorite and she’s back for 2022! She sings and plays the music we love with an honesty and craft that endears her to audiences in a special way. She’s got the sensitivity of an Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, or Billie Holiday; and she’s got a top-quality band that play jazz, blues, soul, swing, rock ‘n roll and anything else Davina wants, with all the passion she needs.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
A rare opportunity to hear young, imaginative European musicians at the top of their creative game. Each concert features two bands. First up: students from Oslo and Hamburg. Whilst the second concert features musicians form Parma and Nürnberg.
The Jazz Bar
A cracking swing band that roars its way through the magic of Buddy Rich’s big band album ‘Big Swing Face’. John Burgess has assembled a top notch band includes Brian Kellock (piano), Enrico Tomasso (trumpet), Gordon Campbell (trombone) and Tom Gordon (drums). So you know to expect exciting solos and first rate ensemble work which will swing like fury.
Assembly Roxy
Extraordinary guitarist and vocalist Aki Remally and outstanding young pianist Fraser Urquhart join forces to pay homage to Gil Scott-Heron. They delve deep into the work of the revolutionary poet, jazz musician and rap pioneer whose lyrics expressed views on politics, culture and social injustice - expect a whole lotta of funk, jazz and soul tunes from Gil Scott-Heron’s repertoire.
Leith Arches
Violin superstar Tcha Limberger is the leader of Les Violons de Bruxelles – an all-string swing orchestra that turn the standard Hot Club ensemble on its head with two violins, viola, double bass and just one guitar. Caressing the strings at the fiercest tempos they deliver virtuosity, verve and panache and they delighted audiences when they played the festival in 2019. Fronted by fiddle player and sophisticated songstress, Seonaid Aitken, Rose Room combine brilliant musicianship and warm personality, recreating the excitement of Rive Gauche Paris of the 30s and 40s with Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt. “Stupendous gypsy jazz, and a superb singer” (Scotsman).
Assembly Hall
West African music with jazz crossover. Tom Bancroft and Thomas Annang’s 10-piece band, plus dancer Adie Baako Elias, are committed to getting audiences grooving and moving as though this was downtown Accra, Lagos, and Kinshasa on a Saturday night. This mighty force embraces Fela Kuti’s concepts, afrobeat grooves, and more traditional African drumming into the jazz world.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
A rare opportunity to hear young, imaginative European musicians at the top of their creative game. Each concert features two bands. First up: students from Oslo and Hamburg. Whilst the second concert features musicians form Parma and Nürnberg.
The Jazz Bar
When EJBF last commissioned Martin Kershaw there was a huge buzz – The Herald said ‘spontaneous standing ovation for a previously unheard 50 minute jazz work would be worthy of note at any time … and was more than inspiring in itself’. Now Kershaw turns his musical focus to poets who have inspired him. Some of Scotland’s finest jazz musicians are featured including Paul Harrison (piano), Calum Gourlay (bass) and Graeme Stephen (guitar). Supported by Scottish Jazz EXPO.
Assembly Roxy
Classic 1950s and early 60s American blues, delivered with passion and power from Jed Pott’s band who have been making waves in across the UK blues scene. For the first time with EJBF they are joined by a driving horn section who add in some New Orleans funk, ramping up the musical excitement. Pedal and lap steel guitar ace, American Roosevelt Collier is so proficient he’s affectionately known as “The Dr". Serving up a dirty funk swampy mix of blues, gospel, rock showcasing his lightning-fast slide work on the pedal steel as he delivers a spirited, soul-shaking live performance. You gotta see him live.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
A new project and a new direction from singer Lorna Reid and guitarist/Weissenborn player Neil Warden. Delving into Americana and influenced by Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Ry Cooder and David Lindley expect a mix of country, roots-rock, folk, bluegrass, R&B and blues.
Assembly Roxy
He made a massive impact in 2018 with a series of sold out shows and we are delighted he’s back. Carrying the torch for traditional acoustic blues, he mixes ragtime, hokum, old time, French reels, Appalachian mountain music and, of course, blues all in the true songster tradition.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
The Oscar Peterson Trio with Herb Ellis is the key reference for a band featuring the mercurial swinging pianist, Brian Kellock; Australian guitarist, Dave Blenkhorn; and bass player, Roy Percy. They play classy, sometimes tricky, always passionate swinging jazz with a facility beyond most and an approach based on joy and fun.
Assembly Roxy
Daniele Raimondi is one of Italy’s finest young jazz trumpet players whilst Matt Carmichael is one of Scotland’s finest young saxophonists. With an open brief, these prodigiously talented musicians will deliver thrilling music and exceptional soloing.
The Jazz Bar
An extraordinary, one-of-a-kind big band. Featuring top students from the music academies of Oslo, Parma, Glasgow, Hamburg and Nuremberg this stellar big band will debut new pieces that have been inspired by environmental challenges. This jointly created new work will be premiered tonight after a week of intensive creativity. A small group from Scotland will open the concert, featuring Rachel Duns, Jack Schendel (saxophones), Laurie Moore (acoustic bass) and Kenny Lyons (drums). This project is funded by Erasmus +.
The Studio, Festival Theatre
This is a thrill, a riot, a good time. This effervescent show features Ali’s favourite musicians from Scotland and the crescent city in a band that brings a little bit of Caledonia into the musical gumbo that is New Orleans Jazz. Together they will transport you to the prohibition era, delivering good time, swinging, vintage jazz with songs by the likes of Bessie Smith, Mildred Bailey, Louis Armstrong and Ma Rainey. For one night only, the vivacious singer will be joined by a stellar eight-piece band featuring New Orleans pianist Joplin Parnell and multi-instrumentalist Ewan Bleach as well as UK’s finest, trumpeter Enrico Tomasso. Supported by Scottish Jazz Expo.
Assembly Hall
Glaswegian singer/songwriter kitti is quickly establishing herself as one to watch. Her soaring vocals and unique lyrics demand attention and make it easy to see why fans are making comparisons to the likes of Amy Winehouse and Alicia Keys and shy she is being showered with awards. Her fire and finesse captivate audiences and our top tip is to see her now before she hits stardom.
Assembly Roxy
Celebrating 35 years in the business, Lights Out By Nine are one of the best known bands on the Scottish scene. A hot horn section and soulful vocals deliver solid, driving funky grooves and powerhouse soul and r’n’b.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
Dynamic, high-energy band, Redfish open the concert with their distinctive mix of blues, roots, jazz and soul. They deliver a barnstorming set of covers, with clever and refreshing interpretations.
Leith Dockers Club
A brand-new project from guitarist Joe Williamson embracing left-field modern jazz with a love for the acoustic tradition showcasing his “well-crafted phrasing and expressive improvisation'' (The Times). He is joined by Alan Benzie (piano), Brodie Jarvie (bass) and Stephen Henderson (drums).
The Jazz Bar
The shining star of the British jazz scene, multi award-winning saxophonist and composer Nubya Garcia is one of the leading forces in UK jazz releasing her debut album 'SOURCE' to worldwide acclaim. Explosive, exploratory, and energising, her strong, rich and persuasive tenor sax tone, muscular playing and a lucid and emotionally expressive compositional style soars over a compelling mixture of spiritual jazz, dub, reggae and Latin rhythms. Book early. This is a standing gig.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Step back into the golden age of swing with the band that sets the standard for classic jazz, playing a repertoire ranging from Jelly Roll Morton to Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. “terrific music, imaginative arrangements and strong playing with great panache” (The Herald). His 8 piece band features: Dick Lee, Konrad Wiszniewski, Martin Foster (reeds), Colin Steele (trumpet), Chris Grieve (trombone), Paul Harrison (piano), Roy Percy (bass) and Tom Gordon (drums).
Assembly Roxy
An opportunity to see and hear the jazz stars of the future as the summer school students show off their newly acquired skills. Led by saxophonist Sue Mackenzie.
The Jazz Bar
Virtouso pianist David Milligan and rising star saxophonist Norman Willmore share a crossover interest between traditional music and jazz. Milligan is “carelessly-gifted eclectic with but roots as deep in folk music as jazz”, whilst Willmore blends jazz with Scandinavian and Appalachian folk music. Italian pianist, Fabio Giachino opens the concert with a solo set, blending classical influences and electronic sounds with jazz improvisation.
Assembly Roxy
Edinburgh native, clarinettist virtuoso and traditional jazz band leader extraordinaire, Hamish McGregor pays tribute to the big hitters of the British trad jazz revival, featuring Colin Steele (trumpet) and Dave Batchelor (trombone). All the fun and all the hits! Hamish McGregor - reeds and vox. Colin Steele - trumpet Dave Batchelor - trombone Eric Wales - banjo/guitar Ed Kelly - bass Campbell Normand - keys Alastair Morrow - drums
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
From "At Last", "Tell Mama", "Something's Got a Hold on Me", to "I'd Rather Go Blind", Etta James is often thought of as the ultimate blues mama, her voice a steamroller fuelled by brass and sass. Katie Whittaker is a great singer, championed and supported by the brilliant guitarist, Stuart Nisbet (The Proclaimers, Justin Currie etc) and his fantastic soul band.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
A name to watch! Guitarist Nathan Somevi fuses jazz classics and soul, drawing parallels with the music of Herbie Hancock and Sonny Rollins. With Niall Ford on drums, Somevi takes inspiration from American guitarist Charlie Hunter and his hybrid guitar.
The Jazz Bar
He made a massive impact in 2018 with a series of sold out shows and we are delighted he’s back. Carrying the torch for traditional acoustic blues, he mixes ragtime, hokum, old time, French reels, Appalachian mountain music and, of course, blues all in the true songster tradition.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Davina is a festival favorite and she’s back for 2022! She sings and plays the music we love with an honesty and craft that endears her to audiences in a special way. She’s got the sensitivity of an Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, or Billie Holiday; and she’s got a top-quality band that play jazz, blues, soul, swing, rock ‘n roll and anything else Davina wants, with all the passion she needs.
Assembly Hall
A sonic adventure where electronica meets rap, meets hip hop. Drummer Stuart Brown has always pushed his music to unforeseen places and now he previews his latest project. A progressive exploration of harmony, rhythm and melody in collaboration with Sudanese rapper based in Glasgow, MistaFaZ and innovative saxophonist, Harry Weir. This high energy music is presented in an intimate club with stunning visuals. This is a standing gig.
La Belle Angele
There is never a shortage of fun, excitement and raw good music whenever the Savannah Jazz Band takes the stage. Playing top drawer traditional jazz, the band's swinging New Orleans style Swinging has earned them a huge international reputation at major jazz festivals in the UK and overseas. Presented in Association with Edinburgh Jazz & Jive Club.
Heriot's Rugby Club
The stellar saxophonist was a recent finalist on BBC’s Masterchef and has devised a new show combining two of her loves jazz and cooking. She leads an ensemble of topflight musicians through a set of tunes about food along with a short cooking demonstration. A vibrant new set showing off her love of melody, her deep emotional powers, and her extraordinary alto saxophone facility, alongside her culinary expertise.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
The Italian guitarist has a big ambition with his music, and he seems to always pull it off. “A perfect synthesis between writing and improvisation, modern jazz tradition and the desire to discover new horizons” (All About Jazz). This vigorous quintet includes a fiery, solid and muscular rhythm section playing grand sweeping statements with long arching melodies from contemporary African-American jazz to hard bop.
The Jazz Bar
The Hillman Hunters are an electric trio, playing blues inspired by 50s and 60s American greats, from Freddie King to Howlin’ Wolf. Whether laying back into a Freddie King ballad or digging-in to a hypnotic Muddy Waters groove, they deliver gritty blues played with passion and power. Leader Jed Potts has been in Memphis recording and playing with the supercharged harp and vocals of US star, Brandon Santini who joins them for tonight’s set.
Assembly Roxy
With their futuristic melting pot fuelled by hip-hop, Afrobeat and electronica, Blue Lab Beats are probably the fastest-rising production duo in the world right now. From live shows at Glastonbury and Afropunk, supporting Roy Ayers and Thundercat, collaborating with Angelique Kidjo to signing to the iconic Blue Note records their futuristic musical melting pot has been MOBO and GRAMMY recognised. Their boom-bap groove and jazz funk hooks are best experienced live.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Do you know your scooby doors from your doo-dats? Learn all about jazz in this fun, interactive workshop led by the brilliant saxophonist Sue McKenzie. Taking place at venues across the city, these 30-minute sessions are packed full of fun and only cost £5 for a child plus an adult. Saturday 16 July 10:30am: Muirhouse Millenium Centre, EH4 4RW (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: North Merchiston Club, EH11 1EP (6-9 Years Old) Sunday 17 July 10:30am: St. Bride’s Centre, EH11 2DZ (6-9 Years Old) Saturday 23 July 10:30am: Rannoch Community Centre, EH4 7ES (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: Currie Community Centre, EH14 5RU (6-9 Years Old)
Rannoch Centre
Our ever-popular Blues Afternoons are back, with a triple header of powerful rocking blues. Kicking off with deep and dirty Mississippi rooted blues-rock from Dixie Fried. Australian born singer/ guitarist Kara Grainger is based in Nashville which infuses her sound built from her monster slide guitar and gritty, full-bodied and soulful voice. Irish blues artist Grainne Duffy blends blues, soul, rock and Celtic influences into emotionally supercharged performances, all delivered with a killer combination of vocal strength, range and intensity and guitar virtuosity. A real audience-pleaser.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Do you know your scooby doors from your doo-dats? Learn all about jazz in this fun, interactive workshop led by the brilliant saxophonist Sue McKenzie. Taking place at venues across the city, these 30-minute sessions are packed full of fun and only cost £5 for a child plus an adult. Saturday 16 July 10:30am: Muirhouse Millenium Centre, EH4 4RW (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: North Merchiston Club, EH11 1EP (6-9 Years Old) Sunday 17 July 10:30am: St. Bride’s Centre, EH11 2DZ (6-9 Years Old) Saturday 23 July 10:30am: Rannoch Community Centre, EH4 7ES (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: Currie Community Centre, EH14 5RU (6-9 Years Old)
Currie Community Centre
Along with Coltrane and Coleman, Eric Dolphy played a significant role in developing 1950s and 1960s avant garde jazz. Now, Italian clarinetist Federico Calgano leads a sextet refreshing Dolphy’s masterpiece ‘Out to Lunch’. Through collective interaction and respect they celebrate the Blue Note sounds from the 60s and continue Dolphy’s legacy with imagination, and creativity.
Assembly Roxy
Davina is a festival favorite and she’s back for 2022! She sings and plays the music we love with an honesty and craft that endears her to audiences in a special way. She’s got the sensitivity of an Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, or Billie Holiday; and she’s got a top-quality band that play jazz, blues, soul, swing, rock ‘n roll and anything else Davina wants, with all the passion she needs.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
He made a massive impact in 2018 with a series of sold out shows and we are delighted he’s back. Carrying the torch for traditional acoustic blues, he mixes ragtime, hokum, old time, French reels, Appalachian mountain music and, of course, blues all in the true songster tradition.
PASS Theatre
A new band packed with super-talented musicians led by guitarist Haftor Medbøe and featuring Scottish saxophonist Sue McKenzie, Danish bass player Eva Malling, and Scottish/ Icelandic drummer/percussionist Signy Jakobsdottir. Playing a programme of Nordic folksongs in a contemporary jazz setting alongside a selection from their back-catalogue, their music is imbued with a cinematic quality that transports the listener to other times and places.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
With flair and originality the Edinburgh group, Jawbone Walk, was formed out of a mutual appreciation for classic blues music. Tonight, they present a new show travelling from the early Country blues and gospel styles of the pre war era, right up to the electric Chicago blues of the 1940s and 50s. Jawbone Walk are Toby Mottershead (vocals/guitar), Luke Cunningham (keys), Ewan Gibson (bass) and Vid Gobac (drums).
Assembly Roxy
Euphoric, sweet and catchy tunes cool and decisive vocals and she plays guitar like an angel. London songwriter & guitarist Rosie Frater-Taylor blurs the lines between jazz, folk, pop & soul. Think Joni Mitchell meets George Benson! Performing here with her trio, she is truly one to watch – don't miss it.
The Jazz Bar
Trumpeter Colin Steele writes the contemporary anthems of a sophisticated Scotland. His music is a joyous celebration of melody and rhythm, liberated and enhanced by the spirit, refinement and technique of jazz. His ear-catching melodies and sumptuous Celtic-tinged rhythms are “beautifully conceived, mellow and melodic” (The Observer). Now he steps up with a new Sextet featuring Konrad Wiszniewski and Michael Butcher (saxophones), Dave Milligan (piano), Calum Gourlay (bass) and Alan Cosker (drums).
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
The original lead singer/guitarist with The Average White Band, Hamish Stuart has since worked with the likes of Diana Ross, George Benson, Chaka Khan and Paul McCartney. In addition to touring with Ringo Starr he leads his own “super-group”. Expect AWB hits and loads of great funk and soul classics. “One of Scotland’s top bands of the moment” (BBC Scotland), James Brown Is Annie will be opening the concert with their high energy soul-funk-jazz.
Assembly Hall
Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith shot to fame and fortune through travelling tent shows, which were the real birth of the blues. These traveling circuses, minstrel and tent shows were the most popular form of entertainment before film. Now in the atmospheric surrounds of the Piccolo Tent, acclaimed singer Nicole Smit takes us back in time with a show celebrating the music of those 1920s tent shows with an all-star cast including Tenement Jazz Band and singer Kat Brooks.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
This distinctive quintet fuse modern jazz, contemporary classical, progressive-rock, Indian Carnatic, and electronic music. Inspired by inspired by socio-political injustices, and led by Italian drummer and composer Francesca Remigi, their collective interplay is rhythmically complex with changing time signatures, expressive and improvisational blowing and haunting vocals.
The Jazz Bar
His thick-as-molasses vocals and muscular harmonica playing have led fans and critics alike to tap Brandon Santini as one of the fast rising blues stars of his generation. Memphis based, he has absorbed the sounds and culture of the Delta and North Mississippi Hill Country, displaying the sheer artistic command of an artist in complete control.
Assembly Roxy
Exuberant gwo ka rhythms of Guadeloupe, dancehall, jazz, American R&B, and the clatter of contemporary electronic music, clash and meld for this supercharged band, setting dancefloors alight wherever they play. Fronted by French/Martinique singer Olivya, the band harness Creole language, Caribbean beat, urban energies, dazzling virtuosity, sensual electro. These self-proclaimed Creole Afro-Futurists are best experienced live. This is a standing gig.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Making their festival debut Blue Milk are a one-of-a-kind roots group harking back to the traditions of turn-of-the-century, down home Delta Blues. The amazing multi-instrumentalist, Jerron ‘Blind Boy’ Paxton, has earned a reputation for transporting audiences back to the 1920s and making them wish they could stay there for good. Richard O'Donnell and Alan Jones's acoustic blues wizards, Mud In Your Ear, are joined for this special gig by harmonica blues ace Brandon Santini who “evokes the sounds of his forefathers, hypnotises the crowd” (National Geographic).
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Two of Scotland’s leading jazz musicians pay a rousing and joyful homage to two giants of the jazz world. Recreating ‘The Summit’, the only album Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington made together and which features ‘Mood Indigo’ to ‘Cottontail’, ‘Solitude’ and ‘In A Mellow Tone’. Roy Percy (bass) and Max Popp (drums) join the musical fun.
Assembly Roxy
A funky brass band with a distinct New Orleans flavor, Brass Gumbo take classic pop tunes and add their fusion of instrumental jazz and funk, and here they put their spin on the timeless melodies of the fab four. This is feel-good music for the feet and the soul. Following packed shows at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2018/19, the show is back - don’t miss it!
Assembly Roxy
Long time festival favorite, Red Stripe and his seven-piece band, are back with another rollicking mix of 1930s boogie woogie, 1940s swing and 1950s rock n roll all part of their mission to give audiences a good time. “Red Stripe’s immediate rapport with the audience and quirky humour makes this show unmissable." (Stephen Fry).
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
He made a massive impact in 2018 with a series of sold out shows and we are delighted he’s back. Carrying the torch for traditional acoustic blues, he mixes ragtime, hokum, old time, French reels, Appalachian mountain music and, of course, blues all in the true songster tradition.
Assembly Roxy
Bass player, Brodie Jarvie writes brilliantly; creating absorbing, melodic, and exciting new music that appeals to wide-ranging audiences. His Septet is packed with many of the best young players in the new wave of Scottish Jazz, including Paul Harrison (piano), Michael Butcher and Norman Willmore (saxes).
Assembly George Square Piccolo
Rich, lush and colorful contemporary jazz quintet ranging from ECM via post-bop to contemporary music. Italian bassist Ferdinando Romano employs complex grooves, Mediterranean rhythms and classical inflections all tied together with attention to the importance of melody.
The Jazz Bar
When jazz was pop music in Britain, Scottish bands were at the heart of the boom. Scottish musicians and bands headed south and became the pop stars of their day. The Clyde Valley Stompers, Sandy Brown and Alex Welsh created a golden age for Scottish jazz. Along with the Godfather of Scottish jazz, George Chisholm, they filled the radio and television and toured all over Britain and Europe. The Batchelor’s of Jazz pay tribute to that era, playing Edinburgh clarinetist Sandy Brown’s quirky original music, the sophisticated swing of Edinburgh trumpeter Alex Welsh’s band and the downhome trad beloved of the Stompers’ fans. Some of the Batchelors were part of that jazz boom and recreate the music with love and enthusiasm. Dave Batchelor Trombone and Vocals Hamish McGregor Clarinet Alastair MacDonald Banjo and Vocals Colin Steele Trumpet Campbell Normand Piano Roy Percy Bass Alistair Morrow Drums
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Closing on a high note, Maggie Bell leads a special programme packed wall-to-wall with festival blues favourites. Join Krissy Matthews, Safehouse, Jed Potts, Brandon Santini and Sandy Tweeddale for a celebration of blues – across a host of styles. Scottish blues-rock singer Maggie Bell first gained prominence fronting 70s Scots rock heroes, Stone the Crows, and her raunchy, high energy style has electrified audiences all over the world in a career of 50 years. Amazingly, she’s still touring; constantly preaching the blues, with all of her powers intact, often, as tonight, in the company of a band featuring guitarist, Sandy Tweeddale.
Assembly Hall
Led by the Italian pianist Sade Mangiaracina, this trio plays beautiful, beguiling music, blending classical music with European jazz and Mediterranean influences. Her music tonight has been inspired by the symbol of the struggle for human rights: Nelson Mandela. Mangiaracina is a major new discovery for subtlety, finesse and great touch and for a set of compelling compositions that draw audiences into the mesmeric atmospheres she creates. Line up website only: Sade Mangiaracina (piano, Fender Rhodes); Marco Bardoscia (double bass, el bass); Gianluca Brugnano (drums)
Assembly Roxy
In celebration of the centenary of jazz maverick bassist and composer, Charles Mingus, Emma Smith deconstructs his whist showcasing the raw energy and talent of females improvisers from jazz, folk and electronica. The music reflects Mingus’ big sound and ranges from raucous to romantic and tender to turbulent.
The Jazz Bar
Experience our Digital Hub - the brand new home of home of our online festival programme. For just £10, you can enjoy 20 online concerts, including a mix of live streamed events and digital exclusives, plus a host of behind-the-scenes content. Featuring the finest in Scottish jazz, international stars and styles ranging from big band to electric blues, the 2022 online programme has something for everyone. The concerts will be available until 14th August so you can watch your favourite artists again and again. We are offering a very special digital exclusive from our San Francisco partner, SFJAZZ.
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival - Online
Arguably the finest jazz guitarist the UK has ever produced, Jim Mullen is famed for his “mellow, soulful guitar and legendary fluency” (Observer), and gets into a groove with his take on the songs of Robert Burns. From “Banks and Braes” to "My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose", expect hard swinging, melodic, blues-drenched modern jazz, and plenty of musical fireworks as his is joined by David Milligan (piano), Mario Caribe (bass) and Max Popp (drums).
Assembly Roxy
With the tone of Amy Winehouse, an Ella-like improvisational freedom and the ability to capture emotion like Billie Holiday, singer Marianne McGregor is destined for success. In 2021 she won ‘Best Vocalist’ at the 2021 Scottish Jazz Awards and now she fronts an all-star band including Brian Kellock on piano and Colin Steele on trumpet.
The Jazz Bar
‘Spellbinding’ (The Guardian) roots, blues and slide guitar from award winning bluesman making his festival debut. Blending delta blues and rich acoustic folk, with a snarling rock and roll edge and sweet vocal harmonies his star is rising, with Total Guitar Magazine rating him as one of the world’s greatest acoustic guitarists.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
As New Orleans as they come, Don Vappie is a virtuoso of the banjo and larger-than-life character immersed in Creole culture. You may have heard him in the popular band Django à la Créole, now he leads his own group with a stellar line-up of David Horniblow on clarinet, Dave Kelbie on guitar and Sebastien Girardot on double bass. This unabashedly laid-back music has songs and vamps that, in true Big Easy style, blend jazz virtuosity with buoyant blues riffs and a splash of Caribbean rhythms. The ghosts of Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet and Kid Ory roam the streets again.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Roaring jazz and swing from the 1920s. This washboard/banjo driven horn collective of young swingsters scorch audiences with their hot jazz and their passion for entertaining. Think music from the Gatsby era. Presented in Association with Edinburgh Jazz & Jive Club.
Heriot's Rugby Club
We are opening the 2022 Festival in style, celebrating the First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald. Arguably one of the finest female jazz vocalists of all time, her extraordinary diction, timing, sense of swing and all-round joie de vie made her one of the finest interpreters of the great American song book. Violinist, vocalist and broadcaster Seonaid Aitken is the ideal choice to celebrate Ella and the songs she made famous. Fronting a superstar big band with special guests including Glaswegian rising star singer kitti, saxophonist Konrad Wiszniewski and Italian trumpeter Daniele Raimondi, this will be an evening of inspiring music, celebrating a jazz legend.
Assembly Hall
After participating in a project featuring exciting, young jazz talent from across Europe, Scottish bassist David Bowden met and was inspired by two rising stars of their respective scenes: Belgian trombonist Nabou Claerhout and Luxembourg drummer Michel Meis. Now joined by Norman Willmore from Scotland this new band will deliver a new set of music that inspires and thrills, engrossing audiences with powerful melodies, punchy grooves and shimmering soundscapes. Supported by Scottish Jazz EXPO.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
One of the most exciting and striking figures on today’s jazz scene, American trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire is “thrilling with a unique spark” (The New Yorker). His music is a “dramatically paced, surprise-packed and sometimes intense fusion of cliche-free solo exploits and collective improvising” (The Guardian). He is touring to support his most recent Blue Note album, on the tender spot of every calloused moment, which confirms his kaleidoscopic vision as a composer. He is joined by Sam Harris (piano), Harish Raghavan (bass) and Kweku Sumbry (drums).
Assembly Roxy
Poignant, lyrical, inventive, rising jazz star, drummer Richard Glassby produces music with great power and appeal. His debut album 'Eclipse' won critical acclaim and he recently was awarded the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Prize for Composition. Inspired by classic jazz he digs deep into the tunes taking them in interesting directions. His band features Simon Herberholz and Matthew Kilner on saxes, Fergus McCreadie on piano and Ewan Hastie on double bass. Supported by Scottish Jazz EXPO.
The Jazz Bar
Get ready to party! This 8-piece Glaswegian funk-soul powerhouse deliver untouchable live performances. Headed by keen skater, lumberjack-attired soul bearer, Tom McGuire, this funky collective feature top musicians from Glasgow are fast becoming one of the most exciting bands on the festival circuit: “Every time, they absolutely blow your face off, funk to the ceiling” BBC Radio Scotland.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Do you know your scooby doors from your doo-dats? Learn all about jazz in this fun, interactive workshop led by the brilliant saxophonist Sue McKenzie. Taking place at venues across the city, these 30-minute sessions are packed full of fun and only cost £5 for a child plus an adult. Saturday 16 July 10:30am: Muirhouse Millenium Centre, EH4 4RW (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: North Merchiston Club, EH11 1EP (6-9 Years Old) Sunday 17 July 10:30am: St. Bride’s Centre, EH11 2DZ (6-9 Years Old) Saturday 23 July 10:30am: Rannoch Community Centre, EH4 7ES (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: Currie Community Centre, EH14 5RU (6-9 Years Old)
Muirhouse Millenium
Our ever-popular Blues Afternoons are back for 2022. Born and bred in Mississippi, Lisa Mills opens the afternoon mixing Southern charm and roots country blues and gospel into her distinctive solo guitar and vocal style. The Cinelli Brothers share a common passion for the electric Chicago and Texas blues from the 60s and 70s, showcasing original repertoire in the style of Chess, Stax and Motown. Closing the afternoon, festival favourite Nashville’s own Stacy Mitchhart delivers feel-good music that cuts across soul country and rock and always leaves audiences wanting more.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Do you know your scooby doors from your doo-dats? Learn all about jazz in this fun, interactive workshop led by the brilliant saxophonist Sue McKenzie. Taking place at venues across the city, these 30-minute sessions are packed full of fun and only cost £5 for a child plus an adult. Saturday 16 July 10:30am: Muirhouse Millenium Centre, EH4 4RW (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: North Merchiston Club, EH11 1EP (6-9 Years Old) Sunday 17 July 10:30am: St. Bride’s Centre, EH11 2DZ (6-9 Years Old) Saturday 23 July 10:30am: Rannoch Community Centre, EH4 7ES (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: Currie Community Centre, EH14 5RU (6-9 Years Old)
North Merchiston Club
Roaring jazz and swing from the 1920s. This washboard/banjo driven horn collective of young swingsters scorch audiences with their hot jazz and their passion for entertaining. Think music from the Gatsby era. Presented in Association with Edinburgh Jazz & Jive Club.
Assembly Roxy
Led by guitarist Guillaume Vierset, they play jazz impregnated with a layer of folk and touches of rock with a good dose of dreaminess. Music rich in invention, surprise and adventure, the cello and soprano provide dynamic and expressive sound textures. One of the most important groups in Belgian jazz right now.
The Jazz Bar
Mississippi-born Lisa Mills meshes country, gospel, blues and soul in her intimate solo shows. Her voice has an unusual passion and soulful sophistication that recalls Stax’s legendary sweltering bluesy funk. She’s “a full-throated female Otis Redding”.
Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre
Super talented guitarist Conor Smith breaks out his pedal steel guitar to deliver a selection of tin pan alley standards reimagined with a country and western aesthetic in a truly unique mix that he calls ‘western swing’. He is joined by Tom Gibbs (clarinet), Matt Gough (trumpet), Andrew Sharkey (bass), Dan Brown (accordion) and Greg Irons (drums). Supported by the Scottish Jazz Expo.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
The multi-award winning singer-songwriter melds influences ranging from jazz and folk to reggae and neo-soul. Her third album ‘Arise’ was co-produced by drummer Moses Boyd and is a product of their exploration of the meeting points between British jazz sounds and the traditional rhythms of Jamaica. After catching the attention of Giles Peterson, she's since collaborated with Gregory Porter and Shabaka Hutchings showcasing her splendid, scintillatingly clear voice, which reminds some of Nina Simone, others of Cassandra Wilson.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Fergus McCreadie is riding high. His music a melting pot of originality, freshness of sound and vitality, which excites and inspires. Its chemistry of improvisatory adventures combines spontaneous jazz and folkloric influences. Tonight, he delivers a special, one-off new project featuring an extended line-up and a brand-new commission. His regular trio of David Bowden (bass) and Stephen Henderson (drums), are joined by drummer (Graham Costello) and three saxophonists (Matt Carmichael, Harry Weir, Norman Willmore) plus the stellar trumpeter Laura Jurd. Don’t miss this landmark concert. Supported by the Scottish Jazz EXPO.
Assembly Hall
Since winning the 2018 BBC Young Jazz Musician of the year, saxophonist Xhosa Cole continues to showcase his authentic connection to the lineage of jazz music, updating and refreshing the music of the masters. What sets him apart is his technique, talent, artistry and a burning desire that shows throughout his concerts. Nominated by Soweto Kinch as one to watch as part of his series: Blaze.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
Atom Eyes deliver neo-soul, jazz-funk and hip-hop, with soaring vocals and enchanting, adventurous melodies. Frontwoman Lissa Robertson is backed by a formidable rhythm section playing grooves that could have been sampled straight from a Dr Dre G-Funk era record.
The Jazz Bar
Feel-good music from Nashville’s classy blues man. Extraordinary guitar skills, he plays lap steel and cigar box, meet his soulful, blues voice and he bestrides stages with his big warm personality and flamboyant style. A genuine high quality live performer who always leaves audiences wanting more.
Assembly Roxy
Handpicked by Gilles Peterson to join his Brownswood music label, Manchester jazz-funkers Secret Night Gang are an exciting band on the rise. Their debut release created waves last year, bringing a heady mix of jazz, soul, gospel, R&B and more. “For me it’s an extraordinary level of musical competence at such a young age. It’s incredibly complete music, tight arrangements and with far reaching musical ambition.” Gilles Peterson
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Do you know your scooby doors from your doo-dats? Learn all about jazz in this fun, interactive workshop led by the brilliant saxophonist Sue McKenzie. Taking place at venues across the city, these 30-minute sessions are packed full of fun and only cost £5 for a child plus an adult. Saturday 16 July 10:30am: Muirhouse Millenium Centre, EH4 4RW (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: North Merchiston Club, EH11 1EP (6-9 Years Old) Sunday 17 July 10:30am: St. Bride’s Centre, EH11 2DZ (6-9 Years Old) Saturday 23 July 10:30am: Rannoch Community Centre, EH4 7ES (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: Currie Community Centre, EH14 5RU (6-9 Years Old)
St.Bride's Centre
A double header of quality blues. Ian Siegal is an extraordinary artist. His love of rock ‘n’ rollers like Little Richard and Elvis; blues titans such as Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf; the experimentalism of Tom Waits; and all the fine roots music coming out of the Southern States; combine to fuel a powerful voice and magnetic stage presence. Direct from Nashville, songwriter, singer and guitarist Stacy Mitchhart plays joyful Memphis blues ranging from soulful to roadhouse. All delivered with his big warm personality and flamboyant style.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
“Happy, jaunty, feelgood jazz” (The Herald), inspired by the music of Django Reinhardt’s fabulous quintet, the Hot Club de Paris. Havana Swing combine artistry, fun and feel-good music featuring “the animated intense playing of clarinettist, Walter Smith and the fine fiery ensemble of the rhythm section” (Just Jazz).
Assembly Roxy
Mercury-nominated, "British Jazz super-group" Dinosaur are led by multi-award winning composer and trumpeter Laura Jurd. Playing her spiritedly accessible compositions, Dinosaur explore Jurd's distinctive yet ever-evolving music with playful abandon and technical prowess from Elliot Galvin (piano), Conor Chaplin (double bass) and Corrie Dick (drums).
Assembly Roxy
A rising star of the Scottish Jazz scene, trombonist Anouska Nanguy has been described by Soweto Kinch as “amazing” and as one to watch. Her expressive scale-jumping trombone slides and resonant vocals are heard to good effect on standards and her own original forward thinking tunes. Joined by regular rhythm section collaborators Ewan Hastie (bass) and Peru Eizagirre (drums). Supported by Scottish Jazz Expo.
The Jazz Bar
Infectious rhythms with a fiery Latin beat, fuelled by throbbing percussion and springy bass lines. Scuba’s warm melodies and catchy riffs have been inspired by percussionist Ricky Linn’s trips to Havana and Mumbai. He is joined by Paul Greenwood (woodwind), Seth Bennett (bass), Paul Judge (drums and percussion) and Richard Bailey (piano).
Assembly George Square Piccolo
One of the most exciting musicians of today, multi award-winning alto-saxophonist, MC and composer Soweto Kinch brings his exhilarating, hard hitting jazz, racing freestyle lyrics and hip hop to EJBF22. A titan of the UK jazz scene, he has amassed an unprecedented array of accolades including two MOBO awards, two Urban Music Awards and a Mercury Prize nomination. A set infused with great music, showmanship and sheer energy - don't miss it. He has also curated a series for EJBF called Blaze.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
He’s the eldest son of the undisputed King of the blues, Muddy Waters. Mud and his fantastic band deliver classic Chicago electric blues. He’s the real deal charisma, authority, authenticity, musicality. This incredible showman plays the classic Chicago electric blues that Muddy is generally held to have invented, and which in its turn spawned the rock revolution of the 60s and 70s. Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Paul Rodgers are among many to have covered Muddy’s music. A great singer and great band.
Assembly Hall
Herbie Hancock’s seminal jazz funk group The Headhunters has been a big influence on award winning pianist Alan Benzie. With Konrad Wiszniewski on saxophone, Ben MacDonald (guitar), Ewan Hastie (bass) and Mark Scobbie (drums), they play infectious grooves, high energy interaction, with lots of good vibes on classics like Chameleon and Watermelon Man.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
Step back in time to the Golden Age of Jazz. Put on your sharpest suit or most glamorous frock and join Scotland’s top trio of close-harmony singers. Backed by their band, they present their new show ‘The Roaring 20s and Beyond’, packed with charisma and classic tunes.
Assembly Roxy
The young singer from Chicago by way of Glasgow is inspired by Joni Mitchell, Brian Wilson and Neil Young and unveils new arrangements of their songs as part of tonight’s set. She is joined by Tom Gibbs (piano), Conor Smith (guitar), Brodie Jarvie (bass) and Max Popp (drums). Supported by Scottish Jazz Expo.
The Jazz Bar
Explosive and energetic blending extended funk and rock grooves with stirring vocals from Soweto townships that draw deeply on indigenous spiritual traditions. Infused with the spirit of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, this seven-piece collective - Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness - have been mesmerising audiences globally. Gilles Peterson is a fan of their indomitable outspokenness on modern Africa, delivered with powerful indigenous funk, hip-hop consciousness and punk rock energy. Live they are joyous and unmissable.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Pioneers in the use of four-hands piano in jazz, Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi have earned widespread success with their arrangements of classics from the stride piano, ragtime, and boogie woogie traditions, as well as from the Swing Era and the Golden Age of Tin Pan Alley. Blending impeccable technique with mature musicality, the piano duo has performed across the world, wowing critics and fans alike.
Assembly Roxy
Dubbed an ‘Urban Brass Band,’ this ensemble from Torino, Italy sets their sights on all sorts of brass music, from ragtime and jazz to Balkan, rocksteady, and Latin. Their rousing live performances are irresistible, as they mix ideas and switch directions at the drop of a hat.
Bellfield
The deeply passionate, challenging and highly emotional songs from the Nina Simone canon bring out the best in Ali Affleck’s rich and highly emotive vocal. She is joined by a powerhouse band featuring Colin Steele (trumpet), Paul Harrison (piano), Roy Percy (bass) and Stu Brown (drums). Check out this new chapter for Ali.
Assembly Roxy
Dubbed an ‘Urban Brass Band,’ this ensemble from Torino, Italy sets their sights on all sorts of brass music, from ragtime and jazz to Balkan, rocksteady, and Latin. Their rousing live performances are irresistible, as they mix ideas and switch directions at the drop of a hat.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
From Belgium, a piano trio that stands out from the crowd. Using simple, hypnotic riffs with electronic effects their restless dynamic moves from flowery romanticism to fractured pointillism as the mood dictates, often taking in some groovy urgency or old school stride along the way. It’s a genuine hybrid that never sounds contrived.
The Jazz Bar
Bold, innovative, hypnotic and powerful minimal music ranging from ambient and post-rock, to jazz improvisation from leading all-star band. Drummer, Graham Costello is joined by Harry Weir (saxes), Liam Shortall (trombone), Fergus McCreadie (keys), Kevin Cahill (guitar) and Gus Stirrat (bass). “Thrilling” (Jazzwise).
Assembly George Square Piccolo
Pioneers in the use of four-hands piano in jazz, Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi have earned widespread success with their arrangements of classics from the stride piano, ragtime, and boogie woogie traditions, as well as from the Swing Era and the Golden Age of Tin Pan Alley. Blending impeccable technique with mature musicality, the piano duo has performed across the world, wowing critics and fans alike.
Murrayfield Parish Church
Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd's ‘Jazz Samba’ is one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time featuring the coolest bossa novas alongside high energy samba. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of its release, this quintet deliver a powerful tribute with classic tunes lke ‘Desafinado’ and’ ‘Samba Dees Days’ with Brian Molley (saxophone) and Ross Milligan (guitar) taking the leading roles.
Assembly Roxy
Playtime are known for welcoming some of the brightest talents in the scene today to sit in on their bi-weekly gigs. For this very special edition of Playtime, the quartet of Martin Kershaw (saxophone), Graham Stephen (guitar), Mario Caribé (bass) and Tom Bancroft (drums) and are joined by multi-award winning composer and trumpeter Laura Jurd. The sparks will fly. Supported by Scottish Jazz EXPO.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
The Mississippi guitarist and vocalist, knocks audiences out wherever he goes with the soulful warmth and the consummate brilliance of his shows. He combines the best of old-school soul/blues with modern lyrics and themes that bring the blues into a new century. Zac Harmon is the real deal - a top guitarist who always looks for emotional charge, a stellar songwriter writer, and a singer with the ultimate southern rhythm and blues voice.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
“A big, bombastic sound” (The Scotsman) from mainstays of the Edinburgh scene, this is the classic Monday night big band, featuring the best players in town. Joined tonight by a very special guest.
The Jazz Bar
A critical link between ragtime and bebop, Erroll Garner was one of the most stylistically distinct jazz pianists of the 1940s to 1960s. Beloved by audiences and revered by fellow musicians, Garner’s accomplishments transcended his art. Here, Italian pianist Paolo Alderighi pays homage capturing Garner’s soul, good-natured mischief and contagious joy.
Assembly Roxy
Dubbed an ‘Urban Brass Band,’ this ensemble from Torino, Italy sets their sights on all sorts of brass music, from ragtime and jazz to Balkan, rocksteady, and Latin. Their rousing live performances are irresistible, as they mix ideas and switch directions at the drop of a hat.
Willowbrae Church
Dubbed an ‘Urban Brass Band,’ this ensemble from Torino, Italy sets their sights on all sorts of brass music, from ragtime and jazz to Balkan, rocksteady, and Latin. Their rousing live performances are irresistible, as they mix ideas and switch directions at the drop of a hat.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
Sharing precocious fluency, flaring tones and sweeping confidence, Italian trumpeter Daniele Raimondi and Scottish saxophonist Konrad Wiszniewski lead a new quintet. Focussing on big booting swinging jazz, improvisational excitement is guaranteed. They are joined by Alan Benzie (piano), Mario Caribe (bass) and Doug Hough (drums) .
Assembly Roxy
Packing a punch, Greig Taylor’s music is a cross-section of old and new blues, funk, and soul with his voice by turns uplifting, rocking and powerfully raw, but always over a funky riff.
The Jazz Bar
Tenement are a young band who are reviving the sounds of traditional New Orleans Jazz in Scotland, bringing new energy and excitement to music that was shocking and thrilling in equal measure in its time. In a special concert for EJBF, the sensational stride and ragtime pianist Stephanie Trick joins them to play Jelly Roll Morton and other early classics. Supported by Scottish Jazz Expo.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Needing no introduction, John Scofield is a towering figure in jazz. ‘We're exploring rock, funk, country, jazz and having a fantastic time doing it. I’m excited about it’ say John Scofield of his latest project Yankee Go Home. Reinterpreting tunes by everyone from Leonard Bernstein, Neil Young and Buddy Holly to Stevie Wonder and The Grateful Dead, he is joined by a stellar trio of Brian Blade Fellowship pianist and arranger Jon Cowherd, ace bassist Vicente Archer, and monster drummer Josh Dion.
Assembly Hall
A must for lovers of great songs and great singing. Georgia Cécile’s star continues to rise with the release of her latest album ‘Only The Lover Sings’. She fuses classic jazz and soul influences reminiscent of Duke Ellington and Nina Simone with a contemporary cinematic edge in the vein of Gregory Porter and Melody Gardot. For this special concert she is accompanied by jazz trio and string quartet.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Williams is the icon of blockbuster film music scores. The Katet are an 8-piece soul/jazz/funk band who deliver pounding grooves and thick funky horn riffs. Their recent success in re-calibrating Stevie Wonder tunes won many admirers, and now hear the crowd-pleasing scores of “Jurassic Park”, “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars” funked-up by their magical touch.
Assembly Roxy
Young Aberdonian tenor saxophonist, Matthew Kilner is making waves wherever he plays with his beautiful tone and melodic lines. He is joined on the front line by Colin Steele on trumpet, and the grooving rhythm section of Neil Birse on piano, Ewan Hastie on bass and Richard Glassby on drums. Supported by Scottish Jazz EXPO.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
A sonic attack from a power trio like no other - energy at max! They call it doom-jazz and their album “Blind Fury” showcases their big grooving bass, thundering drums, wild sax expression creating a noise three musicians have no right to muster. Harry Weir (saxophone), Liam Shortall (trombone) and Graham Costello (drums) blend jazz, dance party, and heavy rocking into one.
The Jazz Bar
Dubbed an ‘Urban Brass Band,’ this ensemble from Torino, Italy sets their sights on all sorts of brass music, from ragtime and jazz to Balkan, rocksteady, and Latin. Their rousing live performances are irresistible, as they mix ideas and switch directions at the drop of a hat.
Assembly Roxy
Six Scottish musicians pay homage to Charles Mingus in this his centenary year, by playing the music of “Ah Um”. One of jazz’s most celebrated albums, it is a joyously exuberant roll call of tunes including “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat’, ‘Open Letter To Duke” and ‘Better Git In Your Soul’. Norman Willmore - Alto Sax Michael Butcher - Tenor Sax Anoushka Nanguy - Trombone Alan Benzie - Piano David Bowden - Bass Stephen Henderson - Drums
Assembly George Square Piccolo
Davina is a festival favorite and she’s back for 2022! She sings and plays the music we love with an honesty and craft that endears her to audiences in a special way. She’s got the sensitivity of an Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, or Billie Holiday; and she’s got a top-quality band that play jazz, blues, soul, swing, rock ‘n roll and anything else Davina wants, with all the passion she needs.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
A rare opportunity to hear young, imaginative European musicians at the top of their creative game. Each concert features two bands. First up: students from Oslo and Hamburg. Whilst the second concert features musicians form Parma and Nürnberg.
The Jazz Bar
A cracking swing band that roars its way through the magic of Buddy Rich’s big band album ‘Big Swing Face’. John Burgess has assembled a top notch band includes Brian Kellock (piano), Enrico Tomasso (trumpet), Gordon Campbell (trombone) and Tom Gordon (drums). So you know to expect exciting solos and first rate ensemble work which will swing like fury.
Assembly Roxy
Extraordinary guitarist and vocalist Aki Remally and outstanding young pianist Fraser Urquhart join forces to pay homage to Gil Scott-Heron. They delve deep into the work of the revolutionary poet, jazz musician and rap pioneer whose lyrics expressed views on politics, culture and social injustice - expect a whole lotta of funk, jazz and soul tunes from Gil Scott-Heron’s repertoire.
Leith Arches
Violin superstar Tcha Limberger is the leader of Les Violons de Bruxelles – an all-string swing orchestra that turn the standard Hot Club ensemble on its head with two violins, viola, double bass and just one guitar. Caressing the strings at the fiercest tempos they deliver virtuosity, verve and panache and they delighted audiences when they played the festival in 2019. Fronted by fiddle player and sophisticated songstress, Seonaid Aitken, Rose Room combine brilliant musicianship and warm personality, recreating the excitement of Rive Gauche Paris of the 30s and 40s with Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt. “Stupendous gypsy jazz, and a superb singer” (Scotsman).
Assembly Hall
West African music with jazz crossover. Tom Bancroft and Thomas Annang’s 10-piece band, plus dancer Adie Baako Elias, are committed to getting audiences grooving and moving as though this was downtown Accra, Lagos, and Kinshasa on a Saturday night. This mighty force embraces Fela Kuti’s concepts, afrobeat grooves, and more traditional African drumming into the jazz world.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
A rare opportunity to hear young, imaginative European musicians at the top of their creative game. Each concert features two bands. First up: students from Oslo and Hamburg. Whilst the second concert features musicians form Parma and Nürnberg.
The Jazz Bar
When EJBF last commissioned Martin Kershaw there was a huge buzz – The Herald said ‘spontaneous standing ovation for a previously unheard 50 minute jazz work would be worthy of note at any time … and was more than inspiring in itself’. Now Kershaw turns his musical focus to poets who have inspired him. Some of Scotland’s finest jazz musicians are featured including Paul Harrison (piano), Calum Gourlay (bass) and Graeme Stephen (guitar). Supported by Scottish Jazz EXPO.
Assembly Roxy
Classic 1950s and early 60s American blues, delivered with passion and power from Jed Pott’s band who have been making waves in across the UK blues scene. For the first time with EJBF they are joined by a driving horn section who add in some New Orleans funk, ramping up the musical excitement. Pedal and lap steel guitar ace, American Roosevelt Collier is so proficient he’s affectionately known as “The Dr". Serving up a dirty funk swampy mix of blues, gospel, rock showcasing his lightning-fast slide work on the pedal steel as he delivers a spirited, soul-shaking live performance. You gotta see him live.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
A new project and a new direction from singer Lorna Reid and guitarist/Weissenborn player Neil Warden. Delving into Americana and influenced by Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Ry Cooder and David Lindley expect a mix of country, roots-rock, folk, bluegrass, R&B and blues.
Assembly Roxy
He made a massive impact in 2018 with a series of sold out shows and we are delighted he’s back. Carrying the torch for traditional acoustic blues, he mixes ragtime, hokum, old time, French reels, Appalachian mountain music and, of course, blues all in the true songster tradition.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
The Oscar Peterson Trio with Herb Ellis is the key reference for a band featuring the mercurial swinging pianist, Brian Kellock; Australian guitarist, Dave Blenkhorn; and bass player, Roy Percy. They play classy, sometimes tricky, always passionate swinging jazz with a facility beyond most and an approach based on joy and fun.
Assembly Roxy
Daniele Raimondi is one of Italy’s finest young jazz trumpet players whilst Matt Carmichael is one of Scotland’s finest young saxophonists. With an open brief, these prodigiously talented musicians will deliver thrilling music and exceptional soloing.
The Jazz Bar
An extraordinary, one-of-a-kind big band. Featuring top students from the music academies of Oslo, Parma, Glasgow, Hamburg and Nuremberg this stellar big band will debut new pieces that have been inspired by environmental challenges. This jointly created new work will be premiered tonight after a week of intensive creativity. A small group from Scotland will open the concert, featuring Rachel Duns, Jack Schendel (saxophones), Laurie Moore (acoustic bass) and Kenny Lyons (drums). This project is funded by Erasmus +.
The Studio, Festival Theatre
This is a thrill, a riot, a good time. This effervescent show features Ali’s favourite musicians from Scotland and the crescent city in a band that brings a little bit of Caledonia into the musical gumbo that is New Orleans Jazz. Together they will transport you to the prohibition era, delivering good time, swinging, vintage jazz with songs by the likes of Bessie Smith, Mildred Bailey, Louis Armstrong and Ma Rainey. For one night only, the vivacious singer will be joined by a stellar eight-piece band featuring New Orleans pianist Joplin Parnell and multi-instrumentalist Ewan Bleach as well as UK’s finest, trumpeter Enrico Tomasso. Supported by Scottish Jazz Expo.
Assembly Hall
Glaswegian singer/songwriter kitti is quickly establishing herself as one to watch. Her soaring vocals and unique lyrics demand attention and make it easy to see why fans are making comparisons to the likes of Amy Winehouse and Alicia Keys and shy she is being showered with awards. Her fire and finesse captivate audiences and our top tip is to see her now before she hits stardom.
Assembly Roxy
Celebrating 35 years in the business, Lights Out By Nine are one of the best known bands on the Scottish scene. A hot horn section and soulful vocals deliver solid, driving funky grooves and powerhouse soul and r’n’b.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
Dynamic, high-energy band, Redfish open the concert with their distinctive mix of blues, roots, jazz and soul. They deliver a barnstorming set of covers, with clever and refreshing interpretations.
Leith Dockers Club
A brand-new project from guitarist Joe Williamson embracing left-field modern jazz with a love for the acoustic tradition showcasing his “well-crafted phrasing and expressive improvisation'' (The Times). He is joined by Alan Benzie (piano), Brodie Jarvie (bass) and Stephen Henderson (drums).
The Jazz Bar
The shining star of the British jazz scene, multi award-winning saxophonist and composer Nubya Garcia is one of the leading forces in UK jazz releasing her debut album 'SOURCE' to worldwide acclaim. Explosive, exploratory, and energising, her strong, rich and persuasive tenor sax tone, muscular playing and a lucid and emotionally expressive compositional style soars over a compelling mixture of spiritual jazz, dub, reggae and Latin rhythms. Book early. This is a standing gig.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Step back into the golden age of swing with the band that sets the standard for classic jazz, playing a repertoire ranging from Jelly Roll Morton to Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. “terrific music, imaginative arrangements and strong playing with great panache” (The Herald). His 8 piece band features: Dick Lee, Konrad Wiszniewski, Martin Foster (reeds), Colin Steele (trumpet), Chris Grieve (trombone), Paul Harrison (piano), Roy Percy (bass) and Tom Gordon (drums).
Assembly Roxy
An opportunity to see and hear the jazz stars of the future as the summer school students show off their newly acquired skills. Led by saxophonist Sue Mackenzie.
The Jazz Bar
Virtouso pianist David Milligan and rising star saxophonist Norman Willmore share a crossover interest between traditional music and jazz. Milligan is “carelessly-gifted eclectic with but roots as deep in folk music as jazz”, whilst Willmore blends jazz with Scandinavian and Appalachian folk music. Italian pianist, Fabio Giachino opens the concert with a solo set, blending classical influences and electronic sounds with jazz improvisation.
Assembly Roxy
Edinburgh native, clarinettist virtuoso and traditional jazz band leader extraordinaire, Hamish McGregor pays tribute to the big hitters of the British trad jazz revival, featuring Colin Steele (trumpet) and Dave Batchelor (trombone). All the fun and all the hits! Hamish McGregor - reeds and vox. Colin Steele - trumpet Dave Batchelor - trombone Eric Wales - banjo/guitar Ed Kelly - bass Campbell Normand - keys Alastair Morrow - drums
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
From "At Last", "Tell Mama", "Something's Got a Hold on Me", to "I'd Rather Go Blind", Etta James is often thought of as the ultimate blues mama, her voice a steamroller fuelled by brass and sass. Katie Whittaker is a great singer, championed and supported by the brilliant guitarist, Stuart Nisbet (The Proclaimers, Justin Currie etc) and his fantastic soul band.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
A name to watch! Guitarist Nathan Somevi fuses jazz classics and soul, drawing parallels with the music of Herbie Hancock and Sonny Rollins. With Niall Ford on drums, Somevi takes inspiration from American guitarist Charlie Hunter and his hybrid guitar.
The Jazz Bar
He made a massive impact in 2018 with a series of sold out shows and we are delighted he’s back. Carrying the torch for traditional acoustic blues, he mixes ragtime, hokum, old time, French reels, Appalachian mountain music and, of course, blues all in the true songster tradition.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Davina is a festival favorite and she’s back for 2022! She sings and plays the music we love with an honesty and craft that endears her to audiences in a special way. She’s got the sensitivity of an Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, or Billie Holiday; and she’s got a top-quality band that play jazz, blues, soul, swing, rock ‘n roll and anything else Davina wants, with all the passion she needs.
Assembly Hall
A sonic adventure where electronica meets rap, meets hip hop. Drummer Stuart Brown has always pushed his music to unforeseen places and now he previews his latest project. A progressive exploration of harmony, rhythm and melody in collaboration with Sudanese rapper based in Glasgow, MistaFaZ and innovative saxophonist, Harry Weir. This high energy music is presented in an intimate club with stunning visuals. This is a standing gig.
La Belle Angele
There is never a shortage of fun, excitement and raw good music whenever the Savannah Jazz Band takes the stage. Playing top drawer traditional jazz, the band's swinging New Orleans style Swinging has earned them a huge international reputation at major jazz festivals in the UK and overseas. Presented in Association with Edinburgh Jazz & Jive Club.
Heriot's Rugby Club
The stellar saxophonist was a recent finalist on BBC’s Masterchef and has devised a new show combining two of her loves jazz and cooking. She leads an ensemble of topflight musicians through a set of tunes about food along with a short cooking demonstration. A vibrant new set showing off her love of melody, her deep emotional powers, and her extraordinary alto saxophone facility, alongside her culinary expertise.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
The Italian guitarist has a big ambition with his music, and he seems to always pull it off. “A perfect synthesis between writing and improvisation, modern jazz tradition and the desire to discover new horizons” (All About Jazz). This vigorous quintet includes a fiery, solid and muscular rhythm section playing grand sweeping statements with long arching melodies from contemporary African-American jazz to hard bop.
The Jazz Bar
The Hillman Hunters are an electric trio, playing blues inspired by 50s and 60s American greats, from Freddie King to Howlin’ Wolf. Whether laying back into a Freddie King ballad or digging-in to a hypnotic Muddy Waters groove, they deliver gritty blues played with passion and power. Leader Jed Potts has been in Memphis recording and playing with the supercharged harp and vocals of US star, Brandon Santini who joins them for tonight’s set.
Assembly Roxy
With their futuristic melting pot fuelled by hip-hop, Afrobeat and electronica, Blue Lab Beats are probably the fastest-rising production duo in the world right now. From live shows at Glastonbury and Afropunk, supporting Roy Ayers and Thundercat, collaborating with Angelique Kidjo to signing to the iconic Blue Note records their futuristic musical melting pot has been MOBO and GRAMMY recognised. Their boom-bap groove and jazz funk hooks are best experienced live.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Do you know your scooby doors from your doo-dats? Learn all about jazz in this fun, interactive workshop led by the brilliant saxophonist Sue McKenzie. Taking place at venues across the city, these 30-minute sessions are packed full of fun and only cost £5 for a child plus an adult. Saturday 16 July 10:30am: Muirhouse Millenium Centre, EH4 4RW (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: North Merchiston Club, EH11 1EP (6-9 Years Old) Sunday 17 July 10:30am: St. Bride’s Centre, EH11 2DZ (6-9 Years Old) Saturday 23 July 10:30am: Rannoch Community Centre, EH4 7ES (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: Currie Community Centre, EH14 5RU (6-9 Years Old)
Rannoch Centre
Our ever-popular Blues Afternoons are back, with a triple header of powerful rocking blues. Kicking off with deep and dirty Mississippi rooted blues-rock from Dixie Fried. Australian born singer/ guitarist Kara Grainger is based in Nashville which infuses her sound built from her monster slide guitar and gritty, full-bodied and soulful voice. Irish blues artist Grainne Duffy blends blues, soul, rock and Celtic influences into emotionally supercharged performances, all delivered with a killer combination of vocal strength, range and intensity and guitar virtuosity. A real audience-pleaser.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Do you know your scooby doors from your doo-dats? Learn all about jazz in this fun, interactive workshop led by the brilliant saxophonist Sue McKenzie. Taking place at venues across the city, these 30-minute sessions are packed full of fun and only cost £5 for a child plus an adult. Saturday 16 July 10:30am: Muirhouse Millenium Centre, EH4 4RW (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: North Merchiston Club, EH11 1EP (6-9 Years Old) Sunday 17 July 10:30am: St. Bride’s Centre, EH11 2DZ (6-9 Years Old) Saturday 23 July 10:30am: Rannoch Community Centre, EH4 7ES (3-5 Years Old) | 2pm: Currie Community Centre, EH14 5RU (6-9 Years Old)
Currie Community Centre
Along with Coltrane and Coleman, Eric Dolphy played a significant role in developing 1950s and 1960s avant garde jazz. Now, Italian clarinetist Federico Calgano leads a sextet refreshing Dolphy’s masterpiece ‘Out to Lunch’. Through collective interaction and respect they celebrate the Blue Note sounds from the 60s and continue Dolphy’s legacy with imagination, and creativity.
Assembly Roxy
Davina is a festival favorite and she’s back for 2022! She sings and plays the music we love with an honesty and craft that endears her to audiences in a special way. She’s got the sensitivity of an Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, or Billie Holiday; and she’s got a top-quality band that play jazz, blues, soul, swing, rock ‘n roll and anything else Davina wants, with all the passion she needs.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
He made a massive impact in 2018 with a series of sold out shows and we are delighted he’s back. Carrying the torch for traditional acoustic blues, he mixes ragtime, hokum, old time, French reels, Appalachian mountain music and, of course, blues all in the true songster tradition.
PASS Theatre
A new band packed with super-talented musicians led by guitarist Haftor Medbøe and featuring Scottish saxophonist Sue McKenzie, Danish bass player Eva Malling, and Scottish/ Icelandic drummer/percussionist Signy Jakobsdottir. Playing a programme of Nordic folksongs in a contemporary jazz setting alongside a selection from their back-catalogue, their music is imbued with a cinematic quality that transports the listener to other times and places.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
With flair and originality the Edinburgh group, Jawbone Walk, was formed out of a mutual appreciation for classic blues music. Tonight, they present a new show travelling from the early Country blues and gospel styles of the pre war era, right up to the electric Chicago blues of the 1940s and 50s. Jawbone Walk are Toby Mottershead (vocals/guitar), Luke Cunningham (keys), Ewan Gibson (bass) and Vid Gobac (drums).
Assembly Roxy
Euphoric, sweet and catchy tunes cool and decisive vocals and she plays guitar like an angel. London songwriter & guitarist Rosie Frater-Taylor blurs the lines between jazz, folk, pop & soul. Think Joni Mitchell meets George Benson! Performing here with her trio, she is truly one to watch – don't miss it.
The Jazz Bar
Trumpeter Colin Steele writes the contemporary anthems of a sophisticated Scotland. His music is a joyous celebration of melody and rhythm, liberated and enhanced by the spirit, refinement and technique of jazz. His ear-catching melodies and sumptuous Celtic-tinged rhythms are “beautifully conceived, mellow and melodic” (The Observer). Now he steps up with a new Sextet featuring Konrad Wiszniewski and Michael Butcher (saxophones), Dave Milligan (piano), Calum Gourlay (bass) and Alan Cosker (drums).
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
The original lead singer/guitarist with The Average White Band, Hamish Stuart has since worked with the likes of Diana Ross, George Benson, Chaka Khan and Paul McCartney. In addition to touring with Ringo Starr he leads his own “super-group”. Expect AWB hits and loads of great funk and soul classics. “One of Scotland’s top bands of the moment” (BBC Scotland), James Brown Is Annie will be opening the concert with their high energy soul-funk-jazz.
Assembly Hall
Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith shot to fame and fortune through travelling tent shows, which were the real birth of the blues. These traveling circuses, minstrel and tent shows were the most popular form of entertainment before film. Now in the atmospheric surrounds of the Piccolo Tent, acclaimed singer Nicole Smit takes us back in time with a show celebrating the music of those 1920s tent shows with an all-star cast including Tenement Jazz Band and singer Kat Brooks.
Assembly George Square Piccolo
This distinctive quintet fuse modern jazz, contemporary classical, progressive-rock, Indian Carnatic, and electronic music. Inspired by inspired by socio-political injustices, and led by Italian drummer and composer Francesca Remigi, their collective interplay is rhythmically complex with changing time signatures, expressive and improvisational blowing and haunting vocals.
The Jazz Bar
His thick-as-molasses vocals and muscular harmonica playing have led fans and critics alike to tap Brandon Santini as one of the fast rising blues stars of his generation. Memphis based, he has absorbed the sounds and culture of the Delta and North Mississippi Hill Country, displaying the sheer artistic command of an artist in complete control.
Assembly Roxy
Exuberant gwo ka rhythms of Guadeloupe, dancehall, jazz, American R&B, and the clatter of contemporary electronic music, clash and meld for this supercharged band, setting dancefloors alight wherever they play. Fronted by French/Martinique singer Olivya, the band harness Creole language, Caribbean beat, urban energies, dazzling virtuosity, sensual electro. These self-proclaimed Creole Afro-Futurists are best experienced live. This is a standing gig.
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Making their festival debut Blue Milk are a one-of-a-kind roots group harking back to the traditions of turn-of-the-century, down home Delta Blues. The amazing multi-instrumentalist, Jerron ‘Blind Boy’ Paxton, has earned a reputation for transporting audiences back to the 1920s and making them wish they could stay there for good. Richard O'Donnell and Alan Jones's acoustic blues wizards, Mud In Your Ear, are joined for this special gig by harmonica blues ace Brandon Santini who “evokes the sounds of his forefathers, hypnotises the crowd” (National Geographic).
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Two of Scotland’s leading jazz musicians pay a rousing and joyful homage to two giants of the jazz world. Recreating ‘The Summit’, the only album Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington made together and which features ‘Mood Indigo’ to ‘Cottontail’, ‘Solitude’ and ‘In A Mellow Tone’. Roy Percy (bass) and Max Popp (drums) join the musical fun.
Assembly Roxy
A funky brass band with a distinct New Orleans flavor, Brass Gumbo take classic pop tunes and add their fusion of instrumental jazz and funk, and here they put their spin on the timeless melodies of the fab four. This is feel-good music for the feet and the soul. Following packed shows at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2018/19, the show is back - don’t miss it!
Assembly Roxy
Long time festival favorite, Red Stripe and his seven-piece band, are back with another rollicking mix of 1930s boogie woogie, 1940s swing and 1950s rock n roll all part of their mission to give audiences a good time. “Red Stripe’s immediate rapport with the audience and quirky humour makes this show unmissable." (Stephen Fry).
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
He made a massive impact in 2018 with a series of sold out shows and we are delighted he’s back. Carrying the torch for traditional acoustic blues, he mixes ragtime, hokum, old time, French reels, Appalachian mountain music and, of course, blues all in the true songster tradition.
Assembly Roxy
Bass player, Brodie Jarvie writes brilliantly; creating absorbing, melodic, and exciting new music that appeals to wide-ranging audiences. His Septet is packed with many of the best young players in the new wave of Scottish Jazz, including Paul Harrison (piano), Michael Butcher and Norman Willmore (saxes).
Assembly George Square Piccolo
Rich, lush and colorful contemporary jazz quintet ranging from ECM via post-bop to contemporary music. Italian bassist Ferdinando Romano employs complex grooves, Mediterranean rhythms and classical inflections all tied together with attention to the importance of melody.
The Jazz Bar
When jazz was pop music in Britain, Scottish bands were at the heart of the boom. Scottish musicians and bands headed south and became the pop stars of their day. The Clyde Valley Stompers, Sandy Brown and Alex Welsh created a golden age for Scottish jazz. Along with the Godfather of Scottish jazz, George Chisholm, they filled the radio and television and toured all over Britain and Europe. The Batchelor’s of Jazz pay tribute to that era, playing Edinburgh clarinetist Sandy Brown’s quirky original music, the sophisticated swing of Edinburgh trumpeter Alex Welsh’s band and the downhome trad beloved of the Stompers’ fans. Some of the Batchelors were part of that jazz boom and recreate the music with love and enthusiasm. Dave Batchelor Trombone and Vocals Hamish McGregor Clarinet Alastair MacDonald Banjo and Vocals Colin Steele Trumpet Campbell Normand Piano Roy Percy Bass Alistair Morrow Drums
Assembly George Square Spiegeltent
Closing on a high note, Maggie Bell leads a special programme packed wall-to-wall with festival blues favourites. Join Krissy Matthews, Safehouse, Jed Potts, Brandon Santini and Sandy Tweeddale for a celebration of blues – across a host of styles. Scottish blues-rock singer Maggie Bell first gained prominence fronting 70s Scots rock heroes, Stone the Crows, and her raunchy, high energy style has electrified audiences all over the world in a career of 50 years. Amazingly, she’s still touring; constantly preaching the blues, with all of her powers intact, often, as tonight, in the company of a band featuring guitarist, Sandy Tweeddale.
Assembly Hall
Led by the Italian pianist Sade Mangiaracina, this trio plays beautiful, beguiling music, blending classical music with European jazz and Mediterranean influences. Her music tonight has been inspired by the symbol of the struggle for human rights: Nelson Mandela. Mangiaracina is a major new discovery for subtlety, finesse and great touch and for a set of compelling compositions that draw audiences into the mesmeric atmospheres she creates. Line up website only: Sade Mangiaracina (piano, Fender Rhodes); Marco Bardoscia (double bass, el bass); Gianluca Brugnano (drums)
Assembly Roxy
In celebration of the centenary of jazz maverick bassist and composer, Charles Mingus, Emma Smith deconstructs his whist showcasing the raw energy and talent of females improvisers from jazz, folk and electronica. The music reflects Mingus’ big sound and ranges from raucous to romantic and tender to turbulent.
The Jazz Bar
Experience our Digital Hub - the brand new home of home of our online festival programme. For just £10, you can enjoy 20 online concerts, including a mix of live streamed events and digital exclusives, plus a host of behind-the-scenes content. Featuring the finest in Scottish jazz, international stars and styles ranging from big band to electric blues, the 2022 online programme has something for everyone. The concerts will be available until 14th August so you can watch your favourite artists again and again. We are offering a very special digital exclusive from our San Francisco partner, SFJAZZ.
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival - Online