Meet your Compere
Alan is a prolific international performer, composer, arranger, bandleader, touring soloist and multi-award winner. His range and brilliance on clarinet, alto and baritone sax are matched by few peers. Alan was compere at our very first festival in 2003 and is always impressive with his jazz erudition and his sharp,
Jamil has been a regular favourite at Scarborough Jazz for many years and has a reputation for pulling together exceptional bands.
Five Gold Rings brings the classic sound of the Blue Note quintet, with driving, swinging melodies and solos performed by outstanding musicians. JamilSheriff.co.uk
1.15pm
Tori Freestone & Alcyona Mick
The duo, which was formed in 2015, has a very spontaneous, interactive approach. Both players are very much in demand on the London Jazz scene.
‘The no-hiding place exposure of an improvising sax/ piano duo is a tough call but the British pairing of pianist Alcyona Mick and tenor saxophonist Tori Freestone makes light of it.’ The Guardian
‘Elegant, engaging and original music played with magnificent panache.’ All About Jazz www.torifreestone.com
3pm
Jonny Mansfield Quintet
Jonny on vibraphone has a great line-up with Dominic Ingham, violin, Midori Jaeger, cello, Will Sach, bass, Jay Davis, drums.
‘There’s something of a Mike Gibbs feel to Mansfield’s compositions with some Loose Tubes sensibility thrown in for good measure, but none of these allusions detracts from the sheer originality his music exudes. A promise of magnificent things to follow.’ All About Jazz
‘A musical vision beyond his years.’ Evan Parker
Fri 22 September Day
This is a welcome and a farewell.
A welcome because I hope you will come and celebrate our twentieth festival.
6pm
Ivo Neame’s Dodeka
The live performance drought that resulted from the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020 was a kick in the teeth for all musicians – Ivo Neame decided to nurse his teeth by writing and recording music for a virtual big band. He was able to produce a critically acclaimed work during an extremely difficult time. Post pandemic we are able to present the band live in the Grand Hall.
‘If these dark times can produce such brilliance who knows what comes next’ Kind of Jazz
7.45pm Brandon Allen Groove Band
Australian/UK musician Brandon Allen is one of the country’s most in demand saxophonists. This exceptional group performs brand new contemporary jazz/groove compositions.
Expect funky baselines, otherworldly drum grooves, soaring synthesisers and intricate and intoxicating sax/guitar melodies.
‘...a superb blend of diverse improvisation and stellar ensemble interaction...’ ‘…a saxophone heavyweight, at the height of his powers…’ Blues and Soul Magazine
9.30pm
Clare Teal Seven
Expect exhilarating swing from award-winning jazz vocalist and long-time Radio 2 & Jazz FM broadcaster Clare Teal who returns with a fabulous new show, The Clare Teal Seven – a truly exciting collaboration between Clare and her regular trio led by world-class pianist Jason Rebello and three key members of Kansas Smitty’s.
Clare’s live shows are constantly evolving, always richly infused with jazz and critically renowned across the country for their fabulous arrangements, interspersed with Clare’s warm and witty storytelling.
11.30am
Alex Clarke Quartet
Alex is one of the most versatile saxophonists to have emerged on the jazz scene. The quartet features some of the finest names in UK Jazz: Dave Newton (piano), Dave Green (bass) and Clark Tracey (drums).
Equally adept on alto and tenor saxophones, an unusual ‘doubling’ combination, Alex is also an accomplished clarinettist and flautist. Her versatility and her willingness to work across a variety of musical genres ensures that she is a musician who is constantly in demand.
1.15pm
Mighty Like The Blues
This is a new intergenerational collaboration between five of the UK’s leading jazz soloists. The band explores the deep and powerful legacy of the blues. Legendary guitarist Jim Mullen is joined by the well-known and respected front line of alto saxophonist Sam Braysher and trumpet player Pete Horsfall.
One of the UK’s great keyboard players Mike Gorman is on organ making up the rhythm section alongside celebrated drummer Shaney Forbes.
3pm
Adam Glasser Quartet
South African virtuoso Adam Glasser’s harmonica can be heard on countless sessions notably the title track of Abdullah Ibrahim’s album ‘The Balance’.
On piano and harmonica, Adam has worked with Dudu Pukwana, Martha Reeves, Jimmy Witherspoon, Sting, The Eurythmics, Joe Zawinul, Incognito, Pino Palladino and Hugh Masekela.
Adam is supported by some marvellous musicians: Ant Law, guitar, Steve Watts, bass, and Corrie Dick, drums.
Fri 22 September Evening Sat 23 September Day
6pm
Graham Costello’s ‘STRATA’
A great combination of tenor sax, bass clarinet, piano (Fergus McCreadie), guitar, electric bass and Graham Costello as composer and drummer.
‘Raw-noise excursions, infectious minimalist loops, lyrically meditative short interludes and chord-punching rock, thrilling drumming from the leader...’ Jazzwise (Editor’s Choice)
‘Dedicated, artful...fantastic’ Sunday Times
7.45pm
Emma Rawicz Quintet
Emma Rawicz is a multi-award winning young saxophonist and composer. Her compositions range from lilting Afro Cuban inspired grooves to hard hitting modern jazz and funk numbers. And what a line up with Ivo Neame, piano, Ant Law, guitar, Conor Chaplin, bass, and Asaf Sirkis, drums.
‘An astonishing new talent’ Jamie Cullum
‘A force to be reckoned with’ Jazzwise
‘A fast-rising star’ London Jazz News
9.30pm Randy Brecker with Tod Dickow & Charged Particles
Randy Brecker is an internationally acclaimed American trumpeter, flugelhornist, and composer. His versatility has made him a popular studio musician who has recorded with acts in jazz, rock, and R&B.
Director Mike Gordon says: “I am delighted I have managed to book Randy for this year’s festival. He has performed with many jazz legends including George Benson, Jaco Pastorius, Horace Silver, Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and often with his brother Michael Brecker. He has also played and recorded with Blood, Sweat and Tears, Donald Fagen, Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Chaka Khan, James Taylor, Spyro Gyro and Dire Straits. Randy will perform with saxophonist Tod Dickow and the band Charged Particles and he will be the highlight on Saturday 23rd September.”
12.30pm
Doncaster Jazz Alumni
To celebrate their 50th anniversary, DJA are welcoming back many of their former members who are some of the finest soloists and ensemble players in the UK. DJA specialises in re-creating the music of the mastersEllington, Basie, Herman, Rich etc. – and the challenging arrangements of contemporary international and UK composers.
The DJA will give a centenary performance in honour of the great Thad Jones - a virtuoso trumpeter, cornetist, composer and arranger -celebrating why Jones’ music remains some of the most important ever recorded in jazz.
2.15pm Art Themen / Dave Barry Quartet
Tenor and soprano saxophonist Art Themen’s early influences were Sonny Rollins and Dexter Gordon, but he also imbibed the styles and musical vocabulary of Coleman Hawkins, Parker and Coltrane. He has played with such major figures as Stan Tracey (for over 20 years), George Coleman, Al Haig, Bud Shank, Charlie Rouse and Nat Adderley. Drummer Dave Barry joined Mike Westbrook in 1979 and worked with his various ensembles and big band touring Europe and Australia. And the backing can’t come any better than Gareth Williams (piano) and Dave Green (bass).
4pm
Rory Ingham’s
Trombone Assembly
Rory Ingham (British Jazz Awards Rising Star) brings together Mark Nightingale (eighteen times winner of Best Trombonist in British Jazz Awards), renowned trombonists Trevor Mires (Sir Tom Jones), David Higham (Kansas Smitty’s) and legendary recording artist Andy Wood (Stevie Wonder).
‘Expect big, brassy riffs, beautifully buttery melodies, toe-tapping grooves, energetic swing and complete mastery of the instrument, effortless virtuosity’. Jazzwise
Sat 23 September Evening Sun 24 September Day
Photo Credit: The Musician’s Photographer
7pm An Adventurous Dream with Ian Shaw & Tony Kofi
Ian and Tony are joined by Barry Green, piano, and Dave Green, bass, in a celebration of the songs of two pivotal jazz giants: bandleader, pianist and composer, Duke Ellington; and lyricist, pianist, and composer Billy Strayhorn.
These four UK jazz superstars, will perform a memorable concert of some of the best swinging tunes and stunning ballads ever written, from the composers of ‘Take The ‘A’ Train’, Sophisticated Lady’ and the seminal ‘Lush Life’
‘Shaw...smart and soulful’ Guardian
‘There is so much respect in jazz circles for Tony Kofi’ Jazzwise
Wed 20 September
Alan Barnes & Alex Clarke with MG3
Where Scarborough Jazz @ The Cask Inn
(Cambridge Terrace, YO11 2LQ)
Doors open 7.45pm Entry £10
Festival Fringe Events
The first fringe night of the festival features seasoned master of the reeds Alan Barnes, who is joined this year by rising star Alex Clarke, a sax player who totally enthralled a full venue at Scarborough Jazz in January.
Backing is by the resident Mark Gordon Trio. You can expect some real fireworks, as well as no small amount of humour. To book please email bobwalker4@btinternet.com or text/call on 07703 434796
Thu 21 September
Alan Barnes & Tom Townsend’s Blues Band
Where Blues Night @ The Cask Inn
(Cambridge Terrace, YO11 2LQ)
8.45pm
Mark Nightingale & Alan Barnes Sextet
Two multi-award winning giants of British JazzMark Nightingale on trombone and Alan Barnes on saxophones. – front an amazing sextet.
‘Mark Nightingale tells the trombone what to do and does not allow it to set the parameters for his improvisations…tremendous fluency and flair’
Leonard Feather
‘Alan Barnes stylistic range is quite phenomenal… He has a wonderful capacity for suggesting a given style without actually imitating anyone’ Dave Gelly
Doors open 8pm Entry £10
Once again Alan teams up with Tom and the boys for what has become an annual feast of blues, tinged with jazz. This night has, for many, become a festival favourite. Expect great music and lots of good humour, along with the legendary musically accompanied raffle! No tickets, simply pay on the door – best be early.
Sat 23 September
The Eastern Area Schools
Youth Jazz Orchestra (The EASY Band)
Where Scarborough Spa Sun Court
Starts 4.30pm Entry Free
The orchestra’s morning rehearsal and afternoon performance have become popular features of the festival. The tutors this year are saxophonist Tori Freestone and pianist Alcyona Mick.
Why not come along and have a drink or some food whilst you listen to these talented young people.
Sun 24 September Evening
Sun 24 September
Rowan Oliver’s Gospel Brunch
Where Scarborough Spa Sun Court
Starts 11am – 12.15pm Entry Free
Festival Fringe Events
Dr Rowan Oliver is a musician, DJ and music educator with a deep love of the many wonderful styles of music that connect to jazz. On Sunday morning he will play an all-vinyl DJ set encompassing sweet gospel sounds alongside spiritual jazz classics. The musical selection is designed to blow away the cobwebs, elevate your soul and move your feet. (even while you’re lazing in a deck chair!).
Sun 24 September
Funky Tuesday Choir
Where Scarborough Spa Sun Court
Starts 5.30pm Entry Free
Funky Tuesday Choir are a brand-new Scarborough based choir that performs pop, funk and soul songs (and occasionally a little jazz!). The emphasis is firmly on having fun singing together and the joyful nature of the choir is bound to put a smile on your face. Musical Director Mark Gordon (also resident pianist at Scarborough Jazz Club) accompanies the choir on piano.
Fri 22 – Sun 24 September
The Al Morrison Trio
with Festival Guests
Where The Jazz Lounge, Scarborough Spa
Starts Intervals of Grand Hall performances
Entry Free
The fine guitar playing of Al Morrison is ably complemented by bassist Paul Baxter and drummer Tom Townsend.
There’s quite a buzz in the Jazz Lounge as lots of musicians sit in with the band including some festival performers. Times for sitters in will be available at the festival.
Weekend Tickets
Day Tickets
How to book
Online www.scarboroughspa.co.uk
Telephone (01723) 376774
In Person Scarborough Spa’s Box Office
Venue Address Scarborough Spa, South Bay, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2HD
Cliff Lift Times Cliff Lift to be open, please see the Scarborough Spa website for daily running times.
Dine with us
Dining options will be available including Farrer’s Restaurant and Bar, serving food from 9am – 7pm.
Table reservations are advised email farrers@scarboroughspa.co.uk or phone 01723 357860.
Adult £124.25 Student £53.40
Adult £63.50 Student £26.40
Friday Day £20.75 Friday Evening £47.75 Saturday Day £38.75 Saturday Evening £47.75 Sunday Day £38.75 Sunday Evening £42.15
Session Tickets
