Glasgow Jazz Festival enjoyed a successful return for its 38th edition in the city. The festival took place from Wednesday 19th and drew to a close in style last night, Sunday 23rd June 2024.
Mirroring the popularity of last year’s festival, the 2024 edition welcomed more than 4,000 jazz fans to over 20 shows, taking in venues including Saint Luke’s in the east end, the Mackintosh Church and Òran Mór in the west end, Nice n Sleazy and The Griffin in the city centre and The Glad Café in the southside.
Music lovers from Glasgow and beyond were delighted by some of the biggest names in jazz from across the globe, with Scottish talent showcased alongside artists from Vietnam, Japan, USA, France and Canada.
Among the artists which enjoyed sell out shows this year was celebrated pianist, composer and Scottish Album of the Year winner Fergus McCreadie. His homecoming show at the Mackintosh Church in Glasgow’s west end on Friday night marked the last night of his European tour and welcomed a packed room of appreciative fans as Fergus presented music from his latest musical venture ‘Stream’.
The stunning Mackintosh Church was also full on opening night as Vietnamese ensemble Đàn Đó brought their transfixing sound to Glasgow. The performance was part of a special cultural exchange in partnership with Fèis Rois and supported by British Council and Creative Scotland, to bring Vietnamese and Scottish musicians together for a residency in the Highlands in June 2024 and stage three incredible concerts in Resolis, Ullapool and Glasgow.
Performers spanned the world, folk and jazz music scenes including winner of 2020 BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Ali Levack, percussionist Tom Bancroft, and guitarist James Mackay.
Another hot ticket over the weekend was an intimate gig from jazz vocalist Marianne McGregor and piano virtuoso Brian Kellock who joined forces on Saturday night to showcase their favourite jazz repertoire to a sold out audience at The Griffin.
Jill Rodger, Director of Glasgow Jazz Festival, said: “2024 has been an amazing year for the festival. We’re so pleased that music fans from Glasgow and beyond joined us for world-class performances from jazz legends and up and coming artists. We’ve welcomed 4,000 jazz fans to over 20 shows across our five days and each one had something special for audiences to enjoy. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us over the course of the festival and to all those who made the festival possible.”
Elsewhere, esteemed US Saxophonist Bobby Watson wowed jazz enthusiasts on Saturday night, exactly 30 years after his stint as Artist in Residence and following a hiatus of over a decade, while to Kyoto Jazz Massive celebrated their 30th anniversary, seamlessly integrating Japanese and French influences led by Shuya Okino (Kyoto Jazz Sextet and owner of The Room in Shibuya) and Yoshihiro Okino (owner of Especial Records).
Elsewhere, talented Scottish jazz and soul ensemble Mama Terra performed a double headline show for audiences at St Luke’s recreating songs from the classic album ‘Head Hunters’ by Herbie Hancock, in their own sound, accompanied by music from their debut album ‘The Summoned’.
kitti‘s Caledonian Songbook and her incredible band paid homage to Scottish talents from Robert Burns to Rod Stewart at Saint Luke’s and festival goers were also able to participate in the free Late Night Jam Sessions every night of the festival at Nice n Sleazy, providing a valuable creative space for up-and-coming musicians while making jazz music accessible to everyone.
The festival, which is funded by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, has been signed up to the Keychange Initiative since its founding year. It once again achieved its aim of a gender balanced programme, with 85% of acts featuring at least one woman or gender expansive artist.
For more information please visit www.jazzfest.co.uk.