Jazz fans are in for a treat in November as Cambridge welcomes a 12-day long celebration of the genre, featuring 80 events at venues across the city. The festival was founded in 2014 with a goal of bringing together the local jazz community and showcasing both up-and-coming talent and established names, serving as a huge showcase of jazz in all its diversity.
From funk and gypsy to jazz poetry, spoken word and hip-hop, there’s a thrillingly varied programme on offer, geared towards breaking down preconceptions and stereotypes and appealing to both jazz aficionados and those new to the genre.
Headliners this year include Laura Mvula, who’ll be bringing her atmospheric, soulful (and Mercury Prize nominated) sound to the Corn Exchange on 24 November. On 16 November meanwhile, Sons of Kemet stop by at Cambridge Junction, serving up a slice of their utterly unique blend of jazz, rock, dub and Caribbean folk.
Promising to be another highlight are Phronesis, who boast a reputation as one of the most formidable jazz trios in Europe – they’ll be wowing crowds with a typically roller-coaster live performance at the Mumford Theatre on 20 November.
Elsewhere, catch the freewheeling verbal dexterity of RipRap Poetry, vibrant world rhythms from Vesperados and stylish swing from the Josh Kemp Quartet, plus get stuck into workshops on everything from harp playing to swing dancing. For little music lovers, the family events programme includes A Magical Musical StoryBox with jazz singer Sara Mitra and children’s drama specialist Lottie Alle.
Closing the festival will be local powerhouses, The Brass Funkeys, who play everything from New Orleans to hip-hop.
www.cambridgejazzfestival.org.uk
