Scarborough Jazz Festival 2024

Scarborough Jazz Festival 2024

Scarborough Jazz Festival is returning in 2024! This will be the 21st year of the festival and the first year with Mark Gordon as festival director.

We are delighted to announce the full line up and timings for the 2024 Scarborough Jazz Festival!

Friday Session 1

11:45am: The Al Morrison Blues Experience 

1:30pm: Family Band 

3:15pm: Elaine Delmar 

Friday Session 2

6:00pm: David Preston – ‘Purple / Black’ 

7:45pm: Fergus McCreadie Trio 

9:30pm: Alan Barnes’ Copperfield: A Dickensian Jazz Suite 

Saturday Session 1

11:45am: Jazz Samba – Music of Stan Getz & Charlie Byrd 

1:30pm: Benet McLean Quintet 

3:15pm: James Hudson (Octet) 

Saturday Session 2

6:00pm: Nigel Price Organ Trio 

7:45pm: Hejira – Celebrating Joni Mitchell 

9:30pm: Tom Smith Big Band 

Sunday Session 1

12:00pm: ARQ Alison Rayner Quintet 

1:45pm: Fay Claassen with Emma Rawicz & Barry Green 

3:30pm: Gareth Lockrane Big Band 

Sunday Session 2 

6:15pm: 3D Jazz Trio 

8:00pm: Big Ben: Celebrating Ben Webster – With Tony Kofi & Alex Webb (Part 1) 

9:10pm: Big Ben: Celebrating Ben Webster – With Tony Kofi & Alex Webb (Part 2) 

We'll also be welcoming the below talented musicians to the festival:

• The Gaz Hughes Trio

• Jamil Sheriff's 4 in 1

• The E.A.S.Y. Band

• Funky Tuesday Choir

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  Friday Session 1

11:45am: Al Morrison’s Blues Experience

The leader of the festival’s jazz café trio (and guitarist for New York Brass Band), Al Morrison, takes to the festival main stage with his superb 11-piece blues outfit, created in 2008 for Hull Jazz Festival. Al, known for his blues inflected jazz guitar, is a firm favourite at Scarborough Jazz Club where he is a regular guest artist.

Al Morrison – Guitar, Kate Peters - Vocals, Jenny Smith - Vocals, Sarah Brickel – Vocals, Stuart Garside - Vocals, John Marley - Bass, Martin Longhawn - Piano, Gordon Kilroy - Drums, Rosie Nicholl - Trombone, James Hamilton - Trumpet, Atholl Ransome – Saxophone

Al Morrisons Blues Experience at the Hull Jazz Festival Documentary. (youtube.com)


1:30pm: Family Band 

Kim Macari - Trumpet, Riley Stone-Lonergan - Tenor Saxophone, Tom Rivière - Double Bass, Steve Hanley – Drums 

Comprising four long-term collaborators and friends (thus the 'family' tag), the band takes as its starting point the freewheeling music of those musicians who, back in the 1960s, were at the forefront of the free jazz revolution, but whose opening up of jazz's constraints is now recognised as not a break from the past but an integral part of the music's development.

'One of the best modern jazz groups performing at the moment' - Bebop Spoken Here  

Family Band - Family Band | Review | The Jazz Mann  


3:15pm: Elaine Delmar 

Winner, Vocalist of the Year 2023 at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 

“Her style is a mixture of Broadway musical punch and jazz-inflected subtlety. She has the belting defiance of a torch singer at times and the knowing raised eyebrow rasp of a blues artist, but also a hushed, confiding intimacy where it is appropriate, it is a blend that invites the widest possible audience.” John Fordham, The Guardian
 
Elaine's popular appearances at the world famous Ronnie Scott's Club in London have shown her to be remarkably adaptable in a jazz setting, having worked here at different times with such jazz giants as Herb Ellis, Benny Carter and Stephane Grappelli. Her recent season and her live album at Ronnie Scott's evidence a singer who remains in the prime of her performing life. By popular demand, she regularly headlines at the club, along with her band which features pianist Barry Green, whose trio backs Elaine at this year’s SJF. Elaine has recently made a new recording which is due for release in 2024. 

Singer | Elaine Delmar | London

Friday Session 2

6:00pm: David Preston – ‘Purple / Black’  

London based guitarist and composer, David Preston has been described by the Guardian as “Virtuosic” and TimeOut as “A superb modern jazz guitarist”. He released his debut album ‘Purple / Black’ on Whirlwind Recordings in 2023 featuring ECM recording artists, Kit Downes, Sebastian Rochford and bassist Kevin Glasgow.  

Sebastian Rochford - Drums, Elliot Galvin - Keys, Kevin Glasgow - Bass, David Preston - Guitar/Compositions  

UK/US Jazz Label Whirlwind Recordings  


7:45pm: Fergus McCreadie Trio 

Fergus McCreadie is one of the most exciting jazz pianists on the world stage today. With a unique blend of Jazz and Scottish folk inspired by his country’s sublime landscapes, his music captures the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide, with an appeal that extends far beyond the constraints of genre.  

Fergus McCreadie - Piano, David Bowden - Bass, Stephen Henderson - Drums

 FERGUS McCREADIE  


9:30pm: Alan Barnes’ Copperfield 

Alan Barnes has been the compere for Scarborough Jazz Festival since the very beginning and is again at this year’s festival. He always brings something fresh and thought-provoking to the festival stage, but the organisers are particularly excited about welcoming his Copperfield Suite in 2024.

Like the Dickens classic itself, Alan Barnes’s “Copperfield” has something for everyone. A great night out that is also a treat for the jazz connoisseur; it will delight anyone who loves music or literature – or just being entertained!  

Alan Barnes - Alto Saxophone, Clarinet and Bass Clarinet, Bruce Adams - Trumpet and Flugelhorn, Mark Nightingale - Trombone, Robert Fowler - Tenor Saxophone and Clarinet, Karen Sharp - Baritone Saxophone and Clarinet, David Newton - Piano, Simon Thorpe - Double Bass, Clark Tracey - Drums 

Saturday Session 1

11:45am: Jazz Samba – Music of Stan Getz & Charlie Byrd 

Featuring leading tenor saxophonist Mark Crooks and award winning guitarist Nigel Price (as you’ve never heard him before!), ‘Jazz Samba’ spotlights Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd’s ground-breaking 1962 recording, the first ever fully fledged bossa nova album recorded by American jazz musicians.

Mark Crooks - Saxophonist, Nigel Price - Guitarist , John Cervantes - Piano, Demi Garcia Sabat - Percussionist, Marianne Windham - Double Bass

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIVYRTAK30g 

1:30pm: Benet Mclean Quintet

Violinist and pianist Benet McLean is one of the most highly regarded contemporary musicians in British jazz. His musical depth and exploration of the boundaries between musical genres make him a unique and constantly evolving artist. Inspired in his teens by the great bebop artists of the 1940s, Benet's playing today reflects his early inspirations while also embracing many other musical influences.  

“Benet McLean pushes the boundaries of the violin in jazz with unparalleled modernism.”  - Julian Joseph  

Benet McLean 

3:15pm: James Hudson (Octet)

With a critically acclaimed debut album already under his belt and a second album out in 2024, British vocalist James Hudson is a rising star in UK jazz. A captivating and charming performer who has a natural affinity with an audience, James Hudson’s outstanding voice can communicate the nuances of a melody and lyric with great interpretive prowess which undoubtedly sets him apart as a jazz singer at the top of his game. 

JAMES HUDSON - HOME (jameshudsonmusic.co.uk)

Saturday Session 2

6:00pm: Nigel Price Organ Trio 

The Nigel Price Organ Trio, nominated for the 2021 Parliamentary Jazz Award for ‘Best ensemble’ (they won in 2010) and winners of the 2016 British Jazz Award for ‘Best Small Group’ will be playing selections from their vast back catalogue as well as  the recently released and critically acclaimed album ‘That’s it. Right there.’  Nigel is known for his clear, no nonsense, driving approach to jazz guitar and has steadily become one of the UK’s foremost exponents of the instrument.

Nigel Price - Guitar, Ross Stanley - Hammond Organ and Joel Barford - Drums

The website for London based jazz guitarist Nigel Price including bio, shop, contact and jazz guitar lessons (nigethejazzer.com)

7:45pm: Hejira – Celebrating Joni Mitchell

Since their formation just over a year ago, the band has been a tremendous success, with sold out shows, standing ovations, a total of nearly 90K views on their YouTube channel and more than 700 enthusiastic comments and audience reviews. ‘Hejira’ is a 7-piece band set up to celebrate and honour the masterpiece works of Joni Mitchell, mostly from the late ‘70s.

Hattie Whitehead - Vocals & Guitar, Ollie Weston - Tenor & Soprano Saxophones, Chris Eldred - Keyboards, Pete Oxley - Guitar, Dave Jones - Bass, Rick Finlay - Drums, Marc Cecil - Percussion

www.hejira.co.uk


9:30pm: Tom Smith Big Band

Scarborough Jazz Festival are delighted to welcome this refreshing 18-piece big band to the festival. Known for their highly energetic, intense and joyful performances, the Tom Smith Big Band reflects the vibrancy of London and draws from the rich legacy of jazz throughout its history, with their own unique modern and bluesy take.

Run by award winning saxophonist and composer Tom Smith, the music is fuelled by the intimacy and intensity of jazz clubs and the sweeping emotion of film scores and concert halls - expect songs written about steampunk aesthetics, dinosaurs, bar fights and the cosmos. For this performance they'll also be playing Tom's new suite of music 'Trailers' which is inspired by the world of film music. The band features a who's who of London's finest jazz musicians including Alex Garnett, Trevor Mires, Will Barry, Freddie Gavita, Paul Booth and Graeme Blevins.

Tom Smith Big Band - Speedboat In Trouble (Live at Pizza Express) (youtube.com)


Sunday Session 2

12:00pm: ARQ Alison Rayner Quintet 

Led by bassist and composer Alison Rayner, multi award-winning quintet ARQ are widely celebrated from ten years of extensive UK and European touring – and critically acclaimed for three album releases August (2014) , A Magic Life (2016) and Short Stories (2019).  Their music combines richly nuanced compositions, rhythmic interplay and folk-infused melodies; this, along with their love of improvisation, creates a strong sense of narrative and cinematic quality. ARQ play ‘songs without words’ and are lauded for their vibrant, communicative performances.

Alison Rayner: Bass | Buster Birch: Drums | Deirdre Cartwright: Guitar | Diane McLoughlin: Saxophone | Steve Lodder: Piano

Alison Rayner Quintet – ARQ

https://youtu.be/EUDFR_ThX-0?si=dsrjKOz26jNL8O45

1:45pm: Fay Claassen with Emma Rawicz & Barry Green 

The Dutch power woman of Jazz, Fay Claassen, is one of the best-known and most diverse singers in The Netherlands and belongs to the European top. Fay is a musical phenomenon, known for her elegance and delicacy; a sophisticated singer who does not shy away from crossovers and other genres. Fay Claassen | home

Emma Rawicz is a multi-award winning young saxophonist and composer, already making waves on the UK music scene and beyond. Home | Emma Rawicz

Barry Green has been playing on the international jazz scene for 25 years. He has two new albums recorded in New York awaiting release as well as forthcoming albums with Elaine Delmar, Brigitte Beraha, Ian Shaw, Tony Kofi and Alan Barnes. Barry is a professor of jazz piano at Guildhall school of Music and Drama in London and in Groningen ,The Netherlands.

3:30pm: Gareth Lockrane Big Band 

Making their debut in the 2008 London Jazz Festival and since then becoming a regular fixture on the London and UK live music scenes, the Gareth Lockrane Big Band is a natural evolution from Gareth's small groups, Grooveyard and his septet, and a fiery and unruly animal in its own right. The band plays Gareth’s compositions which draw on contemporary jazz, funk, gospel, classical and cinematic influences, blending heavy grooves and luscious orchestrations to unique and spectacular effect.

www.GarethLockrane.com - HOME/NEWS

Sunday Session 2

6:15pm: 3D Jazz Trio

Scarborough Jazz Festival are delighted that this joyous, energetic American Trio have agreed to make the journey across the pond to be with us! Fiercely swinging on purpose, with purpose this powerhouse trio plays original, traditional and contemporary standards from all genres of music. Their distinctive style and innovative arrangements are super-charged by their boundless musical joy, gratitude and enthusiasm. 

Jackie Warren - Piano | Amy Shook - Bass | Sherrie Maricle - Drums

3D Jazz Trio | Swinging on Purpose with Purpose! (3divasjazztrio.com)


8:00pm & 9:10pm: Big Ben: Celebrating Ben Webster – with Tony Kofi & Alex Webb

‘Big Ben: Celebrating saxophonist Ben Webster’ premiered at the EFG London Jazz Festival on Friday 17th November 2023. 50 years on from Webster’s death, pianist/arranger Alex Webb worked with saxophonist Tony Kofi to curate a narrated show touching on key aspects of the tenor giant’s career, including the acclaimed years with Duke Ellington, his work with Billie Holiday, his visits to Ronnie Scott’s in London, his later years in Copenhagen and his remarkable work with strings. 

This remarkable two-part show is presented in full at this year’s Scarborough Jazz Festival.

Tenor Sax: Tony Kofi | Piano, MD: Alex Webb | Vocals & Narration: Lulu Pierre | Bass: Dave Green | Drums: Clark Tracey | Reeds: Alan Barnes | Trumpet: Simon Finch | Trombone: David Lalljee | Strings: Abbie Davis, Annalise Lam, Julia Dos Reis & Miranda Lewis-Brown - the J.A.M. String Collective