Marlborough International Jazz Festival 2010 - Line up announced

The line up of artists for Marlborough International Jazz Festival 2010 has been announced.

The Brewin Dolphin Marlborough International Jazz Festival 2010 (MIJF) takes place over the weekend of July 9th, 10th and 11th. Street closures and the ever-present foot-tapping sounds emerging from every pub and alley will ensure a carnival atmosphere.

The event is expected to be the biggest yet. ‘We are experiencing another year of phenomenal growth’ said organiser, Nick Fogg. ‘We seem to be recession-proof. We have never had so many sensational acts on the bill. To see all the bands individually would cost hundreds of pounds.’

Highlights for 2010 include the American jazz megastar, Buddy Greco, who will be performing the songs of the legendary Peggy Lee with his trio and Las Vegas-based vocalist, Lezlie Anders: BBC Jazz Award winner, Tony Kofi, Mercury Award winners, Led Bib, BBC Rising Star Award Winner, Kit Downes: Christine Tobin won ‘Best Vocalist’ at the BBC Jazz Awards in 2008. Old favourites Gilad Atzman, Big Man Clayton, Chris Jagger and Pete Allen are amongst some 100 bands on show. Around the festival may be found such well-established British jazz stars as Richard Bryant, John Pearce, Dave Green, Alan Barnes, Roy Williams, Don Rendell, Clive Morton and Esmond Selwyn 

The bands Paddy Milner and the Big Sounds, Fusion Experience, the Becky Biggins Quartet and the Charlotte Glasson Quintet, winners of the 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Brewin Dolphin Award for The Best Newcomer respectively, will return. This is indicative of the festival’s ability to build enduring contacts with rising artists. At the time of going to press, artists have been booked from 23 countries, including Australia, Congo, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kenya, New Zealand, Senegal, the Seychelles, Switzerland, the UK, USA, Ghana, Dominica, Germany, Cuba, South Africa, Spain and Zimbabwe. On the Friday, the 1,000 capacity Awdry Bailey and Douglas Marquee will feature two popular jazzfest favourites, Chris Jagger and the Atcha Band and the Red Stripe Band. The Saturday, the first act on view will be the Beats and Pieces Big Band, featuring the cream of Manchester’s brilliant young talent. They will be followed by the inspirational boogie-woogie pianist, Paddy Milner, the top Latino band, King Salsa and the legendary jump-jive outfit, Jive Aces. On the Sunday, as well as playing host to Buddy Greco, the marquee will feature the National ‘Young Musician of the Year’ Award and an attempt to create the world’s biggest-ever jam session.  

Our town’s growing links with Marlborough New Zealand will manifest themselves in the provision of a dedicated bandstand. The bar there will stock a fine selection of the quality wines for which the region has a world-wide reputation, as well as some star acts. Flamenco jazz guitarist, Eduardo Niebla has been described by The Scotsman as ‘poignantly poetic… and truly fabulous’. He will appear there with his quartet.  

The Africa Bandstand will feature Laye Sowe from Senegal, Chimanimani from Zimbabwe, Bulawayo who will feature Cecilia Ndhlova from the famous dance troupe, Black Umfoloso and the Congolese band, Zambula. For devotees of African music, Cecilia Agatha and Chanda Nyerezani of Chimanimani, will be holding a workshop.

The Festival maintains its reputation for finding new stars. The band Polar Bear (who appeared on Jules Holland last night) has the reputation of being amongst the most creative acts to have appeared on the UK music scene in recent years. Marlborough Jazz represents an eclectic mixture of star names, acts that have become well-established within the event and the chance for new people to shine. It is good that so many young musicians are able to play. Indeed a highlight of Friday evening is the pianist Kit Downes, winner of the 2008 BBC ‘Rising Star’ award. The Swindon Youth Jazz Orchestra will again feature. The long-established Downside School band, will be appearing as usual. For the first time, the Festival will feature an evening with jazz choirs from junior schools.