Jazzing it up

The city’s love of all things Jazz will be proudly on display during the May Bank Holiday weekend, as the city’s historic walls reverberate to some of the best acts and artists in the world.

Whether grooving to world renowned acts like former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman and the Rhythm Kings, or getting down with some home grown talent like the Derry Jazz Quartet, the family friendly festival offers something for everyone.

A packed programme sees more than 75 venues hosting over 300 musicians in the city for Northern Ireland’s event of the year as awarded by NITB.

It’s no surprise to regular visitors to the Jazz Festival, that Londonderry is in the running to become the UK’s City of Culture 2013. This year sees yet another fantastic line up for the four day music-fest, which is celebrating its ninth birthday in style.

Renowned Jazz musician, Kyle Eastwood, who performed at the Festival in 2008, sang the praises of the city and the warm welcome he received from local audiences.

Kyle said: “I had the pleasure of performing at the 2008 Derry Jazz Festival. It was my first time in the city and I found the people there very welcoming.

“I remember the audience being great at the show and my band feed off their energy. I was honoured to receive the ‘International Music Award’ in Derry. It was a great experience and it would be a pleasure to go back!”

Mayor Paul Fleming said this year looks set to be the best yet, adding: “Every year we see the city build on the success of this internationally renowned festival.

“The reputation of the festival has become so strong that we are now able to attract world famous artists while encouraging our own home grown talent.

“The Festival shows the city at its very best, with tourists and visitors along with local people letting their hair down and enjoying everything Derry has to offer.

“I have absolutely no doubt that this year’s City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival will be fantastic and an event that everyone can be truly proud of.”

A testament to the Festival’s ongoing success is this year’s headline act, the legendary ex-Rolling Stone bassman Bill Wyman and his Rhythm Kings (featuring the voice of Georgie Fame).

Renowned for their fantastic live performances Bill Wyman and his Rhythm Kings are making their only appearance in Ireland this year at The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival.

Another highlight of this year’s festival will be Slovakian born child prodigy, Andreas Varady. The 12-year-old virtuoso has been playing the guitar since he was only four years of age.

The young man’s amazing talent will go on display when he takes to the stage with his father, Bandi, David Lyttle on drums and Michael Janisch on bass.

Edinburgh jazz legend, Tommy Smyth, is yet another coup for the festival. As a leading performer on the Jazz scene, Tommy, who has been playing the saxophone since the tender age of 12, is an absolute must for all true fans of the genre.

Belgian act Aeroplane, the biggest breakthrough act of 2009, will play for the first time at the Jazz Festival. The duo, Stephen Fasano an d Vito Deluca, are receiving appreciation from some of the biggest DJs around, having produced stellar remixes for the likes of Grace Jones, MGMT and Robbie Williams.

The city will also play host to one of the hits of last year’s Glastonbury Festival, the Mark Black Band with their pulsating fusion of roots, blues, rock, country and Celtic influences; the high octane Ska Beat; Italian Francesco Turrisi and his unique five piece Tarab Ensemble (with guest oud virtuoso Haytham Safia); the popular local Ursula McHugh Trio; the Jazz Jam 10 from the City of Hope Collective and the Jazz Buskers, who will be playing the buzzing streets of this most cosmopolitan European city over the weekend.

The Guinness Free Jazz Trail is a firm favourite with music fans in the city. The trail will bring some of the finest musicians in the world to play in Londonderry – all for free!

This year’s Festival will also feature some swingin’ workshops, including the Dance Workshop and Lessons in Jive, Swing, Lyndy Hop. Ian and Sheilagh Hartley have been providing dance lessons for over 15 years and are well known for their performances with the Jive Aces and are known nationally as GI Jive. So dust off your dancing shoes and learn a few new moves.

Alternatively, check out Linley Hamilton and David Lyttle’s afternoon Jazz Workshop, focusing on improvisation and ensemble in anticipation of this year’s exciting University of Ulster Jazz Summer School.