Category: Featured Article

We are back! #mjf2023 is taking shape with our full line-up announced this morning and on sale via Eventbrite.

And what a strong line-up it is from, as always, the best new emerging UK jazz artists (Rosie Frater-Taylor, Romarna Campbell, Marcus Joseph) to actual living jazz legends (Billy Cobham, Fred Wesley & The New J.B’s).  Learn more below and browse our full line-up here.

Opening Weekender: mjf@First Street 

Our free opening weekender celebrates the breadth and individuality of our home-grown scene: bands from, or with a strong connection to, the north. It’s also about shining the spotlight on artists who’ve journeyed through some of our talent development programmes in recent years. 

As well as some of the north’s leading artists gracing our Main Stage (Ni Maxine, Wizards of Twiddly, Yemi Bolatiwa) on Friday and Saturday, you can check out some of the Greater Manchester 18-25s bands from our Soundcheck and hothouse artist development programmes on the Garden Stage (Nasa Parka, Moby Dickless, Rory A Green). Accomplished performers in more intimate settings adorn the Home Stage (Moore & Fairhall, Good Habits) throughout each day. 

On Sunday we partner with Jazz North to celebrate 10 years of the northernline touring support scheme: on the Main Stage, we’ll showcase five acts selected by industry bigwigs to be elected onto the 2023 artist roster. 

Matt & Phred’s  

Matt & Phred’s at Manchester Jazz Festival 2023 shines the spotlight on bands and musicians who showcase styles of jazz from different parts of the world (Henry Botham’s New Orleans Piano Gumbo, Baiana); whilst staying true to our ethos of supporting and championing local and independent musicians (The Chanteuse, Cuba Vida Salsa Band). Clarinettist Arun Ghosh makes a welcome homecoming appearance to round off our opening weekender, and we end the week in true M&P’s style, with a massive brass party. 

St Ann’s Church 

A firm favourite venue for mjf regulars, at St Ann’s, we welcome a selection of the UK’s most respected and cherished established players in intimate acoustic performances (Freight Train, Robert Mitchell, Stan Sulzmann & Nikki Iles) that bring you close to the music. Artistry, expertise and virtuosity, set in an oasis of calm in the bustling city centre. 

Closing weekend at Band on the Wall 

The very best in energetic, contemporary UK and international jazz talent (Mica Millar, Julie Campiche, Buena Vista Social Club’s Eliades Ochoa) – from legends to fast-rising names to watch, many on their Manchester debuts, and all in a classic club setting. 

Don’t forget the events we’ve already announced with NQJazz, The Blues Kitchen and un.procedure‘s new commission Themory – and there’s yet more to discover at Forsyth’s and Albert Hall.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

We have yet another selection of bold, contemporary and diverse artists presented by Manchester promoters NQ Jazz, in partnership with mjf!

NQ Jazz will host three gigs at the well-loved, intimate venue in north Manchester: The Yard. 

• Donovan Haffner- Monday 22nd May, 7.30pm*, £14.00 (full)
• A young artist who very much embodies the current generation of emerging UK jazz talent, Donovan Haffner makes his hotly-awaited debut Manchester appearance at this year’s jazz festival having already raised the roof at Love Supreme, Ronnie Scott’s, We Out Here and many more over the last 2 years.
• Alina Bzhezhinska’s HipHarp Collective ft. Tony Kofi – Tuesday 23rd May 7.30pm*, £14.00 (full)
• Alina Bzhezhinska is a one-woman powerhouse, on a mission to bring the harp to the fore of contemporary sound – a sound that can penetrate any size venue, any genre, any generation, and any musical taste; drawing as much from 90s Triphop and Afrobeat as jazz greats Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane. There’s no limit to where Alina’s music can go!
• Nathaniel Facey Trio – Wednesday 24th May 7.30pm*, £14.00 (full)
• One of the UK’s most exciting saxophonists, Nathaniel Facey is a prominent figure on the European jazz scene, with a truly unique sound full of ferocious passion and lyrical mastery. This fire-breathing trio of long-term collaborators play with a deep sense of adventure & connection that sets the imagination alight.

Click on each artist to discover more and hit the link HERE to get your tickets!

*This is the start time of each performance. Doors will open 45 minutes prior to each concert. 

The latest artists revealed for mjf 2023 see us partner with the great Manchester jazz venue,  The Blues Kitchen Manchester –  joining us to deliver an array of bold, diverse contemporary artists for the mjf programme. Take a look below at our events with the city’s newest live blues and soul venue and restaurant. Make sure to grab yourself a ticket.

• Fred Wesley & The New JBs – The Concert Hall– Tuesday 23rd May , 9 PM, £26.40
• Beginning his career with Ike and Tina Turner, Fred later became musical director, arranger and composer for the Godfather of funk himself, James Brown, and arranged for and played with Parliament-Funkadelic. Wesley became the world’s most famous sideman through his work with Brown, defining the language of funk for years to come and later taking it to the next level alongside George Clinton and Bootsy Collins. Join us in the company of a living legend this May.
• Celebrating Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue- The Concert Hall – Wednesday 24th May, 8PM, £13.75 
• Rising star trumpeter Olivia Cuttill performs music from Miles Davis’ beloved Kind Of Blue in its entirety live with an all-star quintet of outstanding young talent.

Please click the link HERE to purchase a ticket and view the rest of our 2023 lineup.

We hope to see you there!

We are delighted to announce that Mica Millar will be at mjf 2023, playing Band on the Wall, on Thursday 25th May.

Get your tickets HERE 

“A star with intense emotional sincerity is born. ‘Heaven Knows’ is an outstanding debut album”

(Blues & Soul Magazine)

“There’s nothing remotely tentative about any of this. The songwriting is assured, the production consistently on the money and the voice…well that’s the whole point” 

(Wall of Sound)

 “Millar put on a masterful show….her audience mesmerised by an alluring vocal talent” 

(Record Collector)

Releasing her debut album ‘Heaven Knows’ to critical review earlier this year, Mica Millar has quickly become the UK’s brightest new Soul star, picking up Jazz FM’s prestigious ‘Soul Act of The Year 2022’ award alongside a nomination for ‘Breakthrough Act of The Year’ and featuring on the front covers of iconic magazines like Blues & Soul and Echoes, amidst an array of five star album and live reviews, plus champions at national radio including the likes of BBC Radio 2’s Trevor Nelson and 6 Music’s Craig Charles.

Following two monumental album launch shows in September including a sold out show at the capital’s prestigious Jazz Café and a special hometown performance filling out the iconic Albert Hall, Manchester, Mica has announced her first UK tour for May 2023. She’ll be returning with her hotly-tipped seven-piece band to Jazz Cafe London on 5th May with show at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre on 21st May, Manchester’s Band On The Wall on 25th May and The Wardrobe Leeds on 30th May presented by Manchester and Leeds Jazz Festivals with additional UK and European dates still to be announced.

More festival announcements to follow…

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mjf 2022 ran from 20 – 29 may 2022 at venues and sites across Manchester, including a free opening weekend at Escape to Freight Island, weekday gigs at St Ann’s Church, nightly gigs at Matt & Phreds, events at Forsyth Music and at The Yard with partners NQ Jazz, and close with an extended weekend-long party at Band on the Wall.

Some highlights from the 10 days include:

Nubya Garcia wowed a full house at Band on the Wall with her spiritual connectivity, and Ayanna Witter Johnson inspired with her compelling cello stories of history and hope

The Richard Jones Trio exemplified the very best in Manchester’s new talent with their exploratory compositions;

Anthony Joseph delivered a powerful statement of intent on cultural identity at The Yard, with NQJazz

Intergalactic Brasstronauts rock-steadied us beyond the stratosphere at Escape to Freight Island

Skylla’s harmonics other-worldly resounded throughout St Ann’s Church

The James Pearson Trio gave us a sophisticated insight into the artistry of Oscar Peterson in Forsyths’ showroom

Heavy Beat Brass Band gave the M&Ps dancefloor a workout to remember

Our Piano trail brought interactive music-making to 13 public locations across Manchester, tempted by winning the first prize of a grand piano!

2 public realm new commissions changed our perspective on how we experience music in the public realm: Ruby Tingle celebrated Manchester’s water features in Fountainia, this year’s mjf originals work, and Lara Jones invited audiences to step inside her geodesic dome at Piccadilly Station and reflect on our relationships with journeys in Ensō+.

Put mjf23 in your diaries: 19-28 May 2023

Check out the mjf2022 gallery here

manchester jazz festival and Forsyth’s music shop are on the hunt for Manchester’s most entertaining street pianist as a trail of 13 street pianos are placed across the city this week.

From May 6 – 29, the mjf piano trail will see pianos dotted throughout Manchester available for all passers-by to play.

And for those who think they can give Elton John a run for his money, a competition to find Manchester’s best street pianists will also run with a whole raft of prizes up for grabs including a Yamaha P-45B piano, return ticket for 4 anywhere on the Northern Rail Network, a gift package and vouchers worth over £100 from Quayside Media City UK and a £30 Wagamama voucher for each prize winner.

Technical talent or formal training is not necessary, and the competition is open to all from concert pianists to the occasional ivory tickler.

The mjf piano trail, delivered in partnership with the world renowned Forysth’s Music shop of Deansgate, is part of mjf2022 which will take place at venues across the city from May 20 – 29.

From May 6, pianos will be located at The Arndale Centre, The Corn Exchange, Forsyth Music shop, Great Northern, Harvey Nichols, Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Central Library, Manchester Piccadilly Station, Quayside Media City UK, Royal Exchange Arcade, Spinningfields, The Trafford Centre, and Manchester Victoria Station.

Emma Loat, Manager of Forsyth’s Music, said: “For many years, we’ve had a street piano at the front of the Forsyth’s shop on Deansgate so we know that Manchester and the surrounding areas is full of talented musicians and those willing to have a go.
“We’re really excited to supply 13 pianos for the mjf piano trail and we’d urge all those budding performers to come forward, have a go and be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes.”

To be in with a chance to be named one of Manchester’s best street pianists, simply find one of the pianos in the trail, capture a short video of your performance and post the video to your Instagram, Facebook or Twitter account, tagging in @manchesterjazzfestival / @manjazzfest and using the hashtag #mjfpianotrail
Whether you play professional jazz or have never touched a note before there are no rules regarding who can apply, what kind of music you play and what your performance involves.
At the end of the piano trail mjf and Forsyth’s will select 9 winners based on who showed the most creativity, ingenuity and gave the best performances.

The prizes up for grabs are:
– Yamaha: Yamaha Digital Piano P-45B
– A £30 Wagamama gift voucher for all winners
– Doner Haus: Meal for up to 4 including pre/post drink
– Lion’s Den, Deansgate Mews: £50 bar tab
– Manchester Art Gallery: Afternoon Tea for two
– Jenny Jones: a pair of saxophone cufflinks or a soul stone necklace
– 20 Stories: Afternoon tea for two with a glass of fizz
– The Lawn Club: A complimentary pod booking and a bottle of Prosecco, for up to six people.
– Northern Rail: Four tickets at any time to anywhere on Northern rail network
– Quayside MediaCityUK: prize package includes:
• 2 x £25 Quayside Gift Card
• Two lots of two tickets to Vue Cinema
• Copy of Salford Edition Monopoly
• Two lots of two tickets for ITV Jungle Challenge

manchester jazz festival is back for 10 days of unmissable musical moments across the city this May!

From May 20-29, mjf2022 will see gigs taking place across Manchester celebrating the latest up and coming talent from across the North, and the best names in contemporary jazz including Nubya Garcia, Tim Garland, Anthony Joseph, Zoe Rahman, Rum Buffalo and Daniel Casimir.

The festival opens with a free weekender at Escape to Freight Island from May 20-22, will stage weekday gigs at St Ann’s Church, nightly gigs at Matt & Phreds, events at Forsyth Music and at The Yard with partners NQ Jazz, and close with an extended weekend-long party at Band on the Wall from May 26-29.

Free to access music and activity will also take place at outdoor locations across the city centre.

Tickets are on sale now.

Highlights of the festival programme are as follows:

Escape to Freight Island, 20-22 May
Daniel Casimir, Xhosa Cole Quartet, Intergalactic Brasstronauts, Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat, Dirty Freud, Mamilah, Dilettante, Sarah Heneghan: Power Out, Kara, Nguvu, The Deportees, Abbie Finn Trio, Timeline, Ain’t Misbehaving, family friendly activities, DJs all weekend.

The Yard, presented in association with NQ Jazz, 23-25 May
Anthony Joseph, Emma Rawicz Quintet, Alex Hitchcock’s Dream Band.

St Ann’s Church, 23-27 May
Zoe Rahman, Skylla, Brigitte Beraha’s Lucid Dreamers, Sara Colman & Rebecca Nash.

Matt and Phreds, 20-29 May
Jeremy Sassoon Quartet, Heavy Beat Brass Band, Alligator Gumbo, Honey Bee Jazz, Rum Buffalo, Baiana, Nonunonu, Shapeshifters, M&P x mjf Open Jam night.

Band on the Wall, 26-29 May
Nubya Garcia, Mulatu Astatke, Tim Garland Group, Gary Crosby Sextet: Mingus Moves, Ayanna Witter Johnson, Hackney Colliery Band.

Forsyth Music, 27 May
The Ronnie Scott’s Trio featuring James Pearson – Remembering Oscar Peterson: A portrait of a jazz legend.

Steve Mead, mjf CEO and Artistic Director, said: “After two years of staging online and restricted live events throughout the pandemic, we simply can’t wait to welcome you back to our 10-day festival, to share some hugely exciting artists at a host of venues across the city.

“Our Escape to Freight Island weekender was a hit with audiences last year so we’ve been sure to include them in our programme again. We’re also thrilled to team up with the newly reopened Band on the Wall, and revisit some firm favourites such our St Ann’s Church
recitals, the ever-popular Matt and Phreds and our partnership with NQ Jazz, whose events are always a huge hit with audiences.

“As well as taking audiences on a journey across Manchester’s iconic venues, we’re bringing you an array of the very best players, and some surprise happenings that you’ll be able to experience for free across the city centre. We can’t wait for you to join us.”

Buy tickets and browse the full mjf2022 programme here.

We’re excited to announce the launch of the mjf fantasy festival podcast!

Hosted by mjf’s Artistic Director Steve Mead and Festival Assistant Ash Doherty, the fantasy festival podcast invites jazz musicians, creators, supporters and fans to programme their fantasy festival.

We’ll unpick what it is that makes a festival so magical; from the setting, to the food and drink, weather, company, fashion – whilst delving deeper into their musical tastes.

The series of six episodes launches Tuesday 25th January at 6pm and features the co-founder and Director of Operations at Black Lives in Music, Roger Wilson.

Future episodes will feature guests including Tess Hirst, Sir Richard Leese, Yemi Bolatiwa and Robert Abel.

This podcast was co-created and produced by James Howe.

Listen now on Spotify – and don’t forget to like and subscribe!

manchester jazz festival is set to premiere four new works in an online festival this January, celebrating the creativity of digital music making.

The mjf digital originals festival will run from January 17-21 and share a newly commissioned digital work from the most promising northern musicians each night at 6pm.

The new works range from AI-interpreted musicians and immersive drum performances to dirty cinematic electronica and a suite of music for audiences to enjoy in their own meaningful locations. A new work will be premiered simultaneously across manchester jazz festival’s website, YouTube and Facebook channels each night at 6pm.

The full line up for the mjf digital originals festival is as follows:

Spaces by Night Porter – Monday January 17
Led by Leeds saxophonist/composer Emma Johnson and Manchester-based singer/composer Nishla Smith, Night Porter have created a suite of music celebrating outdoor spaces.
Audiences will be encouraged to visit such spaces near to them and listen to the pieces in the environments for which they were intended, creating a connected yet remote listening experience that each person can make their own. Audiences can also watch a new video for each piece from the comfort of their own home.

Gandering by Mark Hanslip – Tuesday January 18
A radical audio-visual work in the form of miniatures fusing four solo improvisations from fellow musicians with AI-generated imagery that itself responds in real time to the music being created. Borne out of the surreal dystopia of lockdown and responding to the barriers placed on physical and musical interaction, the resulting pieces are a fitting reflection of our recent collective experience, a breath-taking example of the potential beauty to be co-created by humans and machines and a ground-breaking methodology for creating new work.

Power Out by Sarah Heneghan – Wednesday January 19
An immersive, powerful duet between solo drummer Sarah Heneghan and contemporary dancer Megan Hatto, in which Sarah’s EDM-inspired Sheffield beats explode with dynamic lighting design, improvisation and movement. Catch the premiere of two recordings from this full-length show that was originally evolved through the mjf hothouse talent development programme.

Meet Me in the Real by Dirty Freud – Thursday January 20
The unruly prince of electronica, Ninja Tune fave and Glastonbury electronic artist brings together some cutting-edge improvisers and soulful vocalists for a set of anything-goes collaborations, mashing up their jazz lines with infectious grooves, animations and his own personal style of dirty cinematic electronica. As part of the digital festival, audiences can catch the music video premiere of Dirty Freud’s new track Fly Girl and listen to his new EP Meet Me in the Real exclusively for one week only before its general release in April.

Meet the mjf originals artists – Friday January 21
A short film for audiences to find out more about our mjf originals artists, their creative process and how they made their work. Produced by Badger and Combes and featuring interviews with Emma Johnson, Nishla Smith, Mark Hanslip, Sarah Heneghan and Dirty Freud.
The digital festival is a new addition to the festival’s annual open commissioning scheme, mjf originals.

mjf CEO and Artistic Director Steve Mead said: “mjf originals is our commissioning scheme for northern artists to create jazz-related new music. Since our very first commission in 2000, mjf originals has produced 30 major works, each premiered at one of our annual festivals.
“In 2021, we took a new approach to tackle the challenges of creating new work in different times and invited artists’ ideas on devising new work that could live in both the physical and digital realm.
“This suite of four works also allowed us to work with a wider range of artists and create more commissions than usual, and we’re really blown away with what they’ve come up with. We can’t wait to share the results with mjf audiences online, and we hope to be bringing some of this new music to the live festival later this year.”

How to watch

• mjf’s digital originals festival will run from January 17-21 and share a newly commissioned digital work each night at 6pm on our website, Facebook and YouTube pages.
• Like our Facebook page or subscribe to our YouTube page and you’ll be notified when we go live. Or simply head to the front page of our website where the new pieces will stream from 6pm each day.