Brecon Jazz is alive & well - 2017. We hope you like the programme

“Since its beginnings, Brecon Jazz Festival has had a strong international as well as Welsh presence. In 1984, South African artist Dudu Pukwana (Zila) were invited to play alongside well known US and Welsh artists at the inaugural event…. to Abdullah Ibrahim 2009 & Hugh Masekala in 2010"

Today, Brecon Jazz, now celebrating its 34th year, has a galaxy of top names of jazz in its archive and ‘playlist’. One of the greatest names of jazz, Dave Brubeck, however, never performed at the Festival, although he appeared in Cardiff – and some of our members heard him there! It is one of only a few major omissions. Well, we can’t amend that gap now, but we can offer the best of a next generation. So when we approached Darius Brubeck to offer his Quartet the headline event at BJF2017, the response was a positive ‘yes’. And whilst renowned throughout jazz and the UK as a first rate musician in his own right, this will also be the first time this wonderful musician has performed on the Brecon Jazz Festival stage. It is thus a double ‘first’, and we are delighted to fulfill that living legacy, of the ‘Brubeck’ name on the ‘Brecon Jazz’ Festival stage.

But ‘Brecon Jazz’ is also a ‘Welsh legend’ and with an enviable heritage. We find too the connection of Darius Brubeck, with his South African jazz influences, and that of the first BJ Festival stage, when Zila were presented … to … audience. Darius Brubeck Quartet on Saturday at Brecon Jazz … book here £18

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Nigel Price and Ross Stanley the a guitar and Hammond organ duo need little introduction to jazz audiences, for their storming sets of great rhythmic driving sounds. This is the concert to close the weekend and to round off in one event all those fabulous sounds of Brecon Jazz 2017. Sunday evening at Brecon Jazz ... book here £14

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This year sees national and local heroes of jazz with a sprinkle of international visiting or resident talent. Atsuko Shimada, a Japanese jazz pianist based in southern Spain and resident in USA and Berklee for four years, joins us with her Festival-special trio, of Italian Paolo Adamo on drums and Brazilian Matheus Prado on double bass. They have invited Bristol wonder-saxophonist Kevin Figes from across the Bridge to join them, adding alto to the mix, and also with a guest appearance by jazz French Horn player Rod Paton, a musician of many languages. This is a Brecon Jazz Festival concert special. Atsuko Shimada Trio with Kevin Figes and Rod Paton at the Guildhall on Saturday at 3.15pm. Book here

Also on Saturday, guitarist Gerard Cousins will be performing his Miles Davis Tribute with a special quintet convened for the event. Gerard Cousins Project plays In a Silent Way.

Friday at Brecon Jazz will see the grand opening at the Castle Hotel, with the ‘Slice of Jazz’ Festival Big Band which will include dancers ‘Hoppin Mad’ and vocals from Elaina Hoss. The price also includes a hot buffet meal.

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Friday afternoon kicks off with a workshop for all creative jazz session, an adventure in playing and composition for learners and practitioners alike (using special techniques, participants don't need to read music). 'Jazz Creativity' Workshop with Rod Paton (Friday 11 August at the Muse from 2-4pm £10) : book here

Friday, Saturday and Sunday will see lots of activity around the town, music in the streets, stalls…

Sunday at Brecon Jazz has two evening headlines as well as two ‘Jazz in the afternoon’ concerts to help everyone relax and have a wonderful weekend, with lovely food available throughout at the Muse Arts venue :

‘Annette Gregory and Friends’ is vocals and piano-based at the Brecon Muse from 2pm with John McDonald on keyboards and Matheus Prado on double bass. Young musician and guests include Rachel Head, Norman Willmore and Zach Breskal (saxes, drums).

Ashley John Long, Glen Manby and Friends is vibes and sax-based at the Brecon Muse from 3.15 pm with Pete Komor on double bass. Rod Paton on French Horn will join the lineup for some special 'guest' numbers.

You need to go to both!

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Hannah Vivian-Bryne Trio on Sunday at 5.30pm is a great Festival treat and not to be missed. A true Welsh talent and already acclaimed jazz star, vocalist Hannah brings her wonderful lineup of Ayo Vincent on piano and Linus Fenton on double bass to create a totally unforgettable evening of beautiful classic jazz. Be there to say you discovered Hannah Vivian-Byrne at Brecon Jazz this year!
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See programme for full details HERE