International line-up for Fife Jazz Festival
Published 12 Jan 2011 09:30
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THE fourth Fife Jazz Festival presents an array of international stars alongside acclaimed Scottish and Fife talent, in concert halls, theatres, hotels and village halls all over Fife from Anstruther to Charlestown.
From Dixieland to free improvisation; from classic crooner to edgy beats; from blues and swinging big band to concerts designed for dancing – there's something to appeal to a huge range of tastes – from the jazz beginner to the aficionado.
Courtney Pine, Cyrus Chestnut, Evan Parker, Mina Agossi, Matthew Ford and Red Stripe are just a few of the stars headlining the festival, with over 16 concerts over the first weekend of February 2011.
Amongst the special events are:
* British saxophone (and clarinet!) superstar, Courtney Pine, makes his festival debut with his new project, Europa.
* French African singer, Mina Agossi has a completely new take on jazz singing – refreshing and totally contemporary.
* Her Trio shares a double bill with Mercury nominated pianist, Zoe Rahman, playing a special solo concert.
* The cream of Fife jazz musicians gather under the banner of the Fife Jazz Orchestra playing songs of love and romance and featuring the brilliant swing vocalist, Matthew Ford, the knockout success of last year.
* American jazz piano legend Cyrus Chestnut plays his only Scottish date for the festival.
* A top quality Swinging Big Band, The Kings Of Swing Big Band will play strictly for dancing at The Big Dance, at Rothes Halls.
* Red Stripe present their irrepressible blues and boogie party: guaranteed to raise the roof at the Adam Smith Theatre.
* Evan Parker and John Russell: two of the giants of free improvisation play for the first time ever in Scotland – as the festival uses the Studio Theatre at the Carnegie Hall for the first time,
* Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra showcase their skills under the leadership of Richard Michael.
Fife Jazz Festival continues to chart new territory, both artistically and in terms of reaching out to bring high quality music to the people of Fife.
The festival's blend of unique concerts, interesting places, and wide stylistic range has proven appeal and is expecting increased sales and extra demand from audiences across the kingdom.
Roger Spence, from one of the organisers, Jazz Scotland, said, "Of course, we want to present the best music for people who really know about jazz. But, what's been so heartening about the first three Fife Jazz Festivals is that the audiences have grown year on year – with many people coming to hear jazz for the first time and being amazed to be enjoying the concerts so much. Thanks to the support of Creative Scotland and Fife Council, we're able to present another diverse, adventurous programme packed with top quality music – with something for everyone, from jazz specialist to first timer."
Check out the Times for further detailsof festival dates and venues.
This article appeared in Central Fife Times 11 Jan 11
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