Nubiyan Twist, JTQ, Almeida and Bassy for Manchester Jazz Fest weekender
Kevin Whitlock
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
As part of this year’s Manchester Jazz Festival, which takes place over the weekend of 23 and 24 May, four of the top UK names take over the famous Band on the Wall venue
Kicking off proceedings on the Saturday with a 3pm matinee show are the James Taylor Quartet, who will bring their signature 1960s/70s organ-driven rare-groove and boogaloo funk to the fest. At 8pm, eclectic nine-piece Nubiyan Twist draw on their backgrounds in jazz, reggae and soul with a deep fusion of Afro-beat and latin rhythms, plus live electronics, to create a heady brew.
On 24 May, singer-songwriter Kirsty Almeida presents songs from her latest album Moonbird, with backing from The Cherry Tree Strings (2pm), while the evening will see Cameroonian force of nature Blick Bassy aim to wow with selections from his recent album 1958, his tribute to the heroes who fought and died for the independence of his native country. Expect passionate, politicised songs delivered in the Bassa language, driven by electronics, guitar and cello. Bassy will hit the stage at 7pm.
Tickets and day/festival passes will be on sale from Friday 13 March: https://bandonthewall.org/events/