Snarky Puppy, Courtney Pine and Dee Dee Bridgewater unveiled for Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2024 programme

The 2024 edition of the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, which runs from 1 to 6 May at various venues in the picturesque Cotswold Spa Town, has unveiled its first tranche of high-profile names. Jazzwise can exclusively announce that multi-Grammy Award winners Snarky Puppy are set to play their biggest Cheltenham show – having last appeared at the event in 2017 at the Town Hall – headlining the 2,200 capacity Big Top. The band are led by founding bassist/composer Michael League and feature a hugely talented nine-piece of virtuoso players that frequently includes its other founding member, keyboardist Bill Laurance. Blending raw funk, relentless groove, lyrical melodies, and a delicate mix of composition and improvisation, the band have sold out their last two Cheltenham visits, so festival-goers will want to take this opportunity to book early.

Also announced are revered British saxophonist Courtney Pine (who also returns to the event for the first time since 2018) and is sure to present a high energy set; dazzling Grammy-winning jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, plus a special collaboration between rising nu-jazz ensemble Nubiyan Twist, who line-up with West African dance legends Orchestra Baobab for what’s sure to be a groove-fuelled highlight. The festival’s wider embrace of other genres includes reggae pop veterans UB40, chart-topping singer- songwriter Jack Savoretti, and electronica pioneers Morcheeba have also been confirmed for what’s sure to be a wide ranging line-up with many more jazz names to be confirmed early in the new year.

Ian George, who returns as Head of Programming for the Jazz Festival and is co-CEO of parent charity Cheltenham Festivals, said of these early announcements: “This first release of tickets for our exciting 2024 programme offers in miniature the breadth and depth that Cheltenham Jazz Festival aims for every year. We celebrate all the genres that have jazz in their DNA by bringing the best of contemporary UK, US and European jazz to our Big Top and other venues. The breadth of jazz’s influence is unique. From pop to soul, blues to world music, we are always so spoiled for fantastic musicians at Cheltenham. From orchestras and big bands to club sessions and late-night jams, the Festival runs the gamut of the music – as this preview proves!”

Courtney Pine has appeared at Cheltenham on previous occasions, and believes it holds a special place on the UK jazz scene, commenting: “Cheltenham Jazz Festival is an event that welcomes all,” he says. “As an artist, I look forward to celebrating my 60th birthday at this event, with a concert that reflects my cultural background!”

Vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater is also excited to perform to this leading UK jazz festival, saying: “I cannot wait to come back to Cheltenham – it’s been six long years! I’m coming with new, young and amazing musicians and some great music to soothe your souls – see you there!”

Tickets for the early announcement shows will be available to the public from 27 November – with the full programme for Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2024 revealed in February – Jazzwise is festival media partner.

For more info visit www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz