Biggest bill yet for Coventry Jazz Festival

Apr 16 2008

Philadelphia's Randy Brecker signs on for May event

By Emma Ray

THE BIGGEST ever line-up of international musicians has been signed to appear at the Coventry Jazz Festival 2008. The five-day programme will feature old favourites as well as new performers as the show celebrates its 10th anniversary under the organisation of CV One. New venues have also been added this year as the Coventry Jazz Festival expects to attract about 5,000 visitors between May 22 and 26. Philadelphias Randy Brecker is one of the major signings of the festival. The performer, who has helped to shape jazz over the last three decades, will take centre stage at the Belgrade Theatre on Sunday, May 25. Charismatic South African star Hugh Masekela will be performing at the Belgrade Theatre on Thursday, May 22. There will be a triple treat for jazz fans when the BBC Big Band performs with Lianne Carrol and Alan Barnes at the same location the following night. The sounds of saxophones and a pipe organ will be heard in Coventry Cathedral on Saturday, May 24, when John Surman and Howard Moody perform. Also on the Saturday, a blend of jazz, reggae and ska will hit the Belgrade Theatre with a performance by Jazz Jamaica. Tunisian vocalist Dhafer Yousef and Viennese guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel will be performing in St Marys Guildhall on Sunday, May 25, as the diverse programme continues. Joanne Grimshaw, communications executive for CV One, said the Coventry Jazz Festival had become a firm favourite in the jazz world over the last decade. CV One has worked hard since 1998 to bring together the UKs rising stars such as Jamie Cullum as well as musicians from abroad including the Mingus Big Band from America who performed last year, she said. We are proud that the festival appeals to the wide spectre of the jazz genre and over the last 10 years it has become really established throughout the country. In 2008 we have drawn together a diverse range of talented musicians to perform at venues across Coventry including the Warwick Arts Centre, Priory Place and the new auditorium at the Belgrade Theatre, B2. Further acts will be announced in future weeks and anyone interested in attending any of the concerts should look out for tickets details on our website in the next few weeks. For further information and ticket details log on to www.coventryjazzfestival.com.