Jazz will be the sound of the city this summer with over 24 events taking place across 4 days as part of the 36th Glasgow Jazz Festival which runs from Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th June 2022. 

There will be performances from some of the biggest names in jazz, blues, soul, funk, R&B and world music taking place across the city’s stages. This will be the first time the event has taken place with in-person audiences since 2019 and we cannot wait to welcome you back to venues across Glasgow which will be set to burst with jazz talent next month.

Tickets are now on sale and the full programme is now live via www.jazzfest.co.uk and here are some of our top festival picks.

Legendary American jazz bassist Buster Williams will play St Luke’s with his all-star quartet, including iconic jazz funk drummer Lenny White, on the closing night of the festival. Perhaps best known as one of the first members of pianist Herbie Hancock’s early 1970s group, Williams has also been the accompanist of choice for many singers, including Nancy Wilson who he toured extensively with throughout his career.

On the Saturday night, festival favourites the James Taylor Quartet will take to the stage at Óran Mòr. Dubbed as one of the most important jazz-pop crossover outfits on the British music scene, the four piece will showcase their relentlessly entertaining tunes that draw influence from the rare-groove style funk and the boogaloo funk of the 60s and 70s. 

Leading jazz vocalist Georgia Cécile will headline St Luke’s on Saturday 18th June. Having recently toured with for Gregory Porter, the young singer-songwriter is undoubtedly at the helm of the new wave of UK jazz-pop crossover artists. Her music has a timeless and cinematic quality that fuses jazz and soul influences with a contemporary edge – a sound that is sure to come into its own surrounded by the special acoustics of the East End venue.  

Multi award-winning saxophonist and composer Binker Golding will perform a mixture of jazz, blues and Americana at the Blue Arrow Jazz Club on Saturday 18^th June. Alongside his quintet he will showcase the talent that has had him crowned ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ by Jazz FM in 2020. 

A special all-day event, curated by the acclaimed Glasgow DJ Rebecca Vasmant, will take place at Óran Mòr on Sunday 19th June. Entitled “With Love, from Glasgow”, this unique event will be a festival within a festival and will feature Paix, Azamiah, Blue Boar Brass, Mama Terra and Era Suite. There will also be DJ sets from Nick Peacock, Chris Astrojazz and Rebecca Vasmant.

A festival where veteran fans cross paths with jazz newcomers, in a city that will come alive with jazz for four unforgettable days and nights, Glasgow Jazz Festival offers a programme that is as fresh, vibrant and exciting as ever.

For tickets and more information on the festival please visit www.jazzfest.co.uk.