Fri 10-Sun 12 Aug
Brecon Jazz Festival is one of Wales’ biggest celebrations of all things Jazz, with this year being its 35th year in succession. Highlights of this year’s lineup include a 16-piece Big Band, directed by Cardiff based Gareth Roberts, who regularly performs with the highly acclaimed Capital City Jazz Orchestra. This will be held in the Castle Hotel and includes a meal.
The lineup boasts musical talent from home and beyond, with the inclusion of South African Jazz, Manchester Jazz Conncection, Pavel PQ Czech Quartet [pictured] and Sounds Of Cuba. The latter act stars Maite Hontelé, one of the finest performers of an eclectic mix of Spanish, African and Latin rhythms on trumpet; she has also been nominated for a Latin Grammy Award for Best Salsa Album. The South African Jazz Septet was formed specifically for the festival, bringing together the sounds of pianist and harmonica player Adam Glasser and trumpeter and expert improvisor and Jazz composer Byron Wallen. The septet will be playing a tribute to the late Hugh Masekela, known as the father of South African jazz.
Glasser will also be leading Harmonica Jazz on chromatic harmonica and a selection of unconventional jazz compositions. Brecon Jazz is open for all lovers of the genre, expert or novice, to explore its different cultural roots.
Tickets: £135 weekend / gigs priced individually. Info: breconjazz.org (EDS)