Islay Jazz Festival
The 18th Islay Jazz Festival 2017 next month brings concerts all over the island – from the Rhinns Hall in Portnahaven, to the RSPB centre at Gruinard and the distilleries at Ardbeg and Lagavulin, where the Malt Mill is transformed into a jazz joint for the weekend.
This year’s programme, running from September 15-17, features Tommy Smith returning to play solo and in duet with Brian Kellock, the young pianist Fergus McCreadie with his Trio, the gypsy swing band Rose Room, the singer Jacqui Dankworth in duet with American pianist Charlie Wood, vocalist Luca Manning, Brazilian bassist Mario Caribe, soul and r’n’b chanteuse Charlotte Marshall with her band, and the pianist Alan Benzie.
The festival pays tribute to 100 years of jazz as Seonaid Aitken sings Ella, and Colin Steele’s band plays the music of Miles Davis. Fiona Alexander, director of Jazz Scotland, said: ‘Last year the festival reached new heights in terms of the excellence of musical artistry and the levels of audience engagement.
‘We’re hoping to match those standards and, if possible, go one level higher in 2017, with a brilliant line-up of musicians
– and venues. The support of Lagavulin enables us to present the extraordinary quality that would not otherwise be possible, so thanks to them, and to our partners at Islay Arts Association.’
Stuart Todd of Islay Arts Association added: ‘It’s astonishing that so many musicians and audiences can find their way to our wonderful island every year to create and enjoy such a wonderful event. For many people it’s the highlight of the year. It’s certainly one of ours.’
Georgie Crawford, distillery manager at Lagavulin, said: ‘We’re proud to have been at the heart of the Lagavulin Islay
Jazz Festival for seven years now. The annual event is always one of our busiest and best times on Islay.’
Tickets are available from 0131 467 3660 and at www.lagavulinislayjazzfestival.co.uk, where you can view the full line-up.