Big bands, acid jazz, funk, soul and more at Swansea International Jazz Festival

Whether you’re a fan of the big band sound, acid jazz, funk or soul, you’re in for a treat at the fifth annual Swansea international Jazz Festival, which takes place in the city’s maritime quarter, 14 – 17 June.

With ticketed shows, free events and workshops, the festival takes place at 15 venues.

Festival organiser, Dave Cottle – who runs the popular Swansea Jazzland events throughout the year, has put together another impressive programme, featuring performers from around the globe.

It kicks off on Thursday evening (June 14) with the Laurence Cottle All Star Big Band performing a tribute to Tower of Power and 50 years of their unique brand of funk and soul.

Friday’s highlights include the Peter Long Big Band recreating the legendary Benny Goodman Carnegie Hall Concert of 1938, and Noel McCalla and Derek Nash performing the hits of Stevie Wonder.

A busy Saturday schedule is headlined by Louis Prima Jr and his band in what promises to be a lively (to put it mildly) show, giving his dad’s hits the 21st century treatment.

James Taylor

And the festival comes to a close on Sunday (June 17), with a bill that includes acid jazz maestros the James Taylor Quartet, and Pee Wee Ellis (who played with James Brown and co-wrote Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud) with his Funk All-Stars.

The festival is again sponsored by Prescott Jones Insurance, with support from the Arts Council of Wales, Swansea Council, and Visit Swansea Bay.

Tickets are now on sale through the festival website, which also provides more info on the artists and venues.

Here are my reviews of the festival in 2017 and in 2016.