16 new names for Gent Jazz
The line-up is expanding: 16 new names and an extra festival day featuring Ludovico Einaudi and Ballaké Sissoko
Trixie Whitley, Bab L’Bluz, Ballaké Sissoko, MARO, Bruno Berle, Michelle David & The True Tones, Sorvina, Bodem, Brahja Trio, RAMAN, Space Quartet, TROY, BEX, Aron!, Mattias De Craene ft. Black Koyo, Mei Semones
Gent Jazz’s line-up continues to grow at an impressive pace. Following earlier announcements featuring such audience favourites as Patti Smith Quartet, Tamino, Suzanne Vega, Van Morrison, John Legend and more, the programme is now further enriched with stand-out names. Following overwhelming demand, tickets for Ludovico Einaudi’s performance on 14 July sold out rapidly, prompting the addition of an extra festival day on 15 July. On both days, the renowned Italian maestro will be joined by Ballaké Sissoko, one of the most celebrated figures in contemporary African music.
On 9 July, Moroccan-French band Bab L'Bluz will deliver a hypnotic blend of rock, blues and afrobeat, interwoven with traditional Gnawa, Amazigh, Hassani and Houara influences. Later that day, the Patti Smith Quartet takes to the stage, so book soon: this day is almost sold out!
On 11 July, Sorvina sets the tone with her distinctive fusion of spoken word, jazz and hip-hop. The following day, 12 July, sees Portuguese MARO take the stage, presenting intimate and understated songs from her latest album 'So Much Has Changed’. On 14 and 15 July, kora virtuoso Ballaké Sissoko steps into the spotlight on the main stage — a rare opportunity to experience one of the most influential names in African music up close. He will open both evenings for Ludovico Einaudi, with whom he previously collaborated on the album Diario Mali.
And last but not least: Ghent-New York soul sensation Trixie Whitley joins the 17 July lineup, alongside Mei Semones, who brings dreamy folk-jazz infused with Japanese influences.
The Garden Stage programme is equally appealing. On 2 July, jazz trio Bodem opens with music from their sun-drenched album 'Lush and Alive’, followed by the Brahja Trio, led by New York saxophonist and composer Devin Brahja Waldman. On 4 July, Ghent-based RAMAN presents 'I Do’, a debut album rich in raw emotion and equally raw guitar sounds. The following day, 5 July, promises a wealth of musical surprises, featuring the improvisational collective Space Quartet alongside Brazilian composer, poet and multi-instrumentalist Bruno Berle.
On 7 July, Michelle David & The True Tones deliver a spectacular gospel-soul performance you won't forget in a hurry. On 11 July, TROY, winner of Studio Brussels’ Nieuwe Lichting — takes to the stage, to be followed by BEX, an emerging talent who seamlessly blends indie, R&B and soft rap. On 13 July, singer-songwriter Aron! creates a warm and intimate atmosphere with his pared-down jazz-pop songs on the Garden Stage. Finally, on 16 July, Mattias De Craene (Nordmann, MDC III) joins forces with Brussels-based Gnawa ensemble Black Koyo, to perform their collaborative album live on stage.
From world music to soul, from outstanding debut albums to legendary names, this promises to be an edition to remember.
Some festival days are at 'last tickets' or have already 'sold out', so don't wait too long, book your tickets now at www.gentjazz.com.