Fifteen new names for Gent Jazz
A new list of highly impressive names has been added to the bill of Gent Jazz, making all the headliners for the upcoming edition now revealed. From 4 to 19 July, this edition promises to be a genuine musical adventure with a mix of (jazz) icons and emerging talent. Think international superstars such as Herbie Hancock, Norah Jones, Branford Marsalis Quartet, Steve Coleman and Five Elements, Mount Kimbie and Makaya McCraven, but also Belgian-Congolese performer Baloji.
Herbie Hancock and his fantastic band will set the tone for the festival on Friday, 4 July. The legendary jazz pianist and composer was a key figure in the Miles Davis Quintet and is well-known for his innovative style which unites jazz, funk and electronica. On the same day, drummer and composer Makaya McCraven brings his blend of jazz, hip-hop and world sounds to Gent Jazz. His energy and talent for improvisation make each show unique. Philip Catherine, Belgium's greatest jazz guitarist, has been at the forefront of the European jazz scene since the 1960s. He worked with jazz greats like Chet Baker, Stéphane Grappelli, Charlie Mingus and Dexter Gordon. His unique approach and sound, his dedication to music have been important and influential, and today he is a source of inspiration for many artists of the new generations.Together with his quartet, he explores his wide range of musical styles at Gent Jazz.
Norah Jones, the 'warmest jazz voice since Billie Holiday’, will grace Gent Jazz with her presence for the fourth time. On Monday, 14 July, the globally adored singer will perform a set crammed with musical depth, encompassing both timeless hits and tracks from her latest album 'Visions’.
Acclaimed saxophonist Branford Marsalis is set to make his Blue Note debut with the March 28 release of 'Belonging’, a full album interpretation of Keith Jarrett’s 1974 ECM album of the same name which introduced the pianist’s European Quartet. 'Belonging’ is Marsalis’ first new release since 2019 with his longtime quartet featuring pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis & drummer Justin Faulkner. On Saturday, 12 July, Marsalis will perform this album live at Gent Jazz. Marsalis will take the repertoire of Jarrett to new heights, while respecting the original and adding his own, special twist.
On the same day, Steve Coleman and Five Elements will also take to the stage. After more than forty years treading the boards, they continue to push the boundaries with their M-Base, which combines soul and funk with jazz in truly dynamic performances. On Saturday, fans of piano music must not miss Tigran Hamasyan, a pianist and composer known for his unique blend of traditional Armenian folk music and jazz full of complex rhythms and improvisation.
Eight new names added to the already confirmed festival days…
On Sunday, 6 July, Baloji, Jamila Woods, 't Hof Van Commerce and Bombino share the billing with The Roots. Baloji, once known as the rapper with Liege-based rap group Starflam, has developed to become a multidisciplinary artist who effortlessly combines music, imagery and performance. With his mix of afrobeat, hip-hop, electronica and Congolese rhythms, he will deliver a scintillating, immersive experience at Gent Jazz. Jamila Woods, who hails from Chicago, is sure to offer poetic and soulful sets with a strong message about black identity and feminism. The Belgian hip-hop kings from West-Flanders, ’t Hof Van Commerce, are back with a lot of enthusiasm and new work! The Nigerien guitar hero Bombino, called the 'Sultan of Shred' by the New York Times, kicks off the Main Stage that day.
The experimental, London-based quartet Mount Kimbie will join the line-up featuring St. Vincent and Anna Calvi on Tuesday, 15 July. Alongside electronic music, Mount Kimbie is increasingly venturing into post-punk, ambient, indie and krautrock. Over the years, they have worked with similar experimentalists such as King Krule and James Blake and they currently perform with a full band to create unforgettable, hypnotic shows. And that’s exactly what they’ll do at Gent Jazz. At the Garden Stage Amsterdam's indie rock band Hiqpy will show why their concert performances always draw out the superlatives.
On Wednesday, 9 July, Polish harpist, producer and composer Marysia Osu will present her new work from her début album 'harp, beats & dreams’: a mix of classic music, jazz, electronica and ambient. The American multi-instrumentalist The Philharmonik will take to the stage on Thursday, 10 July, with a dynamic set full of synergistic soul. Check out his Tiny Desk Session for NPR. Then try to resist the urge to get involved in a live session...
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- Tickets for the new festival days on 4, 12, 14 July go on sale on Friday 28 February at 10am via www.gentjazz.com. Combi tickets will be available for 4 and 12 July.