THE wall2wall Jazz Festival 2024 hosted by the county’s renowned Black Mountain Jazz Club is swinging into action this weekend (September 27-29), writes Debs Hancock.
Now a key part of the UK jazz scene, it promises a weekend packed with “exceptional music, world-class performances, and a unique atmosphere”.
The Abergavenny-based festival brings some of the finest jazz musicians from across the UK and beyond, and 2024 is no exception.
This year’s line-up features an exciting mix of established stars and emerging talent, with styles ranging from traditional to contemporary fusion.
The festival opens on Friday night with award-winning saxophonist Hannah Horton and her quartet, followed on Saturday night by the Jay Phelps Quintet featuring Canadian trumpeter Jay Phelps, with a tribute to the legendary Miles Davis.
And the festival will close in style on Sunday evening with The Jeremy Sassoon Quintet, renowned for their energetic live performances, as they deliver their soulful Ray Charles Project.
One of the highlights of thewall2wallJazz Festival will be the popular Sunday Afternoon Community Sessions with live jazz throughout the centre of the traffic-free town.
A 'Samba band' will kick off at 1.30pm, starting at the junction of Frogmore Street and Baker Street, and will wind its way towards Cross Street, while from the opposite direction will be the New Orleans Strollers. leaving the Angel Hotel at 2pm.
You can also follow the 'Piano Lounge Trail' for a series of special performances at Portico Lounge, Bean and Bread and Chesters Wine, while local musicians will be performing outside the Kings Head and other popular spots.
The Community Afternoon Stage at Amos Restaurant will showcase local talent with performances from BMJazz Katz (Youth Jazz Band), Ian Cooper’s Uskulele Orchestra and Synergy (multi-award-winning A Cappella chorus from Abergavenny).
At Little Green Refills there will be art-based activities for children aged 10 and under, where kids can create their own jazz-inspired drawings with materials provided, with a plan to showcase their work in future club and festival performances.
Visit www.blackmountainjazz.co.uk or follow the festival’s social media pages for updates and tickets.