»Jazz against reactionary ignorance. Invariably, over and over again.«
Tina Lesničar, Jazz and Music of the World Manager and Cultural Programme Director Assistant at Cankarjev dom, curated the festival programme with music composer and editor Borja Močnik. This year’s programme pays homage to the roots of jazz while embracing modern variations from Recife in the north of Brazil to the American jazz triangle of New Orleans, Chicago and New York whilst including Stockholm and Ljubljana.
The challenge jazz festivals face is how to attract younger generations. Acutely aware of the problem, the organisers of Jazz Festival Ljubljana annually highlight national artists and young performers. They even offer some free concerts, with ticket prices for other concerts limited to 40 EUR per ticket.
Which artists will attend the Jazz Festival in Ljubljana?
The opening night belongs to two heavyweights and representatives of two different generations, Charles Lloyd and Chief Adjuah, who will delight guests in the unique ambience of the summer theatre Križanke. Both trumpeters are joined by their deep roots in tradition, which have crossed in the past. Still, their creative journeys are distinctly disparate. Trumpeter, composer, producer and innovator Chief Adjuah will revisit Ljubljana, having performed here fifteen years ago as part of Marcus Miller’s ensemble. This time, he will stand on the stage in Ljubljana as the leading member of his own jazz band.
On the stage of Cankarjev dom’s Gallus Hall, Jazz Festival Ljubljana will also host two legends of jazz – double bass player Dave Holland and guitarist John Scofield, two of the most recognisable names in jazz in the past half-century. They have both received several Grammies and were once members of Miles Davis’ bands.
On Friday, 12 July, the new sound of Brazilian jazz will echo across Europa Park, crafted by Amaro Freitas in the coastal Brazillian outpost of Recife. He will be followed by James Brandon Lewis, who has established himself as one of the most proactive saxophonists of the American milieu by mixing gospel, blues and R&B.
The final festival evening will be rounded off by Kahil El’Zabar from Chicago with his Kahil El’Zabar Quarter and Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, celebrating an incredible 50 years in 2024. He has been creating albums one after another with both ensembles. His live shows are known to rivet audiences.
The 65th Jazz Festival Ljubljana will continue the practice of hosting a resident artist. This year, composer and double bass player Gašper Livk, who studies and works in Amsterdam, will take that place. He will present some of his artistic visions he transformed into a collection of five albums titled Introducing Gašper Livk. His albums were released under the Portuguese label Clean Feed Records. Gašper Livk will make three appearances during the festival.
Learn more about the legendary festival here: https://www.ljubljanajazz.si/en/.
