A | B | C-F | G-L | M-P | Q-S | T-Z

MARCUS MALONE BAND (USA)
Marcus Malone, born in Detroit, Michigan, moved to Los Angeles where he recorded the classic heavy metal album, Marcus, which was re-released on Zoom Records throughout Europe and the US in 2001. His album, Blue Radio, released in 2005, features guest spots from two of Britain's finest musicians, Paul Jones and Papa George, and he has just released his latest album, Hurricane.

MELLOW HARMONY AVSTREIH BAKU
Mellow Baku was born Mellow Harmony Avstreih and grew up in Northampton where she spent 12 years in a Christian commune with no television or radio, ideal for concentrating the mind on music. No secular pop music, of course, so the first influence on Mellow was from Baptist hymns and gospel. Leaving the commune at 18, Mellow discovered the music of Bob Marley, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder and the rest and was soon performing original folk songs on guitar around the pubs and bars of the Midlands. Having experience with an original groove/blues band and singing with jazz bands, Mellow is now involved with a new project, Mellow Baku, involving elements of roots, soul and jazz, reflecting her love of storytelling and poetry.

MICHAEL McQUAID'S RED HOT RHYTHMAKERS (AUSTRALIA)
One of Australia's top jazz bands, this exciting and talented nine-piece is devoted to reinterpreting the hot and sweet sounds of the 1920s and 1930s, the music of the likes of Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson and King Oliver. Founded in Melbourne in 2004 and led by multi-instrumentalist Michael McQuaid, the band comes to Birmingham as part of a major European tour which has already taken in Germany, Sweden and Denmark. Legendary Australian jazzman Graeme Bell has no doubt of the quality of this fine young band, all still in their 20s: With wonderfully evocative arrangements by their talented young leader, the repertoire consists of various periods of classic American and Australian jazz.

MIKE BURNEY QUARTET
Birmingham festivals would not be the same without the inspired playing of one of the Midlands' favourite jazz sons, saxophonist/clarinettist/flautist Mike Burney. One of the most versatile of musicians, Mike's skills extend to swing, bebop, Dixieland and blues and during his distinguished career he has lent his talents to such diverse aggregations as Roy Wood's Wizzard, the Syd Lawrence Orchestra and King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys. He has toured with Sonny Boy Williamson, Memphis Slim and Jimmy Cliff, recorded with Rhythm and Blues legend Mickey 'Guitar' Baker and gigged with top jazzers Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Byron Stripling, Bill Allred, Alan Barnes and Bruce Adams.

MISINTERPROTATO (AUSTRALIA)
Pianist Sean Foran, bassist Pat Marchisella and drummer John Parker make up Misinterprotato, one of Australia's most inventive contemporary music ensembles. Much loved by the intensely creative Brisbane music scene, this is much more than a traditional jazz trio. Though the likes of Bobo Stenson and Esbjorn Svensson are big influences, ECM-inspired minimalism is only part of the picture: Sean Foran's compositions also explore Latin themes and set up pulsating improvisations. The group's new album, Variations (Spacebar Records), encapsulates their vision, virtuosity and passion. The trio has an international reputation, with appearances at the Calgary Jazz Festival, Canada, World Expo and Kutchan Jazz Festival, Japan.

NEARLY DAN
One of the most successful of all the tribute bands, Nearly Dan, a fine 10-piece from Stoke-on-Trent, bring back the music of the innovative songwriters Walter Becker and Donald Fagen with authenticity, accuracy and passion. As their name disarmingly suggests, their versions of songs like Reeling in the Years and Ricki Don't Lose that Number are the nearest thing to the real thing.

NEW ORLEANS HOTSHOTS
Dave Harmer, trombonist and organiser of the Priory Jazz Club in Loughborough, leads the New Orleans Hotshots in a real mix of trad jazz featuring the vocals of cornetist Terry Fyffe and the veteran drummer 'Lord' Clive of Loughborough.

PAT McCARTHY
Pat's playing is a great example of the classic jazz guitar sound, following in the tradition of Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessel and Django Reinhardt. Based near Louth in Lincolnshire, he is the region's regular choice to play alongside the likes of Alan Barnes, Don Rendell, Peter King, Kenny Wheeler and David Newton. As well as releasing several CDs under his own name, Pat has become a part of the all-star band for Lady Sings the Blues.

PEDALMANIA
6th July (John Paul Gard/Ben Waghorn/Eddie John) 13th July (John Paul Gard/Cameron Pierre/Neil Bullock). Pedalmania consists of John Paul Gard on Hammond organ, saxophonist Ben Waghorn and drummer Eddie John. John started playing the organ at the age of 10 and in eight months made it to the finals of the UK's Best Organ Player in 1981. However, at the age of 20, he began to study the piano and it was as a pianist that he released his first album, Bad Attitude, and was offered a place at Berklee College in Boston. In recent years, with Pedalmania, he has moved back to the Hammond. Influenced by the great Jimmy Smith, John takes the instrument into the 21st century, taking some classic tunes and giving them his own unique jazz groove.

What’s coming up next?

See more of the programme...

Where’s it on?

Need to find a festival venue? Click here...

Festival Newsletter

Subscribe to our email newsletter to get all the festival updates.