The much-missed Swansea International Jazz Festival is back this summer.

The city’s celebration of jazz has had two years off because of the pandemic, and had already switched to a more low-key autumn event because of budget uncertainties in 2019.

But now, thanks to a partnership between the city council and Swansea Jazz Club, it’s back at very short notice – in the summer and on the waterfront: just as nature intended.

It kicks off with Alan Barnes and Bruce Adams with the Swansea Jazz Club Trio at the Swansea Jazz Club Garage venue in the city’s Uplands area on Thursday night, June 23.

Then the action switches to the Dylan Thomas Theatre in the city’s Maritime Quarter for the festival’s other ticketed events, starting with the Simon Spillett Big Band – all regular members of BBC Big Band and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra – performing the music of Tubby Hayes on Friday night (June 24).

Saturday (June 25) afternoon sees the Karen Sharp Quartet take to the stage, followed by the return of the James Taylor Quartet and their funky acid jazz sounds on Saturday night.

The Louis and Ella Music show will recreate the great songs of the swing era on Sunday (June 26) afternoon, and the festival rounds off on Sunday evening with Some Kinda Wonderful, a band created by and featuring Jools Holland’s sax player Derek Nash, performing the songs of Stevie Wonder.

As well as the ticketed concerts, there is a stroller programme at venues around the maritime quarter including: The Pumphouse, Queens Hotel, The Swigg, The Riverhouse, and the amphitheatre outside the entrance to the LC.

And there are jazz cruises on the Copper Jack, a narrowboat that tours the River Tawe.

Swansea Jazz Club’s artistic director and long-time friend of this blog, Dave Cottle, said: “We haven’t had a big lead time for this year’s festival, but we have managed to get an excellent and varied jazz programme together quickly.

“There are great concerts to look forward too and some firm favourites are returning on the stroller programme. Swansea Marina will be buzzing again to a weekend of live jazz! We are delighted to be working with Swansea Council and look forward to some exciting times ahead.”

More information and tickets here.

Here are my ​reviews of the festivals in 2016, 2017, and 2018. 

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