Manchester Jazz Festival 2017: programme announced

The 22nd Manchester Jazz Festival (28 Jul-6 Aug) marks 100 years since the 'first' jazz recording with a programme of world and UK premieres, local talent and an exciting new central hub in Albert Square: the Salon Perdu, an art-deco style Spiegeltent with mirrored bar and intimate booths as well as lots of standing space.

Kicking things off in the Salon Perdu will be the rallying sound of the Riot Jazz Brass Band, while other acts to take to this stage include the Denys Baptiste Quartet reimagining the later period of John Coltrane; French musician Edward Perraud with his quintet Synaesthetic Trip, and vocalist Fini Bearman. Beyond the Salon Perdu, the Festival takes in some of Manchester's most stunning venues including the brand new Stoller Hall at Chetham's School of Music, the RNCM, the Bridgewater Hall and the Central Library – and of course, jazz hubs Matt & Phreds and Band on the Wall.

Programme highlights and a secret gig

Each year Manchester Jazz Festival makes a special commission, and this year's 'mjf originals' winner is Andy Stamatakis-Brown, whose immersive work Cottonopolis celebrates Manchester’s iconic past as the engine of the Industrial Revolution and as the heartbeat of the late-90s dance music scene – by creating an atmospheric jazz club night set to the soundtrack of mill machinery, with DJs and live projections. Cottonopolis will take place in a mystery location, to be announced on the run-up to the event. 

Other programme standouts include acclaimed piano trio Phronesis and the Engines Orchestra performing Dave Maric’s Decade Zero; Pete Lee’s The Velvet Rage marking the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality; Jazz FM Vocalist of the Year 2016 Lauren Kinsella joining Mercury Prize nominee Kit Downes; and Andy Scott’s 14-piece sax colossus Group S. 

Films, free gigs and brunch

As always, there's a special focus on Northern artists, with Jazz North presenting 11 free gigs in 11 hours from the best Northern jazz talent. There's also a return of Jazz on Film to HOME following last year’s successful short season of jazz-related films, and The Midland hotel will be running jazz brunches as well as afternoon teas.

Elsewhere, the 'mjf introduces' strand brings young talent to the festival including Manchester vocalist and songwriter Mali Hayes, fast-rising quartet Plume, Caitlin Laing’s band of RNCM students Mighty Stranger and – from Leeds – Wandering Monster.

"As always with mjf, the emphasis is on exceptional quality music from undiscovered gems to ground-breaking new commissions," says artistic director Steve Mead. "We’re inviting you all to come and join us on a voyage of discovery."

There's a lot more besides: for the full programme and to buy tickets, head to manchesterjazz.com