Emma Rawicz in great form and this year - in charge

November might be cold and low on colour but it is about to be the highlight of the year for any jazzers out there . Long held as the warm-up for the London Jazz Festival this the Cambridge version has gathered the cream of jazz for a brilliant 12th Edition. And it gets better with every year. Emma Rawicz is now a star alongside favourites Delfeayo Marsalis, Andy Sheppard, Lizz Wright, Jean Toussaint, yes the acclaimed saxophonist and Jazz Messenger from Ar Blakey days Josephine Davies the best jazz musicians in the country. Incredibly there will be forty venues, some you’ve heard of some not. Last year I loved the discovery of some truly cool joints unknown since the blast of the likes of Brass Funkeys bring their infectious combination of brass, funk, hip-hop and party energy, while Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band promises a full-scale celebration of contemporary big-band music. Notice – the appearance of so many women in what was once a male -only sphere, It is unbelievable.

Take a look at the jazz joints on offer, from not - so Hidden Rooms as David Gower the maestro of events there confidently claims “ It is the Home of Modern Jazz in Cambridge” - to Newnham Club tucked away in the burbs.I cannot wait for these artists to unleash their talents on our region. `it is going to be a blast’

Full programme on camjazzfestival@gmail.com

Cambridge Jazz Festival

The week in Cambridge culture, in your inbox.

Cambridge Jazz Festival

Ion - the Greek Play

The week in Cambridge culture, in your inbox.