The UK has seen a resurgence of interest in home-grown UK Jazz, recently. BBC Radio, The Guardian and various indie publications have all been picking up on the slow rise of modern UK Jazz. London act Sons of Kemet lead the charge, having recently been signed to John Coltrane‘s legendary Impulse! Records label (the label through which he released the quintessential Free Jazz record, ‘A Love Supreme’). Is this the start of a third UK Jazz-Age?
Constellations certainly seem to think so. That’s why they have formed ‘On the Corner’, it’s entire existence dedicated to remembering old Jazz masters and championing new talents; bringing a brand new festival to Liverpool, dedicated to that cause.
On the Corner Festival 2018 is set to start right in the middle of Baltic Triangle’s famous festival season. It is a cross-venue festival that will be kicking off on Saturday 28th April in Constellations venue with a real showstopper event. From there, it will be carrying on to The Reeds and Brick Street.
The full line-up has been released on the festival’s Facebook page and it is gigantic. Headlining are: Swedish-born UK singer Fatima, fresh from her global tour; Soundscaping multi-instrumentalist Laura Misch; Hancock-esque mix-tape botherer Mafalda; and kicking off the events in an exclusive one-time only event is space-jamming UK Jazz-fusion bosses Vels Trio, performing Madlib‘s classic hip hop album ‘Shades of Blue’.
Alongside the live music are family events, BBQs, DJ sets and after-parties that promise to provide all the excess of the Roaring 20s and the community spirit of the Swinging 60s.
“On the Corner is a reflection of our vision for Liverpool’s music scene.” says Constellations’ Content Co-ordinator James Zaremba. “A wholly collaborative effort, a coming together of so many of the city’s finest and most forward-thinking promoters, artists, DJs, designers and music enthusiasts. We have champions of the local jazz, hiphop, soul, funk and disco scene all involved.”
“We’re also very excited to be hosting after-parties at a few venues around town, The Reeds and Brick Street. These are the brand-new grassroots spaces that Liverpool needs at the moment, the perfect breeding ground for exciting new jazz, funk and soul artists to perform. There will also be a good old fashioned knees up at Constellations, as we host the beloved Soul Train after party.”
“Accessibility is important to us as well; Saturday offers attendees a real flavour of the national scene, […] for a heavily reduced price of what you might find elsewhere in the UK. Sunday will be free to attend for all ages, showcasing a fine local line-up of artists and a huge independent record fair, run by the guys at Melodic Distraction.”
“This is a great advertisement for the Baltic Triangle, and Liverpool, as a serious contender for one of the most forward-thinking and exciting locations for music culture in the UK.”
On the Corner Jazz Festival 2018
An On the Corner Event, In partnership with Constellations, co-promoted by: Melodic Distraction, Anti Social Jazz Club, Wide Open, No FaKin Djs, Madnice Marauders and BamBamBam, will be taking over the Baltic Triangle from Saturday 28th April – Sunday 29th April:
Saturday: On the Corner – Launch Party, Day and Night (City-Wide After Party locations, see below) (Day – 14:00 – 23:00 / Night – 23:00 – 06:00)
After Parties: The Reeds: Melodic Distraction After Party, Brick Street: Anti Social Jazz Club After Party, Constellations: Soul Train After Party
Sunday: On the Corner – Friends and Family Day (Workshops x Record Fare x Pop Ups) (Day – 14:00 – 22:00)
Tickets from £8 and available here and don’t forget to follow on Facebook, Facebook Events and Instagram for updates and on the day coverage of Liverpool’s premier UK Jazz Event.
