Music: Brighton Alternative Jazz Festival

It’s jazz, Jim. But, not as we know it.

Brighton Alternative Jazz Festival showcases deep jazz from leading artists from the US, Europe and the UK, presented over two days, and seeks to redress the gender imbalance present in too many jazz festivals, by inviting key women in avant-jazz to perform. It also encourages specially commissioned collaborations. This year, there will be one-off transatlantic meetings of 21st century spiritual jazz masters. For instance, there is the Kiermyer-Birchall Transcension, who feature Nat Birchall on saxophone. Dedicated to keeping the spirit of John Coltrane alive, he’ll be playing with Canadian drummer Franklin Kieryer, who has worked with the likes of Pharaoh Sanders. This will be the first ever performance of these two together.

Also on the bill on the Friday there’s the Sarah Gail Brand Sextet, led by this experienced British composer, improviser and trombone player. She will be performing her open-ended compositions, influenced by Charles Mingus, with a sextet of improvisers including drummer Mark Sanders and pianist Liam Noble. And the percussion and bass-led quartet Woven Entity will be joined by Danish saxophonist and flautist Julie Kjaer.
Saturday features the trio of bassist William Parker, drummer Hamid Drake and saxophonist John Dikeman, and the British trio Yana, who make joyful, spontaneous jazz. Then there’s the quartet of saxophonist Rachel Musson, bassist Neil Charles, vibraphonist Corey Mwamba, and drummer Mark Sanders. And Danish saxophonist Mette Rasmussen performs with veteran improv drummer Steve Noble.
Representing the home-town scene, are Brighton’s West Hill Blast Quartet: Dan Spicer on reeds/trumpet/percussion, Ron Caines on sax, Andy Pyne on drums and – for one night only – Verity Spott on cello.
Fri Sept 11 & Sat Sept 12, The Old Market. Weekend tickets £30/Fri £15/Sat £20