Guinness Cork Jazz Festival 2024: The Headliners

The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival 2024 is showcasing some big names in the genre from around the globe. These acts are set to take to the stage and delight the audience with smooth sounds and soulful rhythms for 5 full days. Some of the main attractions include: the Cuban based jazz supergroup Buena Vista All Stars,  two time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Gregory Porter, the legendary hip-hop act, De La Soul, Scandinavian dance musician Todd Terje, and the Chicago based 8 piece Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.

History

The Cork Jazz Festival, Ireland’s biggest jazz festival, was born out of a serendipitous solution to a scheduling problem. In 1978, the Cork Opera House had no acts on one weekend in October, due to a show canceling its booking of the venue.

Jim Mountjoy, a local marketing manager for Guinness, suggested filling the void with a jazz festival. Little did he know that this improvised event would grow into one of Ireland’s most beloved cultural gatherings.

The festival started off with a high standard, featuring performances by Nat Adderley and John Surman. Many doubted the viability of such a festival in Cork, however, the event was an immediate success, attracting both local and international audiences.

Over the 46 years, the Cork Jazz Festival has grown from a small, local event to an internationally recognized 5 day celebration of jazz music, which features many of the biggest acts in the genre. The festival now spans multiple venues across Cork City, transforming the entire urban landscape into a playground for jazz lovers.

The key to the festival’s growth has been its ability to adapt and evolve. The festival’s core focus is still on jazz, but the organizers have diversified the musical palette, including related genres, or sub genres, like blues, funk, hip-hop, and world music. This approach has helped keep the festival fresh, attracting a more diverse audience.

The Cork Jazz Festival has featured some of the biggest names associated with the genre, including: Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Wynton Marsalis, and Diana Krall. These star-studded lineups attract jazz aficionados from around the world.

Alongside the Jazz icons, the festival also books contemporary jazz stars who are making waves in the genre. Artists like, Robert Glasper, Kamasi Washington, and Esperanza Spalding have featured in previous years, bringing fresh perspectives and attracting younger audiences.

The festival has played a vital role in promoting and fostering Irish jazz musicians. It provides local artists a platform to perform alongside international stars. Many local acts, like Louis Stewart, Honor Heffernan, and Liane Carroll, have become festival favorites.

The festival doesn’t only showcase established stars. Through its Fringe Festival and various competitions, it provides stepping stones for emerging talents that have gone on to make a career for themselves in jazz music.

Recognizing that jazz, like many older genres, is evolving, the festival regularly books artists who blend jazz with other genres and groups that incorporate elements of electronic music or world music into their jazz compositions.

The festival also provides educational workshops for those that want to learn more about jazz techniques and improvisation, and master classes for more advanced musicians which want to refine their music. There are also lectures on jazz history, theory, and current trends in the genre. The festival also has a Jazz Camp which aims to foster the talent of young musicians.

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The Cork Jazz Festival 2024 Headliners

Buena Vista All Stars presents: One Night in Havana

From the streets of Havana, Cuba, to grace the stages and concert halls around the world with a night filled with enchanting rhythms and timeless narratives, The Buena Vista All Stars, featuring Ibrahim Ferrer Jr. along with 11 all star Cuban musicians, bring the essence of Afro-Cuban nostalgia to life with their show “Una Noche En La Habana” (One Night in Havana).

This performance aims to delight global audiences with enchanting rhythms and cultural narratives directly from the streets of Havana. The performance includes classics like “Chan Chan” and “Dos Gardenias” alongside new material from their highly anticipated upcoming album. This performance promises to be an unforgettable musical experience steeped Cuba’s rich musical heritage.

They will be performing at Cork Opera House, Oct 26, 2024. Doors open from 06:00 PM. Unfortunately, tickets are sold out.

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Gregory Porter

Gregory Porter, a double Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, is known for his distinctive voice and soulful interpretations. His first Grammy Award was for his Liquid Spirit album that won Best Jazz Vocal Album in 2014, and his second was for Take Me to the Alley in the same category.

Porter had a driving mission to spread his love of jazz vocals and music to a bigger audience. He possesses a repertoire that transcends genres and continues to enchant global audiences with his timeless music.

He is performing at Cork Opera House on 24 October at 7:00 pm and again on 25 October, 6:00 pm. Unfortunately, both shows are completely sold out.

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De La Soul & Special Guest

De La Soul was a Hip-Hop group started by three Long Islanders, Kelvin Mercer (Posdnuos), Vincent Mason (DJ Maseo), and David Jolicoeur (Trugoy the Dove). De La Soul are pioneers of alternative Hip-Hop, shaping the genre’s landscape with their debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising, and subsequent records like De La Soul is Dead and Stakes Is High.

Their 2016 album, …And The Anonymous Nobody, received a Grammy Award nomination.

They have collaborated with big names in the music industry, including Tribe Called Quest, Gorillaz, Little Dragon, and Snoop Dogg to name just a few.

They will be performing at Cork Opera House on 27 October, with doors opening at 6:30pm.  Unfortunately, tickets for the show have been sold out.

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Todd Terje

Todd Terje, is a rising artist in the dance music scene. His unique blend of Euro sounds, funk, and Latin jazz has caught the attention of audiences. Some of his notable tracks like “Eurodans” and his edit of Michael Jackson’s “Can’t Help It” have earned him widespread acclaim.

Hailing from rural Mjøndalen, Norway, Terje grew up listening to his sister’s tapes and 90’s dance music. While he studied piano and later physics, he shifted his attention to music, connecting with Prins Thomas and becoming a key figure in Oslo’s electronic disco scene.

Known for his playful and eclectic style, Terje resists easy classification, blending catchy rhythms with dreamy synths and dubby sounds.

Todd Terje will be performing at Cyprus Avenue on 24 October, with doors opening at 11:00pm. Tickets are still available.

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Amadou & Mariam

Amadou & Mariam, the renowned musical duo from Mali, are back with their new single “Mogolu” from their upcoming album “La Vie Est Belle,” set to release this fall.

The couple are 60 years of age and have a career that spans nearly half a century. Amadou and Mariam met at Mali’s Institute for the Young Blind in the mid-1970s. Both having lost their sight in childhood, their shared love for music brought them together.

Their music is characterized by Madou’s sensual and bluesy psychedelic guitar work and Mariam’s soul infused vocals. The duo fuse modern pop with traditional Malian instrumentals creating a fresh Afro-pop sound.

While they were popular in their home country throughout the 80s and 90s, Amadou & Mariam gained international recognition when their 2004 album “Dimanche à Bamako,” became a global hit, winning two BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music.

After receiving global recognition, they performed at the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA world cup in South Africa and have collaborated with big names in the music industry, like Damon Albarn, Santigold, and TV on the Radio.

They will be performing at Cork Opera House on October 26, at 11:30pm. Hurry and book tickets now if you want to see them perform live.

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Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble is an innovative Chicago-based brass band that blends elements of jazz, hip hop, funk, and rock to create a unique genre defying sound that captivates audiences worldwide.

At the core of the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble is a family legacy which is closely associated with Jazz. The group is made up of eight blood brothers, all sons of the renowned trumpeter and composer Phil Cohran, who played with Sun Ra Arkestra in the 1950s.

The brothers were raised in a household that encouraged music and creativity. They were introduced to musical instruments and began playing together under their father’s guidance. Much like their father, the brothers went on to experiment and refine their own unique sound, while also paying respects to the founders and foundations of jazz.

The group began busking on the streets of Chicago and New York, and their unique sound built a following, taking them to the stages of major festivals around the world and collaborations with high-profile artists, such as Mos Def, Damon Albarn, Tony Allen, and Prince.

You can catch Hypnotic Brass Ensemble at Cyprus Avenue on 26 October, at 7:00pm and 27 October, at 7:00pm. Tickets are still available for the show on 27 October, so hurry if you want to catch them in action.

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Seun Kuti & Egypt 80

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 is an influential group in the Afrobeat scene, blending politically charged lyrics with infectious rhythms and hypnotic grooves. The band is led by Seun Kuti, the youngest son of Fela Kuti, a pioneer of Afrobeat.

Seun Kuti started his musical journey at the age 8, already performing with his father’s band, Egypt 80. After his father’s tragic passing in 1997, Seun took his place a s the lead of Egypt 80.

Egypt 80 was a key figure in the Afrobeat genre. Many of the original members of the band are still performing after all these years. They are known for their distinct brass sections and extended jam sessions.

The group seamlessly fuses traditional African instrumentals with intricate polyrhythmic percussion, hard hitting brass arrangements, and socially charged lyrics to produce a sound that gets you moving and thinking.

Seun Kuti’s lyrics touch on topics such as neocolonialism, inequality, and corruption in an African context.

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 have released several notable albums, including: Many Things (2008), From Africa With Fury: Rise (2011), A Long Way to the Beginning (2014), and Black Times (2018). Their body of work has received critical acclaim and Grammy Award nominations.

You can catch Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 at The Everyman on 26 October at 9:00pm and 27 October at 9:45pm. Tickets are still available.

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Le Boom

Le Boom, formed in 2016, is an electronic pop duo from Dublin, Ireland, consisting of Christy Leech and Aimie Mallon. The pair are turning heads and steadily building a fanbase for their energetic live performances and catchy electro infused indie pop music.

Leech provides the vocals, synths, and guitar, while Mallon provides the drums, percussion, and backing vocals. They combine pulsing electronic beats with infectious melodies and emotive lyrics, creating a dance music with introspective elements.

Several of their singles and EPs have been well-received, including tracks like “What We Do” and “Coma.”

They’ve been on the festival circuit, performing at major events, like Electric Picnic and Longitude. They’ve also featured as supporting acts for Jungle and Róisín Murphy.

Their live shows are energetic and feature interactive elements, often featuring confetti cannons and interactive elements.

Le Boom are performing at Cyprus Avenue on 26 October at 11pm, and 27 October at 2pm. Tickets for 26 October are sold out but you can still grab some for 27 October.

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Mary Coughlan

Mary Coughlan is an acclaimed folk and Irish jazz singer.  She is well known for her distinctive voice and emotive performances.

Born in 1956, in County Galway, Ireland, Coughlan has solidified her place as one of the  country’s most respected and enduring musical artists over a career spanning more than four decades.

Coughlan’s music combines Irish folk music with elements of jazz and blues to create a sound that is distinct, raw, and emotive.

Her acclaimed debut album, “Tired and Emotional” (1985), established her as a respected force in the Irish music scene and beyond. Her music has taken her around the world, performing at famous venues and receiving multiple awards and nominations

Coughlan has released numerous highly praised albums, including “Under the Influence” (1987), “Uncertain Pleasures” (1990), and “The House of Ill Repute” (2001). She draws inspiration from her own life and explores themes of love, loss, addiction, and recovery.

Coughlan will be performing at The Everyman on 25 October, with doors opening at 7:30pm. Unfortunately, her show has been sold out.

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Orchestra Baobab

The legendary Senegalese band, Orchestra Baobab, has been an icon of West African music for over five decades. Originally formed in 1970 in Dakar, Senegal, the group adopted its name from the club where they were the house band, the Baobab nightclub.

The band is famous for its fusion of traditional Senegalese music with Afro-Cuban rhythms and elements of jazz and soul to create an eclectic sound that has captivated audiences across the globe. To this day, they continue to be a key figure in the preservation of traditional West African music

The band’s original lineup consists of musicians from different regions of Senegal and neighboring countries, adding to their already diverse sound. Key members have included vocalists Balla Sidibé and Rudy Gomis, guitarist Barthélemy Attisso, and saxophonist Issa Cissokho.

Hit songs like “Mouhamadou Bamba” and “Utrus Horas” from the 1970’s shot the band to fame. However, in the mid-1980s, the band temporarily disbanded due to a shift in musical taste in the Senegalese region.

The band was brought back into the spotlight in the early 2000s, sparked by the international reissue of their classic album “Pirates Choice.” After this, they released their album, Specialist in All Styles (2002), which received critical acclaim.

Orchestra Baobab will be performing at The Everyman on 27 October, with doors opening at 5:30pm.

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Maya Delilah

Maya Delilah is an up-and-coming star in the UK, known for her smooth blend of R&B, soul, and jazz-influenced pop music. Born in 2001 in North London, Delilah showed a remarkable aptitude and passion for music early on.

.Delilah’s social media presence got peoples’ attention in the late 2010’s, where she shared covers and her own original compositions. Her skill on the guitar and her rich and soulful voice helped her build a dedicated fanbase.

2020 saw Delilah release her debut EP “Oh Boy,” which showcased her talent for crafting catchy melodies, introspective lyrics, and her ability to fuse contemporary R&B with elements of soul and indie-pop.

Since 2022, she has consistently put out singles and her work has been featured on BBC Radio 1. She is also active in the festivals circuit, performing at numerous major events.

Delilah’s appeals to a broad audience due to her exploration of universal themes, such as love, self-discovery, and the experiences of young adulthood. Her guitar work compliments her soulful voice with jazzy chords and an intricate fingerstyle.

She will be performing on 25 October at Live At St. Luke’s, with doors opening at 7:30pm.

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We Almost Lost Detroit – Brian Jackson and Special Guests

Brian Jackson is world famous pianist-composer and a forefather of neo-soul and contemporary hip hop. Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson were an iconic duo whose work remains influential to this day. His work has been sampled by hip-hop powerhouses like Tupac, Common, and Kendrick Lamar.

His partnership with Gil Scott-Heron, which began in 1971, produced a string of iconic and critically acclaimed albums, including “Winter in America” (1974) and “Midnight Band: The First Minute of a New Day” (1975). Jackson’s compositions and arrangements perfectly complemented Scott-Herron’s politically charged.

Outside of his work with Scott-Heron, Jackson has crafted a long and successful career as a session musician, arranger, and solo artist. He has collaborated with artists such as Kool & the Gang, Phyllis Hyman, and Roy Ayers.

There has been a resurgence of interest in Jackson’s work. In 2021, he released “This Is Brian Jackson,” his first solo album in 20 years. The album serves as validation to his continued evolution as an artist while staying true to his roots in jazz and soul.

“We Almost Lost Detroit” is a powerful and politically charged song that was composed and released by Brian Jackson in 1977. The track was originally released in 1977 on the album “Bridges,” which was credited to both Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson.

The song’s title and content are inspired by the 1975’s book of the same name by John G. Fuller. The book details the partial meltdown of the Fermi 1 nuclear power plant near Detroit in 1966. This incident wasn’t widely covered, with many being oblivious of the nearly catastrophic incident. Jackson wrote this song as a critique of the irresponsibility of the event, particularly doing so in such close proximity to a densely populated city.

The song remains an anthem of environmental activism.

Brian Jackson will perform alongside special guests at Cork Opera House on 23 October, with doors opening at 7:00pm. Unfortunately, tickets for this show have sold out.

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Hot Chip (DJ Set)

Hot Chip is an influential British electronic music band formed in London in 2000. Their innovative blend of electronic, synth-pop, and indie dance music, has solidified the group as one of the most influential and enduring acts in the UK’s electronic music scene.

The core members of Hot Chip are Alexis Taylor (lead vocals, synthesizer, guitar), Joe Goddard (synthesizer, vocals), Al Doyle (guitar, synthesizer), Owen Clarke (guitar, synthesizer), and Felix Martin (drum machine, synthesizer). This lineup has remained largely consistent throughout their career, contributing to their distinctive and evolving sound.

Their music is known for its combination of catchy melodies, complex electronic production, and quirky, yet deep, lyrics . Their music incorporates elements of house, disco, R&B, and experimental electronic music, creating a product that appeals to both indie rock and electronic music enthusiasts.

Over their 24 year career, Hot Chip’s music has received critical acclaim and numerous awards nominations, including a Mercury Prize nomination for “The Warning.”

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Wait, There’s More

The acts mentioned above are only the start. There are plenty of other artists performing, like Bricknasty Present The Nasty Sessions w/ Shiv, Curtisy, F3miii,

Takuya Kuroda, Les Amazones D’Afrique, Theo Parrish, Celebrating Alice Coltrane – Alina Bzhezhinska & HipHarpCollective ft Brian Jackson, The Academic, King Kong Company, Yankari Afrobeat Collective, Gaby Moreno, Kean Kavanagh, and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble presents: Hunafaa.

There are plenty of other acts not even mentioned in the article. With such an abundance of jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop, and electronic acts, the festival is sure to satisfy musos with the most discerning taste. For even more info about the festival’s line up, you can visit the lineups dedicated page.

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