Five of the best events at Glasgow Jazz Festival 2014
Programme also features Evan Parker, Bill Wells, Sue Tompkins, Hamilton de Hollanda and Brian Morton
Aspects of Jazz
An intriguing new strand of free talks from the University of Glasgow. Professor Martin Cloonan explores the repercussions of the UK ban on American jazz musicians between the 1930s and 50s. Other talks cover jazz cinema, jazz and political expression, and the history of Glasgow Jazz Festival itself.
City Halls, Wed 25 & Thu 26 Jun.
Pulse presents Spoken Mirror and Herschel 36
A Scottish electronic jazz double bill. As Spoken Mirror, baritone saxophonist Allon Beauvoison and guitarist Malcolm MacFarlane conjure an atmospheric sound world of smeared tones and dappled light. Performing in the dark, Herschel 36 is the rackety improvisational duo of drummer Stuart Brown and keyboards and electronics whizz Paul Harrison.
City Halls, Fri 27 Jun.
Cry Parrot presents Bill Wells National Jazz Trio
A launch party for Standards Vol. III, the latest album from Scottish underground pop and jazz maverick Bill Wells. His group is neither a trio, nor jazz, but its spare, plaintive songs for piano, viola and voice possess a rare beauty. Support from artist and experimental vocalist Sue Tompkins.
Glad Café, Sat 28 Jun.
Evan Parker with Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra
Celebrating his 70th birthday this year, the great avant-garde saxophonist Evan Parker remains as beautiful and adventurous a player as ever. A longstanding GIO collaborator, Parker will perform a solo set and one with the group, preceded by an interview with writer and broadcaster Brian Morton.
City Halls, Sun 29 Jun.
Hamilton de Hollanda
A virtuoso of the bandolim, the Brazilian mandolin, Hamilton de Hollanda is renowned for his innovative blend of traditional choro and contemporary jazz. The winner of several Latin Grammys, de Hollanda has brought his dazzling style to collaborations with Chick Corea, Wynton Marsalis and Buena Vista Social Club.
Old Fruitmarket, Sun 29 Jun.