Jazz Stroud 2023 promotional film
Jazz Stroud returned in 2023 with another bountiful line-up showcasing some of the most exciting acts from across the UK jazz scene. Neo-soul star Yazmin Lacey made her first appearance at the festival, fresh from the release of her new album Voice Notes which has garnered nationwide critical acclaim. Alabaster Deplume returned to the Goods shed from his international touring schedule, opening the festival with a specially curated evening in the round. Saxophonist and producer Laura Misch made her first appearance in Stroud, with a set of her ethereal future-jazz prepared exclusively for the d&b audiotechnik soundscape system. Friday night’s party brought a 10-piece collective TC and the Groove Family, a collective formed in Leeds and their powerful mix of afrobeat, broken beat, jungle, jazz and grime.
We also welcomed multi-instrumentalist and producer Sola from London reinvigorating RnB into warped Soul - as well as recently formed feel-good gospel choir The Good Stuff from Bristol. Nu-jazz beat-buskers Rwkus made their Stroud debut and are sure to fill the dance floor of the SVA on Sunday, while by contrast JOW brought their distinctly gentle blend of jazz, folk and classical chamber music. Needless to say, there was something for everyone at this year’s festival.
Sarathy Korwar returned with his all-star band having recorded an incredible performance in the Goods Shed during the pandemic, showcasing music from his latest album Kalak - an Indo-futurist manifesto. UK jazz veteran Nat Birchall treated us to his own brand of spiritual jazz in St Laurence Church, where Bristol-based trio Yetii performed, reinterpreting classic songs aswell as writing their own thoughtful compositions. All female afro-latin ensemble COLECTIVA opened up at the Goods Shed on Saturday , while Church Andrews & Matt Davies pushed the boundaries of musically fusing man and machine with their intricately linked mechanical sonic ecosystems on Sunday night. Welsh vocalist Plumm returned to the Goods Shed with her enchanting, soulful vocals on Friday night, alongside exciting new celestial trio Matters Unknown, led by multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Enser.
This is just a taste of what’s took place in Jazz Stroud 2023.
Jazz Stroud gratefully acknowledges support from PRS for Music Foundation
Soundtrack: How Do You Like Your Ladies? by Colectiva