First big programming announcement….
“Brecon Jazz 2018 organisers proudly announce their Saturday evening headline concert at this year’s Brecon Jazz Festival – on Saturday 11 August, a special performance of South African Jazz, including a unique tribute to the trumpeter and composer, jazz musician, Hugh Masekela. The Festival Organisers have invited South African pianist Adam Glasser to curate this special tribute, and to lead a thrilling sextet of musicians in a headline concert at Brecon Jazz 2018. 
The concert brings together different generations of UK-based musicians to explore the legacy of township jazz standards that were made famous by the late Hugh Masekela, who passed away in January this year. Adam Glasser leads this ‘dream team’ of outstanding instrumentalists and soloists, including those like trumpeter Byron Wallen and Adam himself, who knew Hugh Masekela personally and worked with him, as well as the outstanding saxophonist Josephine Davies; the sextet is driven by a dynamic young rhythm section of Rob Luft on guitar, Daisy George on bass, and Corrie Dick on drums. A very special lineup for a unique occasion,
All say that they are absolutely delighted to be coming together in this special performance and celebration at Brecon’s 35th Anniversary Jazz Festival, and the opportunity to pay tribute to the artistic work and cultural legacy of Hugh Masekela, who died on 23rd January this year.
The concert will include personal reminiscences of Hugh, as well as musical references, set in the wider rhythmic context of the sounds of ‘jazz’ of South Africa. A trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, composer and singer, Hugh Masekela is considered the ‘father’ of South African jazz. He was also one of the ‘greats’ to appear on the concert stages of Brecon, and performed at the Market Hall as part of the Brecon Jazz Festival eight years ago – on the ‘same date’ of 11th August, 2010.
In putting on this ambitious event, the Brecon Jazz team acknowledge the outstanding support of Brecon Town Council and also a number of local and national organisations, including Friends of Brecon Jazz.
One of the key themes this year will be – THE SPIRIT OF THE FESTIVAL – honouring the legacy of Brecon Jazz itself, as well as some of its legendary performers such as Hugh Masekela, as well as bringing invited new talents to Brecon to take the spotlight in these uniquely-curated concerts.
Brecon Jazz Festival 2018 takes place on the weekend of 10-12th August. There will be 12 key concerts in five central venues, with street music, markets and outdoor entertainment. Weekend and Day tickets will be available in mid-May. For further information, see www.breconjazz.org / email: info@breconjazz.org”
