What’s On

Shunya (aka Alan Keary), Seb Rochford, and Dudù Kouate are all unique solo artists in their own right. When Shunya isn’t playing around the world with genre-defying cellist / singer Abel Seloacoe, he’s crafting his own sound using distorted violins and drum machines. When Seb Rochford isn’t collaborating with Brian Eno you’ll find him on stage doing experimental solo drum sets. When Dudù Kouate isn’t shredding with legendary free jazz group Art Ensemble Of Chicago he’s likely at home inventing new instruments that sound like alien birds.

This show will encompass all three musicians’ individuality – glueing it together via improvisation and on the spot re-imaginings of each artists’ pre-existing songs. Expect unhinged electronics, free jazz, meditative soundworlds, contemporary classical compositions, and West African grooves.

Colonel Spanky’s Love Ensemble

Come for the name, stay for the tunes! Colonel Spanky’s Love Ensemble are a dancey, brassy 10-piece band putting their unique twist on pop bangers from throughout the decades. Specialising in sax solos, short shorts, and shenanigans!

Rev21 is a London based collective that fuses jazz and gospel with elements of funk in a unique blend that brings together both composition and spontaneity. Formed in 2021 and inspired by the 21st chapter of Revelation – all about the new creation – the music is infused with a message of hope.
Fresh from recording their debut album, Rev21’s repertoire consists largely of original material and reimagined gospel songs. Blurring the lines between instrumental and vocal music, Rev21’s sets bring variety, colour and always a party!

Lauded by many as one of Britain’s Finest Live bands in the late 90s and early 00s, Billy Mahonie are back on tour. Taking in many of the towns and cities previously played (Glasgow, Leicester, Cambridge, London, Brighton) and some newer places, the band members have never felt so stoked to get out on the road.

Gig in association with Cambridge Jazz Festival

Mr Griff and The Grifters are an 8 piece powerhouse from Cambridge, playing all original music that captures the timeless spirt of funk and soul, guaranteed to get you moving. After a busy summer festival season, playing main stage at the Cambridge Club Festival, headlining Strawberry Fair, the Bedford River Festival and a storming set at Secret Garden Party, the band are excited to return to this years Cambridge Jazz Festival, to showcase some brand new material from their forthcoming 3rd album due for release in 2025. Since 2021 band leader Ian Griffith, a session drummer turned frontman, has created one of the freshest and most exciting new sounds to emerge from Cambridge in recent years.

Support comes from live improvised dance fusion trio Hench Hog. Led by the exceptional Trombone player Vijay Prakash (Brass Funkeys), Hench hog explore a rich tapestry of psychedelic jazz fusion, over seriously groovy dance beats. Join them at The Portland Arms to celebrate the end of another fantastic Cambridge Jazz Festival.