Jonathan Trew: Glasgow International Jazz Festival

By Jonathan Trew
Published on 02/07/2012 00:00

YOU will need a sense of rhythm, keen ears and sharp eyes to get the most from this weekend’s suggestions.

All three will come in handy for attending any of the gigs taking place under the auspices of the Glasgow International Jazz Festival. Possibly the biggest name putting his instruments through their paces over the next couple of days is Ginger Baker. The former Cream drummer will be bringing the noise to the Old Fruitmarket tomorrow evening in the form of his Jazz Confusion band. As well as Baker battering what we must term “the skins”, his outfit features bassist Alec Dankworth, former James Brown saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis and Ghanaian percussionist Abass Dodoo. Jazz, fusion and African sounds are promised.

As a dreamy contrast to what is likely to be a wild and freewheelin’ affair from Ginge, Scotland’s own Niki King and The Elements play Oran Mor this evening. Edinburgh-born King will be using her sultry tones to give audiences a taste of her new album, It’s All Good.

On the other side of the M8, Big Dance Edinburgh aims to get the capital hoofing it with two days of dance pop-ups in the streets; dance stages in St Andrew Square gardens and the Grassmarket plus, tomorrow afternoon, The Big Tea Dance – an attempt at breaking the world record for the biggest-ever tea dance.

Part of a UK-wide initiative, Big Dance Edinburgh is planning to leave no terpsichorean style untested. From Flamenco dancers on Rose Street to ballet tasters in the National Museum of Scotland via breakin’ and hip-hop in St Andrew Square gardens, every variety of busting a move will be on display.

More surreptitious skills will be feted as the third Edinburgh International Magic Festival invites audiences to pick a card, any card. I liked the sound of Javier Jarquin, AKA the Card Ninja, who is performing at the Scottish Storytelling Centre tomorrow evening. Apparently, he uses playing cards as weapons, which is exciting, but probably has him banned from most poker schools.

www.jazzfest.co.uk www.bigdance2012.com www.magicfest.co.uk