# A European Celebration of Jazz, Blues, Musical Heritage and Artistic Excellence at Autumn – Winter Jazz – Blues Season – EU Jazz & Blues Festival 2026: Photos

- Link: https://jazzblues.eu/2026/11/13/312322/
- Published: 2026-11-13T03:00:47+01:00
- Author: https://JazzBlues.EU

### EU Jazz and Blues Festival | September – December 2026!!!

The November programme of the EU Jazz & Blues Festival 2026 offers a particularly
fascinating musical journey across Europe, bringing together distinguished international
jazz masters, innovative contemporary musicians, soul performers and passionate 
blues artists.

![](https://i0.wp.com/jazzblues.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Jazz-Blues.jpg?resize
=640%2C427&ssl=1)

From Berlin to Paris, from Copenhagen to Milan, from Vienna to Oslo, from Luxembourg
to Bath and from Galicia to the German jazz clubs, this programme reflects the extraordinary
geographical and artistic diversity of Europe’s musical life.

What makes this selection especially compelling is the dialogue between generations
and traditions. The Brazilian musical imagination of Hermeto Pascoal, the sophisticated
improvisational language of European jazz, the expressive power of American saxophone
masters, the warmth of soul-jazz and the irresistible energy of traditional blues
and boogie-woogie all become part of one continuous European cultural narrative.

## The concert reports

![REVIEW: Hermeto Pascoal at Barbican Hall – London Jazz News](https://images.openai.
com/static-rsc-4/AskNuTPR79yWSXHyMhgYteYLf0r16bBrdp3peXaS3QMJxyAz-l0FQwXL8jvAQD2L_EViDh_9DOavE1LXU0_S046eip4tHVji2hQ4huhP_IcSCm_5UtUmXda7rtD0AzfEO8cPrE462y5l_nhKXzT_rFKL-
_zV39Mz0EzCCuXzx1qSwzrd8qSyRTxiHhRRZAyp?purpose=fullsize)

### Berlin, Germany — Hermeto Pascoal’s Mothership: A musical legacy that continues to fly

_**11 November 2026 · Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW), Miriam Makeba Auditorium!**_

One of the most emotionally significant events of this November programme is the
tribute to the extraordinary Brazilian composer, multi-instrumentalist and musical
visionary Hermeto Pascoal.

Following his death in 2025, the musicians who shared his artistic journey have 
continued to carry his extraordinary musical universe forward. The Berlin concert
brings together Hermeto’s long-standing ensemble, Nave Mãe, known as Hermeto’s Mothership,
and the Berlin-based Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra under the direction of Daniel
Glatzel.

The Mothership musicians include Itibere Zwarg, Fabio Pascoal, Andre Marques, Ajurina
Zwarg and Jota P., with flautist Mariana Zwarg joining them. The latter, Hermeto’s
goddaughter and Itibere Zwarg’s daughter, represents a particularly meaningful personal
connection to the composer’s musical heritage.

This is a meeting between two distinctive musical worlds. Hermeto’s language was
never confined by conventional genre boundaries. His compositions could embrace 
Brazilian popular music, folkloric rhythms, jazz, experimental orchestration, chamber
music, spontaneous improvisation and sounds inspired by everyday life.

He possessed an almost limitless imagination, transforming unexpected sonic materials
into sophisticated musical architecture.

![Hermeto, o bruxo que transformou o mundo em música](https://images.openai.com/
static-rsc-4/lGFujCkp0M1Akhcq0W6V1A_CJyjWWWvzMTG8n_IS08u9FheOOZjvEyhFEg4RtWK2pf4hZ7VjxwJvAVdrhZq6JtblmQBcCl4wa0Ey2bi1QEch8nVZ26FTjrIVOLybQOHv5g4XCcbmPHcXFF-
CBZbCiVhDXxeH1mBsenNbCwkQnOLNP19VBp99mL8-0xGm3Ylk?purpose=fullsize)

The Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra offers an ideal partner for this repertoire.
Its international membership and openness to different musical traditions create
opportunities to reinterpret Hermeto’s compositions with new colours, unusual instrumental
combinations and an expanded orchestral perspective.

The most fascinating artistic aspect of this encounter is the relationship between
freedom and structure. Hermeto’s music frequently moves between intricate rhythmic
patterns and moments of seemingly spontaneous invention. A melody can emerge from
a complex ensemble texture, a percussion figure can become a compositional foundation,
and a seemingly unpredictable instrumental conversation can develop into a beautifully
organised musical statement.

The HKW concert is therefore more than a conventional tribute. It represents the
continuation of a living musical philosophy. The original Mothership musicians preserve
the knowledge, humour, rhythmic imagination and expressive spirit they acquired 
through decades of collaboration with Hermeto, while the Andromeda musicians bring
fresh perspectives to the material.

There is something especially moving about this performance taking place in Berlin,
a city whose contemporary cultural identity has always embraced experimentation,
artistic independence and international exchange.

The message of this concert is beautifully simple: Hermeto Pascoal’s physical presence
may be gone, but his music remains an open universe. The Mothership continues its
journey.

### Nevers, France — Émile Parisien: FLOATING and the art of musical imagination

![Émile Parisien / Yaron Herman / Linda May Han Oh / Prabhu Edouard - Floating à
La Seine Musicale](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/u6JnOZjCgXf15gE7L0O3S0BtDK1rORNvanynlHzX16aTYT4CYiKOwhGIrXsVO2AmBNYkMAO_oJGvCEIWYYCvIwJA_1TsFWcL6cENkMw_a35YVByC3mATKD_z7fkuEPDToaB0WDMno6BY4WxVKN2WdHrWsetQ4uZ31ur4ewFp9LQdPzV7n1lchH9biNaOVczB?
purpose=fullsize)

_**11 November 2026 · D’Jazz Nevers! **_The appearance of Émile Parisien at the 
D’Jazz Nevers Festival represents another important chapter in the contemporary 
European jazz story.

Parisien is one of the most distinctive soprano saxophonists of his generation. 
His artistic personality combines exceptional instrumental technique, an adventurous
improvisational imagination and a remarkable capacity to move between lyrical expression
and complex rhythmic structures.

His FLOATING project brings together an international quartet featuring: Émile Parisien—
soprano, saxophone, Yaron Herman — piano, Linda May Han Oh — double bass, Prabhu
Edouard — tabla and percussion.

The project creates a particularly interesting meeting of musical cultures. The 
soprano saxophone provides the principal melodic voice, while Herman’s piano introduces
harmonic sophistication and an adventurous approach to improvisation. Linda May 
Han Oh contributes an exceptionally flexible bass foundation, and Prabhu Edouard
expands the rhythmic vocabulary through the subtle colours and intricate patterns
of Indian percussion.

FLOATING suggests an artistic environment in which music is constantly changing 
its shape. Rather than relying exclusively on conventional jazz structures, the 
ensemble explores movement, atmosphere, rhythmic transformation and the interaction
between contrasting instrumental languages.

![FRANCE-MUSIC-EMILE-PARISIEN-FLOATING-COSMOJAZZ-FESTIVAL-2026](https://images.openai.
com/static-rsc-4/dv3Lv_itZRnq6MkmDOnX2IFMwtSevZBJXyEvoDrQloM1DK4J_o4z5-zA_pq6IVhEiNXH58ClfeZcTlzVlnTbyabBOTc8tZxgOrc5EwIo0jy0paJ71XeD2lg0Fejxj6RjTJzGVP1QdwfGyP5waJ6pHmAhwf7dDn-
c-yntU7E-hkw5WJPl8e3_yGPIL3vm_N7s?purpose=fullsize)

Parisien’s soprano saxophone is particularly well suited to this concept. Its clear,
penetrating sound can become lyrical and almost vocal in character, then suddenly
develop into energetic, sharply articulated improvisations. His playing often combines
an extraordinary sense of melodic direction with rhythmic unpredictability.

Herman’s contribution is equally important. His piano can provide delicate harmonic
landscapes, but it can also become a source of powerful rhythmic energy. The relationship
between piano and soprano saxophone creates a fascinating dialogue, while the bass
and percussion establish a constantly evolving foundation.

The D’Jazz Nevers setting offers an appropriate home for such an adventurous project.
The festival has long represented the openness of the French jazz scene to contemporary
European and international musical ideas.

The artistic importance of FLOATING lies in its refusal to remain within a single
musical language. It is a conversation between traditions, individual personalities
and different approaches to improvisation.

### Gentofte, Denmark — Lars Danielsson and Cæcilie Norby: An intimate dialogue between voice and strings

![Cæcilie Norby / Lars Danielsson duo - Byens hus](https://images.openai.com/static-
rsc-4/aKvQrA2mwbuLVDEtvjVXrUBOz8Rhmr5xqe845F8gu7E1siT9XSzsPnBk12A0B_nmv0FOTcZiFrdij0xPqJqX7QvPThiWx4p4Ex30FoTmtWfDJr638xxCcZsCMm8BH2gBvpMnGKZ6YNwwWaLyKJmNvKfFnXKu9ewdsisIjGwkUgYzVucGN-
PwBNizmymZeWkN?purpose=fullsize)

_**12 November 2026 · Gentofte Kino, Gentofte Jazzklub!** _The meeting of Swedish
bassist and composer Lars Danielsson and Danish vocalist Cæcilie Norby brings a 
different kind of beauty to the festival programme.

Unlike the larger ensembles featured elsewhere in this season, this performance 
is built around intimacy, sensitivity and the expressive possibilities of two musical
personalities who understand one another deeply.

Norby possesses a remarkably versatile voice. Her interpretation combines jazz phrasing,
emotional immediacy, subtle dramatic expression and a natural ability to move between
sophisticated arrangements and direct, heartfelt communication.

Danielsson is one of Europe’s most respected bassists and composers. His instrumental
personality is distinguished by lyrical sensitivity, a warm sound and a remarkable
understanding of melody. Whether playing double bass or cello, he approaches his
instrument as a complete musical voice rather than simply a rhythmic or harmonic
foundation.

The programme includes jazz standards, popular songs from different decades and 
original compositions, presented through the duo’s own arrangements. The organisers
also describe a combination of pre-recorded backing elements and spontaneous duo
improvisations.

![Agenzia Eventi Kino Music | Lars Danielsson](https://i0.wp.com/www.kinomusic.it/
wp-content/uploads/2019/12/LARS_2_Jan_Soederstroem-small.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)

This creates an opportunity to explore the relationship between a human voice and
the expressive resonance of strings. The most beautiful moments in such a performance
often emerge from restraint. A pause can become as meaningful as a phrase; a sustained
note can carry an entire emotional landscape; a simple melodic line can reveal unexpected
harmonic possibilities.

Norby’s voice can move from a delicate whisper to a powerful statement, while Danielsson’s
bass and cello provide melodic responses, counterpoint and atmospheric depth. The
intimacy of Gentofte Kino is particularly appropriate for this kind of musical experience.
Rather than overwhelming the listener with volume or virtuosity, the duo invites
the audience to concentrate on musical detail, communication and emotional nuance.

This concert represents one of the most lyrical dimensions of the Autumn–Winter 
season: the art of making a small musical setting feel like an entire world.

### Rheda-Wiedenbrück, Germany — Matthieu Saglio Quartet: The cello discovers new horizons

![Matthieu Saglio Quartet and guests - History - Programme 2023 - San Javier International
Jazz Festival](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/zxvSDDBoKJHxL_LmqXvjlx7Pj0_FVgEl5p5sdAKi028nGAKd780U6oCOuqJZ4qh8v9dqyUixyQ5b08LLvjDKJPyOJnDtGCuTLYY_oZA2PDMNqr7YsGxIIhwBWh-
iUCAJgx_3nHCSGHC2zqsBUGc6RPCgIO15b1ZfTseFlrP_W4u2iY-xrwrx2RgpsWmKIuuI?purpose=fullsize)

_**11 November 2026 · Jazzclub Rheda-Wiedenbrück, Abrahams Eventlocation!** _French
cellist and composer Matthieu Saglio brings an unusually rich instrumental vocabulary
to contemporary European jazz.

His quartet’s music is built around a fascinating idea: the cello can occupy a position
traditionally associated with several different instruments, moving between melodic
leadership, harmonic support, rhythmic articulation and almost vocal expression.

For this German appearance, the quartet features: Matthieu Saglio — cello, Léo Ullmann—
violin, Steve Shehan — drums and percussion, Christian Belhomme — piano.

The ensemble’s musical identity is shaped by the meeting of classical training, 
jazz improvisation, Mediterranean atmosphere, flamenco, African rhythms, folk traditions
and Arabic influences.

Saglio’s cello possesses a particularly expressive character. Its deep register 
can create a contemplative atmosphere, while its higher melodic lines can become
extraordinarily lyrical. The instrument’s ability to sustain notes, articulate rhythmic
figures and create expressive slides makes it especially effective in music that
moves between classical chamber traditions and jazz.

The violin adds another dimension. The relationship between cello and violin creates
an almost conversational texture, with the two instruments exchanging melodies, 
contrasting registers and occasionally developing intricate unison passages.

Christian Belhomme’s piano provides harmonic architecture and rhythmic movement,
while Steve Shehan’s percussion introduces a wide range of colours. The rhythm section
does not simply maintain a steady pulse; it helps shape the atmosphere and dramatic
development of each composition.

The result is a form of chamber jazz that feels both intimate and expansive. Rheda-
Wiedenbrück’s Jazzclub provides an especially appropriate setting. Its Abrahams 
event space, known within the club’s programme as a jazz temple, offers an environment
in which the audience can experience the subtle instrumental detail and expressive
interaction of the quartet.

This concert demonstrates that contemporary jazz does not require the traditional
saxophone-trumpet-piano configuration to achieve depth and improvisational freedom.
Saglio’s music opens another door, one through which European chamber music and 
the wider world of jazz meet naturally.

### Milan, Italy — David Murray Quartet: The commanding voice of modern jazz

![Breves | David Murray Quartet ao vivo em Coimbra](https://images.openai.com/static-
rsc-4/LB8hd-eJ56OOiRD2vHWCKC6hVVKiDVKLiQKj1D_ZgcvtH7hw69t-_zXjQmvcXwpYynVo-7Llc7aTske5N3p6AxB0qmBzkWgecWnBM4tQDlXbh-
WsrNelgolKxF9W9DfP7_Tcy1E_T2bHrURyAiI_cWtkpAwwnw59LUIFy42sVJ_lUdyViIVYRJGlP3XEDq-
d?purpose=fullsize)

_**12 November 2026 · Blue Note Milano, Milan!**_ The presence of American saxophone
legend David Murray at Blue Note Milano is one of the most significant jazz appointments
of this programme.

Murray belongs to a generation of musicians who fundamentally expanded the possibilities
of modern jazz. Emerging from the adventurous New York loft-jazz environment of 
the 1970s, he developed a highly individual voice that embraces the blues, gospel,
free improvisation, African and Caribbean musical influences, soul and the great
traditions of jazz.

As co-founder of the influential World Saxophone Quartet, he helped redefine the
possibilities of ensemble saxophone performance. His extensive discography, which
includes more than 150 recordings, reflects an extraordinary artistic curiosity 
and a career built on continual exploration.

For the Milan appearance, the quartet is listed as: David Murray — tenor saxophone
and clarinet, Marta Sanchez — piano, Luke Stewart — double bass, Russell Carter —
drums, Special guest: Francesca Cinelli — spoken words

The programme is primarily based on original compositions, giving Murray considerable
room to interact with the younger musicians. Murray’s tenor saxophone is immediately
recognisable. His sound possesses a remarkable physical presence: broad, resonant,
sometimes almost orchestral in its depth, yet capable of extraordinary tenderness.
His improvisations can begin with a blues-inflected phrase and develop into complex
melodic architecture. He is equally capable of creating a powerful, rhythmically
charged solo or exploring a lyrical passage in which every note seems to carry its
own emotional weight.

The presence of Marta Sanchez at the piano offers an especially interesting dimension.
Her harmonic language and improvisational imagination provide a stimulating counterpart
to Murray’s expansive saxophone voice. Luke Stewart’s bass and Russell Carter’s 
drumming establish a flexible rhythmic foundation, allowing the music to move naturally
between swing, blues, contemporary improvisation and more exploratory passages.

![Jazztopad Courts Unpredictability Against Backdrop of Certainty](https://images.
openai.com/static-rsc-4/oV7cLPlRKUGQ-NEKIxC4Vhyp9RUnAAGjTo2Db9oveK_9oDblMr3sRgh-
iHpVNmFYqRqdlN-CAdGSX5MUJ_uB6asqabBqko8eQGkgrYffDAfwwxbpB7ZozbuGdwiGqEfumsFUE1cElpscRUXZOcu-
LbMkb0rwAe5nlDOfoxf5GBWLg8Cd0QusrBjg_jLuUPZ3?purpose=fullsize)

The addition of Francesca Cinelli’s spoken-word contribution introduces another 
artistic possibility, bringing language and musical expression into the same performance
environment.

Blue Note Milano is an ideal venue for such an encounter. Its intimate atmosphere
and strong international identity make it one of the most recognisable destinations
on Europe’s jazz club circuit.

The concert represents a meeting between the historical experience of a major American
jazz innovator and the creative energy of a new generation.

### Bath, England — Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra: A celebration of boogie-woogie, swing and rhythm & blues

![Jools Holland Concert at Grimsby Auditorium - June 18, 2026](https://images.openai.
com/static-rsc-4/qJNTTTmVrxfiWPgJVRZ3rC7HlEBfBNTRAsTg4WbJcsu3a6h1u82rmyVxJzV3d4HGyVpzRxbpK8n2SysXI1lK1ppEusUhLpcELqjw6R58S0scvBZw1-
sPOZfnAQHzlgg17DRFu9AVzK70o_itE__kW69pqPvJEdzuT_CXkc015ebZj1NumkgEkYGj5c36I94R?purpose
=fullsize)

_**12 November 2026 · The Forum, Bath, United Kingdom!** _A completely different
musical atmosphere awaits audiences in Bath, where pianist and bandleader Jools 
Holland brings his celebrated Rhythm & Blues Orchestra to The Forum.

Holland has built a distinctive musical identity around the piano traditions of 
boogie-woogie, rhythm and blues, swing and early rock and roll. His performances
combine the precision of an accomplished pianist with the exuberance of a natural
entertainer and the musical richness of a large ensemble.

The 2026 Autumn–Winter tour features a particularly impressive group of guest artists:
Jools Holland — piano and bandleader, Roachford — special guest vocalist, Ruby Turner—
vocals, Louise Marshall — vocals, Sumudu Jayatilaka — vocals, Joe Webb — opening
pianist, Rhythm & Blues Orchestra — ensemble.

The official Bath programme confirms that Joe Webb opens the evening, while Roachford
joins the tour as special guest. Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka
also feature in the concert programme.

This is music that celebrates rhythm in its most direct and communicative form. 
Boogie-woogie piano has always possessed a special ability to transform a concert
hall into a place of shared energy. Its rolling left-hand bass patterns create a
powerful rhythmic engine, while the right hand develops melodic variations, syncopated
accents and virtuosic flourishes.

Holland’s approach connects these traditions with the larger language of swing orchestration.
The result is a sound that can move from intimate piano passages to full-band arrangements
featuring powerful brass, rhythmic precision and rich vocal harmonies.

Ruby Turner brings a remarkable gospel and soul dimension to the programme. Roachford
contributes his distinctive British soul voice, while Louise Marshall and Sumudu
Jayatilaka add further vocal colour.

Joe Webb’s participation is also important. His approach connects contemporary British
piano improvisation with the classic jazz idiom, offering a particularly appropriate
introduction to the evening.

The Forum, situated in the historic city of Bath, provides a fitting backdrop for
this celebration. Its concert atmosphere allows the orchestra’s large-scale sound
to unfold while retaining the warmth and spontaneity of a traditional rhythm-and-
blues performance.

This is a programme that reminds us that jazz and blues are not only traditions 
of artistic sophistication; they are also music of movement, celebration, communication
and joy.

### A Coruña, Galicia, Spain — Henri Herbert: The explosive energy of boogie-woogie and rock & roll

![Ex-Jim Jones Revue pianist Henri Herbert: the 10 piano records that changed my
life | MusicRadar](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/-JNghb4_9F267qTlvWSIT-
XuuZKFiCs4iH7mGPN6F35wwpC8mlc6ecG4Fc47VitDwjGl4o7qJzwWpRanP1PgJFVeCSJZJAvT6XSaF4wzRvm_56KnWeLZlY_KzJE9x-
SrPlsDu3bbh4AWFNQo7vxbGB2rUYi-YCVpQ1cglP0aZR6Tb-VyB1KtLKT0Hu-e26Jh?purpose=fullsize)

_**12 November 2026 · Sala Mardi Gras, A Coruña!** _The Spanish stop introduces 
one of the most energetic personalities in contemporary piano-driven blues and rock&
roll: Henri Herbert.

A small but highly respected venue, Sala Mardi Gras in A Coruña has developed a 
strong reputation for presenting live music with an independent spirit and a close
relationship between musicians and audiences.

Herbert’s musical background is rooted in the great traditions of boogie-woogie 
and early rock & roll. His piano playing reflects the influence of figures such 
as Jerry Lee Lewis, Albert Ammons, Fats Domino and Pete Johnson, while demonstrating
an individual style developed through years of live performance.

His history with The Jim Jones Revue is particularly important. During his time 
with the group, he co-wrote and recorded material for the album The Savage Heart,
before concentrating on his own musical career after the band’s separation in 2014.

Herbert’s playing is built around movement and physical energy. His left hand establishes
a relentless rhythmic foundation, while the right hand creates melodic phrases, 
blues variations and dramatic runs across the keyboard.

The beauty of this musical language lies in its directness. There is no need for
elaborate production or complicated conceptual framing. The piano itself becomes
the centre of the performance, capable of creating an entire rhythmic universe. 
His style is particularly suited to a venue such as Mardi Gras, where the proximity
between artist and audience can intensify the concert experience.

The atmosphere promises to connect the historical roots of American boogie-woogie
with the vitality of contemporary European rock and blues culture.

### Luxembourg — Renaud Lesire Blues Trio: The authentic spirit of Chicago blues

![Gerry Hundt Trio - Visit Luxembourg City](https://i0.wp.com/assets.app.luxembourg-
city.com/data/thumbs/32cfaea0-8643-11f1-8d7b-d34dfaa3d59c.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)

_**12 November 2026 · Liquid Bar, Rue Münster, Luxembourg City!** _The blues programme
of the EU Jazz & Blues Festival finds one of its most authentic expressions in the
appearance of the Renaud Lesire Blues Trio.

For more than three decades, Belgian bluesman Renaud Lesire has developed a reputation
through performances across European stages. His musical approach is deeply connected
to the traditional language of Chicago blues, where emotional honesty, rhythmic 
intensity and instrumental communication are essential.

The trio features: Renaud Lesire — guitar and vocals, René Stock — bass, Tom Lehnert—
drums.

The Chicago blues tradition is built upon a powerful relationship between guitar,
voice and rhythm section. It combines the expressive language of the blues with 
an electrified sound that emerged from the urban musical environment of Chicago.

Lesire’s guitar playing is rooted in this tradition, balancing expressive bends,
rhythmic chord patterns, melodic responses and the distinctive phrasing of traditional
blues.

The vocal element is equally important. Blues singing is not simply a matter of 
delivering lyrics; it is a way of communicating lived emotion. The voice can be 
rough, vulnerable, humorous, powerful or deeply reflective, often changing character
within a single song.

René Stock’s bass and Tom Lehnert’s drums provide the rhythmic framework. Their 
role is to create the flexibility necessary for the music to breathe, allowing the
guitar and vocals to move freely without losing the essential groove.

The Liquid Bar offers an appropriate environment for this kind of performance. Its
setting encourages direct contact between musicians and listeners, preserving the
informal atmosphere that has always been central to blues culture.

This concert represents the festival’s commitment to the living blues tradition:
not merely remembering its history, but presenting musicians who continue to perform
it with conviction and individuality.

### Évry-Courcouronnes, France — Bill Pierce Quartet: American jazz tradition meets the French scene

![Argonay. Bill Pierce Quartet en concert à La Ferme](https://images.openai.com/
static-rsc-4/qaBU61Qp9ELh4rZufIX7mtcZ8-QeHCPJVTlJJVzepufHAOWbljMatmfYqrBW0bygwpTWwSXeJ5wRhGmrWTTBsNjOInbbp99ID8DRTXzoGgWmmXhFDpPUHrofupVH5bHsCTHLJ7aef_A1k8DLXvx4nZgNsVzgASU1_GIsgbcCWF5WZrxsGKVzsT9XkS21oDDw?
purpose=fullsize)

**12 November 2026 · CMDL Jazz Club Didier Lockwood, Évry-Courcouronnes!** The appearance
of American tenor saxophonist Bill Pierce adds another major jazz personality to
the November programme.

Pierce is particularly well known for his association with Art Blakey and the Jazz
Messengers, one of the most influential ensembles in the history of modern jazz.
His career has also brought him into contact with such distinguished musicians as
Dizzy Gillespie, Tony Williams, Max Roach, Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard and 
Branford Marsalis. His musical language is firmly connected to the great tradition
of American hard bop, while remaining open to contemporary harmonic and improvisational
ideas.

For the Évry-Courcouronnes concert, Pierce is joined by three established French
musicians: Bill Pierce — tenor saxophone, Olivier Hutman — piano, Thomas Bramerie—
double bass, Jean-Pierre Arnaud — drums.

The programme combines original compositions with music associated with George Coleman,
Barry Harris, Benny Golson and Joe Henderson. This repertoire creates an excellent
opportunity to explore the relationship between the historical hard-bop tradition
and the contemporary European jazz scene.

Pierce’s tenor saxophone possesses the authority and warmth associated with the 
great American school. His phrasing is grounded in blues expression, swing and melodic
clarity, but his improvisations also demonstrate the harmonic sophistication required
by modern jazz.

Olivier Hutman’s piano offers a particularly important partner for the saxophonist.
The piano can establish the harmonic framework, respond to melodic ideas and create
new directions during the improvisational exchanges.

Thomas Bramerie and Jean-Pierre Arnaud provide the essential rhythmic foundation.
Their task is not simply to accompany the soloists, but to create a flexible musical
environment in which the quartet can develop its collective identity.

The CMDL Jazz Club Didier Lockwood is a particularly meaningful venue for this event.
Located at the Centre des musiques Didier Lockwood, it represents an important connection
between jazz education, artistic development and live performance.

The concert also demonstrates one of the strongest principles of the EU Jazz & Blues
Festival: international exchange should not be limited to bringing foreign artists
to European stages. It should create genuine artistic encounters between musicians
from different musical backgrounds.

### Vienna, Austria — Myles Sanko: Soul, jazz and the search for inner light

![Myles Sanko (UK) | Koncert v Jazz Dock](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/
w6SkVBPMYgkBCn-KbUuqrHobhEWMvqGIksMQfkU-2w_TtHypSRrDOx8wu45v3Un1loY8yHxIjTFqMgh148MlXxOJ6L9YhUmHlWD2m0Cs1gB71lLDZ5Wz_-
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_**12 November 2026 · Porgy & Bess, Vienna!** _The Vienna appearance of British-
Ghanaian singer and songwriter Myles Sanko brings a particularly warm and emotionally
engaging dimension to the season.

Sanko has developed an international reputation through a musical language that 
combines soul, jazz, funk and elements of hip-hop, while incorporating rhythmic 
influences connected to his Ghanaian heritage.

His vocal approach is characterised by sincerity, warmth and an expressive understanding
of melody. He does not rely solely on technical vocal display; instead, he builds
an intimate relationship with the listener through carefully shaped phrases, emotional
interpretation and thoughtful songwriting.

His 2026 album I See My Light, released on 11 September through his independent 
label 213 Music, represents an important new chapter in his artistic development.
The album follows Let It Unfold and continues a deeply personal exploration of self-
acceptance, healing, independence and personal transformation.

The Vienna concert features: Myles Sanko — vocals, Gareth Lumbers — tenor saxophone
and flute, Tom O’Grady — piano, Fender Rhodes and synthesizer, George Chasmore —
guitar, Jon Mapp — bass, Ric Elsworth — drums and percussion.

This ensemble provides a rich musical palette. The Fender Rhodes and synthesizer
can introduce atmospheric textures, while guitar and bass create the foundation 
for the songs’ rhythmic and harmonic development.

![MYLES SANKO | Jazz in Marciac](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/W0hqjx4xpu_0Vyo7jRNPUyZUH_3_fkZQXsKl9y-
cbeBdgVMufs7xVg6mZkzalkbQ9cLg4lAMdvS_GvwaBf4yIG8XycT5FChmpXZOC602i2D0SM2B0X6c3afDl2R3FANOMHb3kozvSyPZT0UVjwDgM0X1guCgwWsjpMLLL7BwtYZwWySnqMIAnNcfUQwJl2In?
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Lumbers’ saxophone and flute offer melodic responses to Sanko’s voice, while Ric
Elsworth’s drumming and percussion maintain the fluidity between soul grooves and
jazz improvisation.

The choice of Porgy & Bess is especially appropriate. Vienna’s celebrated club has
established itself as an important European destination for international jazz, 
contemporary soul and adventurous musical projects.

The venue’s combination of intimacy and artistic openness creates ideal conditions
for Sanko’s performance.

At the heart of his music lies an understanding that soul is more than a genre. 
It is an attitude, a way of communicating personal experience through melody and
rhythm. This performance represents one of the most human and emotionally direct
elements of the festival programme.

### Oslo, Norway — Kendrick Scott with Chris Potter Trio: The rhythmic architecture of contemporary jazz

![“Kendrick Scott” by Roberto Cifarelli - Jazz Photo](https://images.openai.com/
static-rsc-4/XaHf1_QMS4VDh0igZxvPUXtdCL2d5IIKFuEfb1Qlhe9T6cVtRBPyMVjs4gERKU87w6ygtOG23UApUTM3tj7pPVknb6XiREu3w5xyOnwku6msxO0gJx_d1gtp2IIMV3KOMro9wx2vnHOzEcmLwV0H4jCxPaoA9dYbD41bOqN7kMzhlhlhxuaVWPSVdKi6Vnkp?
purpose=fullsize)

**_12 November 2026 · Nasjonal Jazzscene, Victoria, Oslo!_ **The final concert in
this selection takes us to Oslo and the distinguished Nasjonal Jazzscene, where 
drummer Kendrick Scott appears as part of the Chris Potter Trio.

The trio features: Chris Potter — saxophone, Matt Brewer — double bass, Kendrick
Scott — drums.

The ensemble represents a particularly compelling combination of contemporary jazz
personalities. Chris Potter is one of the most influential saxophonists of his generation.
His improvisational language combines sophisticated harmonic thinking, rhythmic 
flexibility and an extraordinary command of the instrument.

Matt Brewer provides the double-bass foundation, bringing a strong sense of melodic
development and rhythmic sensitivity. Kendrick Scott is one of the outstanding drummers
of contemporary American jazz. His playing is distinguished by its architectural
approach to rhythm. He does not merely maintain time; he creates musical environments
through subtle changes in dynamics, complex subdivisions, carefully shaped accents
and an unusually sensitive relationship with the soloist.

His work with Blue Note All-Stars and his own ensembles has demonstrated an ability
to combine technical precision with emotional depth. In this trio, Scott’s contribution
is particularly important because the absence of piano places greater emphasis on
the relationship between saxophone, bass and drums.

![現代ジャズの最高峰ドラマー、ケンドリック・スコット。ブルーノートから新作リリース
| NEWS | MUSIC LIFE CLUB](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/G-AEmVwKzhl5cZpx5s6_WWpN3VIan3JNOHJL9SAa0bhyQf3eaHsMJuyO0q9BH5jq8ceUL9iSCsy8xXn-
LHYKDCT7UM4Ih3HgLcMkruN9GSDpnPrEwSBlO9TIU4VEUaunsOZoGT5ZmUff-4UJfe4wRQ31xkTaMhVOP8x_5UbLjM7ErsF7Se3NREtr08XTTzVP?
purpose=fullsize)

The saxophone can move freely through melodic and harmonic ideas, while the bass
provides both foundation and counterpoint. Scott’s drumming creates the atmosphere
around them, sometimes offering a powerful rhythmic statement and sometimes leaving
space for the other musicians to develop their ideas.

The Nasjonal Jazzscene Victoria is one of Norway’s most important jazz venues. Its
commitment to contemporary jazz and international artistic exchange makes it an 
excellent location for this performance.

This concert provides a fitting conclusion to the selection: an example of modern
acoustic jazz in which individual virtuosity serves a larger collective musical 
vision.

## The artistic leadership of the festival — Olivia Peevas

![](https://i0.wp.com/jazzblues.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Olivia-Peevas-JazzBlues.
EU_-e1793819746792.jpg?resize=640%2C429&ssl=1)

### Director and Organiser of the EU Jazz & Blues Festival 2026

At the heart of the EU Jazz & Blues Festival’s Autumn–Winter 2026 season stands 
its director and organiser, **Olivia Peevas**, whose vision and leadership represent
the organisational and artistic foundation of this ambitious European undertaking.

A festival connecting musicians, audiences, concert halls and cultural institutions
across numerous European countries requires much more than an attractive programme.
It demands artistic sensitivity, international understanding, organisational discipline
and an ability to recognise the cultural significance of music beyond geographical
boundaries.

**Olivia Peevas**‘s work represents an important commitment to these principles.
Her festival vision is built around a particularly valuable idea: Europe should 
be understood not simply as a collection of separate national music scenes, but 
as a shared cultural space in which artistic traditions can communicate, influence
one another and develop together.

The November programme illustrates this philosophy exceptionally well. The tribute
to Hermeto Pascoal in Berlin connects Brazilian musical heritage with the contemporary
European orchestral scene. Émile Parisien brings the adventurous spirit of modern
European improvisation to Nevers. Lars Danielsson and Cæcilie Norby demonstrate 
the beauty of Scandinavian musical intimacy, while Matthieu Saglio expands the expressive
possibilities of European chamber jazz.

In Milan, David Murray represents the continuing importance of the American avant-
garde and hard-bop traditions. In Bath, Jools Holland celebrates the enduring vitality
of rhythm and blues. Henri Herbert brings the energy of boogie-woogie to Galicia,
while Renaud Lesire keeps the authentic Chicago blues spirit alive in Luxembourg.

The programme’s international character continues with Bill Pierce in France, Myles
Sanko in Vienna and Kendrick Scott in Oslo. These are not simply eleven separate
musical appointments. Together, they form a cultural journey through different artistic
identities, generations and musical philosophies.

![](https://i0.wp.com/jazzblues.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cropped-Europe-Jazz-
Blues-Festivals-e1722000968346-1024x362.jpg?resize=640%2C226&ssl=1)

### Olivia Peevas — a commitment to artistic excellence

One of the most important qualities of **Olivia Peevas**‘s leadership is the breadth
of musical perspectives represented in the programme.

She recognises that jazz and blues are living traditions. Their significance comes
not only from their historical achievements but also from their ability to inspire
new generations of musicians.

The festival therefore gives space to established masters whose artistic contributions
have shaped musical history, while also presenting contemporary performers who are
creating new directions.

Equally important is the inclusion of different performance environments. The programme
moves between internationally recognised jazz institutions, intimate clubs, independent
music venues and major cultural centres.

This diversity is essential to the festival’s identity. Jazz belongs in prestigious
concert halls, but it also belongs in small clubs, where musicians and audiences
can experience the immediacy and spontaneity of live performance. Blues belongs 
on major stages, but its deepest emotional qualities are often revealed in intimate
rooms where every guitar phrase and vocal inflection can be felt directly.

**Olivia Peevas**‘s organisational role is to bring these different environments
into one coherent European programme.

Such an undertaking requires dedication, persistence, communication and an exceptional
appreciation of music’s cultural importance. Her contribution deserves particular
recognition because international festivals are built not only by the musicians 
who appear on stage, but also by the people whose vision makes those encounters 
possible.

![SWITZERLAND-MUSIC-KURT ROSENWINKEL-THE REMEDY GROUP-KENDRICK SCO](https://images.
openai.com/static-rsc-4/DmkFK84fDWyibLf5epVL00eORxuSAMK_Yi50dPZ3mkNehBfepr81kia2skvn_iU2NZ2_sBvv2sYFtABwwc4rVhXiZOm6fv_lSY-
6READdlImY2uc3J3a15S_lNYxvd-KLNTnXFfNaFf80fjC47frA--5F6uUrzN-S8HWUkcwPe4H3-H_Hc4_jlYVuT03OfQe?
purpose=fullsize)

**Olivia Peevas** represents the spirit of cultural cooperation, artistic curiosity
and European musical solidarity that gives this festival its distinctive character.

The Autumn – Winter Jazz – Blues Season 2026 is an expression of a wider ambition:
to bring Europe closer through music, to encourage international artistic relationships
and to create opportunities for audiences to discover extraordinary performers. 
For this commitment, **Olivia Peevas** deserves our sincere appreciation and recognition.

### A European season united by music

From the monumental cultural spaces of Berlin to the intimate atmosphere of Vienna’s
Porgy & Bess, from the historic concert environment of Bath to the independent blues
clubs of Luxembourg and Galicia, the November programme offers a compelling portrait
of Europe’s musical diversity. It celebrates the great masters, welcomes new creative
voices, honours musical heritage and encourages artistic experimentation.

Above all, it demonstrates that jazz and blues remain essential components of contemporary
European cultural life. The EU Jazz & Blues Festival 2026, under the direction and
organisation of **Olivia Peevas**, continues to embody an inspiring idea: music 
has no borders, artistic excellence has no nationality, and the language of jazz
and blues belongs to everyone.

**By Daniella Bushler, Olivia Lomberd, Lauren Wulff

![Émile Parisien et le projet "Floating" : on connaît désormais les dates et lieux
de la tournée !](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/24mJSORhXBHYTu7vRbzLTrDoCMCwBWuYRkfEMXsvo1oe6yetqoNPKqYb09sefBumEr52C2mRXkFcBr7dD-
mfFQ9hnPmTRQkMC-KxCYv566NVmGOXwP6aq_vB1nY1xFzPZi0hBVDUiR5Uhrfmwm4GbvbwOnw3qRbDLdo7ZUEwygbVPoe9vPdQwgjsvpucoeHj?
purpose=fullsize)

### _Related_