12.30 – 2pm
The Big Fish

This 7 piece played an uplifting serving of latin and Mozambique swing jazz. The warm tones of trumpet and trombone snap against the tight-as-you-like rhythm section. Based in Bristol they are an international band collaborating with musicians in France and recording for the Tokyo based independent label 'Angel's Egg'.

5 – 5.30pm
Poetry Slam Heat

Performance poetry heat to determine the days finalists.

5.30 – 7pm
The Organelles

Promoting their excellent second album, the Organelles played their uncategorisable music of subtle intellectual beauty. They are without doubt one of the most original proponents of New Jazz here in Bristol. Musically daring, frighteningly melodic – mesmerising.

7.20 – 7.40pm
Poetry Heat Final

Judges selected the best wordsmiths to continue on to the Final on Sunday 17th.

7.45 – 9pm
CCQ

CCQ rocked the house. Fronted by saxman Craig Crofton, their drum and bass and hip hop grooves formed the basis of their sound. They have showcased with Roni Size, James Taylor Quartet and Ozomatli.

12.30 – 2pm
Kevin Figes Quartet

Led by Kevin's highly accomplished sax and flute, this quartet played elegant and intelligent compositions that were warm melodic and adventurous. Influences include Dave Holland, Chris Potter and Tim Garland.

5 – 5.30pm
Poetry Slam Heat

A performance poetry heat determined the days finalists.

5.30 – 7pm
Robado

Kevin Byrne's compositions utilised the harmonies and rhythms of Flamenco within a New Jazz context. Latin, Folk and Contempory classical styles were also combined to create music with a wide emotional range from tranquility to ecstatic climax.

7.20 – 7.40pm
Poetry Heat Final

Judges selected the best wordsmiths to continue on to the Final on Sunday 17th.

7.45 – 9pm
The Liftmen

An electric 4 piece playing songs about ponds and beer written by virtuoso guitarist Neil Smith. The music drew upon influences such as Sonic Youth, Captain Beefheart and Can. A New Jazz pearl of urban beauty.

12.30 – 2pm
Dave Mowatt Quartet

Dave's music ranged from the gentle and whimsical, to the powerful and driving, with as much European influence as North American. An outstanding feature was the clear sound particularly evident on the ballads in the set. Avoiding licks and clichés Dave's Quartet prefer a melodic, spacious and inventive approach to improvisation.

5 – 5.30pm
Poetry Slam Heat

Performance poetry heat to determine the days finalists.

5.30 – 7pm
The Blessing

With highly inventive improvisation, this groovy chordless 4 piece played exciting filmic compositions inspired by the music of ornette Coleman and Don Cherry. Thoroughly entrancing.

7.20 – 7.40pm
Poetry Heat Final

Judges selected the best wordsmiths to continue on to the Final on Sunday 17th.

7.45 – 9pm
Trio Modu

Playing modern original compositions that created a fresh sound with a broad variety of moods, interactive improvisation, excellent use of musical texture, and humour, their music was both adventurous and accessible.

7.45 – 9pm
Cafe Kazaam Cabaret

Cafe Kazaam provided their own brand of surreal entertainment and comedy including the hilarious Elfish Presley.

All Day Extravaganza!

1 – 2pm
The Instrumentalists

Saxist James Morton's progressive groove ensemble played Maceo Parker style funk with a soul edge. Urban funk, very exciting and thoroughly up to date.

2.30 – 3.30pm
King Cotton

Compelling and ambitious 19 strong Community based jazz musical project with music written in a New Jazz style describing the history of Cotton making in Barton Hill Bristol. This was a stunning line up of musicians from the East Bristol Jazz Club and the piece described a little known but very important story of Bristol's Working class history with implications for understanding the way Bristol is today.

4 – 5pm
Andy Hague Quintet

Highly respected trumpeter Andy Hague's Quintet featured an impressive line up to play Andy's catchy original compostions. Among many credits the band jammed with Wynton Marsalis and his band on a recent visit to Bristol.

5.20 – 5.50pm
Poetry Heat

The New Jazz Poetry Slam in which, you the audience, decided who should represent Bristol in a titanic transatlantic tussle of tongues. Randomly selected judges considered the quality of the writing and performance influenced by how loud the audience cheered! All hosted by City of Culture Slam supremos David Johnson and Peter Hunter.

6 – 7pm
Emma Hutchinson Band

This was cool soul-jazz. Vocalist Emma's songwriting influences include Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Burt Bacharach and the great jazz composers. Wistful soul ballads, laid-back latin grooves and warm summer funk. Look out for their first album Hummingbirds which is released later this year

7.20 – 7.45pm
Poetry Final

Bristol’s finest wordsmiths were chosen to represent Bristol in The Great Transatlantic Poetry Slam later that year. Hosted by David Johnson and Peter Hunter.

7.50 – 9.00pm
The Instrumentalists

Saxist James Morton's progressive groove ensemble played Maceo Parker style funk with a soul edge. Urban funk, very exciting and thoroughly up to date.

12.30 – 2pm
LoopForce

This trio used live sampling techniques to create unique psychedelic loopisms of a completely improvised nature thereby engaging directly with the audience and the setting, to make music of a detailed and intense beauty. Music of the moment, and what a moment it was.

5.30 – 7pm
John Taylor Ensemble

Different strands of the jazz/world tradition combined to create a vibrant musical fusion of styles: looping poly-rhythmic patterns derived from African tribal drumming, M-BASE funk grooves, Eastern European folk styles and latin influences were all thrown into the mix and improvised around. The large line-up featured piano, bass, drums, percussion, accordion, guitar, saxophones and trumpets.

7.30 – 9pm
Jim Blomfield's Septimbre

This seven piece, comprised of some of the South West's finest musicians, played Jim's contemporary and dynamic compositions. The result was an exciting blend of Jazz styles and exhilarating modern soloing.

Friday 1st Aug

Friday 8th Aug

Friday 15th Aug

Sunday 17th Aug

Friday 29th Aug