What makes the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival so special in 2026?
From New Orleans jazz of the 1920s to the freshest hippest sounds from at home and abroad, the 10-day Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival programme can be guaranteed to excite all music lovers. So, here are 10 reasons why we think it's so special and why you should join us during those 10 days.
First up, there's the musical range
Originally, the festival featured traditional jazz performances played in Edinburgh’s pubs, and it slowly evolved to feature a more diverse range of styles. For fans of Jazz music though there are a lot of options - Contemporary jazz, Trad jazz, Swing jazz, Vintage jazz, New Orleans jazz... and all that jazz! The Festival also boasts a particularly strong Blues showing, with Blues rock, Memphis blues, Mississippi blues, San Francisco blues, Chicago, acoustic and electric blues, and much more of that deep soulful sound. And recent years have seen a further expansion of the programme to take in funk and hip hop, creating a real eclectic musical mix.
And the amazing history
It’s been many years since the late Mike Hart organized the first festival in 1979 as a free traditional jazz event inspired by the Sacramento Dixieland Jazz Jubilee. From those early days, veterans of the great American bands were joined by younger local players who were part of the mainstream revival – all creating a unique musical melting pot, which developed further with the addition of the blues. Every year, a host of amazing moments added to the festival’s mystique, such as the time former US President Jimmy Carter opened Dick Hyman’s concert with Topsy Chapman at St Giles Cathedral.
Where you're bound to see some great names
Stéphane Grappelli, BB King, Acker Bilk, Dionne Warwick, Humphrey Littleton, Georgie Fame and Elkie Brooks are just some of the names that have graced the festival stages over the years, all drawn by the festival’s amazing global reputation. This year we’re joined by international stars and festival favourites Davina and The Vagabonds for a series of concerts, The Bad Plus who have reshaped the sound and scope of modern jazz like few others, American saxophonist and Blue Note recording artist Immanuel Wilkins, and the current king of ragtime piano, Norwegian Morten Gunnar Larsen. You’ll also be delighted to see some festival friends including Jools Holland and Fergus McCreadie, with the latter presenting a series of duo performances highlighting his interest in jazz from mainstream to contemporary.
Alongside the emerging stars of today
Across all styles, the Festival presents those musicians that they think are amongst the most exciting playing today. Creative inspiration can come at every point in a musician’s life, and the programme offers a platform that inspires musicians to create something special for audiences to enjoy. This year we've partnered with Edityion Records, one of Europe’s most respected independent jazz labels, to bring you a host of new talent.including - Belgian trombonist Nabou Claerhout, one of the most distinctive new voices on the European jazz scene; saxophonist Joël Metz, winner of the Luxembourg "Propulsion 2024" award, returns to the festival with his own trio; pianist and composer Sultan Stevenson who combines elegance, imagination and emotional depth [as well as being our brochure cover star]; and guitarist Rob Luft, fast becoming one of the most compelling voices in contemporary British jazz
All surrounded by the best local talent
Scottish artists are always the beating heart of our festival programme, and this year is no exception, with an array of new and exciting bands, projects and commissions from home-grown talent. If you like to keep your finger on the pulse when it comes to the brightest young talents on your doorstep, here are some of the names to look out for - one of Scotland’s most exciting young drummers, Finlay Mackenzie propels his quintet with dynamic soloing and great band interplay; TAO draw on jazz, electronic and ambient influences creating music that is immersive and expansive; singer GAÏA is now firmly rooted in Glasgow’s vibrant jazz scene with a sound that feels both intimate and assured; and Sonedo is a powerhouse live band that forges a fresh blend of jazz, rap, and EDM.
And a cool international vibe
The Festival’s vision has always been international, the place to take the pulse of the international scene. This year's festival includes a focus on The Netherlands which has long been recognised for producing musicians of exceptional creative independence and international reach. From established global figures to a new generation reshaping the language of improvised music, Dutch artists are known for a willingness to challenge the traditional. – and, in partnership with inJazz / Buma Cultuur and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the UK, we look forward to introducing amonst others: Evan and Carolina's Super Duper Group & Fun, musician and composer Harmen Fraanje heralded by All About Jazz as one of the most impressive European pianists of the past decade, and Peter Somuah Group centred around the Dutch-based trumpeter of striking imagination and depth, and Dutch jazz legend Jesse van Ruller (who has performed with the likes of Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, Christian McBride and Peter Bernstein) paired with rising star saxophonist Maarten Hogenhuis.
In some amazing venues
The Festival takes place in the very best venues throughout Edinburgh, from the greatest concert halls to hip nightclubs, from the grandeur of the city’s Festival Theatre to the intimacy of bars and clubs around the city - with each venue chosen to complement to musicians performing. This year the Festival will take its show on the road to all 17 wards in the city, creating even more opportunities for people to dip their toe in their cool water. Everyone has their favourite and we must admit to a hidden love for the Spiegeltent, the ultimate cabaret and music salon with a central seating area circled by wooden booths, set in the attractive surrounds of George Square Gardens.
Plus the outdoor delights of the Mardi Gras and Edinburgh Festival Carnival
The opening weekend of the festival has a great mix of free entertainment for all the family. On Saturday 18 July the Mardi Gras will see a host of bands perform for free on multiple stages in the Grassmarket, bringing the spirit of New Orleans to Edinburgh's Old Town. And Sunday 19 July, the Edinburgh Festival Carnival brings the city alive with a flamboyant festive flavoured free family music and dance event. Expect colour, spectacle, sounds and electric atmosphere as Scotland's largest multicultural celebration returns to the streets of Edinburgh. Over 1,000 performers will parade down The Mound and along Princes Street, in an vibrant dispalay of music dance and carnival costumes. The parade is followed by music and dance in West Princes Street Gardens - the perfect FREE day out for all ages.
