Southport Jazz Festival sponsored feature
The 2026 Southport Jazz Festival is ready to welcome music lovers from across the UK!
Here is your guide to all TEN superb shows you can enjoy, with headline acts including the Swingtime Big Band featuring Liane Carroll and Emma Holcroft, The Clare Teal 5 and iG4 with Claire Martin, Nikki Iles, Karen Sharp and Ewan Hastie.
The shows will take place across three jam-packed days and nights at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport town centre from 30th January – 1st February 2026.
Tickets are on sale at the Southport Jazz Festival website: southportjazz.co.uk
Friday 30th January 2026
1 – Trio JDM, 1.30 pm – £17
Welcome to the first show of the 2026 Southport Jazz Festival – Trio JDM!
The name Trio JDM is a fitting choice for this project, led by Dave Walsh, known for his superlative drumming with countless jazz greats, award-winning singer-songwriters, and chart-topping pop acts alike (e.g. Enrico Pieranunzi, Arun Ghosh, Tom McRae, Matt Bianco).
Next up alphabetically is Jamie Taylor, the “J” in the trio. Jamie is an experienced guitarist whose work has earned him recognition alongside some of the best jazz talent from both sides of the Atlantic. While he proudly hails from Yorkshire, his bop-infused guitar playing regularly graces iconic London venues like Ronnie Scott’s and The Troubadour.
Jamie Taylor has likewise been heard with some of the finest jazz musicians from either side of the Atlantic (e.g. Wayne Escoffery, John Stowell, Judy Carmichael, Baptiste Herbin, John Goldsby), having appeared many times at legendary London venues like Ronnie Scott’s and The Troubadour.
Last but very definitely not least: at the console is the wonderful organist Martin Longhawn, perhaps best known to jazz audiences for his work with the excellent Svarc/Hanley/Longhawn group. Amongst the trio’s many influences are Goldings/Bernstein/Stewart, Delvon Lamarr, and The Tony Williams Lifetime.
“One of the most enjoyable albums in this format that I’ve heard in quite some time. It’s good to hear an organ trio that places the focus on original material and eschews the usual Blue Note cliches in favour of something more adventurous.”- The Jazz Mann, January 2024
2 – Bryan Corbett – The Instrumental Groove Unit, 4pm – £17
Having returned to playing from serious health issues and major surgery Bryan is back doing what he does best.
Renowned Birmingham-based trumpeter and flugelhorn player Bryan Corbett presents a new original project full of improvisation, hip grooves, beautiful melodies, unique musicianship, interplay and virtuosity. Bryan’s musical journey is a tapestry of diverse collaborations and artistic pursuits. As a sought-after session musician, he has lent his talents to some of the biggest names and acclaimed artists across various genres. From The Brand New Heavies, Us3, Tony Christie, Sigala & Ella Eyre to featured soloist with the BBC Concert Orchestra and performing under his own name at jazz clubs and festivals around the globe.
His remarkable versatility allows him to seamlessly transition between musical styles, from jazz and funk to soul, pop, and beyond. This exciting new project introduces original material and a repertoire with emphasis on the ‘pocket’ of groove and freedom of improvisation. Bryan introduces the project as “A chance to play some original tunes and ideas coming to it from a different angle than I normally would”. Featuring the outstanding talents of Luke Harris (The Brand New Heavies, Wretch 32 and Tricky), Paul Deats and Wayne Matthews, this promises to be something not to be missed!
“The Bomb” – Courtney Pine
“Something special” – Michael Parkinson
3 – Swingtime Big Band feat. Liane Carroll & Emma Holcroft, 8.30pm – £28
We round Friday off in blockbuster style with the powerhouse that is the Swingtime Big Band with special guests Liane Carroll and Emma Holcroft
Writers have exhausted the lexicon of superlatives to describe our festival patron and special guest star Liane Carroll. The multi award winning jazz icon will be interpreting classics from the Great American songbook backed by the mighty Swingtime Big Band.
Liane is an award-winning jazz singer described by Jamie Cullum as “one of the greatest singers we have in this country”. Awards include ‘Best British Vocalist’ (BBC Jazz Awards), ‘Best Female Jazz Vocalist’ (Ronnie Scott’s Awards) and ‘Best Jazz Album of the Year’ (Parliamentary Jazz Awards).
Liane is always a huge hit when she visits Southport. We are lucky to say that she will be with us for the whole weekend. Don’t miss your chance to witness one of the UK’s most extraordinary talents who always guarantees fun, laughter and brilliant music!
“Swinging like Hell one minute, brutally expressive and heart-breakingly tender the next… Utterly brilliant” – Time Out
“Smooth jazz raised to a high art” – The Independent on Sunday
“… a whole new dimension of her talent stands revealed” – The Observer
Liane is aided and abetted by our own Emma Holcroft.
As the featured vocalist with Swingtime Big Band, Emma has performed in a variety of shows, singing alongside the finest of jazz vocalists including Joe Stilgoe, Liane Carroll, Clare Teal, Ian Shaw, Matt Ford, Andy Prior and of course Liane Carroll. Emma’s smoky tones lend a natural elegance to crowd favourites like That Old Black Magic and The Look of Love.
Emma has a very successful solo and small band career as one of the UK’s leading vocalists, who sings a wide repertoire of classic jazz standards and has received superb reviews from past festivals.
“Emma Holcroft made several entrances to deliver a repertoire of jazz standards such as Fascinating Rhythm and Just In Time with humour and pizazz. The crowd loved it.” Brian Payne — Jazz Journal
“Emma Holcroft did a spectacular job and was an absolute hit with the audience. Her obvious love of the tradition informed what was a very mature and professional act.” – Charles Rees — London Jazz News
Swingtime Big Band became synonymous with Friday evening sold out shows to a packed audience at Southport Jazz Festival. And who are we to change such a popular and successful formula? Led by Musical Director Jez Murphy the band is made up of 17 North West based freelance musicians who are the finest exponents of Big Band swing around. Based around a superb rhythm section the band shows off tight ensemble playing and excellent soloists throughout each section.
Saturday 31st January 2026
4 – O’Higgins & Smith Play Coltrane & Dolphy, 2pm – £17
For this unique concert, we bring together Dave O’Higgins & Tom Smith (two of the UKs greatest exponents of tenor, alto, soprano saxophones, flute and bass clarinet), to play the music from the 1960’s of the US great jazz duo of John Coltrane and Eric Dolphy.
Tom Smith is an award-winning saxophonist, composer, and arranger, firmly established within London’s vibrant jazz scene. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and a two-time finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year competition (2014, 2016), Smith is recognised for his innovative projects, dynamic compositions, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz.
In February 2025, Smith will release his highly anticipated new album, A Year in the Life (Fey Moose Records). This debut recording from the Tom Smith Big Band is a celebration of London’s thriving jazz community, featuring a stellar lineup of established and emerging talent. Recorded at Livingston Studios and released on Fey Moose Records in association with ECN Music, the album showcases Smith’s masterful compositions and arrangements, inspired by artists such as Maria Schneider, Pat Metheny, Carla Bley, Bill Frisell, and Guy Barker.
Beyond his big band work, Smith leads a range of creative projects. His trio album, Gecko (2020, Basho Records), and his collaboration with pianist Daniel Bulatkin on Drifter Days (2022) have both received critical acclaim. He is also the founder of Queertet, a trailblazing LGBTQI+ jazz initiative, and his compositions and arrangements have been performed by ensembles such as the London Gay Big Band and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO).
Dave O’Higgins now has 26 albums as leader to his credit. His sax sound is very personal and recognisable, with a clear sense of melodic development and adventure. A popular performer with the public, with an excellent sense of pacing and presentation, he has a wide palette from Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane and Joe Henderson through to Stanley Turrentine and Michael Brecker. He has relentlessly pursued artistic exploration and development with a deep respect for the tradition of the music. His latest project is Monkin’ Around, a co-operative with Greek drummer, Billy Pod & Aussie bassist, Luke Fowler, exploring the music of Thelonious Monk.
Dave has worked with some of the world’s finest musicians, including Joey Calderazzo, Joe Locke, Dave Kikowski, Eric Alexander, Grant Stewart, Max Ionata, Phil Dwyer, Adam Nussbaum, Joe Lovano, Phil Woods, Jimmy Smith, Nancy Wilson, Peggy Lee, Kurt Elling, Wayne Shorter, Eddie Gomez, Billy Childs, Abdullah Ibrahim, Chico Chagas and Stephane Grappelli. He also wrote and produced the last Matt Bianco album, “Gravity”. While his jazz career was in its early stages, Dave cut his teeth as a sideman with Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra.
“A stunning player in the neo-bop vein, with an apparently effortless flow of coherent ideas, beautiful time and a highly developed harmonic sense.” – JAZZ GUIDE
5 – Malcolm Strachan Septet, 4.30pm – £17
Expect to hear a full set of original compositions by Malcolm and featuring material covering a broad spectrum of jazz styles. From modal jazz grooves to Brazilian samba beats, Latin rhythms to cinematic soundtrack vibes, and along the way, some beautiful ballads.
Malcolm’s last album Point of No Return was launched at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London in late February to a standing ovation.
“The most compelling aspect of the album? The high quality of the compositions. All the tracks are melodic and trying to choose a stand-out is hard. And if it’s a little short at 42 minutes, well just press “Play” again and have another crack at it. There may well be another Scottish jazz musician joining the awards list at the end of the year. Highly recommended” – Neil Duggan – All About Jazz 2023
Malcolm has recorded and toured with the likes of Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse, Corinne Bailey Rae, Jamiroquai, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, Jess Glynne, The Craig Charles Fantasy Funk Band, Black Honey, The New Mastersounds, Abstract Orchestra and Blue Note Records jazz saxophone legend Lou Donaldson. Of course, he’s also a founder and existing band member of the UK funk kings The Haggis Horns
6 – The Clare Teal 5, 8.30pm – £28
She’s back! Expect exhilarating swing from award winning jazz vocalist and long-time Radio 2 & Jazz FM broadcaster Clare Teal, who returns with a fabulous new show.
The Clare Teal 5 is an exciting collaboration between award winning jazz vocalist and long-time Radio 2, Jazz FM and Radio 3 broadcaster Clare Teal and her magnificent band, featuring the UK’s finest jazz musicians. Clare continues her 25th anniversary of touring , celebrating the occasion with further delves into her 22 album back catalogue with new arrangements of old favourites, including her breakthrough album Orsino’s Songs (2002) featuring California Dreamin’, plus material from her major label debut album Don’t Talk (2004) which reached the top 20.
Teal’s live shows are constantly evolving, and always interspersed with Clare’s warm and witty storytelling. A magical world where the talents of Cole Porter, Van Morrison, Sam Smith, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Blossom Dearie, Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan are heralded by Clare and her band, in addition to Clare’s own original songs.
Brought to life using her unique swing jazz palette providing an evening of rich sounds and stories – always engaging – always uplifting. As one of the UK’s greatest interpreters of popular song and much-loved performers, Clare and her band guarantee an evening of inspirational, uplifting music and unbridled entertainment, performed by the very best.
Sunday 1st February 2026
7 – Liane Carroll Vocal Workshop, 10am-12pm – £24
Come and join us for a fun morning of song and laughs!
Jazz legend Liane Carroll will be hosting a vocal workshop with a difference. It is a very low pressure inclusive event suitable for everyone wherever they are on their singing journey. Not only will you develop harmony, improvisation and performance skills, you will leave feeling uplifted and inspired.
Liane is an award-winning jazz singer described by Jamie Cullum as “one of the greatest singers we have in this country”. Awards include ‘Best British Vocalist’ (BBC Jazz Awards), ‘Best Female Jazz Vocalist’ (Ronnie Scott’s Awards) and ‘Best Jazz Album of the Year’ (Parliamentary Jazz Awards).
So why not take a moment this weekend to connect with one of the most passionate and gifted performers and music teachers out there—and get inspired all over again!
There will be limited places to keep the experience more personal and last year it sold out within 4 days, so if you are interested please get in touch as soon as you can.
Liane will also be offering one to one sessions – please get in touch for more details.
“Liane Carroll is my favourite singer. She epitomises everything I used to get out of theatre but, sadly, no longer do: an immediate and heartfelt connection to the audience, spontaneity, daring, truthfulness, ensemble playing, I could go on” – Peter Callaghan – reviewsphere
8 – Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra in Concert, 12pm – £15
We are delighted to welcome the superb WYJO to join our 2026 festival.
Formed in 1976 by Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council, this multi-award winning band aims to train and develop the musical skills of its members through the performance of big band music from 1930’s to the present day.
Over the years, WYJO has received many national and international honours, most notably from the BBC Radio Big Band Competition, the Daily Telegraph Young Jazz Competition and the National Festival of Music for Youth. The band is three times winner of the Great North Big Band Festival winning the top prize in 2014, 2015 and 2019 and they have been invited to perform at the prestigious National Festival of Music for Youth on many occasions.
As a result of their high standards, the orchestra has worked with a number of the world’s top musicians including Maynard Ferguson, Bobby Shew, Bill Watrous, Phil Woods, Conti and Pete Condoli, Eric Marienthal, James Morrison and many more.
Since 1985 the Orchestra has released eleven albums. These albums have sold to over twenty-five countries and are broadcast regularly on radio stations throughout the world. The most recent recordings feature guest soloists Eric Marienthal (2016) and James Morrison (2018) and were recorded live at Wigan International Jazz Festival.
WYJO has clocked up an impressive list of touring destinations including the USA, Russia, Israel, Kuala Lumpur, Australia and South Africa as well as throughout Europe. The most recent venture abroad was in summer 2018 when WYJO joined with Wigan Youth Symphony Orchestra to tour Poland.
Every year brings personnel changes in the orchestra. Many members go on to study at Music Conservatoire and forge careers in the professional music world. Drawing on the work of its training ensembles Wigan Schools Swing Band and Wigan Youth Big Band, there are always new and eager young players waiting in the wings to fill vacancies.
9 – Baiana featuring Snowboy and The Haggis Horns, 3pm – £20
Baiana is the Brazilian-inspired project of Liverpool-born singer-songwriter Laura Doyle.
Refreshingly joyful and charismatic, the show will feature internationally acclaimed percussionist Snowboy, (Lisa Stansfield, Imelda May, Amy Winehouse, Rod Temperton, Airto Morreira) who produced their stunning debut album along with the trio from The Haggis Horns (John Legend, Mark Ronson, Corinne Bailey Rae, Amy Winehouse)
Dubbed “the band we are all obsessed about” (Deb Grant, BBC 6 Music), Baiana’s thrilling live shows have been described as “Outstanding” (Robbie Vincent Jazz FM) and having “a proper wow factor” (John Osbourne Solar Radio).
A hugely popular draw at Love Supreme, Buxton and Jazz Festival, Baiana also supported Brazilian mega-star Gilberto Gil on his UK tour. It promises a heady mix of infectious rhythm, superb musicianship and beautiful song. Not to be missed!
“So Good” – Gilles Peterson, BBC 6 Music
10 – iG4 with Claire Martin, Nikki Iles, Karen Sharp and Ewan Hastie, 8pm – £28
To finish this year’s festival with a roar, we are proud to present iG4 featuring the talents of jazz superstars Claire Martin, Nikki Iles, Karen Sharp and Ewan Hastie.
iG4 is a new intergenerational band of 4 of the UK’s finest jazz talent sharing their love of great songs and composers.
Vocalist Claire Martin OBE joins multi-award-winning pianist and composer Nikki Iles, much-in-demand saxophonist Karen Sharp and rising star bassist Ewan Hastie who won the BBC’s Young Jazz Musician of the Year in 2022. Brand new arrangements written for this project by Nikki will shine a light on classic repertoire from Tom Waits to Burt Bacharach, Anthony Newly and Joni Mitchell as well as stylish reworkings from the great writers of the American songbook including Cole Porter and Johnny Mandel.
Recording artist Claire Martin has, to worldwide critical acclaim, established herself as a tour de force on the UK jazz scene gaining many awards, including winning the British Jazz Awards eight times during a career which spans over three decades. In 2018 she was the proud recipient of the BASCA Gold Badge Award for her contribution to jazz.
Nikki’s recent work has taken her across the world as a member of the Julian Arguelles Octet, The Kenny Wheeler Big Band, Claire Martin and “The North “, a Scandinavian/Anglo/Canadian collaboration featuring Percy Pursglove and Anders Morgensen. With a parallel career as a widely respected teacher in composition and arranging, Nikki is a Professor at the Royal Academy of Music.
A prominent figure on the UK Jazz scene since 2000, Karen is well known and admired for her melodic, full-toned saxophone playing, winning the British Jazz Awards for best tenor saxophonist on numerous occasions. She has worked alongside musicians such as John and Jacqui Dankworth, Ken Peplowski, Alan Barnes, Tina May, Nikki Iles, Esther Miller, Jeremy Pelt, Howard Alden, Scott Hamilton, Warren Vache, Scott Robinson and Harry Allen.
Ewan Hastie is a multi-award-winning bassist and composer, already making his mark on the UK music scene. Just recently graduating from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland receiving a Bachelor of Music degree in jazz, he won the coveted BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2022 title Since moving to Glasgow and more recently London, he has played professionally with a number of the top musicians from all over the country keeping him busy on UK’s thriving jazz scene.
Fresh from their recent ‘sold-out’ debut appearance at London Soho’s Pizza Express Jazz Club, together the quartet will be appearing at festivals and clubs across the UK and Europe.
“Claire Martin ranks among the four or five finest female jazz vocalists on the planet” – JAZZ TIMES USA
The 2026 Southport Jazz Festival will take place at The Grand, Lord Street, Southport town centre, from Friday, 30th January 2026 to Sunday, 1st February 2026. For more details and tickets visit: southportjazz.co.uk
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