Full lineup NN North Sea Jazz 2024 announced

We announced the full lineup today. With the addition of 23 more names, the NN North Sea Jazz 2024 programme is complete. More than 150 performances will take place on 12, 13 and 14 July, spread across 16 stages in and around Rotterdam Ahoy. The full schedule of performances can now be viewed on the website.

Once again the festival brings a number of special projects and collaborations this year. Saxophonist Chris Potter presents a new band with top musicians such as pianist Brad Mehldau and bassist John Patitucci, with whom he recently released the album 'Eagle's Point', plus drummer Johnathan Blake. Tenor saxophonist Joshua Redman introduces a new band as well, with a leading role for singer Gabriella Cavassa. This is the first time Redman collaborates with a female vocalist. Bassist Avishai Cohen will attend with his new band Banda Iroko, playing Afro-Caribbean music backed by the percussion of Abraham Rodriguez Jr. Pianist Shai Maestro, known as one of the most versatile and talented pianists of his generation, will team up with the Dutch Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw (JOC) this year, one of the most renowned big bands in the world.

Spiritual jazz
The current revival of spiritual jazz will get a spotlight as well. The flute and harp, typical of spiritual jazz from the seventies, can both be heard in the music of British trumpeter Matthew Halsall. Chief Atunde Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott) mixes vocals with intense, deeply spiritual music on a self-built kora, akin to the harp. Kahil El'Zabar brings his Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, which he founded fifty years ago, to Rotterdam. One of the most surprising acts is André 3000. Although best known as rapper of hip-hop duo OutKast, he made an impression with his album 'New Blue Sun' last year, on which he plays the flute for an hour and a half, without rapping or using hip-hop beats.

Composition assignment
Each year, the festival gives a free composition commission to a promising Dutch jazz composer. This time, it was awarded to Tijn Wybenga. The premiere of Wybenga's composition will take place on Friday 12 July with Metropole Orkest and guest artists Ambrose Akinmusire and Lizz Wright.

The festival also offers visitors the opportunity to show off their own musical prowess again during the sessions on the Open Stage. The Paul Acket Award "Artist Deserving Wider Recognition" will be presented to British keyboardist Kit Downes on Saturday 13 July.

In addition to music, as every year, visual arts in a variety of forms have a prominent place at the festival.