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jazz Articles

Alive! Fest 2024 – Read All About It!

Here it is! The Mancunion Music Section’s coverage of last week’s Alive fest at the Student Union, a showcase of the great and the good of student music
A New Twist on Soul- Jordan Rakei at Albert Hall

A New Twist on Soul- Jordan Rakei at Albert Hall

Jordan Rakei showcases his brand of funky neo- soul at Manchester’s Albert Hall with a soulful, heartfelt set after the release of his latest album.
Review: Guys & Dolls

Review: Guys & Dolls

The Bridge Theatre’s Guys & Dolls is an immersive, in-the-round, roaring revival of a Broadway classic
Live review: Ezra Collective @ Albert Hall, Manchester

Live review: Ezra Collective @ Albert Hall, Manchester

A slick, well-oiled groove machine, Ezra Collective have no time for the emotive, poignant flavour of live music many strive for. Their no-nonsense, good-vibes-only attitude serves their biggest strength; their claim to being one of London’s finest party-starters.
Purple Collective: UoM students revolutionise how poetry is enjoyed

Purple Collective: UoM students revolutionise how poetry is enjoyed

The Mancunion sat down with Purple Collective, a new group fusing jazz and poetry, finding out who they are, their future plans, and why students should care about the arts.
In conversation with Fergus McCreadie

In conversation with Fergus McCreadie

Fergus McCreadie talks improvisation, inspirations and recording ahead of his headline show at Band on the Wall
Live review: Sudan Archives raises the bar at Band on the Wall

Live review: Sudan Archives raises the bar at Band on the Wall

The American artist visited Manchester last Thursday, and her performance exemplified everything exciting about music right now
Natsu Fest review: From a back garden to Academy 3

Natsu Fest review: From a back garden to Academy 3

The student-run festival returns for its second year, with sets from Begum, DJ Hass, Messy Bao and Saint Nusu, and Mixle
Album review: easy life’s MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE… feels mediocre and muddled

Album review: easy life’s MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE… feels mediocre and muddled

Everybody’s favourite Leicester five-piece tackles the dreaded ‘second album syndrome’ with mixed success
Live Review: Paloma Faith @ Haydock Racecourse

Live Review: Paloma Faith @ Haydock Racecourse

Jessica Hamilton reviews Paloma Faith’s breath-taking summer set at Haydock Racecourse on her Age of Optimism Tour.
Live Review: Macy Gray and the California Jet Club at Albert Hall

Live Review: Macy Gray and the California Jet Club at Albert Hall

Theatre Editor Jay Darcy reviews Macy Gray and the California Jet Club at Albert Hall
Live review: Partying with Thundercat at Manchester Academy 

Live review: Partying with Thundercat at Manchester Academy 

Alex Cooper reviews Thundercat’s unmissable set at Manchester Academy on his long anticipated ‘It Is What It Is’ tour.
Ezra Collective release new single – ‘May the Funk Be With You’

Ezra Collective release new single – ‘May the Funk Be With You’

The single ‘May the Funk Be With You’ is the jazz supergroup’s first of the year, we discuss their collaborators stylistic choices and upcoming live shows
Soul: Pixar’s most mature film?

Soul: Pixar’s most mature film?

Don’t let the bright colours and anthropomorphised animals fool you – this is Pixar’s most mature feature to date
Congleton Jazz and Blues festival documentary

Congleton Jazz and Blues festival documentary

Georgina Davidson discusses locally curated culture of The Congleton Jazz and Blues Festival with Documentary Director Callum Hilditch-Crimes
MANIFF 2020: Up From the Streets

MANIFF 2020: Up From the Streets

Up From the Streets has a broad focus, but succeeds in creating a thoroughly enjoyable introduction to the musical history of New Orleans
Live Review: Matthew Halsall at YES (Basement)

Live Review: Matthew Halsall at YES (Basement)

Will Stonier reviews Matthew Halsall at YES, a performance haunted by the apparitions of 60s spiritual jazz
Review: Cherie Bebe’s Burlesque Revue – 6th Birthday Special

Review: Cherie Bebe’s Burlesque Revue – 6th Birthday Special

Patience Kanjira reviews the 6th Birthday Special of Cherie Bebe’s Burlesque Revue at Matt and Phreds
The Innovator, The Jazz Messenger, The Freedom Rider: A Century of Art Blakey

The Innovator, The Jazz Messenger, The Freedom Rider: A Century of Art Blakey

Will Stonier discusses the life and legacy American jazz drummer Art Blakey has had on the genre on the anniversary of his 100th birthday
Live review: Theon Cross

Live review: Theon Cross

Tuba player Theon Cross delivered an outstanding night of energetic jazz funk at Manchester’s YES