The Like A Jazz Machine festival in Dudelange returns for its ninth edition following the cancellation of last years event due to Covid. The festival offers a wide range of contemporary jazz music, with an emphasis on original creations and rising talents, as well as focusing artists that cross genres and expand on traditional jazz. About 70 musicians gather every year to give their performances at the Grand Auditoire of the Cultural Centre of Dudelange for four consecutive days.

This year is obviously going to be a little different to previous editions and the programme, while still spread across four days, is more limited though still filled with quality.

Highlights of the festival include:

Theo Ceccaldi Trio

Led by Theo Ceccaldi on violin and viola this string trio take original pieces, throw in some of the works of legendary Romani-French jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, add in a bit of electric guitar, a splash of cello and mix it all together to kick off the festival with a bang.

HIPS PROJECT DIRECTED BY JEAN-PAUL BOURELLY & GEA RUSSELL

This should be a fascinating evening. Jean-Paul Bourelly is an innovative and experimental guitarist, composer and producer who excels in the art of mixing and folding various musical styles together The guitar sound he creates is inspired by his Haitian roots and the blues he learned growing up in Chicago. Joining him on stage will be Gea Russell, a DJ and singer-songwriter from Nottingham, England. He began his career as a member of the experimental hip-hop group 3:6 Philly. He then founded Rub Recordings, a record label and a studio. More recently, he lent his creative breath to the futuristic group New Language, a group that included Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Joe Bowie and Jean-Paul Bourelly himself, with whom he co-directs this residency.

BILLY COBHAM'S CULTURE MIX

Billy Cobham is, quite simply one of the greatest drummers of all time. He’s worked with Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, Miroslav Vitous, Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Burrell, George Benson, Larry Coryell, Billy Taylor and countless others. A legend, surrounding himself with top quality musicians at the top of their game. This is quite a way to close the festival.

With many other great artists performing in Dudelange over the course of the festival make sure to check out the website for all the details and book early as places may be limited.