Endea Owens

Endea Owens is a renowned recording artist, bassist, and composer in the jazz scene. Raised in Detroit by a loving family that faced financial challenges, she discovered her passion for jazz under the mentorship of bassist and educator Rodney Whitaker, who quickly recognised her talent. Owens moved to New York City to attend The Juilliard School, where she made a notable impression on her peers, including Jon Batiste. After graduating from Juilliard, she joined the house band Stay Human on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Time: Friday, 5 July, 8 p.m.
Location: The Memphis supported by Julius Baer

Daoud

Daoud is a French-Moroccan trumpeter, producer, songwriter, and composer from Toulouse. As an experienced sideman, he leads an energetic young quintet that’s captivating the French music scene with their unique style. Audiences are drawn to the quintet’s freshness, charisma, and Daoud’s humour. Blending jazz, hip-hop, R&B, blues, and soul, the group won the “Tremplins” award in 2022. Additionally, Daoud has authored and published several books on trumpet playing and improvisation.

Time: Saturday, 6 July, 8 p.m.
Location: The Memphis supported by Julius Baer

Vincen Garcia Quintet

Vincen García is a Spanish bassist renowned for his exceptional technique and boundless creativity. His dynamic Instagram videos have garnered him significant recognition, showcasing his energetic performances and inventive skills. After honing his stage presence and refining his compositional talents, García is eager to elevate his music to new heights. He aims to deliver performances brimming with energy, improvisation, and complex rhythms that captivate audiences and keep them mesmerised.

Time: Sunday, 7 July, 9:00 p.m.
Location: The Memphis supported by Julius Baer

Good Neighbours

Good Neighbours, comprised of Oli Fox and Scott Verill, is a dynamic musical duo. Fox, hailing from Essex, gained recognition as a singer-songwriter and supported Sigrid in 2018 whereas Verill, from South London, has performed under various stage names including Kwassa, Kyko, and Good Scott. The band name was inspired by their neighbouring recording studios in East London, where they frequently crossed paths. In 2023, they decided to collaborate, resulting in their debut single “Home”. Their single charted in a dozen countries, peaking at number 26 in the UK and reaching number 14 in Ireland.

Time: Sunday, 7 July, 9:30 p.m.
Location: Lisztomania

Elmiene

British singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Elmiene creates poetic R&B with a contemporary tone and an organic neo-soul feel reminiscent of D’Angelo and Sampha. Growing up in Oxford, he immersed himself in the classics, studying liner notes and tracing connections between his favourite artists. Elmiene’s stunning debut single, “Golden”, premiered during the final Louis Vuitton show in Miami. Recently, he was voted fifth on BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2024 by a panel of over 140 critics, DJs, and musicians.

Time: Friday, 12 July, 9:30 p.m.
Location: “MJF Spotlight Night” at Lisztomania

Brittany Davis

Brittany Davis, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, has released a powerful debut concept album that explores the challenges of growing up Black, blind, and non-binary, as well as addressing family trauma, gun violence, and the US prison system. Davis began playing piano in church as a child, developing a love for gospel and jazz before expanding into hip hop and R&B. Describing themselves as a “vessel of sound”, Davis experiences music in spirit and colours. Over the past few years, they have made a name for themselves in the Seattle music scene as the keyboardist for Stone Gossard’s (Pearl Jam) side project Painted Shield. Now, Davis is gaining further recognition for their solo music.

Time: Friday, 12 July, 9:00 p.m.
Location: The Memphis supported by Julius Baer

MONK by Jowee Omicil & Émile Londonien

Joseph Omicil, Jr., professionally known as Jowee BasH! Omicil, is a prominent Haitian-Canadian jazz musician. Throughout his career, Omicil has collaborated with acclaimed artists such as Branford Marsalis, Marcus Miller, Pharoah Sanders, and Wyclef Jean, among others. At the Montreux Jazz Festival, he will join forces with French saxophonist Émile Parisien and his Strasbourg-based band, Émile Londonien. The ensemble, featuring Matthieu Drago on drums, Nils Boyny on keyboards, and Théo Tritsch on bass guitar, will deliver a unique concert paying tribute to the legendary Thelonious Monk’s music.

Time: Saturday, 13 July, 9:00 p.m.
Location: The Memphis supported by Julius Baer

Lakecia Benjamin

Lakecia Benjamin is an American jazz, funk, and R&B saxophonist from New York City. Growing up in a Dominican neighbourhood in Washington Heights, Manhattan, she was immersed in merengue, salsa, and Latin music. As a touring musician, she has performed with Missy Elliot and Alicia Keys and has played on four continents, including at US President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration. She has also performed with jazz legends such as Clark Terry, Reggie Workman, and Rashied Ali. Benjamin’s music uniquely blends R&B, various jazz styles, and funk. Remarkably, she has already been nominated for a Grammy three times.

Time: Sunday, 14 July, 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Memphis supported by Julius Baer

Roni Kaspi

Dive into the world of 23-year-old drum sensation Roni Kaspi and experience her unique, genre-bending sound set to redefine music in 2024 and beyond. By the age of 21, Kaspi had already toured globally with renowned bass player Avishai Cohen, who discovered her through social media. Now leading her own trio, Kaspi blends alternative pop, soul, and electronic music, showcasing her talents as both a drummer and singer-songwriter. Her innovative music is cutting-edge, yet accessible and groovy, making her a must-see for all music lovers.

Time: Friday, 19 July, 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Memphis supported by Julius Baer

Shobee & Madd

Shobee (Chouaib Ribati) and Madd (Mehdi Ribati) are among Morocco’s most influential songwriters and composers. As pioneers in reinventing and modernising the country’s rap scene, the brothers have become symbols of empowerment and emancipation for Moroccan youth. Their success began with the NAAR collective, gaining influence in Morocco and then internationally. Collaborations with artists like Laylow and Amir Obè, along with their 2019 European tour, have established a foundation for the global export of Moroccan rap.

Time: Friday, 19 July, 9:30 p.m.
Location: Lisztomania

Lucky Love

Born in France in 1993, Lucky Love is an emerging artist well worth your time. Lucky, whose real name is Luc Bruyère, was raised on a mix of Edith Piaf and electronic beats. Influenced by icons like James Blake, Michael Jackson, and Lady Gaga, Lucky aims to challenge the conventions of pop music and give a voice to the voiceless. In 2022, he made a bold statement with “Masculinity,” a track that confronts oppressive masculinity head-on and redefines gender norms, posing the question: what does it truly mean to be male in 2023?

Time: Saturday, 20 July, 9:30 p.m.
Location: Lisztomania