Anthony Joseph (Quartet) - Brilliant Corners Jazz Festival 2026
*FIRST VISIT* - Anthony Joseph is an award-winning Trinidad-born poet, novelist, academic and musician.
His music is a blend of Afrofuturism, spoken word, broken/Afrobeat, dub, soul, funk and jazz. It is hard-hitting and beautiful, all-encompassing yet laser-focused, groovy and essential.
Zak Irvine (Quintet) - Brilliant Corners Jazz Festival 2026
Zak Irvine is a Belfast-based jazz pianist and bandleader originally from Bangor. With a foundation in classical music, Zak has honed his piano technique from a young age, developing a polished and versatile style. Over the years he has seamlessly transitioned into jazz, discovering his passion for improvisation and cultivating a keen ear for complex harmonies and spontaneity.
Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti & Frank Rosaly ‘MESTIZX’ - Brilliant Corners Jazz Festival 2026
*FIRST VISIT*
Bolivian-born singer and multi-medium performer Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti & renowned Chicago expat jazz drummer Frank Rosaly released their debut album MESTIZX (International Anthem / Nonesuch) in May, 2024.
Christian Marien Quartet - Brilliant Corners Jazz Festival 2026
*FIRST VISIT*
The Christian Marien Quartet presents the music from their new album ‘Beyond the Fingertips’. It is a direct-to-disc production, without editing or post-production, carved into the lacquer in a single, unrepeatable take.
Florian Arbenz & Greg Osby - Brilliant Corners Jazz Festival 2026
With their new project ‘Reflections of the Eternal Line’, Florian Arbenz and Greg Osby venture into new artistic territory, having been inspired by the latest series of paintings by renowned Swiss artist Stephan Spicher and his exploration of the infinite line and dialogue between the colours red and black.
Dark Days Trio - Brilliant Corners Jazz Festival 2026
*FIRST VISIT*
Stirring with poetic force, Dark Days by Neil Charles sets the bass as both anchor and insurrection, channelling the spirit of James Baldwin into a contemporary jazz crucible. Here, searing improvisation and taut spoken word entwine, creating a work that radiates both urgency and gravitas.
BAN BAM @ Handmade Music - Brilliant Corners Jazz Festival 2026
BAN BAM is a music project from Improvised Music Company (Dublin) which began in 2017 to support and develop the work of women and gender minority jazz and improvised music artists. For this edition, we welcome projects from Joanna Mattrey and Christine Tobin.
Laura Jurd ‘Rites and Revelations’ - Brilliant Corners Jazz Festival 2026
One of the most distinctive voices in jazz and improvised music, Mercury-nominated Laura Jurd’s unique approach to the trumpet is celebrated in the work that she creates. A past BBC New Generation Artist, Laura’s love of folk traditions can often be heard in her music, alongside her background in classical composition. The result is a melodic world full of compelling twists and turns, whilst retaining a grounded sense of familiarity.
Trish Clowes’ ‘My Iris’ - Brilliant Corners Jazz Festival 2026
With an international reputation for intricate writing and adventurous improvisation, Trish Clowes provides her bandmates with an abundance of space for exploration, spontaneity, and kinetic provocation. A new album with the quartet is due to be released in Spring 2026, presenting a new set of vibrant compositions.
Fixity - Brilliant Corners Jazz Festival 2026
*FIRST VISIT*
An experimental music project led by the critically-acclaimed drummer and composer Dan Walsh, Fixity’s music lives in a world where rock-and-roll, free jazz and noise co-exist. This is a bubbling brew of sounds expertly churned into groove by Walsh and his bandmates.