The 2025 edition of the Funchal Jazz Festival will once again take place on the main stage at Parque de Santa Catarina. On the evenings of 10, 11 and 12 July, a total of six concerts will be held, showcasing some of the top names in jazz today.
As per tradition, the opening concert highlights Portuguese talent: accordionist João Barradas will perform with his trio — André Rosinha on double bass and Bruno Pedroso on drums — joined by special guest, American guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg.
Barradas will present original pieces from his album Aperture, which will receive its official launch at this year’s Funchal Jazz. The group will also perform selections from the American songbook, offering a preview of his upcoming record Standards (Vol. I).
The second concert of the night features what organisers describe as “the most awarded and acclaimed trumpeter of the past two decades,” Ambrose Akinmusire. He appears alongside pianist Sam Harris and drummer Justin Brownn — regulars from his quartet — plus a string quartet, Reggie Washington on electric bass, and Kokayi, a rapper described by the festival as “truly musical in his delivery.” Together, they’ll perform music from Akinmusire’s latest album, Water From a Winter Stone, released earlier this year.
On Friday night, jazz from Portugal returns with Carlos Bica & Azul, a trio featuring German guitarist Frank Möbus and American drummer Jim Black.
The evening’s second concert is led by saxophonist and vocalist Lakecia Benjamin, whose music is described as “a spiritual act, an experience of sharing and communion.” Her growing reputation in the jazz world is reflected in her five Grammy nominations.
On 12 July, the evening opens with Fred Hersch, described as “one of the most lyrical pianists of our time.” Currently on tour celebrating his 70th birthday, he will be joined by his trio — bassist Drew Gress and drummer Peter Erskine.
The festival will close with the Funchal Jazz Orchestra, performing the music of Maria Schneider, under the baton of the composer herself. She is described by the organisers as “the foremost composer, arranger, and conductor in jazz today,” and is the winner of seven Grammy Awards.
