Camilla George Talks Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 Performance And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Baxter PR
Visionary saxophonist Camilla George creates music deeply tied to her strong cultural roots, fusing African and Western music to inform her own unique style. Prior to her Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 show on Sunday 3rd May, she chatted to us:
You will be performing at Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 on Sunday 3rd May 2026 at 3.30pm at Parabola Arts Centre. Have you performed at the festival before or attended it as an audience member?
I performed almost 10 years ago with my band at The Daffodil restaurant with my band featuring Sarah Tandy on keys, Daniel Casimir on bass and Femi Koleoso on drums. I also performed with Jazz 625 alongside Joshua Redman, Jean Toussaint and Gregory Porter- an amazing experience! Last year I returned to the festival playing with the Daniel Casimir big band!
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
I prefer to use a clip on DPA mic so I can move around the stage! I have yet to get into pedals but there’s still time!
Who will be performing with for your set?
My band will feature Rod Youngs on drums, Daniel Casimir on bass and Renato Paris on keys and vocals.
What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have any recommendations?
I have an eclectic taste and listen to anything and everything! At the moment I am rediscovering my absolute love for Roy Hargrove.
What was the story/inspiration behind the track ‘Journey Across The Sea’?
The idea is that the Ibibio people of Southern Eastern coastal Nigeria, are said to have descended from one of the oldest groups of people, the Anaang. They were said to have migrated in two ways over sea and over land. The ones that went via the sea, ended up in Eket. My piece is about this journey.
Have you been working on any new material for release?
Yes, I am working away on a new album which will be recorded this year! I’m very excited!
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Baxter PR
Camilla George will perform at Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 on Sunday 3rd May 2026 at 3.30pm (UK Time). The show takes place at The Parabola Arts Centre Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Bayshill Road, Sandford, Montpellier, Cheltenham, GL50 3EP, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom.
Tickets are available here: https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.org/events/camilla-george
Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 takes place between 29 April – 4 May 2026.
For more information and tickets visit: https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.org/whats-on?menu%5BrelatedFestival%5D=Jazz%20Festival
Official Website: https://www.camillageorge.com/
