Packed to bursting with deep grooves, true grit and the kind of soulful sounds so sadly lacking in so many of their more celebrated contemporaries this trio leave it out there every time. They cover everything from Hendrix to Bill Withers with every funky stop along the way, their sessions at The Malt and Hops have been woven into Leith folklore so don’t you dare miss this three piece of wonder!

The Allan McKeown Organ Trio lays down soul-jazz grooves steeped in the cool of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Expect warm Hammond tones, deep bluesy pockets, a touch of bossa breeze, and just enough bop to keep things sharp. Their sets slide effortlessly between funky originals and reimagined classics, all delivered with the easy swagger of three players who know exactly how to lock in. A familiar presence on stages across Scotland, the trio has brought their laid-back swing and soulful feel to audiences of every stripe.

Moonlighting as a high-energy offshoot of the acclaimed, award-winning Tenement Jazz Band, the Argyle Rhythm Aces are a staple of Edinburgh’s vibrant traditional jazz scene. Anchored by the youthful vigor of the Tenement Jazz Band’s core members alongside the driving, ragtime rhythms of collaborator Mike Kearney, the Aces strip their sound back to the raw, unbridled roots of the genre. Together, they transform an ordinary night into a sweltering, speakeasy-style stomp that keeps the golden era of early jazz alive and swinging in the Scottish capital.

Colin Steele has been described as the Sibelius of Scotland. His music is a joyous celebration of Scottish melody and rhythm, liberated and enhanced by the spirit, sophistication and technique of jazz. His recordings and concerts are warm, life affirming, and thrilling in their effect. He disarms the most hardened jazz fan with the power and beauty of his music and his playing speaks strongly to audiences of all musical tastes.

It's an all too rare sight, but the elegant, supple and extraordinarily inventive guitar of Conor Smith out front of a high quality bass and drums team is something fans of great sounds shouldn't miss on any account. You'll have heard him playing lightning fast hot club licks with 'Rose Room', ripping the grooviest of rock and soul licks from his telecasters with the wonderful 'Vintage Explosion' and delivering the classiest of pedal steel to some of the very best outfits around. Don't snooze on this chance to hear some top class guitar up close and personal.

Brand new shiny band that can only be a great addition to the burgeoning blues scene, Jed Potts teams up with Cameron Gray and Richie Anderson for a feast of blues and rock standards all played with verve and no shortage style. And just remember boys and girls, they’re just a frightened of you as you are of them.

Dave Toule is a dynamic, Edinburgh-based jazz guitarist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist bringing over 15 years of professional performance experience to the Leith Jazz and Blues Festival. Known for his charismatic stage presence and explosive swing rhythms, his versatile repertoire honors legends like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald, while also weaving in bespoke contemporary arrangements. Dave has played solo in previous years, but this year he’s brought along some friends!

Leith Jazz Festival stalwarts, David and Ross, who are quite simply two of the very finest players around, are backed by Roy Percy’s slap-happy bass. All three are often first call sidemen for many of the country's finest performers as well as leading highly acclaimed outfits of their own. We'd urge you to grab this chance to check out what it sounds like when three guys who share a passion for high quality, grooving jazz and blues get together to kick around some of their most favourite tunes.

Formed in late 2023, the four-piece have already made their mark with sweat-soaked live sets that stomp, swing, and snarl in equal measure. Their debut album, ‘Outer Lines’ captures that same unpolished energy in the studio, offering twelve tracks steeped in blues swagger and classic rock fire. It’s an album that nods to the Stones, flirts with Creedence, and tips a hat to Zeppelin, yet stands firmly on its own road-worn feet.

Geoff is the guitarist & frontman of The Smoking Jeffreys, a powerhouse of "Sax, Dance & Funky Soul," guaranteed to ignite any stage. New to the festival, this duo are sure to deliver an energetic set, blending soulful melodies with infectious rhythms that get audiences moving.

Gus Munro is one of the hidden gems of Scotland’s thriving roots music scene, bringing a deeply personal blend of Scottish folk and authentic acoustic blues to the Leith Jazz and Blues Festival. Hailing from Glasgow, Munro's musical journey began with a childhood immersed in traditional Scottish pipe music before a transformative discovery of Delta blues and slide guitar masters like Elmore James. Known for his raw, expressive vocal style and masterful slide guitar work, Munro writes heartfelt, storytelling songs, and his spontaneous, off-the-cuff live shows ensure an authentic and electric connection with the audience every time he takes the stage.

Gary, the Jensen Intercepters and now Blues ‘n’ Trouble frontman, and Richard O'Donnell have played in each other's bands for years, developing an almost telepathic understanding that makes every gig they play together a gem. Gary’s raspy, decadent vocals, harmonica and demonic slide guitar couple quite beautifully with Richard’s delta style vocals, guitars of course utterly incredible piano. Together they play some of the finest, authentic pre war blues around, the wee band with the big, big sound!

Purveyors of high quality jazz and blues, played with verve and style since long before Pa fell off the bus, Ged and Dougie (formally known as Dougie and Ged) these two are highly recommended for anyone who loves top quality bebop and swing guitar playing. 

Haftor Medbøe is a Norwegian-born, Edinburgh-based guitarist and composer known for his cinematic blend of Nordic minimalism and contemporary jazz. A Professor of Music at Edinburgh Napier University, his signature atmospheric sound is a staple of the Scottish jazz scene. At this year's festival, Medbøe showcases his versatility across two distinct duos:
With Jessie Bates - an intimate exploration of melody and mood, pairing Medbøe’s nuanced guitar work with Bates’s evocative, lyrical vocals;
With Konrad Wiszniewski - a collaboration with the award-winning saxophonist, focusing on the meditative, improvisational textures found on their acclaimed album, Poiesis.

Harry Higgs, the soulful singer and masterful guitarist bringing the rich sounds of classic soul and blues to the stage. With his deep, raspy voice that growls with emotional intensity and a guitar that sings, he’s performed and toured in numerous countries around the world. Now based in Edinburgh, Harry’s live shows are a must-see for fans of soul, blues, and exceptional musicianship. He’s played solo in the festival a few times, but this year he’s fronting a trio - catch them at The Bonnington at 6pm on Friday 5th!

Bringing the raw power and high-lonesome sound of the hills to every stage they grace. Stripped down to a tight three-piece, this ensemble focuses on the core essentials of the genre: lightning-fast picking, driving rhythms, and those unmistakable three-part harmonies. Whether they are reviving dusty classics or putting a bluegrass spin on modern favorites, Heartland delivers a high-energy performance that proves you don’t need a big stage to make a big sound.

Wonderful, wide ranging blues, soul and rock featuring Gavin Jack and Andy Callen playing originals drawing on all the very best of some of the greatest artists around, from Peter Green to John Martyn, from Skip James to J.J. Cale and from Muddy Waters to Gil Scott Heron.

All too rare solo outing for the guy who’s long been regarded by those who know as one of the very best blues guitar slingers on the scene and a wonderful vocalist to boot. Jed’s bag is firmly in that classic ‘50s and ‘60s blues played with with passion and with subtle power, inspired by the likes of Freddie King and Howlin’ Wolf.

Perfectly described as 'Like Seasick Steve in a science lab' by Ian Rankin and as 'Fantastic!' by none other than Jools Holland, boogie-woogie slide-guitar master John Hunt plays the Deep South blues like no other on his own hand built and cannibalized recycled guitars. Always a seriously mesmerizing performer and one of the biggest hits on the Edinburgh Fringe year after sell out year, John's sets will never let you down.

Featuring the powerful but tender, gravel toned voice of Alan King, a certified legend of the Scottish music scene, the new look Johnson Brothers are back to deliver what they always deliver, high quality blues, rock and soul. Joined by the wonderful Sean Lithgow on guitar you can expect all your favourites from the likes of Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, Boz Scaggs and Otis Redding

A mainstay of the Scottish jazz scene for over three decades, Kevin MacKenzie is a guitarist renowned for his fluid technique and a stylistic range that effortlessly bridges the worlds of contemporary jazz and traditional folk. Whether leading his acclaimed nine-piece ensemble, Vital Signs, or performing in intimate chamber settings, MacKenzie’s playing is defined by its harmonic depth and melodic invention. For this year’s festival, Kevin showcases the art of the duo in two distinct musical conversations:
With Graeme Stephen - A meeting of two of Scotland’s most influential guitarists. This pairing explores the textures and limitless possibilities of the electric and acoustic guitar, blending intricate interplay with shared improvisational DNA.
With Mario Caribe: Teaming up with the celebrated Brazilian bassist, MacKenzie dives into a rhythmically rich set where jazz sensibilities meet the warm, lyrical grooves of South America.

Say hello to Kostis Rossos, the Greek saxophone sensation who transforms the soulful, rugged traditions of his Epirus roots into sophisticated jazz magic! Hailing from Northwest Greece and making waves in the Netherlands, Kostis is a musical alchemist who blends his classical training and folk clarinet background to create a sound that is as emotional as it is experimental. Whether he's winning awards, earning distinctions at the Conservatorium Maastricht, or getting airplay on national radio, his mission is simple: to capture those complex, "hard-to-put-into-words" feelings of everyday life and turn them into a liberating experience for his listeners. With his latest project, Looking Closer, he invites you to slow down, breathe, and find the "freedom" in the music, proving that a walk in the park or a deep memory can be just as symphonic as a high-stakes performance!

A jazz bass maverick with a reputation for technical brilliance and deep melodic intuition, Laurie Moore is one of the most exciting voices emerging from the vibrant Scottish jazz scene. A finalist for the Rising Star accolade at the Scottish Jazz Awards, Moore has quickly established himself as a first-call bassist, recognized for possessing "more skills under his fingers than years to his age.” Formed around Moore’s driving double bass, the trio explores the intersection of traditional swing and contemporary improvisation. Drawing from a rich palette of influences—from the rhythmic complexities of modern fusion to the soulful roots of American jazz—the group is known for its high-energy dialogue and effortless chemistry.

Originally from Brazil, now Edinburgh, Dino (aka Lone Bear) plays Early Blues and Country Ragtime music on resonator guitar, banjo, blues harp and kazoo. His repertoire includes classics ranging from the '20s to the '60s as well as his own compositions, which showcase his unique fingerpicking and bottleneck slide technique. We are delighted to Welcome Dino back this year after a geographical hiatus from playing in Leith!

New Edinburgh Renaissance Bop, Cafe Punk or Cabaret 'n' Roll - the Lost Head Band, known for their lively performances and varied song styles with tinges of country rock, some light jazz and Latin influences, with a touch of Americana and folk. The forthcoming album takes a more electric dirty path.

Two of the country's most admired and experienced guitarists, together as a duo here at the festival for the very first time after many great sessions with many of our favourite bands over the years. Malcolm and Ross combine their shared love of jazz and blues with their own fantastic compositions, inspired by the Scottish landscape, history and legends.

Fledgling tonic blues duo, Mr. Springwater, are joining the festival for the first time.

Meet Graeme Stephen, Scotland’s six-string sorcerer who has been shredding since the ripe old age of nine! Whether he’s weaving ethereal jazz soundscapes, diving into traditional Scottish folk, or conjuring hauntingly cool live scores for silent film classics like Nosferatu, Graeme is a master of musical shape-shifting. Armed with an arsenal of loop pedals and a limitless imagination, he doesn't just play the guitar—he uses it to build entire cinematic worlds. From co-founding the legendary Playtime residency in Edinburgh to collaborating with elite Dutch string quartets, this award-winning composer and improvisor is constantly pushing the boundaries of sound, proving that he’s just as comfortable in a high-octane trio as he is making a century-old movie feel like a modern-day masterpiece.

Mike Kearney leads this fantastic little band of ragtime goblins who always bring those wonderful sounds of old New Orleans right to our very doorstep. Featuring the trombone stylings of Paddy Darley alongside the slapping string bass of Simon Toner and with Mike's rollicking piano playing and darkly burnished vocals this is rare treat for the ears and feet alike!

Featuring the mercurial blues guitar of Allan Jones, the vocals and fiery harmonica of the legendary Gary Martin and the incredible piano and guitar of Richard O'Donnell ‘Mud In Your Ear’ are quite simply one of the very best acoustic blues experiences around. Specializing in the very highest quality blues music of Elmore James, Lightning Hopkins and Sleepy John Estes everything they play is stepped in emotion and played with the kind of feel you might have thought was consigned to history.

Two of Scotland’s finest blues masters team up here for a session of acoustic and electric blues standards and originals of the very highest quality. Sandy works with the great Scottish singer Maggie Bell and has also played with has also played Tim Elliott and the Troublemakers, Brandon Santini band and Earl Thomas and Giles Robson and has supported the likes of Robert Cray, Jack Bruce, Van Morrison, Eric Burdon, Canned Heat, Bill Wyman's rhythm Kings and Kris Kristofferson. Neil Warden has also played with Maggie Bell as well as Tam White, Boz Burrell, Camille O'Sullivan, Peter Straker, Stuart Mitchell, Dave Heath, Aqua Bassino and many more. Aside from being a fantastic blues and jazz guitarist Neil is also according to no lesser authority than ‘UK Blues Matters’…’one of the world’s leading exponents of the Weissenborn lap steel guitar’

A duo made in blues and country heaven, Nichole and Jed voices blend in a way that is a tribute to their natural musicality but also the respect they have for each other’s talents. Their performances are always a two way conversation trading lead vocal duties and harmony, letting their music take them where it will.

Norman and Suzy bring a uniquely atmospheric and eclectic sound to the stage. Norman is a seasoned Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter known for his "Cohen-esque" vocals and a songwriting style that blends surrealist storytelling with a touch of wry humor. A multi-instrumentalist who draws inspiration from 1970s folk-rock and the ambient soundscapes of Fripp and Eno, he is joined by the versatile Suzy Cargill. Formerly a percussionist with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Suzy provides a sophisticated rhythmic backbone using an array of eclectic percussion and mandolin. Whether performing their original "rhythm and roots" material or diving into atmospheric blues and folk-rock, the duo delivers a set that is as thought-provoking as it is melodic, grounded in years of collaboration within the Edinburgh music scene.

Bringing a unique, percussive approach to the Leith Jazz & Blues Festival, this solo guitarist treats his strings like a dance floor. His style weaves together the soulful storytelling of the Delta blues with the complex, fluttering improvisations of modern jazz. From deep, driving basslines to melodic highs that leap like a lead dancer, One Man Dancing proves that you don't need a full band to create a wall of sound that moves the soul.

Taking their lead from those legends of hot club jazz Django Reinhardt, Oscar Alemán, Charlie Christian and Eddie Lang Paul Paterson and his mercurial trio have a authentic but original always a wonderful take on hot, swinging jazz. With the accent firmly on fiery gypsy rhythms Paul’s fluid acoustic guitar is twinned this week end with the virtuoso strings of Ross Baird and the always swinging Charlotte Paterson on the string bass.

Featuring three of the country’s most important jazz stylists the ‘Phil Bancroft Standards Trio’ is a constant reminder of why the combination of traditions combined with a thirst for the new is what drives the best in all musics not least the kind of jazz these masters deal in. Phil has long been the country’s leading tenor voice, Mario Caribe continues to stand out in a crowded field of exceptional double bass players and Tom Bancroft, both as a musician and as a composer and creator of great music is one of Scotland’s finest recent exports. Tunes by Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus provide the springboards here but you can expect fresh and exciting improvisation and genuine interplay right in front of your eyes and ears.

Blues, bebop and beyond from one of the finest jazz trombone men around, Phil is always a treat to hear but this will be especially spicy as he’s joined on guitar the wonderful Ross Baird for this year.

Featuring Emma Fairbairn’s emotive and soulful vocals and Ross MacLeod on vocals and his awesome Stevie Ray Vaughan, Kenny Burrell and Scott Henderson inspired guitar.

The Pocket Collective formed back in 2022 in order to play the music of their heroes BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Etta James alongside their own fantastic compositions, and have very quickly become regulars in the Blues Clubs and music bars all over the country.

Stepping out from his seat in the rhythm section of Paul Patterson’s high octane trio (who you can catch at the Old Chain Pier on Saturday evening), Ross is teaming up with the tenor saxophone and clarinet of John Burgess to run through some great tunes from the 30’s and 40’s.

The Scat Rats, comprised of Carl Marah and Scott Rough from Edinburgh band Logan's Close, is a dynamic acoustic duo performing an exciting mixture of 50s/60s classic rock n roll tunes with a focus on vocal harmonies. High energy fun guaranteed to fill the dance floor.

A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, she seamlessly blends her classical training with Scottish traditional roots and a deep love for "Hot Club" gypsy jazz. She is a two-time winner of Best Vocalist at the Scottish Jazz Awards and fronts the acclaimed swing quartet Rose Room. Her versatile career includes performing with the Orchestra of Scottish Opera for over 20 years, orchestrating for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and collaborating with stars such as Michael Bublé and Burt Bacharach.

The Subie Coleman Trio is a soul-stirring ensemble that seamlessly blends jazz sophistication with raw, emotive blues, anchored by the powerhouse vocals of Subie Coleman herself. Originally hailing from the vibrant, creative docks of Leith, Coleman brings a distinct, salt-of-the-earth authenticity to her performances that reflects her Edinburgh roots. Backed by a tight-knit rhythm section known for their fluid improvisation and rhythmic depth, the trio has earned a reputation for transforming intimate venues into electric sonic experiences. Whether reimagining timeless standards or delivering gritty original compositions, they remain one of the most compelling acts on the contemporary jazz circuit.

A versatile fixture of the contemporary UK jazz scene, Taj Wyzgowski brings a refined blend of lyrical phrasing and technical precision to this year's Leith Jazz & Blues Festival. Known for his soulful, guitar-driven storytelling, Wyzgowski showcases his impressive range through two distinct performances: the intimate, intuitive interplay of a duo setting and the high-energy, expansive textures of a trio. Whether weaving delicate melodic lines or anchoring a driving rhythm section, his performances are celebrated for their sophisticated harmonic depth and an authentic connection to the blues tradition.

Quite simply one of the UK’s finest current early jazz bands, much travelled and hugely admired the Tenement Jazz Band are helping keeping the light of the true, authentic New Orleans sounds alive. There’s raw energy and genuine love of the music that makes their take on the material exciting in a way only the very best musicians ever achieve.

Welcome to the blues and country happenings with Toby Mottershead & Tomass Mencis! Expect classics from the early legends of delta blues and early and not so early country and bluegrass classics driven by slide-riden resonator guitars and finger-pickin' madness!

Combining the famous street grooves from the bustling market squares and sun kissed beaches of Port Glasgow, Cumbernauld and Malta this trio of gently seasoned and highly regarded jazzers into an intoxicatingly heady brew. This is their very first time in the Leith Jazz and Blues Festival and they'll be sure to keep things interesting with their mix of jazz standards and latin vibes.

Straight From The Fridge is a dynamic Scottish jazz and blues band known for their unique sound and captivating performances. Drawing inspiration from classic jazz and blues traditions, they blend smooth melodies, soulful rhythms, and a touch of modern flair to create a sound that’s both timeless and fresh. The band’s repertoire ranges from Smokey, laid-back blues numbers to upbeat, toe-tapping jazz tunes, appealing to a wide audience.  Our live shows are a true spectacle, filled with energy, improvisation, and an undeniable connection with their audience. They join us this year as a duo and a trio.

Webster‘s Ragtime Trio is a central Texas based throwback to a style of music that went largely unrecorded. Around the turn-of-the-century, it is said that there was lots of string bands, i.e. mandolin, banjo, guitar, bow cello, playing the popular hits of the day including classic ragtime compositions like the Maple leaf rag. Although that type of music was composed for marching bands and solo piano performance, it is hard not to notice how joyful it sounds played on acoustic stringed instruments. And they don’t stop there, they more than dip their toes into ragged Texas Fiddle tunes from the 78 RPM era, even venturing across the pond to play the occasional archaic Polish mazurka, and/or striking up borderland polka Harkening back to the glory days of Tejas.