Recap of Jazz Fest 2026

The end of February each year marks the annual Jazz Fest! This multiple-day celebration of jazz included world-renowned guest artists and our own faculty in concert at the School of Music. 

Many came out to experience three nights of live jazz in Comstock Hall, February 26-28, with ensemble and solo performances. Each concert was unique and shared the rich history and passion of jazz music.  

The Blues and the Abstract Truth, Oliver Nelson’s seminal album, was performed by the UofL Jazz Faculty featuring Don Braden and Mike Tracy on February 26. The album is seen as a landmark recording in modern jazz.

Wycliffe Gordon, an American jazz trombonist, arranger, composer, band leader and music educator performed with the UofL Jazz Faculty and Jazz Ensemble I on February 27. Gordon regularly tours as a solo musician and also performs at festivals worldwide. 

Bassist, composer, arranger and producer, John Clayton, performed on February 28. Clayton is a Grammy winner with nine additional nominations. He was the principal bassist at the Amsterdam Philharmonic Orchestra in the Netherlands and has also directed educational components of the Vail Jazz Workshop.

As John Clayton shares, “I’ve been guided by a village of musicians who helped me understand the humility that goes along with playing music at the highest level you can. Ray Brown used to tell me to ‘Learn how to play the bass!!’ Just take care of the music and it will take care of you.” 

We are always excited to feel how the music will take care of us as we listen and this festival provided a great way for us to feel the soul of jazz music.