As the great Nina Simone once said, “Jazz is not just music, it’s a way of life.” It captivates audiences with its soulful rhythms and intricate melodies, and you can’t help but smile and clap along when you hear it. As International Jazz Day (30 April) is just around the corner, the highly popular Candlelight series is extending the celebrations for Candlelight Jazz Week, and legendary jazz and soul queens Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin take the spotlight at these spectacular tribute concerts in Manchester.
This spring, Honey Bee Jazz will be getting in the groove to the sounds of famous jazz and soul tunes, from “Say A Little Prayer” to “Feeling Good”. Watch Manchester Cathedral light up under the glow of thousands of twinkling candles as this talented four-piece jazz band jam it out to iconic hits.
Candlelight Jazz: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin
Often imitated but never replicated, the incomparable Aretha Franklin is one of the greatest artists in music history. Her unparalleled vocals carried range, emotion and command, even bringing the likes of Barack Obama to tears. The icon defined the golden age of soul in the 60s, but her legacy continues well into the 21st century, with the likes of Beyoncé, Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson citing her as one of their biggest influences.
This season, the one and only Queen of Soul is getting her well-deserved flowers at this magnificent Candlelight Jazz tribute. Honey Bee Jazz will be bringing the house down with electrifying renditions of songs such as “Say A Little Prayer”, “(You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman” and “Respect” as a sea of flickering candles lights up Manchester Cathedral.
Candlelight Jazz: A Tribute to Nina Simone
Nicknamed the “The High Priestess of Soul”, Nina Simone is another trailblazing artist who used her platform to champion for civil rights in the 60s and 70s. Her music blended elements of soul, jazz and gospel to produce powerful songs charged with emotion, feeling and meaning. To this day, Simone remains a symbol of resilience and hope, and her music provides the eternal soundtrack for marches and protests around the world.
Taking place inside Manchester Cathedral this spring, Candlelight Jazz is paying homage to Nina Simone and her ever-lasting legacy on music. Honey Bee Jazz will be working their magic on songs such as “I Put a Spell On You”, “Mr Bojangles”, “Love Somebody” and many more of the icon’s timeless songs.
Reignite your love for jazz and immerse yourself in the magic of unforgettable evenings devoted to Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone. Over the course of 60 soul-stirring minutes, you’ll tap your toes and click your fingers to the groovy rhythms of iconic tunes by legendary women in jazz. By adding breathtaking live performances to a magical candlelit ambience, Candlelight Jazz offers up a magical evening of music and light that’s sure to leave you “Feeling Good”.