A Celebration of Jazz Diversity
Love Supreme Festival, held at the picturesque Glynde Place from 30 June to 2 July 2023, offered a captivating lineup of artists and a vibrant atmosphere for music enthusiasts. With its diverse program catering to audiences of all ages and tastes, the festival continues to attract loyal fans who eagerly await each year’s surprises.
In this article, we share a personal roundup of four standout acts that graced the festival’s stages in 2023.
Little Simz
As the Saturday headliner, North London-born rapper Little Simz delivered an electrifying performance that exceeded expectations. Her genuine excitement and gratitude for performing were apparent, captivating the audience with her energizing presence.
Little Simz’s set showcased her triumph over personal and industry struggles, culminating in an infectious rendition of ‘Woman’ that had the entire crowd celebrating in unison.
Jazzmeia Horn
Jazzmeia Horn and her New York quartet dished out a daring and unapologetic performance in the Supreme Standards tent. Known for her modern arrangements of standards and fiery scat solos, Horn’s performance was a breathtaking display of hard swing and fearless expression.
Her song ‘Free Your Mind’ serves as a testament to Horn’s ability to liberate herself from fear while performing, a quality that shone brightly during her Love Supreme 2023 set.
Jasmine Myra
Leeds saxophonist Jasmine Myra offered a serene daytime performance, accompanied by her 8-piece band. Myra’s music, composed during lockdown, aims to help listeners face life’s challenges and find strength in vulnerability.
Her melodic compositions, elevated by intricate arrangements and solos, created a sense of peace and healing that resonated deeply with the audience.
Sultan Stevenson
Sultan Stevenson’s quartet, part of the Jazz in the Round program, opened the festival with a late-night set that perfectly blended dynamism and experimentation. With original music written by Stevenson, every arrangement felt cohesive yet distinctive.
The performance showcased the young talent’s debut album, ‘Faithful One’, and hinted at a bright future for the London jazz scene in the hands of emerging artists like Stevenson.
