‘By encouraging musical freedom, each performance feels fresh and unpredictable.’
Ahead of Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 ( 29th April – 4th May), I chatted with 5 artists who are featured in the free programme and, in my mind, are ones you should definitely check out as well. In this Behind the Music special it’s the turn of musician, composer, and band leader Jack Mac, whose ‘Funk Pack’ will be playing in Brewery Quarter, Cheltenham Town Centre, 2.45pm, Saturday 2nd May.
Hi Jack, thanks so much for taking the time to chat. Before we get into the main questions, how do you feel about being involved in the Cheltenham Jazz Festival and what are you doing in the lead up to it?
We are thrilled to be a part of this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival. We have all enjoyed seeing such great talent and music at past festivals and are honoured to be sharing the stage alongside other amazing musicians. We are currently on a UK tour that the slot will be a part of, and are hard at work keeping each performance fresh and exciting. We’ll be on top form come May 2nd.
The Funk Pack is the culmination of my various jazz, funk and blues influences into one ensemble. I have the pleasure of performing my original music alongside a lineup of highly skilled musicians in a way which is enjoyable for musicians and crowds alike – which feels like a natural fit for Cheltenham: a festival that celebrates the breadth and vitality of the jazz world. The ability to bring the music I love in a unique way to audiences is highly meaningful and enjoyable for me, and keeps every gig fresh and enriching.
I have many different groups which each showcase a different genre or style of performance, but are all based on similar foundations. Each of these groups – be it a jazz combo, New Orleans Brass Band or funk fusion – have different roles, audiences, and repertoires, which I incorporate into one another and other areas of my musical career. This also creates spontaneous and interesting trains of thoughts. This eclectic approach is something I enjoy immensely about performing music, and means I get to meet loads of different people and players across venues and bands.
‘We are honoured to be sharing the Cheltenham Jazz Festival stage alongside other amazing musicians.’
Taking time, both in terms of the recording process itself but and the performing of the music, ensured everyone got to the know and understand the music they were playing. Music and musicians evolve with each performance, responding to the audience feedback, so don’t rush the process of getting the music recorded. Then take time in the studio. It can be a tiring and stressful experience, but it should be fun.
I enjoy playing a variety of styles, be it a fast bebop, a romantic ballad, or a funky fusion tune. At heart though, I am, have been, and will always be a blues man. Nothing beats a good blues, be it a swinging one or a slow 12/8. As I’ve aged and I’ve learned to enjoy and play other genres of music, both in and out of the jazz world and as such I can appreciate the technicality of high speed or creative music, or the spectacle and shear sound of some modern fusion and afro beat genres. At the end of the day though, I always return to the blues, which to me always embodies a rawer, more emotional approach to the music that never fails to bring a smile to my face.
It depends on the style of music and the performance, but generally I enjoy a mixture of simplicity and chaos. I like players to have the freedom to interpret the music their way. This helps keep each performance of the music fresh and unpredictable, and lets each player’s own musical dialect be heard in the mix. Lots of non-verbal communication and listening skills are required with this approach, as well as a more holistic understanding of the style and genre of each piece.
The Rhythm Section: They are most important members of the band in my opinion. You need a funky bassist with that right level of syncopated groove, repetition and variation of lines and stamina to unite the band together, making everyone sound great. The drummer is groove machine central, be it with a small or large kit. Even better if you also have a percussionist or incorporate percussion – that added layer of flavour and texture is magical.
The Hook: Be it the vocals, the horns, the guitar or everyone involved, you need that hook to lock in with, to dance to, to sing along with long after the gig as finished that makes you want to come back for more.
The Energy: The music needs to hit the right spot and provide the atmosphere to the gig. The musicians have to be in the pocket together, working together to create a collective groove for players and audiences that can only be experienced together.
Thanks Jack Mac for chatting with Listen to Discover
Remember you can catch Jack Mac’s Funk Pac playing the in Brewery Quarter, Cheltenham Town Centre, 2.45pm, Saturday 2nd May.
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