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Festival 2007

8TH SWINDON JAZZ FESTIVAL : 30 JUNE/1 JULY 2007

The weekend saw the 8th Swindon Jazz Festival, once again held in Old Town, and taking off after midday in the King’s, Wood Street, as the Old Town Festival parade passed by.

SATURDAY SESSIONS

Pedal Mania – lots of cycle pedals outside but inside organ pedals set the pace with John-Paul Gard’s Pedal Mania. The full sound of the leader’s Hammond organ filled the atrium and bar area, getting things underway with legend Jimmy Smith’s Messin’ Around.

John-Paul’s fluent approach was well supported by the hard working Eddie John on drums and Ben Waghorn playing alto and tenor. Ben grows in musical stature with every hearing and both he on tenor and the Hammond were showcased to great effect on Greensleeves, played as a swinging waltz.

Severn Jazzmen – the afternoon continued with a traditional emphasis – the Severn Jazzmen. Unfortunately M4 problems meant we heard just a quartet for the first part of the set, backed by flexible stand-in John Paul Gard transferring to keyboards. With the arrival of guitar John Viner, Brian Huggett, reeds and pianist Dave ‘Fats’ Millman, the well oiled impact of the ensemble was appreciated. Trombonist Alan Bramley and Martin Williams on trumpet made up the front line, with Dave Kingston on drums and John Keele on bass.

The sounds of New Orleans (and the Old Duke, Bristol) were recreated with a string of trad classics - I particularly liked Lil Hardin’s ‘Chimes Blues’. The fine baritone voice of Martin Williams and Dave Millman’s pastiche renditions of Fats Waller songs added an extra dimension to this likeable group.

Marquee Music - despite some Council event cancellations, the Old Town Festival marquee on The Lawns hosted jazz on a wet and windy Saturday evening.

The Tim Collinson Quartet were first up playing a clutch of modern jazz originals. Tim’s inventive tenor and the talented Gianni Boscarino (keyboards) were well received by a surprisingly well attended gathering, conidering the outside conditions.

No picnics and dancing this year but the following band, Tad Newton ‘s Jazz Friends created a warm and lively atmosphere with their mainstream jazz programme (helped also by licensed bar promotions).

The seven piece band included particularly fine soloists in Zolton Sagi on reeds, Mike Graver, keyboards and Dave Lipson, guitar. All good stuff including two versions of ‘Lester Leaps In’.

Tad Newton is an easy on the ear trombonist and vocalist – and an ex Headlandian to boot!

SUNDAY SESSIONS

Sunday in the King’s and local group Jazz Flight entertained at lunchtime. Led by Terry Plumb, bass and including Stuart King, keyboards, Derek Kimber, trumpet and Flugelhorn – two musicians who have added so much to the local music scheme. With Geoff Bowles, reeds and Art Nunn, on drums, from ‘Strike Up the Band’ to ‘Just Friends’, it was super easy listening all the way.

Martin Dale Quartet – Sunday afternoon proved to be what jazz and a jazz festival is all about. The musicians weren’t to know, nor the crowded King’s bar, but it just “kicked off”.

Martin Dale plays modern jazz tenor with a funky edge. Backed by brothers Paul (piano) and Dennis Harris (drums) with Kevin Sanders (bass) these boys are a team that spark together, and on this occasion to magical effect.

Starting with a blistering ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’ tenor and keyboards traded solos and musical quotes, stopping only for banter or ballad (‘Once I Loved’ – a Tom Jobim bossa nova – a fine example). High energy backing. Compelling music. This Plymouth based group should travel more.

Matt Wates Sextet – the festival closed with a smooth, polished flourish from (alto) Matt Wates group. The sextet with Mark Hanslit, tenor and Robbie Robson (trumpet) gave scope for both full and complex front-line arrangements and solo enterprise.

Pianist Leon Greenin g is now an inventive, sparkling act on his own and Matt Homes (drums) with Julian Berry (bass) backed immaculately. A slow languid ‘Chelsea Bridge’ by Billy Strayhorn and a super up-tempo, lilting ‘My Favourite Things’ were my highlights.

Thank you Nationwide!

Keith Brain