Review: Brecon Jazz 2013
Brecon Jazz Festival
Friday 9th - Sunday 11th August 2013
Various Venues, Brecon, Powys
Marooned in the dramatic national park landscape of the Beacons, Brecon swapped hikers for jazzers last weekend as a joyfully creative hive of musical bees swarmed in over the hills.
Six beautiful venues played host to a packed line-up of some of the best British and international jazz performers as street corners hummed with buskers, brass bands and barbecue sizzle. This was Brecon Jazz 2013, and even the sun made an appearance.
This prestigious festival has been a highlight of the Welsh music calendar for almost thirty years and with the number of concerts increased by a third from 2012’s offering it was another inspiring line up. While the dynamic mix of Gilad Atzmon and Courtney Pine’s House of Legends headlined an exciting Friday, it was only on Saturday morning that I could get myself up the A470 and headed straight to the canal side Theatr Brycheiniog. Therein, Croydon’s Anthony Strong provided the vibes for a chilled afternoon, with his accompanying four-piece delivering the smooth introduction to the festival. Strong’s well written, commercial jazz has helped him burst into jazz charts and his laid back performance went down as a post-lunchtime treat. A more musically interesting, British Michael Buble perfect for your nan.
Throughout the weekend it was difficult not to notice the lack of young jazz fans on show, yet the abundance of student performers at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) showcase was ample proof that jazz is alive and ready to bite. With the expert aid of guest directors Huw Warren, Iain Ballamy and Steve Waterman, rotating ensembles impressed with richly layered arrangements of jazz standards and some impressively immersive compositions by students and new graduates themselves. Elsewhere, the lauded Scandinavian and British trio Phronesis were back to impress with their mildly experimental and wildly imaginative sound. Led by the charming Danish double bassist Jasper Holby, the eye glint warmth of the trio moved through their playful yet sensual soundscape, which wowed the teatime gathering.
While the Roller Trio added their menacing mix of rock-swagger riffs, looped sax and vicious drums to the fray, Django Bates’ Beloved returned to the more precise side of the genre, with the pianist’s explorative takes on classic Charlie Parker compositions. Sporting a sheep covered tee that raised a chuckle, Bates led his trio through a thrilling run through of new album Confirmation and, in the absence of proposed headliner Mavis Staples, sent Saturday night off triumphantly.
Sunday started with a special Jazz Festival Service at the beautiful Brecon Cathedral and after attracting some 700 people, the crowd for the Laura Jurd Quartet at the same venue seemed modest, yet her tantalising original compositions, driven by her expressive, soul licked trumpet playing, mesmerised. Accompanying pianist Elliot Galvin was allowed space to impress in Oh So Beautiful and measured percussion from Corrie Dick carpeted the often-expansive sound of the trio.
“Music is the only universal language,” announced Celia Mur, guest vocalist with the outstanding Arturo Serra Quartet at the Guildhall. The Spanish flavouring to standards such as Ellington’s Caravan were refreshing, with her flamenco wailings meeting Serra’s own smooth vibraphone flirt. Delicious.
Featuring guest vocalists Roland Gift of Fine Young Cannibals, Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall, and acclaimed trombonist Rico Rodriguez and the much loved pianist, band leader and TV and radio presenter Jools Holland brought his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra to the Market Hall to send Brecon boogie-woogieing. The incredibly talented ensemble powered through a host of feel-good classics that spanned pop, rock and reggae and Holland’s ability to move a crowd splashed a party atmosphere on the close of a mighty fine weekend.
All the while experimental, international, commercial, and exciting, Brecon Jazz proved once again to be a true gem of the British music scene.
Events » August 2013's Sprout Editorial Group Meeting
Info » Sport & Leisure » Performing Arts » Music
Organisations » North Wales Jazz Society
Organisations » Cardiff Soundscene
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Articles » Categories » Music
Related Article: Preview: Brecon Jazz 2013
Photo Credit: Kate Hillard
