The
Jazz Festival began with me committing a criminal act. I chose a lovely
chocolate chip muffin from the cafe, was distracted by meeting Russell, and
promptly walked away without paying! So
many friends to meet, six in the first ten minutes, and all to the
accompaniment of the New York brass band, which included what looked like an
impertinent tuba. Not sure if I was entitled to the glass of wine I had at the
press reception, so during the first half of Stan Tracy’s Under Milk Wood, I had half an ear listening for
police sirens. The Under Milk Wood music and readings in the second half were totally
absorbing and entrancing – see Russell’s review.
James Birkett and
Bradley Johnson
Guitar
duo on the Concourse 10.15pm (part 1)
This
began in the lively skilled manner that we’ve come to expect, with Blues For BJ. Don’t know what Bradley has the blues about
but it surely can’t be his guitar playing which is so, so good! These two are so interesting to watch,
working out who is playing which part, leading, call and response, trilling up
and down scales, bass parts, and so on.
Next came Jobin’s Wave,
beautifully played as people passing waved to the players, not sure how Jim and
Bradley were supposed to wave back! The
1920’s influence came on with Stringin
The Blues, followed by a lovely slow ballad Farmer’s Trust.
The
session was effectively rounded off with Jim’s composition, Suite No. 4, which was the sort of tune
I love, moving along fast rather like a rapid walk along the street, building
to a full lively climax.
Russell
was able to stay till 11.15pm for Part 2 – over to him.
Ann Alex.
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