Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival - July 12

(Review/photo courtesy of Sheila Herrick)

First on the main stage was the Manchester Jazz Collective - 3 saxes, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, keyboard, double bass and drums. A 10 strong ensemble of northern musicians and composers who created a full and wide-ranging sound. From brassy big band and South American flavoured numbers to lyrical pieces on sax and with welcome attention to dynamics which enhanced the set and the audience appreciation. Great playing and well-written pieces clearly enjoyed by players and audience alike.

The evening continued in a quite alternative fashion with the arrival on stage of Ponyland and their rabbit mascot. This band, led by Jordie Cooke took us on a lively trip to other levels. 

Behind the masks were Frankie O'Keeffe, vocals and audience participation MC, Faye MacCalman, sax, Jordie Cooke guitar, John Pope, bass guitar and vocals and Abbie Finn and Mark Johnson with a drum kit apiece. 

With a music of great energy and songs of soul, body and  omnipresent super-galactic oneness including elements of  punk, (Madness and pogo-ing), Klezmer Jewish Wedding song and dancing to match, samba/reggae rhythms, and spiralling up to space travel with a pulsing light show and dry ice, the overall effect was dramatic and unusual. 

I found the masks had a distancing effect on my engagement with the music, good that Frankie O'Keeffe dispensed with hers unless that was the effect sought. 

Sheila