Paradoxically, on the day when indoor performances where finally allowed to take place it came at too short notice for the Newcastle Jazz Festival and, whilst appreciating the effort put in by organisers and players it was never going to be the same without the give and take ambiance of a festival audience.
Russell had covered the earlier sessions so I had a fair idea of the format.
Jasmine had been advertised as a trio although in actual fact there were five socially distanced musicians on stage. Jasmine Whalley (alto sax/flute); Jasper Green (keys); Ed Allen (guitar); Owen Burns (bass guitar); Richard Martin (drums) were the names I picked up although I could be wrong. One thing I've noticed about livestreams is that the announcements are never at the same volume level of the music.
It was pleasant, an ephemeral, floating sound that neither raised nor lowered the temperature. Ms. Whalley gets a nice cool alto sound and guitar and keyboard had their moments but, overall, I felt they needed an audience to bring out that little bit extra.
The headliner for this year's festival was Canadian trumpet player Jay Phelps. The show would have been something else had it been in its original setting - Newcastle Civic Centre no less! How long is it since a jazz gig took place there I wonder - any ideas?
Nevertheless, the affable Jay - even without a band - proved to be every bit as good as I expected although, personally, I could have lived without the pre-recorded backing.
So, not quite the festival we'd hoped for but, under the circumstances, I don't think it could have been improved upon.
Well done Jamie, Michael and all concerned. Today is the anniversary of VJ Day. The VJ could also make this a Victory for Jazz Day.
Lance
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