I didn’t initially realise I’d seen Ballamy and Warren in Quercus at Sage Gateshead a number of years ago. Quercus were a trio I’ve seen described as jazz-ish, though I tend to refer to them as a kind of folk-jazz hybrid, with celebrated singer June Tabor ensuring everybody goes home miserable, which folky types will confirm is no bad thing. I’d also seen Ballamy earlier that day in the Electric Ladyland Big Band.
An update on Rob Luft was also part of the motivation for my return to Cheltenham and he was back an hour after his impressive contribution to Laura Jurd’s set.
Ballamy and Warren came out first and dazzled with a duo piece before the rest of the band joined them.
This continued through Portoscino, featuring a stunning solo from Mr Luft, his almost unbelievable clean, precise technique blowing ‘impressive’ through the hole he tore off the roof, followed by some inventive comping behind a splendid piano solo, Glaser also rising to the occasion at the drumkit.
Incredible musicianship all around and things were definitely getting better and it’s always a sign of a good festival when you have to leave early to get to the next gig, and the next one was a big one and would be considered an odd one at most jazz festivals. Steve T
1 comment :
Steve - I'm following your reports from Cheltenham with bated breath! What next? What is " the big one"?!
Who knew festivals were this exciting!!??
Many thanks, and don't keep us in suspenders too long, Chris K
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