Cheltenham, Bath and other UK Festivals 2011

[BillF]

Here's another upcoming festival:

http://www.marsdenjazzfestival.com/

Full programme not yet published, but it looks as if Soweto Kinch, Alan Barnes and Steve Waterman will be coming to this beautiful Pennine village.

[Alexander Hawkins]

Hey Corey - I think we're playing on the same bill!

EXCELLENT!! The trio is stopping over so we can all hang...

Perfect - we're staying too!

[sidewinder]

Well, I'd completely forgotten that it was the 'jazz weekend' at Bath this weekend. Took another look at the lineup but sorry to say that with the exception of the Evan Parker and the late night Etheridge/Paricceli/Sheppard radio broadcast there was nothing that said 'must go' to me. With the possible exception of the afternoon film showing of 'Noggin The Nog', which is sold out anyway.

Edited May 28, 2011 by sidewinder

[A Lark Ascending]

Well, I'd completely forgotten that it was the 'jazz weekend' at Bath this weekend. Took another look at the lineup but sorry to say that with the exception of the Evan Parker and the late night Etheridge/Paricceli/Sheppard radio broadcast there was nothing that said 'must go' to me. With the possible exception of the afternoon film showing of 'Noggin The Nog', which is sold out anyway.

Yes, I've skipped Bath for the second year running. I notice Nod Knowles is no longer involved - wonder if that might explain the falling off. He would scour the strangest corners of Europe to bring back musicians I'd never heard of.

[sidewinder]

Well, I'd completely forgotten that it was the 'jazz weekend' at Bath this weekend. Took another look at the lineup but sorry to say that with the exception of the Evan Parker and the late night Etheridge/Paricceli/Sheppard radio broadcast there was nothing that said 'must go' to me. With the possible exception of the afternoon film showing of 'Noggin The Nog', which is sold out anyway.

Yes, I've skipped Bath for the second year running. I notice Nod Knowles is no longer involved - wonder if that might explain the falling off. He would scour the strangest corners of Europe to bring back musicians I'd never heard of.

That's correct. Nod Knowles involvement ended last year - he was very enthusiastic and brought in some very interesting lineups and really promoted the jazz side of things. Joanna MacGregor looks after that side of things now - but of course she's heavily involved with the Classical element as well as the jazz so maybe a lack of focus and promotion on the jazz?

Last years jazz content was pretty good (with fine stuff from David Murray, among others) - obviously Nod's swansong?

Edited May 28, 2011 by sidewinder

[A Lark Ascending]

Joanna MacGregor looks after that side of things now - but of course she's heavily involved with the Classical element as well as the jazz so maybe a lack of focus and promotion on the jazz?

I do like her eclectic approach to music - but jazz is not her centre of gravity, so she can't be as searching.

I'd imagine the wider funding reductions in contemporary Britain are also a reason. Obscure Handel operas - however expensive - will sell out where some of the Euro unknowns Nod brought in played to quite small audiences in the Pavilion.

Actually, last time I went I diversified a bit, taking in a Scottish folk concert and a string quartet playing Debussy, Bartok and Haydn. I'd hoped this would become my approach to Bath. But there wasn't enough even on the wider programme to draw me in.

[BillF]

The Southport Jazz Festival is on at the moment.

http://www.jazzinsouthport.co.uk/

I'm going there tomorrow to hear the Tubby Hayes Legacy Big Band with a saxophone section that includes Simon Spillett, Peter King and Alan Skidmore.

[sidewinder]

The Southport Jazz Festival is on at the moment.

http://www.jazzinsouthport.co.uk/

I'm going there tomorrow to hear the Tubby Hayes Legacy Big Band with a saxophone section that includes Simon Spillett, Peter King and Alan Skidmore.

Lucky you ! Some-one should ship them to Bath.