your comments
Bob Fairley from Bedford
I was at Brecon 07. What ever happened to 'melodic jazz'? There was far too much so called 'Free Jazz'! i.e. absence of tonality, predetermind chords, standard time-keeping, harmonic consistency and anything recognisable as melodic music.
Tue Jan 29 15:37:55 2008
Huw, Brecon
Only just seen this, so my comments relate back to 06 - which is why we skipped 07 (having been attending since the mid-1980s). Whilst drunk teenagers on Sat night have been an issue for some years, what struck us was also the lack of atmosphere (and looks like was changed for 07) + ticket prices, espec for family strollers, which appeared to be virtually impossible to obtain near the date of the fest itself and hence a put off for those with children. Worst thing was health and safety - I can appreciate the need for controls in some indoor venues - but in fields ?? I saw fire extinguishers in the park opposite the Struet and at the large tent on the playing fields they were controlling numbers, despite the acres of grass to sit on (for the Root Doctors, so popular, but that crowded) - all added to a v. downbeat experience, with no good grace by those in charge and made 'strolling' a painful experience. Looks like some improvement in 07, but I guess the early atmosphere has now gone forever ...
Tue Jan 15 16:12:39 2008
Sara Kitchen from Belfast
The festival was fanatastic as ever a brillant three days had by all. A beautiful town, with friendly people and great entertainment and excellent value for money. However I feel it will never be to that high a standard anymore due to the co-ordinator Deborah Anthony moving onto better things it was a sad day when Deborah left.
Sun Sep 9 15:46:55 2007
Phil Reardon Smith
Re value for money…… Brecon offers great value for money to all lovers of Jazz, from those who are just discovering jazz to those hard core fans. As I mentioned before the stroller programme is the best available and the "themed" venues give punters a huge variety from international to local musicians at numerous scenic friendly venues. Even those concerts where you do have to pay, the cost is cheaper than if you were to see those artists elsewhere on their tour and Brecon’s more intimate venues just adds to the buzz of seeing these wonderful artists. Hats off to the festival promoters for putting on such a fabulous diverse set of concerts. Musicians clearly want to play at Brecon and are willing to offer better value for money just to play at this magnificent festival.
Tue Sep 4 14:35:58 2007
Frank Franklin
Re the reply to my Value for Money comment:... there is no mention of the extra charges levied by Brecon to see and hear some musicians. These are in the range £14 to £28 per session. Brecon does not offer Jazz enthusiasts a reasonably priced Festival.
Fri Aug 24 12:32:06 2007
Phil Reardon Smith from Cardiff
Value for money! Brecon stroller is £44, Upton is £45 (£50 on the day) and Bude is £91 (albeit for a few more days) and the Brecon programme is far stronger, more venues and is still by far the best Jazz festival in the country. 2007 was a fab year, great crowds, plenty of sunshine and exceptional value for money...
Thu Aug 16 11:06:38 2007
Matt, Midlands
Having been going to Brecon for the last 8 years it is no longer the Brecon Jazz festival...why don't they call it the Brecon Rave! Full of youths getting out their faces on drink and drugs not only in the town but on the camp sites too, with no interest in jazz. I have seen a decline in families who felt safe to walk around at night without drunken teenagers hassle. I'm afraid Brecon Jazz are unable to do anything about it and hence the people won't buy the tickets and the good jazz artists won't get booked. The atmosphere used to make Brecon Jazz, it's a shame a real shame!
Thu Aug 16 08:52:53 2007
Caroline from Cardiff
I have been attending Brecon Jazz for many years now...thought this years entertainment provided on the stroller ticket was excellent! Far surpassed previous years quality. Was a bit peeved couldn't get to see Jools but have to say that Roberto Plas @ the Market hall soon made up for that, it was amazing!
Wed Aug 15 11:39:48 2007
Carolyn Gammon, Neath
Having attended Brecon Jazz festival for the last ten years, I have watched with horror as it has recently become more corporate and less fun. My experiences in 2005 convinced me not to return in 2006, as the laid-back feel and carnival atmosphere was noticably absent. However, I decided to give Brecon another chance and returned this year to find some - though not all - of the old Brecon magic has returned. Admittedly, the weather helped, but I do feel that the organisers have learned from the mistakes of 2005 (and, having read the very poor reviews, 2006). The town centre was again closed to traffic, marking the return of street music. The fantastic Bovril Sisters performed on the museum steps, keeping crowds of people entertained throughout the weekend. Although I agree with the comments about the ever-increasing price of the stroller tickets (£44!), the quality and diversity of the bands on offer was impressive. Imelda May was amazing and well done Brecon for bringing back Mike Harries' Root Doctors - Brecon just isn't Brecon without them!
Wed Aug 15 09:25:32 2007
Frank Franklin from Lancych
Like many other Jazz enthusiasts I no longer attend Brecon as it is far too expensive. Upton and Bude offer far better value.
Tue Aug 14 09:49:00 2007
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