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Louise, Aberdaron
On the whole a great job!but what to the north wales and Northern England Jazz Musicians? Not enough vocalists either. What happened to 'Lady Brecon', Marcia Pendlebury? She was there on a horse but not singing! for 25yrs Marcia has been part of the Festival and has been very vocal in the attempts to keep it alive, I know she is still performing so why was she left out? good luck next year, i've booked my digs in anticipation
Tue Aug 11 14:42:49 2009
Peter, London
I have worked as a volunteer steward anad chief steward at Brecon Jazz for around 10 years, and was a regular visitor for years beforehand.The reason the festival has failed can be put down to two factors. The first is an unimaginative and conservative programming strategy much of which is outlined in other posts. But thats not the main reason.The main reason is that over a period of about 8 years, The Local Councils (a combination of the Town Council and Powys) have deliberately been difficult and obstructive, and many of them have openly said they wanted to get rid of the festival.They have loaded excessive costs onto the festival, they have imposed ridiculous constraints, insisted on changes all of which made the festival's position virtually untenable.There's a good festival waiting to be run in Wales - but I'd advise leaving Brecon and finding a town that wants it.
Wed Jan 7 10:21:32 2009
Johnny, Pembroke
Lee Konitz, yes. Cerys Matthews, no. What on earth has she got to do with jazz? She was also booked at the Tenby Folk Festival. Is she folk? is she jazz? Is she both? Dear oh dear. And Marc Almond and Joan Armatrading. What next? Let's get Steeleye Span in and claim that because they improvise a bit it's jazz. Very, very disappointing. In fact, terrible. I won't go again. And I'll advise others to stay away too.
Wed Dec 31 09:41:10 2008
Steve Gulf, Newport
Vomiting boors, foul language, anti-social behaviour and an almost complete lack of street jazz. This festival has really lost its way. A complete non-event, its soul has vanished.
Sun Dec 21 11:37:17 2008
jim wood adamant parade band
After going to war with the organisers this year the recent news re creditors knocking on the door says it all. A complete disaster in spite of their claims that it was the best ever with record sales and visitors. Someone is telling porkies I fear.Where has all the money gone to?
Tue Oct 28 09:14:22 2008
Chris Morgan, Caerphilly
Brecon jazz, sponsored by HSBCHidden Securley Behind Canvas!We want the peoples Jazz back.
Mon Sep 22 07:37:19 2008
Andy Roberts, Cardiff
I visited Brecon as a member of Wonderbrass - despite the weather we had a great reception from the audience as always. My favourite other bands were The Amigos who are always good fun, and legendary vocalist Mark Murphy. It's a shame about the lack of music on the streets, but maybe you should ask all those jazz-loving MPs why they passed a draconian Licensing Act which severely restricts live music. Anyway, if you can't wait till next year, check out Jazz in the Park in Pontypool from September 5 to 7.
Fri Aug 22 12:16:51 2008
Ian MacNaughton, London
As a first timer I can't comment on how it compares to previous years. But we saw some great stuff: Huw Warren, Empirical & Abram Wilson stuck out in particular. Think that more could have been allowed to happen outside the venues. The event was described as having become more corporate than previous years by other visitors, this could be reversed.
Tue Aug 19 09:08:54 2008
Mike, York
The festival this year was great, I saw a number of fantastic gigs and enjoyed the atmosphere. The Jazz festival at the Cathedral was a real pleasure on Sunday morning. For those of you who thought it was quiet on the streets you should see Brecon when there is no festival....
Mon Aug 18 09:34:05 2008
Gwynfor Jones Mid Wales
Have to agree -- pretty poor atmosphere. 25th Anniversary and no Krukke Band ?? No longer a family festival -- great if you have a burger or beer van and want to make some money but this is supposed to be an international jazz festival. Jazz is vibrant & should make you wanna dance. Bring back the jazz on the street and dont cite H&S as an excuse.... Manchester jazz, Colne Blues, Malborough jazz and suprisingly Notting hill carnival have music on the streets ... they are able to sort out the issues with relative ease. On he plus side I did see protect the beat on Sunday -- they were awesome.
Wed Aug 13 09:18:32 2008
Richard Cook from Barry.
This year was very disappointing, no street music, it was very quiet, bring Krukke back, the rain did'nt help either.
Wed Aug 13 07:05:28 2008
Teresa, London
Our first visit. Three gigs: Neil Cowley Trio (ace), Etheridge, Andersen and Marshall (incredible bass playing) and Burns/Taylor (lovely). We were struck, tho, by the lack of a buzz in the town centre. The weather obviously partly to blame, but with little or no jazz music to be heard as we strolled the streets, it was easy to forget we were at a jazz festival.
Tue Aug 12 14:50:44 2008
Chris Morgan, Caerphilly
A non event for families now.Brecon Jazz is dead. Long Live the Fringe.A very poor 25th Anniversary year.
Tue Aug 12 09:19:43 2008
Alex Townsend from Manchester
The festival was a bit of a disappointment this year. The streets were normally filled with musicians on the street but this year it was eerily quiet. It looks like the money-makers have managed to suck the soul out of the event.
Mon Aug 11 10:35:50 2008
Hilary, Brecon
I saw Cerys Matthews at Brecon Jazz last night (Friday). She was terrific!! She is experimenting with different styles and seems more at ease with herself. There was a good mix of new and old favourites, also Welsh and English. Something for everyone!! What a wonderful show, worth every penny!! She had a great reception.
Mon Aug 11 10:01:10 2008
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