For the eighth year running, Jazz in the Park was a treat for Pontypool residents and visitors alike.
Once again, there was a good mix of major stars and local favourites, with the good natured humour of Humphrey Lyttelton and guest vocalist Tina May (pictured above) being especially well received, as were all the big names.
Jacqui Dankworth (right), a hit at last year's festival, returned to give a glimpse of her new deep soul direction, heading into Cassandra Wilson territory - a great taster for her next album.
Jacqui talks about Jazz in the Park(Need help with RealPlayer?)
Alan Skidmore and Peter King led a powerful all star tribute to the late drummer Elvin Jones, very much in the spirit of his work in the John Coltrane Quartet, and featuring some of Jones's lesser known compositions.
The two saxophonists returned the following morning to lead a workshop, doing well to pitch it to a group of total strangers of all ages and levels of ability who were soon turned into a mass jam band.
Ruby Turner wowed the audience on the closing night in main marquee with her distinctive brand of funky soul, while brassy, bluesy Brummie belter Ann Duggan went down a storm at the same time in one of the smaller venues.
In fact, the grassroots spirit of Jazz in the Park is best enjoyed at the smaller venues, where a whole range of artists get the chance to show their paces to fans old and new in a more relaxed and informal setting.
Local heroes included the downhome blues duo Mike Markey and Nick Jones (left), the frenzied gypsy tunes of The Amigos, and the Eastern-tinged violin and vocals of the Azhaar Saffar quartet.
None was more local than Ash Long, a young bass player from Griffithstown who drew a sizeable audience for a set which was right at the cutting edge.
The weather played its part with only a light shower on Sunday night, but even so the festival seemed a lot quieter than last year when even the heavy downpours failed to dampen spirits.
After many years as a free event, the introduction of even limited admission charges for Jazz in the Park may be starting to bite, and organisers may need to consider whether to grow the event into a major international festival on the scale of Brecon Jazz, or keep it relatively homely, a party in the park for the people of Pontypool.
At the very least, some live open air music in the bandstand would be a great way of keeping the festival vibe alive. Busking saxophonist Nik Turner showed what could be done - and it's often the little things that make a festival fun.
Andy Roberts is producer of the BBC Jazz in Wales website, and performed at the festival with funky jazz band Wonderbrass
See some photos of the festival
your comments
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Beth, Cwmbran
I saw Ruby Turner and I must say that that was the best gig I have ever been to and it only cost me £5! I can't believe she wasn't sold out!!! I think someone should do more about the advertising.
Alf Ford, Cwmbran
Let's start with some positives - sound quality at all venues, couldn't fault these guys, they did a great job. The new venue in the leisure centre was really nice - maybe the lighting on the perfomers could have been a little better. My main complaint last year was of the lack of top line quartet/quintet modern jazz at the main venue - no complaints on that this year, the Elvin Jones tribute was the highlight of the weekend for me. I have to agree with you on the turnout - it was disappointing, but I can't see it going the Brecon route. I don't think that the pricing for the festival is an issue - if it went the Brecon route I think it would kill it. I think that we have to look at the promoting of the festival including the infrastucture that the area has to offer … I know you can't drag the people off the streets, but do the people know about it? One last point - the museum courtyard was unfortunately not available again this year. Probably the most popular venue at the festival in past years, it always appeared to be full and seemed to draw the local crowd. Hopefully next year we will see a return of this popular venue.
Malcolm Hogarth
Great to learn that Pontypool has hosted its Jazz In The Park. Having arrived in 1969 as a raw southerner from London to start work at the one time BNS, there didn't seem a lot of jazz going on - only at Brecon Jazz Club, and in Cardiff (as far as I could find). Hoping to get back for the next jazz event.
Shaun Montgomery, Bwlch
I saw Mike Markey & Nick Jones (this is the third time I've seen them) and once again really enjoyed their performance. Mike truly is the Welsh Muddy Waters. Nick could give Bob Brozman a run for his money! Fantastic. Jacqui Dankworth was the finishing touch for me. A really great weekend.
What's your view of Jazz in the Park 2007?
