Blues music Archives - Page 9 of 11

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival 2017 – Kaz Hawkins

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Opher

Straight out of the Belfast delta complete with bowler hats the larger than life Kaz Hawkins stormed the festival with her powerful vocals and extravagant personality. With her great flouncy dress and headscarf she added a degree of bounce, flair and bravado that took the whole scene ten notches higher.

If there was a prize for personality of the festival Kaz would win it hands down. She was visually and aurally dynamite!! What a performance. I don’t know about Etta James and Janis Joplin but when Kaz sings ‘I Just Want To Make Love to You’ you know you’d be in for a night!

This was good stompin’ bluesy R&B!!

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival 2017 – Claire Martin and Ray Gelato

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Opher

Well I love ice-cream – gelatos are creamy and smooth – but not as smooth as Ray!!

After the power of the New York Brass Band we were into the ultrasmooth, silky tones of Claire and Ray and their standards. From raw to sophistication.

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival 2017 – New York Brass Band

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Opher

Well if the people won’t come to the music then take the music to the people. That is what the New York Brass Band did. After a short blast on stage they proceeded to wend their way through the crowd honking, blasting and wailing. Massed brass, weaving in and out was pretty inspiring. They got the crowd going for sure. With their bright tartan trews and exuberant style they swung with funky style.

Oh – and they weren’t from New York and they played New Orleans style. That’s an enigma.

Anyone fancy a bum bag?

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival 2017 – Dynamix

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Opher

Following that short excursion away from the Caribbean we were back with a bang. Dynamix by name and dynamic by nature. This young band hit the stage with a bang with some raucous sax playing.

This is what they’d left behind:

And this is what they brought with them:

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival 2017 – Firebird Quartet

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Opher

We moved away from the Caribbean to a different kind of Jazz. The Firebird Quartet produced an altogether more sophisticated instrumental groove.

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival 2017 – Chrycee

Posted on July 5, 2017July 5, 2017 by Opher

Chrycee certainly brought a bit of St Lucian sunshine to the stage. With her flaming red hair and bubbly personality she brightened the place up.

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival 2017 – Claudia Edward and the Naked Chords

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Opher

There was a distinct Caribbean flavour to this year’s festival. I think Simon managed to negotiate a job lot of artists from St Lucia, prise them out of the St Lucian tourist board at a good rate. It certainly added a bit of spice and flavour. The bands he brought over were young, vibrant and exuberant. I loved it.

The first up was Claudia Edwards and the Naked chords. Fortunately the day was warm and sunny so she felt at home. The crowd gave her a warm welcome too.

The Naked Chords got the ball rolling with some scintillating guitar work from the dreadlocked guitarist. Claudia gave a varied programme ranging from jazz standards to reggae and it all went down well.

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival 2017 – Half Deaf Clatch

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Opher

Blowing in from the Humber Delta Half Deaf Clatch brought a bit of growly slide guitar blues. It was a good stompin’ way to end Friday evening.

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival 2017 – Stillhouse – Photos

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Opher

We all crowded into the tent to keep out the chill air and catch the vibes of the trio that was Stillhouse. It consisted of a catchy bit of mandolin playing with guitar and bass featuring mainly original songs. The vocals and songs were strong and the band gelled well in the packed and enclosed space.