The night outside may be wet and windswept, but here in the Verdict's cosy basement a crowd of appreciative connoisseurs are all attentiveness as Partisans take to the stage.
Sam Knight humorously identifies himself as the "designated email sender" for these two bands – presumably a vital role for any group trying to build a reputation and following.
Set in a small quiet village (boasting one shop and a bakery) not far from Strasbourg, the Au Grès du Jazz organisers have made a very successful festival situated in the Northern Vosges National Park.
Bold reworkings of cherished classics, daring flights of freewheeling improv, singing that melted the heart underpinned by gloriously rich piano voicings, plus a sold-out audience that was receptive to every note.
The team at Watermill Jazz in Dorking seem to like mixing the up-and-coming with the well-established when picking bands and performers for their weekly concerts.
That so many came out to The Stade on a hot and airless night was a tribute to Jazz Hastings and their programme planning, on this occasion presenting an evening of jazz and poetry which appealed to those who recall New Departures of the 1960s and indeed the work of Kenneths Patchen and Rexroth earlier.
This year's 40th anniversary Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival (EJBF) was a far cry from the inaugural Edinburgh jazz fest back in 1978, a one day, mostly un-ticketed event, which showcased largely UK traditional jazz bands.
The 'MJF originals' are a lifeline to artistry, like most music festival commissions, and this year they handed the chance to Esther Swift (pictured far right) to entwine her folk, classical and jazz roots with a statement ensemble of strings, brass, piano, drums and four harps.
Parimusmuusika, the sub-title of this joyous festival is translated from Estonian as 'folk music'.
Promoter Carole Merritt has built a loyal following for jazz at Imber Court in Surrey, me included, and tends to pick a star player for her monthly events and put him or her in front of a good rhythm section and see what develops.
