Click an image to enlarge. (Top & right hand side)

London is without question one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. We are truly blessed to have so much diversity on our doorstep. I did however become weary and somewhat stressed during my travels throughout this, health & safety conscious, money hungry city. It soon became apparent that know matter how much I meditated and planned, I could not avoid the frustration of the next broken down train, traffic jam, or single lane traffic diversion. Each journey turned into a continuing chase for the next jazz musician sound-check, or live performance. Was it all worth it? I will let you be the judge.

Ironically, my favourite photograph taken during this Festival is not of a well-known musician, but of a young unknown musician who performed at the Front Room, South Bank Centre (top right image). This young lady’s face is simply magical and was a welcome tonic to this weary travellers’ woes. The London Jazz Festival Journey was worth it, if only to see her face alone. Perhaps she will be the face I will be chasing in the future?

The 2006 London Jazz Festival boasted one hundred & fifty performances, held at thirty different venues. Congratulations to producers Serious, associated promoters and staff for managing an extremely busy and successful Festival. Hopefully next year most of the performances will be under one roof. If not, I will have to hire a jetpack to assist in my travels.

Robin Francis
© Michael Valentine Studio Ltd.