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It has been said, but it is necessary to repeat…The 2007 London Jazz Festival was a resounding success!

All musicians, organisers and promoters (Serious & co) deserve a pat on their backs for producing an exciting and varied programme that highlighted the many flavours of the wonderful world known as JAZZ, world music and fusion.

Jazz Festival patrons had so much to choose from this year, so much to smile about and, so much to dance to. Even the hardest faced health and safety officer could not stop eager patrons from dancing in the aisles during the Jazz Jamaica gig. Frantic attempts to keep people confined to their seats were just ignored. The message was clear. Patrons wanted to get up, dance and enjoy themselves.

Too many high points to mention here without requesting an increase in web space, but I will never forget, the Latin Funk Fever caused by Five Funky Fellas at the Ballroom of the Royal Festival Hall, the delicate, yet playful touch of the Jeff Neeve Trio at the Pizza Express Jazz Club and the sweet soothing vocals of Lizz Wright at the We Love Ella Tribute. It was also more than a pleasure to meet the delightfully unpredictable Melody Gardot, and to exchange loving words with the ever-reliable Juliet Roberts during the quieter moments of her very busy schedule.

Without doubt the pièce de résistance had to be my ten-second duet (Stevie Wonder’s Golden Lady) with Raul Midón at the Southbank. Unfortunately the only people present to hear my honeyed vocals where the mixing engineers, one other photographer and Raul Midón. They do say the Lord works in mysterious ways!

Featured musicians:
Michael Mwenso, Winston Clifford and Sax Mafia & Ayanna Witter-Johnson

Robin Francis
© Michael Valentine Studio Ltd.