Ballydehob Jazz Festival. Pt 2 A Musical Montage
My apologies for this rather late follow up to my initial post on the BJF but as the saying goes, “life gets in the way!”. Doesn’t it just! Anyway better late than never so here we go. This time I’m following up with a little more musical commentary and of course some snaps. The BJF lineup, curated by Joe and Caroline O’Leary has an eclectic tradition. This year was no different. There were no big name headliners that the casual music fan might expect at the major European festivals. Instead there was a fantastic mix of superb musicians from Ireland and all over Europe. The philosophy underpinning the festival is in part a response to the fractured nature of world politics. Joe O’Leary’s view is:
“With everything going on globally -cruelty, oppression, negativity- it feels more important than ever to gather, celebrate, and share joy. This festival is about freedom of expression, community, and making magic together.”[1]
What is strikingly evident is a community effort, catalyzed by music, that reflects Joe and Caroline’s vision of humanity that is peaceful, respectful and inclusive.
The photographs below tell the story.
The horn section of Montpelier-based, Canibal Dandies, power the climatic New Orleans parade.
The Canibal Dandies drummers bring the beat.
Benji Bower, together with his Terra Collective Orchestra present a fabulous concert of jazz-influenced ambient art music.
The Terra Collective Orchestra: a terrific ensemble of talent.
London resident, Leonie Evans delivers a fine set of jazz-influenced, unique, self-penned songs.
Kathleen Frances performs with Benji Bower and the Terra Collective.
Emma Gowing plays lead ukulele with the all-female ensemble, The Lava Birds. A fantastic band -a multi-national, Madrid-based collective preserving early jazz and blues. Click this link for a short vid: larva-birds
Alex Gough and friends, pictured here in the backyard of Levis Corner House, provided some nice jazz fusion. Here’s a short vid: alex-gough-and-friends
Gina Griffin and The Schmoozenbergs (best name ever) scintillate with hot gypsy jazz. Another band from the UK’s West Country. Taster clip here: .schmoozenbergs
Ron Phelan defines the bottom line for The Schmoozenbergs.
Bristol-based, Around About Dusk, play some lovely early jazz.
Rachel Lawrence on accordion with Around About Dusk.
Around 50 bands played on the Music Trail over the weekend. Every bar, pub, coffee shop and restaurant was jumpin’. The best value, beat fun and most eccentric jazz festival ever! Try to attend next year -you won’t be disappointed.
[1] https://ballydehobjazzfestival.org/about/
