The next concert was with Abdullah Ibrahim, to which I had looked very much forward. However it was a huge disappointment. Abdullah was just not capable anymore to give a decent performance. I didn’t expect a flawless performance but his performance didn’t even touch my lowest expectations, it was sad to see. It was announced as a trio performance bug it actually was a performance of sometimes solos of Abdullah and then again a duo performance of the bass/cello player and the flute player. With every now and then two notes of Abdullah…, the two were very good, but it was not enough to safe the performance. A clear case of went on too long, a sad remembrance of a great artist which I have in high esteem…
2 Likes
I then went on and could get the last part of the performance of Marcus Miller. What I heard was enjoyable and good. While I also feel that the music and the performance looses something when you put it in front of such a big audience in such a huge venue.
1 Like
The next concert was with the Fred Hersch Trio with Joey Barron and Drew Grass. As expected on high level, especially Joey Barron impressed in his measured playing. A strange thing with such a good concert in isolation one would rave about it, now it didn’t have enough excitement anc newness to be only satisfied with the high level of playing of the trio……
2 Likes
The next concert was one with a lot of excitement Gard Nillsons Supersonic Orchestra. And supersonic it was. You get very interesting sound perspective when you have a huge horn section supported by three drummers and three bass players. The choice of the music also made it to an experience / not only using the power play to impress but also having moments with restrain and great solos and melody. An event and a good concert……
4 Likes
This is the proof of a bad planning of the festival. At some point in time I wanted to see Lakecia Benjamin, but is was impossible to get in and also other jazz stages was full - so also no alternative program. They didn’t plan a good large act which drew away the audience / a pity as I could have at least covered the playing of Lakecia for 45 minutes……
2 Likes
As usual Bert a great summary of the festival.
2 Likes
The last concert of the day for me was another great one with Kenny Garrett and his band. An infectious mix of funk, jazz and popular music. Very much foot tapping music. Also the addition of the lady vocalist was working well, as she used her voice more as an instrument than express her voice through lyrics. At the end it became a real feast with a totally engaged dancing crowd.
5 Likes
I have seen Marcus Miller perform several times, including at Ronnie Scott’s last year when he was sensational. Also had a chat with him after a gig at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival a few years ago and he was super cool and nice in conversation.
Thank you for the updates here @BertBird - very interesting and informative as always.
2 Likes
Hate to have so many great options I need to pass today. While watching Brad Mehldau I have to pass Seal and Kandance Springs today…
This reminds me of the recent report of Pollini at RFH in London.
http://theotherclassicalmusics.org/blog/2023/06/26/maurizio-pollini-the-end/
I was hoping I get to see him play again but it does not look likely. 
Hollywood Vampires at the o2 London. Really strange see Alice Cooper singing tracks by The Doors AC/DC The Who and Aerosmith. Very enjoyable gig. Nice touch Ronnie Wood questing with the band for the Jeff Beck tribute part of the show and Joe Perry getting to play Becks guitar as well.
4 Likes
Is that 3 gigs in five days Steve? All at the O2. You must be knackered. And skint! (Especially if bought the £8.50 beer!)
1 Like
Really looking forward to seeing them tomorrow night in Birmingham. We saw them on their first tour and they were brilliant.
1 Like
Luckily gave up alcohol years ago so saved money there:rofl:. Yep 3 gigs if 5 days it’s killed me but worth it. Kiss stage show was amazing. Maiden bit disappointing but still good and Hollywood Vampires great fun. Just glad my daughter only turns sixteen once 
2 Likes
Great fun band. No elaborate stage show just good old fashion rock band.
2 Likes
Yeah, that’s exactly what they did before.
Johnny singing “Heroes” with a big picture of Bowie projected behind him was a big surprise, as it hadn’t been released yet.
Hoping for a surprise or 2 tomorrow night 
1 Like
Get The Blessing last night on what was a glorious seaside day at Swanage.
Civilised, spacious and comfortable venue too. No point sweating it out like a penned up pig !
2 Likes
Springsteen, Saturday, Hyde Park
One of his best. I realised on the day that it is 35 years since I first saw him. It’s a pretty slick show now. Just the tight 3 hours.
My brother went to Thursday and Saturday. He reckoned Thursday was the best he’d ever seen perform.
7 Likes
Every Bruce show is always special. Always hard to say which was the best or rather favourite as they are all magnificent. One thing I am sure of on the 30 occasions I have seen him, the Hyde Park venue is by far the worst so this tour I enjoyed Birmingham more than the two London shows. I heard he might go around again next year. Let’s hope…
3 Likes
I feel this may be the end. But who knows for sure.
I enjoyed Hyde Park this time more that previous visits. They seem to have improved facilities so it’s less of a crush and you can easily get food and drink. The only real issue was my feet were quite sore after about 7 hours on my feet.
3 Likes