I am, and “it”, is back, it being this blog!

Although most of this edition will be me writing about my Swanage Jazz Festival 2022 experience I must first tell you of some necessary changes to this coming Thursday (July 21^st) Hedsor Jazz gig.

We had planned for Duncan Lamont Jr and Mike Innes to be with us this week, but “other” circumstances have prevented this. In their place we welcome back Trumpet maestro Stuart Henderson. He will be partnered by a young saxophonist we have had twice before, Mike Wilkins.

Also, on his return from his hols, drummer and band leader Martin Hart has now sadly tested positive for covid 19, so he will not be with us this week.

Even though our program this week is not as planned we hope you will support Hedsor Jazz, and don’t forget that Thursday week (July 28^th) we celebrate vibraphone and percussionist Alan Grahame’s 95 years with a gathering at Hedsor Jazz of as many of his long term colleagues we can get in! AND still it will only cost you a £10 entry. We anticipate having a light buffet that evening so do put it in your “must do” diary.

Now to my experience of Swanage 2022.

On the whole it worked well. I personally could only manage to reach 2 different venues, but over the 3 days I took in 7 concerts plus taking the walk alongside the New Orleans style street parade. I will scan in the details of those I got to see, but my general appreciation was that they were all VERY enjoyable.

Two downsides. Not having the marquees on the field facing the sea as in most of the festivals 25 plus years meant that the ability to meet socially was greatly restricted. The concert venues I visited had seats in rows. Very comfortable, but it made strolling between gigs very difficult if not impossible.

The other downside has more to do with the town’s traders than of the jazz festival. It was very difficult to find hot food after about 4 pm. Yes, plenty of fish and chips was obtainable, but I was surprised that so many cafe style eateries seemed to close at 4pm.

If like me you haven’t travelled far afield in the past 3 years, travelling this year you will find everything much more expensive than 3 years ago. As I was in Dorset I took in visits in the area to friends and relatives which meant I stayed in 3 hotels in 7 days. All charged near to or over £100 per night, breakfast was averaging £9 per go! Plus of course fuel at around £2 per litre, or in old money not, far short of £10 per gallon! I am very glad my Volvo did 63 mpg on diesel.

Will I go again? I have already booked my accommodation for Swanage Jazz 2023 starting on July 7^th!

Below the program I experienced. I will try and get you the marching band experience another time.

 

I may try to comment on the actual music I heard later in the week when the weather is cooler, but until then

 

Goodbye