The experience started after leaving a standing ovation at Brecon Jazz Festival, being driven down the M4 (thanks Mick!!!!) and checking into the Heathrow Hilton Hotel at around 3am!!
At 7am (yes....7am) we checked in at NWA, and boarded a much delayed flight to
The day of the gig - left the Motel at 9.30 for sound check at 10.30, perhaps a little tired, but the glorious sun kept our excitement going! A ridiculously heavy bill of top class international musicians only spurred us on - Bill Frissel went after us on the same 'Waterside' stage!! oh no....
After Jason Olaines generous introduction, the tent was rammed and we played our best - typically overdramatic and easily excitable. A standing ovation!! Thanks to one of the best festival crowds we've ever had - silent during the music and crazy loud after!
Then to check the rest of the music. We had a serious day of lessons from the MASTERS - Chris Potter, Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland and Sonny Rollins - yes Sonny Rollins. We sat 10ft from him - that sound!
We also had the pleasure to meet the lovely Esperanza Spalding, our friend from
Tired and a little sun burnt (Tillah), we headed to the hotel via 'The Mansions' and, quote, 'I can't believe I'm seeing this!' from Kit when he saw some palatial 'cottages' in the depths of
A long return Journey, but with a short turnaround to get to OSLO Jazz Festival, we were shattered but too happy to have been involved with the greatest Jazz festival of all.
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