Return of the Jazz Festival

A Jazz weekend in one form or another has been part of Thanet’s festival calendar since 2005. Way back then it was known as ‘The Big Sky Jazz Festival’ created by David Mossman, of the Vortex Jazz Club. Since then the festival has grown and grown and now has a home in Olby’s Soul Café. This month Margate is delighted to welcome back the musicians to various venues across the town.

Olby’s offer international names such as Paul Booth, who is regarded as one of the finest modern jazz players in the world. With five solo albums beneath his sax, he is used to performances in Miami and such. Hopefully Margate can do its best impression of Miami weather wise. Paul is Ramsgate based these days though so I imagine he’ll be ready to jam come rain or shine, he’ll open the weekend alongside the Bansangu Orchestra. Tickets are still available, show starts at 7pm on Friday 21st September.

Olby’s showcase similar levels of quality throughout the weekend as Courtney Pine, described as a ‘ground breaking, multi- instrumentalist who has led a generation of exciting and innovative players who have broadened their styles to take jazz out to a wider audience’. Sunday brings Cuban Omar Puente, who toured with Buena Vista’s Ruben Gonzales and his show ‘Best Foot Forward’. A weekend pass is available for any dedicated ‘Jazzers’ who don’t want to mix a single dulcet tone.

Speaking of dulcet tones, we sat down with Dulcie of ‘Dulcie May and Stephen Bridgland Jazz Duo’ who are performing outside Turner Contemporary on Saturday 22^nd, alongside Australian Cyril Manuel, the Double Bass player is highly regarded among Kent musicians for his skills and sensitivity in the music. Together they are known as Dulcie May Trio and they offer a free alternative for all craving Jazz, Dulcie tells us it’s the second time that they’ve played outside Turner Contemporary, the first time she recalls a stunning sunset and listeners sipping on cocktails.

What can people expect from your performance?

“You can expect mixture of sounds, we are ‘soulful bluesy and swinging’ and I have chosen an eclectic set for this occasion, with an autumnal feel to say goodbye to summer and welcome the changing seasons!”

There has been a Jazz festival in one form or another since 2005, why do think Jazz has such an appeal here in Margate?

“I think Jazz has the ability to speak to everyone, there’s so many different styles and whether you like vocal Jazz like mine, songs with story and emotion and a bit of fun, or bebop and hardbop and free Jazz. There’s something for everyone. Jazz isn’t ‘making a comeback’ it never died! That’s my feeling. I’ve been performing for a while in Margate and this will be my third Margate Jazz Festival. It’s always a pleasure and Margate comes to life with the buzz of the Jazz!”

Will you be attending any other events at the festival as a fan?

“Absolutely, I’ll be at Courtney Pine on Saturday after our show, with a quick nip to Peters fish factory in between! You might even catch me on the door helping out.”

If our readers can’t make it to you when can they see you next?

“I am just about to release my debut album with my quintet, watch out for our date at Cafe Rouge in Canterbury, October 19th. This will feature Alex Keen on Double Bass, Stephen Bridgland on Guitar, Ashley Smith on Drums and Nick Browne on Saxophone.”

There are more free events taking place in pubs and public places all across Margate, for example along the Harbour musicians and dancers alike will be bringing Jazzy vibes, The Lifeboat host Three Plus on Saturday afternoon. The pick of the free events is held at Cinque Ports, with Mampama performing from 16:00. The Buoy & Oyster offers stunning views and dreamy jazz on Sunday evening via Jo Doolan & Richard Rooze, playing music from Jo’s album ‘Dream of a Dream’.

For more info check out the www.margatejazzfestival.co.uk/

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