#cheltjazzfest

I think #CheltJazzFest is back Back BACK after a weak 2025 programme. I'd go again today if it were nearer. Three gigs yesterday. Joshua Redman: proper jazz. Great band and energy at 2pm. The Power of Four: WTAF!; glorious. And finally Theon Cross: commitment and tuba tunes. #jazz @jazz@fedigroups.social #Cheltenham

I have found a video of Elaine Mitchener performing which may is just as wild than yesterday. Pat Thomas was joined by Neil Charles (bass) and Mark Sanders (drums) for our gig. But Café Oto had jazz Bez instead (music starts at 1.20) @jazz@fedigroups.social #jazz #CheltJazzFesthttps://youtu.be/Tq3qLCxIUL4

To be clear. The thing that pissed off my wife was the difficult and uncompromising nature of the music. But we have been for a clear the air curry. And after a ginger martini and beer (me) and tap water (her) harmony has been restored. Now for some restorative tuba courtesy of Theon Cross. #jazz @jazz@fedigroups.social #CheltJazzFest

The problem of sitting in the first row is that the improvising vocalist Elaine Mitchener looked me in the eye and sang the phrase "you look well today" three times at me. #jazz @jazz@fedigroups.social #CheltJazzFest

The thing about liking unpopular music is that it is easy to get front row tickets. Which means you get to sit this close to the genius that is Pat Thomas. #jazz @jazz@fedigroups.social #CheltJazzFest

That was extraordinary. But my wife is no longer talking to me. #jazz @jazz@fedigroups.social #CheltJazzFest

If you're usually a fan of watching out of shape men running for trains, but want to see an out of shape man running for a jazz gig for a change get yourself to Cheltenham. The Joshua Redman set ends at the Town Hall at 15.15. The Power of Four start at the Parabola Arts Centre at 15.30. #CheltJazzFest