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Elly Roberts reviews
Saturday 28th August 2004
Small World Big Band 3
Ten thousand people chanced the elements,for an outstanding double – bill of Jazz and Rhythm and Blues at Bryn Terfel’sFaenol Festival near Bangor. The dramatic setting of the Faenol Estate, at thefoot of the Snowdonia National Park, was made even more spectacular as stormclouds gathered and threatened to wash out the concert.
Thankfully, the weather held out as hundreds of picnic hampers opened up, withcandleabra adding elegance as champagne and wine bottles popped around thenatural bowl.
Top of the bill was Jools Holland and his Rhythm and BluesOrchestra, supported by new Jazz sensation Jamie Cullum. Holland andhis merry band are always great value for money.This night he seemed to turnon the style even more for his debut in the prinicipality, as he rompedthrough a 90 minute set full of zest and pace. His output was unrelenting ashe delved into old standards and tributes to one of his heros, Ray Charles.
Not the greatest of singers, dapper Jools dressed in familiar trendy suit andwinckle-picker black shoes, as he held court in customary manner. Hollandclearly relishes playing live, and grinned his way through the whole night asthe atmosphere grew with every song. Facially, he’s grown a uncultured goatybeard, and looked remarkably like film star Charles Bronson.
The introduction of Sam Brown (daughter of ’60s star Joe Brown) and Ruby Turneradded a touch of vocal class, particularly Turner’s soulful renditions. Theintroduction of guest pianist and support artist Jamie Cullum set the venuealight, as thousands let their hair down, along with a rush to the stage front.
Close-up, fast-fingered Holland was an absolute delight to witness in fullflow, as he easily switched styles from the Blues, to Rhythm and Blues toReggae. His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra is a tried and tested solid outfit, andhe is very respectful of their fantastic contribution – for without them thereis no show. He regularly introduces and praises individual members. Particularattention was given to Ska creator and trombonist Rico Rodreguez as the collectiveplayed one of his most famous songs – an instrumental version of The Specials’A Message To You Rudy.
Each song had its own merits, and there are many that he draws from his hugeback catalogue, but the most memorable was Valentine Moon, co-writtenby Sam Brown and Jools Holland. Her smoky larynx turned the love ballad intoan absolute showstopper.
TwentysomethingBright young thing – bubbly Jamie Cullum – is making serious waves in themusic industry. Initial scepticism because of his street – cred appearance israpidly being blown away by some pretty impressive performances – and this wasno exception.
The diminutive 24-year-old Wiltshire lad is fun, funky and formidable. Full ofconfidence and excitement at playing to probably his biggest audience to date,he won the hearts and minds of all ages. Though not in the same league as HarryConnick Jnr, he has added a common touch and 21 century twist to both new andold standards. Behind the frisky showmanship there is real musical talent.Whereas Katie Mellua is MOR, Cullum really can cut the mustard in the trueJazz sense, and should never to be labelled lightweight.
Cullum is entering a brave new world, as he brings Jazz into the mainstreammusical arena. His Twentysomething CD is the fastest selling Jazz albumof all time in the UK, and he is now officially the best selling UK Jazz artistever. Cullum is also good for another reason, as he will undoubtedly lead youngerlisteners to seek out the greats from the past. His 60-minute set began with anunconventional cover of Bob Dylan‘s The Wind Cries Mary. He thenmoved on to some well known classics, I Get A Kick Out Of You, and WhatA Difference A Day Makes.
Tracks from his debut CD, Pointless Nostalgic, got an airing, then itwas back to some ‘sound-trackers ‘ like I Could Have Danced All Night. Halfwaythrough the set he wandered into the audience, with women flocking to getclose. Turning into the Pied Piper of Jazz they followed him through the aislesback to the stage. His vocal range isn’t great, and there’s an undeniable Americanlilt to his singing. However, Cullum and his two supporting musicians make anincredible sound as a trio.
Elly Roberts passed away in 2011, but he was a man who was so passionate about all types of music and loved meeting his musical heroes, such as Mick Hucknall at a book signing at the Trafford Centre, Manchester in 2007.
A former teacher and also a music journalist, DJ and radio presenter on local community station Calon FM, plus appearances on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio 2, Elly started doing reviews for DVDfever.co.uk in 2004 and he did the majority of the CD and concerts reviews on the website.
I know also that he loved getting away for the summer to Spain and I hope that wherever he is now he is enjoying the hot sunshine and, as one of his friends has said on his Facebook page, that he is interviewing his musical heroes.