Nothing that I went to in the Jazz Festival was other than enjoyable but in addition to Martin Kershaw's concert that I reported on earlier two others rose to the top of the pile.

The young Mark Hendry is clearly a talent with an exciting future ahead of him.  He had written two pieces for an ensemble of twenty three players, in essence a chamber orchestra with saxophones and drum kit ousting classical woodwinds and percussion.  His Endangered Species suite was a thoughtful, reflective and melodious piece that contrasted vividly with the jagged, piercing dystopian screeches of 1984, written in response to Orwell's novel.  Great stuff warmly applauded by an appreciative audience.

Martin Kershaw popped up again, this time with Dave Milligan, Calum Gourlay and Alan Cosker as a member of Colin Steele's Quintet.  They played ninety minutes of Colin's music (some written in collaboration with Dave Milligan).  Apart from one number that harked back to New Orleans it was straight ahead modern jazz of great quality.  It was the last gig I went to and finished my festival on a suitably high note.