Bray Jazz Festival 2012

It comes around to the seaside town every May Bank Holiday offering up a a feast of jazz delights whatever the weather. Festival director George Jacob started Bray Jazz back in 2000 as a millennium celebration and here we are in its 13th incarnation. This year has an exceptional set of headlining acts, with Norway’s Tord Gustavsen Trio (sold out), the great Afro-Peruvian singer Susana Baca (also sold out) and Don Byron’s New Gospel Quintet from New York at the top of the bill. Smaller, but no less interesting artists include Mari Kvien Brunvoll, who’s voice and use of electronic effects have likened her to a jazz Björk. Equally intriguing is the Austrian hurdy gurdy player Matthias Loibner, who brings a jazz sensibility to the 900 year old instrument. The Royal Hotel plays host to four free sets from home grown talent including Nature and OKO. Get on that DART!

Don Byron

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