Umbrellas were up at Friday’s launch but, as Marlborough Jazz Festival founder Nick Fogg promised, there was summer sunshine to give a golden glow when it closed last night (Sunday).
And although all the figures have yet to be added up, this year’s international event looks like being the biggest and the best.
Bands from 18 countries performed at 20 locations from noon until after midnight over the long weekend staged in pubs and clubs, bars and bandstand, at the town hall and the big marquee in Priory Park.
And certainly vital sponsors like solicitors Awdry, Bailey and Douglas were full of praise as the festival came to a close with a rapturous performance by Clare Teal, the queen of British jazz singers, in the marquee last night.
A full-house audience demanded two encores after 39-year-old Clare –backed by her brilliant trio of pianist Grant Windsor, double bassist Simon Little and drummer Steve Rushton – came to the end of her appropriately named “Feeling Good” show.
Clare too, who has been singing since she was three, added her personal thanks to an audience whose support she has enjoyed during numerous visits to the festival.
“The festival’s gone from strength to strength and they say this may be the best,” sponsor Andrew Douglas told Marlborough News Online. “By Saturday night we had some 1,500 people here in the marquee and more again today for Clare Teal, who was absolutely fantastic.
“I’m a traditional jazzman myself, but what a voice, what a repertoire of music. Again on Friday night it was wonderful to hear Duke Ellington’s own Queen’s Suite to mark the Queen’s diamond jubilee year. A big band is marvellous in a tent like this.
“Thanks to Marlborough, thanks to the jazz, it all helps us and it’s great to be able to support such a festival.”
And he added: “We’ve been supporting the jazz festival for five years now, not only for good business reasons but because it’s good to have a festival like this here.
“Marlborough is part of my day – every day. All things being well, we shall be back here next time for the sixth year.”
Nick Fogg, who almost lost his voice making so many announcements, told Marlborough News Online: “We’re not sure on the numbers yet — can only say that online bookings were 10 per cent up on last year despite the recession.
“That this was a magnificent festival was well-expressed by the enthusiasm of the crowds that overflowed our major bandstands. Such was the standard of musicianship all round, that it seems invidious to pick out any single performance.
“They were all splendid. I would have to say, however, that for me the outstanding shows were the wonderful Clare Teal, who never fails to deliver, the Echoes of Ellington’s performance of the Queen’s Suite, Richie Bryant’s wonderful all-star ensemble, U Zambesi and of course, Ray Harris and the Fusion Experience who energised the Marlborough audience yet again.
“And there were the other superb African bands and Flap! the magical young band from Melbourne, Australia.”
He added: “I must also mention the super jazz service which culminated with Vanessa Lafaye turning the entire congregation into performers. ‘Marlborough’s got Talent’ is now our watchword.
“It was amply demonstrated by the Marlborough Community Choir, the Jazzports, the St John’s School Band, Joanna Peskett and Ben Lythe and many others.”
