The most amazing opening concert of the Rye International Jazz Festival 2024 took place in St Mary’s on Friday, August 23.
Eric Bibb’s music is characterised by its warmth and positivity, addressing themes of love, spirituality, and social justice. His style blends traditional blues with elements of contemporary folk and world music, making his sound both timeless and relevant.
Bibbs is the master of intimacy and emotional depth, leaving a lasting impression on his audience. The audience that night was warm and responded to the sincerity of delivery of each song and the feelings that his songs provoked.
On Saturday there were two headliner concerts: Camilla George at 3pm and Tunde at 8.
Camilla George, a British-Nigerian saxophonist, has been making waves in the contemporary jazz scene, her albums receiving widespread acclaim. Her music is a blend of Afrobeat, jazz, and highlife, reflecting her African heritage and jazz influences. Her music is a tribute to her Ibibio heritage and is noted for its vibrant arrangements and George’s expressive saxophone playing. She certainly has talent in spades.
People were queuing for ages before the Tunde concert as they wanted to get the best seats. Chatting to them beforehand, it was fascinating how many were coming to the concert for purely nostalgic reasons. Tunde, of course, was the former lead singer of the The Lighthouse Family, had played a significant part in their growing up and they all wanted to hear him sing ‘We are Family’: they were not disappointed. His audience loved him and he loved them back; amazing, talented, generous of spirit and a crowd-pleaser. People would have stayed for another hour just to capture more memories.
What an amazing line up Ian Bowden and his team have given to Rye this year. On Sunday afternoon St Mary’s welcomed Monty Alexander, the celebrated Jamaican jazz pianist with a career spanning over six decades. Known for his vibrant, rhythmic style, he blends jazz with elements of reggae, calypso, and other Caribbean genres.
His piano playing is dynamic and combines a strong sense of melody and rhythm. His audience gave him a rapturous welcome to the stage and enjoyed every note.
Omar had the audience dancing in the aisles.
He is a British singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the neo-soul genre. His music blends elements of soul, jazz, funk, and reggae, and he has been a major influence on a generation of artists.
The audience loved him.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .