For our annual trip to the Cheltenham Jazz festival we began as usual in the intimate and warm surroundings of the Pillar Room . Whereas our three booked shows for the remainder of the festival were more well-known, safer perforances our choices on the Saturday were bold by comparison.
I always feel that the opening act of any festival always set the tone for what is to follow. At first glance a group consisting of an Englishman, a Norwegian and an Austrian and sponsored by the Norwegian Embassy may not have sounded too promising. Fortunately though my fears proved unfounded when Food provided a riveting 75 minute performance. Led by Thomas Stronen on drums and a variety of percussive instruments, accompanied by Iain Bellamy's saxophone and guest performer Christian Fennesz on guitar and synthesizer they played a new Festival comission in its entirety.
Starting quickly with a succession of quirky noises and seamlessly building to a crescendo this piece was repetitive but ultimately entrancing and beguiling. One of these compositions you could enjoy with your eyes open or closed but, fortunately, loud enough to ensure you never actually fell asleep.
A great start to the festival.
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