A gloriously warm July weekend flourished with British sporting victories made for the perfect setting for Britain’s fist greenfield Jazz festival in 20 years - The Love Supreme Jazz Festivalat Glynde Place in Sussex. 

With four stages, each offering a different atmosphere and a wide ranging selection of artists (58 over the course of the weekend), there was truly something for everybody. The festival attracted a mixed audience, from the young urban crowd and modern jazz aficionados, to those who would have fitted seamlessly into neighbouring events at Glyndebourne.  

The festival was well catered for with a variety of high quality food outlets ranging from Italian to Indian cuisine, and a fair selection of bars offering reasonably priced beverages. A favourite for the weekend was the Grand Marnier cocktail bar, which transported patrons from the rolling hills of Sussex to the glamour of Club 55 in St Tropez, serving a variety of refreshing cocktails and long drinks mixed with their famous orange liqueur . 

Eric Bibb playing in the Big Top

The weekend’s selection of artists complemented  perfectly the mood and atmosphere of the event, providing what seemed like a whistle-stop tour of various Jazz sub-genres. Saturday afternoon’s set list went on a journey through R&B, fusion and electronic jazz. The unsurpassed Courtney Pine proved once again to be an ambassador for the British Jazz scene through an extraordinary set which kept the audience enthused and dancing throughout. Also proving himself once again as a first class artist was Eric Bibb, who’s intimate blues set resonated flawlessly with the audience at the festival’s Big Top stage. Snarky Puppy, who played an early evening set in the Big Top attracted quite a following, and reaffirmed themselves as one of the upcoming groups to watch on the progressive scene. 

The festivals smaller ‘Bandstand’ stage nestled in a tree-covered area exploited a sense of discovery for patrons, with highly skilled musicians providing intimate performances for the crowds. A particular favourite was the Jack Kendon Quartet, who’s performances did true justice to such Jazz classics as ‘All of me’ and ‘Georgia on my mind’ whilst adding personal touches of traditional jazz improvisation. 

The bandstand stage with the Jack Kendon Quartet Playing

Saturday evening’s main stage proved to be a real treat for the audience, with an enjoyable set from Chic feat. Nile Rodgers who’s set provided a small respite from the pure Jazz, but fitted the mood and style of the event perfectly. Bryan Ferry & The Bryan Ferry Orchestra captured the Gatsby-style revival in a tightly performed and immaculately arranged debut of the new ‘Jazz Age’ album – featuring some of Roxy Music’s best loved tunes, reworked into the enjoyable 20’s big band style. The nighty went on until 2am with White Mink vs Peppermint Candy in the festival’s ‘Arena’, with festivals goers gradually disappearing to the campsites after a long day of Jazz, glorious weather and perhaps one too many drinks!

The festival awoke at midday on Sunday to the light hearted joyful tunes of the Ryan Quigley Big Band, who showcased the solo talents of their musicians to covers of well-known tunes of the 60s. As the crowds emerged from campsites and car parks and dispersed into the various stage venues throughout the day, there was certainly a vibe of ‘Sunday morning Jazz’, with traditional-style groups providing tuneful renditions of Jazz standards, each adding its own unique touch.  Sunday’s unanimous highlight was Gregory Porter, who’s skilled musicians accompanied his outstanding vocal ability and proved that he is fast becoming the new mainstream face of Jazz.

As Sunday afternoon passed by, with any mild hangovers from the previous night dissipating, the tempo of the event picked up again with evening performances by The Brand New Heavies, culminating in an enjoyable set by Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. 

The Love Supreme Jazz Festival could not have positioned itself better. The festival site was optimal for the crowd size, and the location in glory of the Sussex Downs made the setting even more pleasant. The selection of music and various stages truly provided something for everyone - Jazz lover or not. It is clear that a great deal of investment and thought was put into this festival in its first year, and the crowds certainly reaped the rewards. The standard of musicians was impeccably high, and the audience responded well to this - there was certainly a feeling of satisfaction about the place as the weekend came to a close.

Article and photos:Matt Burton