Jim McDermott and Friends - River Inn 3/5/13

Jim McDermott and Friends and the River Inn

When the Jazz Festival comes around each year it is the one and single event of the weekend I DO NOT miss. I dandered down the steps of the River Inn to see jim and friends on stage. The place was packed and everyone enjoying the show. Switching from flute, to sax and to clarinet things were kept fresh and lively but a particular highlight for me was seeing Jim take to the mic for a song and playing his alto sax between verses.
I will admit, I am entirely biassed when it comes to Jim McDermott. Having been a pupil at St Mary's College, I first met Jim in the practice rooms of the old St Mary's building which is no longer there. I learned saxophone from Jim for 5 years. By the time it came for him to retire I thought of him not as a teacher but as a friend.
A nice long set was played and the crowd seemed to thoroughly enjoy every minute, people sang along and some could be seen waving to the band onstage, friends like myself who'd come along for the show.

Gay McIntyre & Joe Quigley at The Rocking Chair 3pm 3/5/13

Joe Quigley & Gay McIntyre at The Rocking Chair

He never fails to impress, Gay McIntyre, playing here in The Rocking Chair lounge with accompaniment from Joe Quigley. I've never been in the lounge here before and on my way here wondered how all the people that would come to see Gay would fit in. I came, I saw, I learned, their lounge is quite big and so is the crowd that has come along.
Again the family element shine through with both young and old filling the room to listen to the intricate melodies coming from both Joe and Gay. As I've stated before in the previous blog this is another case of where there IS jazz in the Jazz Festival, and quality jazz at that. At Gay's age, and it's no secret he's pushing on a bit, his music is still fluid, alive and faultless. It's no wonder he's a local celebrity and will continue to be. Could you imagine a Jazz Festival without him? I don't think I could, his performances with his son, Paul, are a special treat too if you get the chance. Paul will be playing tomorrow at 2pm in the Playhouse Theater. Ever seen a PhD level pianist? there's your chance!

Cafe Jazz Project at Cafe Del Mondo 2pm 3/5/13

Cafe Jazz Project at Cafe Del Mondo

The answer: Here! The question: Where is the jazz in the Jazz Festival? Many have made joke about this Festival not really being a jazz festival but rather a general music festival, I tell you now the music being performed here in Cafe Del Mondo is none other than top quality jazz clarinet and guitar playing. The Cafe Jazz Project could not be better named. The the music is soothing, rich, melodic and so well executed. This my friends, is Jazz.
This is definitely the kind of thing I look forward to when the Jazz Festival comes along. To watch a jazz guitarist play is a "where's wally" of chords I have the ability to play myself and although I've never tried my hand at clarinet I did play the alto sax for a few years so am suitable agog at the talent on display. If you can't catch them over the weekend get a jook online even. Here's a clip of them playing at Fitzroys Restaurant also in Derry.

R Paul at The Richmond Centre 2pm 3/5/13

R Paul at Our Venue in the Richmond Center

R Paul is blasting out a bunch or bouncing tunes in the Richmond Center as I type! The Richmond has it’s very own venue or should I say, “Our Venue”. They have cleared a spot on the second floor and shoppers are being entertained! R Paul has drawn in a crowd enjoying the music. A saxophone, a voice and a backing track or two has turned the Richmond Center into a musical haven all created by R Paul from 2pm today. The dulcet tones can be heard echoed up and throughout those mirrored stairs.  Ideal but of entertainment for those of us who otherwise might not be able to catch up with all the goings-on of the festival this weekend.

Call up and you’ll be able to hear some of those, jazz, swing and blues classics that R Paul’s voice suits down to a tee! I don’t know about you folks but I don’t know how I haven’t heard of him before, I’m definitely sure I’ll be hearing more of him in the future!

Jive Aces with special guest Rebecca Grant! 1pm Foyleside 3/5/13

The Jive Aces and Rebecca Grant at Foyleside Food court

The energy here is electric! there hare hundreds of people gathered at Foyleside Shopping Centre Food court. Only standing room left! The Jive Aces are on top form and are accompanied by special guest Rebecca Grant. The crowd spans from the very youngest babies to the more mature but everyone looks to be having a great time. The crowd are singing and in some cases dancing along to the music. Speaking of dancing though, what I can only assume are professional dancers are also performing in front of the stage making this event not only a delight for the ears but the eyes as well.
As I look around me now the crowd watch on in delight at the music and dance, others clap along, toes tap, heads bob, fingers click, lyrics mouthed and smiles on faces. What a treat for all the senses, you can enjoy a bite to eat or cold beverage with top class music. I mean in no way to belittle but this is definitely the best entertainment I've had from men in yellow suits since I watched "Bananas in Pajamas" as a child. They're also going to be performing at the Metro Bar later tonight so get along and take a jook!

Phyllis Curran - Custom House 12pm 3/5/13

Phyllis Curran at Custom House

Well here I am kicking off my Jazztastic weekend in Custom House armed with a soft drink and a laptop. Phyllis Curran is on stage and in full swing, the bar is manned but where are the public? I am the sole audience member. Phyllis is belting out the tunes, everything from  Shirley Bassey to Sinatra and of course I clap to show my appreciation but hesitate because it seems to create a more intense feeling of emptiness in the bar.
Wait! My spirits lift! A small crowd have entered the bar, hurray! But no, they are here for lunch and soon exit the bar through a side door. Alone once more, aside from the bar man and of course Phyllis. As a musician myself I have been in this very same situation before but I must say never before have I coped with it with as much class and professionalism. Let me tell you folks, it is sole destroying to play to an empty venue but this lady seems to be taking it in her stride.
Her voice is strong, her head held high and her toes tapping.  If you happen to be reading this in the next half hour, call down to Custom House and show your support!