The Very Talented Mr. Quiqley

The Very Exuberant Mr. Quigley!

The Mira Opalinska International Quartet enroute to the stage

Mira Opalinska

Dr. Lonnie Smith

Mose Allison

John Nugent and Bob Sneider sit in - Brian Kellock's arm too - quiet late, I'd been drinking Irn Bru responsibly.

Fiona and friends at the Thistle after gig jam on Friday

Joe Temperley solo

Glasgow Jazz Festival is the one that I have attended for the past 20 years – and this year’s was right on the button as usual with a mouth-watering program of homegrown and international artists who inspire and excite in equal measure. Young players are given the big stage at the Old Fruitmarket (my all-time favourite venue) and they fill it beautifully. All the artists, young and mature show a complete committment to their art as they keep the music moving forward on a journey with instinct as their guide.

The venues always feel so warm and relaxing, seeming to enfold the musicians in an atmosphere of bonhomie drawing the very best from all those on stage – and the audience. The new after-hours venue at the Thistle worked well, Ryan Quiqley’s crack about the room was very funny – it was the kind of place you play twice – once on the way up, and once on the way down. Thankfully the large (with bar of course) room soaked up the energy and great music played and by the Sunday night it was a club you didn’t want to leave.

Strathclyde Youth Jazz Orchestra - MD Stewart Stewart Forbes