Bob Weir:
A year ago I urged caution in judging Brecon too soon under its new Hay festival management. After attending this year's wholly successul event (at least musically and socially - not sure yet about the financial outcome) I feel vindicated in doing so.Nigel Jarrett:
True, the glory days under Jed Williams's benign regime of multiple Brecon exclusives by the biggest and most creative jazz stars are over but that applies pretty well everywhere for UK festivals. The event is now refocused to what the programme describes as 'the essential home for the new generation of jazz superstars, and a byword for innovation and excellence'.
The organisation is now professional, efficient and friendly with an effective ticketing system, new venues with good sound systems and stage design, fewer late starts and only one last-minute cancellation.
A social gathering area in the grounds of Christ's College with much improved refreshment facilities remedies a long-standing deficiency. What matters most, of course, is the music and the 45 reasonably priced concerts ranging across most jazz styles but concentrating on the younger generation of innovative Europeans seemed to satisfy everyone at the festival.
Brecon very impressive by any standard. The organisers say ticket sales were up 50% on last year and audiences an average of 90% capacity. I had to run to get good seats at most of the gigs I went to. Phronesis were sold out. I have never seen an impro band with that many people attending. The guy next to me also had tickets for Acker Bilk.
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