Photos: © Robert Coles
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So, the truth is out - the Devil doesn't have all the good music! Still, we knew that, because we have seen them before in Bornholm (a whole new story!) - New Orleans Delight + Marilyn Keller and Derek. Derek who? Come on, he was hardly a stranger to anyone by Wednesday - (having been chuffed and flattered when the first leaflets came out, Derek had become mildly embarrassed on seeing his image staring back at him from every poster, badge, programme, bus stop and even a water mark on the map!) No more remarks about how much it cost him - it's wearing a bit thin!
Anyway, back to this Danish/American/English combination! I would think most of our 'jazz' friends now realise why we spend so many of our holidays in Denmark. We're not the only family that follow this band around though - a Danish couple that we have met several times at Jazz Festivals, travelled to Bude just to see them!
Yes, as Derek said, Rachel took a bit of a gamble booking the group for 'The Gospel Hour'. The day before, Kjeld was still nervous - 'What if they don't like our music?' Please!!!!!! Only anyone who was tone deaf! I never had any doubts that everyone would love them - howe
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ver, I did have a few reservations. Budehaven Leisure Centre can be a cold place, lacking in atmosphere, especially if the audience is thin on the ground. Two brilliant bands, Mike Owens Woodland Jazz Band and Martin's Old Green River Band were playing in the town until 3.30pm and NOD were starting at 3pm! We knew that they were likely to parade in (they always do in their church services) - what if there were only a handful of people to greet them?! We needn't have worried, by 3pm the leisure centre was packed, and the striking, charismatic figure of Marilyn led the band to the stage to the strains of 'Just a little while to stay here'. Everyone was on their feet, clapping, snapping and singing and by the time she reached the stage, Marilyn had the audience in the palm of her hand! No change there!Kjeld always refers to himself as the 'band manager' and, having been in management for many years myself, I can tell you that the best way to 'manage' is to surround yourself with the best - and this is what he does. There is not a weak member of this band - they are all excellent musicians in their own right - and all such lovely people! (I only have to see the line-up of the band on their web site and I go all warm and gooey and start smiling - yes, unashamed groupie, I suppose!) Disappointed that Hans, the normal pianist, couldn't come over, but the SAS jumbo jet pilot was a very able stand in - I just missed the beaming smile and giant hug of Hans.
The Gospel Hour! Well, 2 hours actually, and it went down a storm! Everyone was transfixed by the powerful, crystal clear voice of Marilyn and her obvious passion and conviction. At home, Marilyn is a Gospel singer in her local church - a small place with a congregation of about 800, and I am sure she could fill churches here, perhaps not necessarily to hear the sermon!
At the first break there was the usual rush towards the back of the hall, but not to the exit, to the CD sales! So, record CD sales, and it's got to be the most video'd event I've ever attended at Bude - it seems everyone wanted to take some of these memories home with them! They played to capacity audiences for six hours over the three days - lovely songs such as 'He touched me', 'His eye is on the sparrow', 'The old rugged cross' and many, many more, and when Marilyn invited everyone to their feet for the last chorus of 'Amen', the concert took on the air of a Billy Graham rally! I know for a fact that not all of those singing, clapping, arm- waving people were church going believers, but we were enjoying the inspiring music and Marilyn's enthusiasm is so infectious. She finished off with the 'evening prayer' and, not for the first time, reduced me to tears. The session ended as it had started - everyone on their feet, applauding them out of the venue! I do hope this is going to be a regular feature at Bude.
It hasn't been the easiest of years for me - I won't bore you with all the details of my injuries, because, if you know me, I've probably bored you with them already!, but this year we've missed a big chunk of Danish jazz, not to mention nearly 5 months of 51 club jazz. We had arranged a 3 week holiday taking in the Allinge Festival in Bornholm, the Arrhus Festival to see the brilliant Mike Owen and the Maribo Festival, again to see Derek and Brian play with NOD. We eventually managed the 3 days in Maribo and, medically speaking, that was a big mistake. By the last day Brian was offering to lend me his stick! (No regrets though!) We were not sure - right up till the first day of Bude - whether we would make it, but with so many bands that we really didn't want to miss, and the constant pleading of 'Please, Nan, I'll run you right to the door for every gig' we eventually decided to risk it.
We are so glad we did! So many good bands; so many good friends. Well, that's jazz!
Well done Rachel on your first festival!
Jillian Pepper
Bude 2007
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