Three days of jazz strike the right note in Henley

Henley was treated to three days of jazz at the weekend, with performances and events taking place at The Kenton Theatre, Town Hall to Oaken Grove Vineyard and even on the River Thames.

The festival, the creation of acclaimed local jazz artists Rebecca Poole and Denny Ilett, brought together an impressive line-up of musicians, including BBC broadcaster and vocalist Clare Teal, Mercury Music Prize nominee Joe Webb, Liane Carroll, Fleur Stevenson, Adrian Cox and legendary trumpet player Enrico Tomasso.

The festival opened at The Kenton with Clare Teal, while Friday evening saw the Town Hall transformed for a ‘Night in Havana’ with the Buena Bristol Social Club, bringing Cuban rhythms and dancing to the heart of Henley.

On Saturday, festival-goers could learn the Lindy Hop before taking to the floor for a night of dancing accompanied by a full 17-piece swing orchestra. There were also two afternoon jazz cruises aboard the New Orleans boat, featuring Adrian Cox and Enrico Tomasso on Saturday and Sunday as well as a relaxed afternoon of music at Oaken Grove Vineyard.

On Sunday at The Kenton Rebecca and Denny came together with a 17-piece orchestra for a Sentimental Journey.

The evening took the audience on a journey through some of the songs that hold particular meaning for the pair, including I Get a Kick Out of You, I Could Have Danced All Night, The Very Thought of You, Too Marvellous for Words, Let’s Fall in Love and Fly Me to the Moon.

Lead trumpeter Simon Gardner, who also plays in the Strictly Come Dancing orchestra, joined Rebecca to sing How Deep is the Ocean, while Rebecca performed her own song, Looking for the Real Thing. She also duetted with Stuart Henderson on You’re Not Sick, You’re Just in Love, evoking the classic partnerships of Judy Garland and Bing Crosby.

Denny brought his own characteristic humour to the evening. Introducing Angel of Eyes, he said: “One thing I’ve learnt about love songs is sometimes there is a dark side. The good news it doesn’t last very long.”

After the interval, Rebecca returned to the stage in a striking long red dress, joking: “I thought I would keep it casual!” before launching into Everything is Coming Up Rosy.

The audience was encouraged to join in by clicking their fingers during Fever, while other highlights included Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps, I’ve Got You Under My Skin and Denny’s rendition of One for My Baby and One for the Road, accompanied by Colin on piano.

Denny summed up the calibre of the musicians on stage with a joke: “Best musicians in the country here in our price range. It’s as good as it gets.”

For Rebecca, the evening was about more than just the music. Speaking towards the end of the show, she reflected on what the festival meant to her personally. She said, “I’m feeling a bit sentimental. I think about what we have achieved this weekend. I was born in Henley. Started working on the New Orleans when I was 17/18. Such a life circle moment to do this for the town. Thank you to the volunteers and all the wonderful venues. It’s been a lovely collaboration, and I hope it grows into something bigger.”

The sentiment clearly resonated with the audience, who responded enthusiastically throughout the evening.

As the festival drew to a close, Denny told the crowd: “Absolute pleasure to be here. Thank you for supporting the Jazz Festival in Henley,” prompting a loud cheer.

Rebecca then summed up the weekend with a smile: “Who knew there were so many people in love with Jazz.”

Riverside Counselling Service was the charity partner for the event who ran a raffle with prizes donated by Hobbs of Henley over four events.

The Festival closed with Rebecca/Purdy’s Pop up  with Joe Webb at the piano, Adrian Cox on clarinet and Enrico Tomasso on trumpet, joined by an all-star rhythm section for a spontaneous, joyful late-night jam session.

Judging by the packed venues, enthusiastic dancers and warm reception throughout the three days, Henley may well have discovered a new annual love affair with jazz.