On the odd occasion when the sun decides to greet us with its presence, here in the UK, we certainly like to make the most of the rays. What a perfect way to do so, but attend a festival with exclusive performances, from some of the most high profile acts from the 70s and 80s.
Moseley Private Park welcomed the community with open arms for this yearly showcase for jazz, soul and funk fanatics.
Moseley Private Park welcomed the community with open arms for this yearly showcase for jazz, soul and funk fanatics.
I was lucky enough to attend 2 out of the 3 day festival. Slightly gutted that I missed Bonobo headlining on the Friday night, but was told how great he was.
So on Saturday morning, a group of us set out to Moseley Park - which, lucky for us was a mere 10 minute walk - with our chairs and picnic bags. When we arrived, we set up our pitch, and discovered our surroundings. The bands which played throughout the day were extremely good and created a great ambiance whilst people spectated, caught up with old friends and got their hair braided by the fabulous Nikki B.
As the sun started to set, Craig Charles hit to the decks playing everlasting tunes, it really set everyone off!
The evening ended with a beautiful performance from Candi Staton, as everyone sung along to her most popular hits 'You Got The Love' and 'Young Hearts Run Free'. I was really impressed with Staton's show, especially when I found out how old she actually is.
Saturday had been an energetic day, with painful feet from all the grooving, so we decided to take it slower on the Sunday. I think a lot of people thought the same as us, as everyone was a lot more relaxed. Some quite concerned they were going to miss the Wimbledon Final, but the organisers had taken all of this into consideration, and had a set up a TV screen at the bar, which allowed hundreds to go cheer crazy as Murray led us to victory after 37 years.
As word got around, and happiness spread, it set the perfect atmosphere for London group Soul II Soul to head up on stage. Of course they sent the crowd going when they dropped their classic hit 'Back to Life' - which was the only song I really knew from them. Most of the headliner's prime time was before I was even thought about, but having grew up with soul music, I certainly knew the best ones.
Prior to the festival, I had watched Chic's performance at Glastonbury, and was super excited to see their set for myself. Its safe to say they stole the entire show at Mostly Jazz. Headlining the final night, the legend that is Nile Rodgers invited a mass on stage to join them for their finale 'Good Times'. By this time, the whole park was on their feet, wishing that the group could stay and perform for longer, due to the euphoria they had created - which was indescribable. Rodgers couldn't thank everyone enough for attending as he got played out, by the whole crowd singing in unison to Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky' (which he features on).
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The vibes of Mostly Jazz festival are truly unique, and by the end of it, everyone felt like one big massive family. The organisers should be really proud of what they have created and achieved this year, and I can't express my love for this festival any more. If you're a fan of Jazz, Funk and Soul music, or even just want an amazing weekend out with a bunch of lovely people, then Mostly Jazz Festival is definitely one for you!
