Whitley Bay Classic Jazz Party 2019 – the best festival yet!

For those who have not had the pleasure of attending the Classic Jazz Party, it’s hard to explain what a sheer joy and intense musical experience the whole affair is. For example, on one day alone there were concerts covering music from 1919 jass, to Bunny Berigan, to the German Weimar Republic, to Ukulele Ike, and the Mills Blue Rhythm Band. This year, the festival was close to selling out, and I don’t see any reason why it won’t do the same next year given the world-class music being played. Each year it just feels like the festival is able to scale new heights, and it really is worth looking at attending if you haven’t done so before. The whole affair has become one of the best classic jazz festivals for people who seriously love this music. Friday began as usual with the tribute to Mike Durham, before moving on to the first presentation of the Young Talent Award. This award was conceived by the musical directors Claus Jacobi and Michael McQuaid, and offered £1000 to a young talented musician who holds promise for keeping the future of classic jazz alive. The award was presented this year to Colin Hancock, from Buda, Texas. Only 23, Hancock ably demonstrated his ability on the trumpet and saxophone, sitting in with bands and on several jam session songs. He has