Mostly Jazz has entered its fourth year in the festival game and continues to blossom as one of the best small festivals in the UK. And what a weekend we were blessed with for fantastic music and food.
Having never been to the venue, Moseley Park before, we can happily say what a hidden gem it is! Walking down to the entrance, there were people a’plenty in floral shirts and summery dresses equipped with fold away chairs and factor 50 sun cream.
After exchanging our tickets for summer green wristbands, we could hear BJ Smith finishing off what sounded like a mesmerising set on the second stage to an already packed out park.
There were no worries of any artists clashing due to the organisers great idea of having only one act playing on stage at one time with the next act ready and waiting on the stage next door.
Just before Hiatus Kaiyote entered the fray, we thought it’d only be right to go in search of tasty foods which were on offer. Another great aspect of Mostly Jazz is the lack of over-expensive, cheap in taste burger vans. If it’s things like Thai, Caribbean or Falafel you’re into then you were not to be disappointed. After much deliberation, Vegetaria's Falafel with red peppers and feta was chosen as our weapon of choice.
VEGETARIA FALAFEL - £6
We found a great spot on the hill next to the other revellers just in time for Hiatus Kaiyote. Due to our ignorance we hadn’t realised this was their first time in the UK as a band so it felt quite special to be able to have witnessed these guys break their duck in Brum. They hit the ground running straight away with the song ‘Nakamarra’ which saw a great influx of people rise from their picnic state to get their dance on at the front. They also said between songs that they will be touring the UK later in the year so watch this space.
And as the sun started to set, we reached the main event – BONOBO. So good he got the caps lock treatment. Having had the crowd well and truly warmed by the likes of Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and local representatives Troumaca and Greg Bird, Bonobo and friends entered the stage and hit straight into one of the big tunes of 2013 already – Cirrus. This was our cue to sprint pint in hand as close to the front as possible to get our dad-dance on. They played an incredible hour and a half set, which involved a lot of interaction with the crowd and even a nice mention from Bonobo himself saying how Mostly Jazz was one of the festivals he was most excited about playing.
THE TWO STAGES - MOSTLY JAZZ
I think by the time they had treated us to an encore, everyone can agree that it was a successful first day. We were left with envy by the lucky/smart people who had purchased weekend tickets and had musical wonderments such as Candi Staton and the legend Nile Rodgers still to come. Without a doubt we will be here again next year to this fantastic festival that showcases what a great place Moseley is.
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