Bath Time

Queen Victoria famously said that every one should have a bath at least once a year whether they needed it or not. Well, Bank Holiday Monday was the day for me to have my bath - and what a glorious soak it was. I am, of course, talking about my annual visit to the wonderful Bath MusicFest to enjoy the tremendous variety of music on offer, and to savour the splendour of the great city that hosts it.

There is always an eclectic mix of music events to enjoy over the 9 days of the Festival, and the day I chose was no exception. I earmarked the wonderful American saxophonist Branford Marsalis as my main course but, by way of an appetiser, I got chance to sit in (and photograph) on the rehearsal of a long-time favourite of mine, the jazz pianist Bobo Stenson from Sweden. You can rely on Bobo for thought provoking gently challenging piano, and this was no exception.

For those with alternative tastes, I also had the great pleasure of meeting and photographing Freddy Kempf (pictured above), the classical pianist renowned for his interpretations of Beethoven and Chopin. This extremely pleasant young man made every effort to co-operate with me as far as my photographic wishes were concerned and I really appreciated that, together with his fine playing.

You can see all three of my musical courses in my photos here, together with tasters of the many others present including British saxophonist Nathaniel Facey. the gallery is still being added to so please come back again in a day or two!