Celebrating its silver anniversary as one of Europe’s most unique music festivals, the 2008 HSBC Jazz programme boasted an exciting and eclectic mix of the very best of international jazz talent, both old and new.

Taking in to consideration that the HSBC Brecon Jazz Festival won ‘Best Major Event’ at the Welsh Tourism awards in 2007, it’s no wonder it attracts such big names as Jools Holland, Joan Armatrading, Courtney Pine and Cerys Matthews.

Set in the most picturesque Welsh countryside, with breathtaking views of the Brecon Valley and Hills, beautiful waterfalls and glistening lakes as you drive to the town of Brecon, its no wonder this Festival is a major draw for all and sundry.

Brecon is a small village and you really notice this as you drive through the narrow streets searching for a car parking space!! I was quite excited at the prospect of seeing Cerys Matthews as she’d been billed as a Jazz artist which I found quite strange!

After the most exhilarating drive through the Welsh hills, taking in the picture postcard views, I eventually got to the village of Brecon, a 180 mile round trip, roads blocked, everyone fighting for car parking spaces, one found!! Weyhey, sorry Morrisons!!

The trek to the venue at Watton Marquee was an interesting one to say the least. I hadn’t a clue where to go! Once I found a few helpful stewards who obviously knew their stuff we were well on our way. Accosted by an Irish Man whose chat up line was where are you from and being absolutely devastated that I wasn’t Welsh!

A ten minute walk from the car to a field! I was gobsmacked when I realised that the gig was in a marquee, I know it said Watton Marquee, but I didn’t quite envisage a big tent!
The field was desperately muddy and security were a bit unhelpful to say the least when trying to seek out accreditation, but there was one helpful soul who pointed me in the right direction at least.


click the image for more photos

Cerys Matthews was due on stage at 9.00pm, I eagerly awaited this moment, especially after seeing her two weeks previously at The Glee Club in Birmingham. By god, she didn’t disappoint either, producing an absolutely blistering set and having the audience eating out of the palm of her hand.

Backed by the same band as at the Glee, 3 members who were so talented and each had a part to play in the night’s performance.

Ms Matthews looked stunning in her outfit, absolutely breathtaking as it goes, high heeled boots and dressed in predominantly Black, with her glistening wavy hair: The audience pondered her every word through the 18 song set, a mix of old and new stuff.
Quite a few old classics from Catatonia, through to new material from her current album
a 5 track EP in Welsh called Aeroplane, plus tracks from Cockahoop and Never Said Goodbye.

The 90 min set went so quick, loads of banter with the audience and at some points dancing in the aisles and a sort of conga at the front, nearing the end of the set.
An acoustic performance which really showed Ms Matthews vocal prowess.

Songs that stood out from the set list were:

Road Rage, Catatonia classic and song fabulously, really stood out amongst the set list and even encouraged an audience sing-a-long, quite raw from the original, the audience loved it. Chardonnay, this song was absolutely amazing, I was totally gobsmacked, even much so after this vocal performance that I had goosebumps on my arms and it made me feel quite emotional! Salutations, Fire and You’ve got a lot were all bloody amazing, such a credit to the band and their acoustic performance and Ms Matthews vocal gymnastics.

HSBC Brecon Festival is definitely a must to see and experience even if it is for one night or to experience the whole festival and all its delights and take in the most beautiful scenery you’re ever going to see in a lifetime.

If you haven’t got Ms Matthews on your list of must see artists, well I think you ought to put her at the top of the list and make sure you go and see her ‘Live’ [You can catch her as support act for Paul Heaton throughout December ‘08]. You’ll see some spectacularly crafted songs sang with such passion and heart and an artist that truly appreciates her fans. Just do it!

SETLIST [Setlist was similar to the Glee Club, Birmingham]

AEROPLANE
FALL BESIDE HER
CAROLINA
DEAD FROM THE WAIST DOWN
HERON
ROAD RAGE
JOHNNY COME LATELY
THRU A GLASS
LATE NOVEMBER
GYDA GWEN
CHARDONNAY
DEIO I DYWYN
AR LAN Y MOR
EVELYN
SALUTATIONS
FIRE
YOU’VE GOT A LOT

ARGLWYDD DYMA FI

Cerys Matthews Official website

Live review & Photos Michelle Owen