“Everybody loves the sunshine,” sang Myles Sanko during an uplifting set of soulful music in St Mary’s on Saturday evening 29 August.
The happy, joyful performance was one of seven headline concerts in the church as part of this year’s Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival.
Backed by a terrific band, Myles’ positive vibes filled the church. “Hey beautiful people,” he sang to the packed audience. “There’s a rainbow in your cloud now that love’s not so far. Let everybody know!”
Soul it certainly was, with a 70s feel. Brought up to date with 80s sax and 90s pop. All very mellow.
Festival director Ian Bowden saw Myles Sanko at Ronnie Scott’s in London last year. “I had to book him,” he said. Good find Ian.
As well as the amazing concerts in the church, the fringe events are a vital part of the Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival, taking the music beyond the main stage and into pubs, cafes, hotels and other venues across the town.
With free music stage outside the town hall this year the fringe concerts created a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where audiences could discover new performers as well as enjoy familiar favourites.
There were intimate performances too. It was a completely chilled Sunday afternoon with the fabulous spats-wearing Earl Okin at The Winery. Jazz and bossa nova, accompanied by a trumpet solo with no trumpet. He was very talented and amusing. Blue skies up above, everyone’s in love.
The photos below of the Fringe concerts and some of the concerts at St Mary’s were taken by Jeff Grice.
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Ruth Gibson , Jeff Grice .