JULY  29^th JULY  1-4PM

For this reviewer the Festival has begun. The Mardi Gras in the Grassmarket is just the best possible way to mark the opening of any Festival -  a few beers, toe-tapping music and bumping into a few friends – a feel good and even intoxicating  experience. A variety of bands and artists were on display including Jacobi’s Bottomland Orchestra, Zyderythmics, George Washing Machine and Elaine Budge.

Stealing the show for me were the 7 piece Sydney – Zenith New Orleans Jazz Band and featuring ‘Big’ Al Carson, a New Orleans phenomenon, on vocals and tuba. The band is more than a straightforward Dixieland band. They can certainly belt out the ‘New Orleans’ sound but they slow the tempo down with blues and gospel. ‘Big’ Al was in fine form vocally. The bands rich sound, individual musicianship and obvious enjoyment communicated itself to an appreciative audience. A thoroughly satisfying afternoon.

However, there was one poignant moment when before the music started, Anna Ford, the news presenter, interviewed ‘Big’ Al about the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. It must be an indictment on the US administration that the audience has to be asked to contribute to the hurricane appeal fund. New Orleans with its obvious contribution to the development of popular music in the 20^th Century should be regarded as an American treasure.      

*****