Having had the added privilege of being based at the Bel Air Hotel adjacent to the festival site, I also had the added chance to experience up close and personal some of the great cornucopia of musical talent performing at this year’s event.

It can take some time to get your bearings, and it doesn’t help when in every direction you turn, you invariably hear the sweet sound of live Jazz. On my first visit (in 2000), navigation was an issue for me. With up to 16 different venues being used simultaneously within the maze-like complex, I found the sheer scale of the event a touch overwhelming. However, this year I acclimatised early with a good wander around.

David Sanborn easily filled the Statenhall, the Congress Centre’s largest hall and thousands of others, like myself, really appreciated the great man on Sax with his own blend of fusion.

Along with the music, food is absolutely everywhere, and you can sample dishes from around the world. In between concerts, I always find time for a quick beer and chicken roti from the ever present Nanny’s Roti stall. The combination of Jazz, a carnival like atmosphere, and mouth-watering food is simply irresistible.

For me, the most joyously vibrant and entertaining band of the whole weekend were Loss Van Van. A 16 piece Cuban outfit who have been around forever and a day, but still know how to delight. They brought down the house in the Paul Acket Paviljoen, creating an atmosphere that was truly electric. The incessant Latin rhythms had everyone up dancing from start to finale.

Angie Stone with her larger than life charisma went down a storm, and both Angie and the following Al Jarreau filled the Statenhall to bursting point. You couldn’t move in there (thank God for the mobile beer and juice sellers!).

Back in the hotel, and much later that night I put any thoughts of sleep to one side. After all, the jam sessions at the Bel Air are legendary. Was I the last man standing when I retired to bed at 5am? Hell no! And that just about set the pattern for the whole weekend.

With such an endless choice, it’s always tough deciding who to see and who to miss. On Saturday, my highlights were Al Di Meola, St Germain (out of this world!) and the Brazililan Gilberto Gil with the Bob Marley Project. Gil’s interpretation of Marley’s music has real feeling and strength. This talented Brazilian says he has carried Marley in his heart for decades, and it shows.

There was still time to catch Oleta Adams, and The Yellow Jackets, before heading downstairs into the hot and sweaty basement for an eclectic Jazz dance session led by UK DJ Gilles Peterson. In tune with the rest of the weekend, the basement rocked.

Having spent a second full night at the Bel Air jam sessions, I intended to take it a little bit easier on Sunday. Hardly possible though when your festival guide compels you to see Roy Hargrove, Marcus Miller (another fine performance), Azymuth and Cassandra Wilson, and Chaka Khan.

What a breathtaking weekend. Leaving you asking yourself if you really did manage to do and see as much as you did. One thing is for sure though: same time, same place, next year, I’ll be knocking.

Credits: Many thanks to some of the fine people I met over the weekend, and for their thoughts and inspiration. Especially Sandra, Saskia and Sheila dancing in the basement at the Gilles Peterson gig, Antoinette and her boyfriend, Jack from The Hague, Ipo Reinhold, the 6ft 8” Dutchman, Vicky Morgan from London and her sister Laureen Reid from New York, and Hans in the Bel Air.

Further Credits: My touring party from the UK: Shadi (If he sends it I’ll pass it on) Bernie (Hans that do dishes…) Steve (Top reporter) Gary (Ho) Lee (RRRRRRUBBISH!!!), Dave (camera…action!) Paul N (nice shoes), Mike (still movin) and of course Paul.