The first UK Boogie Woogie festival took place at the beginning of July 2005 in Dorset in South West England. There were some famous names there including Martijn Schock, Frank Muschalle, Silvan Zingg, Chris Conz and Julian Phillips, all playing superb rip-roaring boogie woogie in solo perfomances, duets on two grand pianos or with Julian's blues band. I played there myself lunchtime Saturday and was delighted to play duets with Belgian pianist Patrick Smet, and blues harmonica player Tom Costelloe. One of the nice things about this festival is the chance to meet other boogie piano players and hear a broad range of syles. Matt Hammond's distinctive and original playing was a highlight for me, as was hearing George Green's steady blues. Peter Sylvester, author of A Left Hand Like God (second edition is due out Autumn 2005) was there and playing too.

For a more complete review, and to buy your tickets for for next time, visit the Fontmell Magna Boogie Woogie Festival official website