‘Gigging season’
After a winter of rehearsing and investing time in the making of a new cd, we are always glad when it turns May. Because that’s the time that the Oriental ‘Gigging season’ starts. We started off with 2 nice gigs on the Enkhuizen Jazzfestival. Both the concerts, one during the pub jazz, the other on the Bloody Mary concert, were fully packed. Enkhuizen always is a nice ‘start off’ with all of our friends around. This year the Bloody Mary gig had a special twist. We decided to present our new cd: ‘Oriental Jazzband & Kristel de Haak’ during the concert. 100 copies were sold straight away!!
A week later we performed at the Keswick Jazzfestival. It was an honor to play with Greg Stafford from New Orleans. He really inspired all of us. Thanks Greg!
In the beginning of June we traditionally play the Abersoch Jazzfestival (this already was the 9th year we went there). If you have never been to Abersoch then here’s a description of the fest: One big orgy of music, great weather, a lovely beach, wicked musicians and a lot of late night jam sessions. The jam sessions are held in the living room of one of the organizers of the festival named Jen. This year Jen had moved to a bigger house. Which meant a larger living room and more space for jamming people. Some of the jamming people were: Adrian Cox, TJ Johnson, James Evans, Jamie Lawrence, Bubu and Graham Hughes. Never heard ‘My blue heaven’ in a reggae version? Then you never been to the Abersoch jam sessions!
Last weekend was the band’s debut in a horse stable. We never would have thought that we’d make it to stage in a horse stable. The gig was in Senden, Germany. Quite a drive but the audience made it worth it.
Coming weekend we head towards Silkeborg in Denmark. It’s the second time for the Oriental to perform at the ‘Riverboat festival’ (as it is called). Last time we had the biggest audience the band had played for so far. See if we can beat that record this year.
If you have nothing to do, come to the ‘Riverboat festival’! Otherwise we hope to see you at some other place in the ‘gigging season’.
