By Henry Groves
I didn’t really know what to expect from Love Supreme festival. The lineup was packed full of phenomenal artists and bands, but it was also in the middle of nowhere in East Sussex. Before going, I couldn’t quite fathom why artists like Thunercat and Grace Jones had agreed to play a Jazz festival in a village most people around the country had probably not heard of. However, as soon as I got to Glynde on Friday, it was apparent how big a part the festival plays within the Jazz community and how popular it is with people across the whole country.
As well as live music, the festival had wellbeing activities including Yoga, its own on site restaurant, a kids area, and loads of shops you could buy a variety of things from. It also was oozing with diversity, with different activities and music catering for a wide range of people with the crowd containing newborn babies to people in their 80s. The diversity of the crowd also came across in the lineup, with some incredibly popular artists both new and old filling the lineup. Over this review I am going to give you favourite sets of the weekend, and a little bit of information why I chose them.
Gabriels
First up is Gabriels, who I knew had to see as soon as they were announced. A week after their phenomenal set at Glastonbury, and lead singer Jacob Lusk joining Elton John on stage, Gabriels found themselves performing to an incredibly packed South Downs Stage. People were watching from several rows outside the tent, and it was clear how much they have grown over the past 12 months. The stage presence and powerful vocals of lead singer Lusk is what amazes me the most. With his vocals, he brings incredible charisma and some fantastic outfits. In my opinion, there was not a better choice than Gabriels as Friday headliner.
Little Simz
A 10th year anniversary needs to be iconic and Little Simz can definitely be considered an icon. She also adds to the diversity of the festival, as whilst the songs still encompass a jazz feel, the rap added something different to the Saturday headline slot. There was certainly excitement across the festival site for her set. The first half of the set she performed solo, with just a backing track for company, but she still managed to fill the stage with her presence. The audience also helped with this as the belted back each chorus. Despite performing a number of incredibly large shows now, Little Simz is still incredibly humble, and she even stopped ‘Woman’ to take in the fact she was headlining the festival. This then lead to a truly incredible and beautiful performance of her hit song to finish the set.
Thundercat
I knew there was some excitement and anticipation for Thundercat when I turned up 10 minutes early to an already packed South Downs Stage tent. Over the weekend, artists had pulled in large crowds, especially Gabriels on Friday, but none were quite as large, and so early as Thundercat. By two songs in, people were standing several rows outside the tent, just to catch him live. What struck me most was his stunning bass playing. His jazz-fuelled baselines mixed with his soulful vocals create a truly remarkable and captivating sound. As soon as there are more UK dates, I will be making sure I go back and see Thundercat again.
Grace Jones
I’ve talked about icons throughout this lineup, but no one can really be classed as iconic as Jamaican-American singer Grace Jones. With her first album being released in 1977, Jones had nearly 50 years of music to pick from, but her setlist certainly did not disappoint. She started the set with large black drapes covering the stage, and when they dropped they revealed her on a platform wearing a skull mask. This came away from her face after the first song, before she went through numerous costume changes throughout the set. This was the perfect finale to an incredible weekend in East Sussex.
And that was the end of my first Love Supreme. Although this was the spectacular 10th year anniversary, I know that they will continue to expand and grow each year, and I hope that I can be back again next year for another amazing Love Supreme.
