By Henry Groves
My festival season has once again started at the truly incredible Love Supreme. Set in the Sussex countryside, this has possibly one of the most beautiful festival settings in the UK. With Glynde Place on one side, and views over the south downs on the other, you won’t find a better setting for a festival.
One thing Love Supreme does so well is their lineup. Catering for a wide range of people whilst still maintaining the variety of incredible Jazz musicians all the way down the lineup, from the main North Downs stage down to the much more intimate New Generation Jazz and Jazz in the Round stages.
Like last years review, I am going to try and pick my favourite 5 sets of the weekend, although this year has been even harder to narrow it down
Chaka Khan – Sunday 21:15 on the North Downs Stage
How could I do this review without mentioning the icon that is Chaka Khan. A career spanning over 50 years, and possibly one of the most impressive back catalogues of any artist. For 75 minutes she delivered a truly spectacular setlist featruing her Rufus work, a Prince cover and other hits. For me, the most impressive part, for any artist who has been around for such a long time, was that her voice was still as amazing as ever. This was a truly spectacular way to close the festival.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue – Saturday 17:45 on the North Downs Stage
If you had asked me before the festival what was likely to make the top 5, I am not sure this set would have been in consideration. However, I was truly wrong, and this might actually have been the performance of the weekend for me. The combination of Jazz, Hip Hop and Rock, delivered with such energy was truly outstanding. This was a set where the audience were dancing throughout, and it was difficult to stop. Every aspect of the performance was flawless, and the stage presence of the whole band was truly captivating. If you ever get chance to see them live then you absolutely have to go.
Hiromi – Sunday 16:30 on the South Downs Stage
Hiromi was a totally new discovery for me at Love Supreme. She is described as a remarkable piano talent, and she definitely lived up to the reviews. Her piano playing was at times delicate and intrivately played whilst at others was fast paced, intense and explosivel Despite being at the piano at all times, her stage presence was truly remarkable, and despite other musicians being on stage, it was difficult to take your eyes off her. She moved frantically around her seat, her performance was electrifying.
Black Pumas – Sunday 18:15 on the South Downs Stage
Front person of the weekend had to go to Eric Burton of Black Pumas. The charisma and energy he had on stage was unmatched. He was constantly moving around the stage, singing and playing guitar and if he wasn’t he was either on the speakers or in the crowd. Within seconds of coming on they had the crowd in the palm of their hands, and they did not let go. Every song had the crowd moving along with Burton, who did not stop for the entire set. As well as energy, he also had one of the best soul voices of the weekend, with such incredible control, every note was flawless. This is a band that has already achieved so much, but I would not be surprised if their euphoric rise continued.
Balimaya Project – Sunday 13:00 on the South Downs Stage
If you needed a band to kick off your day at a festival, Balimaya Project were definitely the best ones to do it. They could have performed at any time, and on any stage and would have got an amazing response, but their upbeat, lively African inspired music got everyone dancing at the start of the day. I am not sure it would be possible to not have a good time at a Balimaya Project show. Their 16 members filled the large South Downs stage, and their sound filled the tent. Their blend of traditional west african music and jazz was truly incredible and a definite must see.
Although I have only picked a top 5, there were plenty of amazing artists I saw over the weekend at Love Supreme. My other picks that I would recommend seeing are Raquel Martins, Jordan Mackampa, Knats and Fergus McCreadie who all performed phenomenal sets across the weekend.
Whether you are a true Jazz lover, or want are someone wanting to get into Jazz music and also have a wide variety of incredible music to see, then Love Supreme is definitely the festival for you. I am sure 2025 will be even more spectacular, as they continue to get better and better each year, and I for one have already put it in my calendar for next year.
